After a lazy weekend spent entertaining Katebits (read: plugging in our PS2 and letting her play games to her heart’s content — we’re such grown-ups), we realize that the Devils have hit the midpoint of the season. We should probably take this moment to think about the half-season that was, but frankly, we’re just not put-together enough for that. So instead, here’s a look at what’s going through our mostly-empty minds tonight.
1. When we say we’re playing video games, we mean Guitar Hero, Super Mario Galaxy and Katamari Damacy. Because we’re cool like that. We have two thoughts on this matter. The first is that we agree with Katebits’ assertion that there should be a Suzuki Method for Guitar Hero. The second is that we now totally have a third question we would ask NHLers if we had a chance to interview them (along with, “Do Zach and Travis play muggins?” and “Can you swim?”): “Do you ever play cute games like Super Mario Galaxy and Katamari, or is it all just sports, guitars and shooter games?”
2. If you had told us at the quarter-season mark that the Devils would be in first place in the Atlantic after another 20 games, we would have laughed in your face. Now, as much as we really love this year’s Devils, and we think they’re adorable, awesome, lovable, spunky and charmingly low-scoring (just the way we like a hockey team), this seems like a really damning statement about the rest of the teams in the Atlantic. And to make matters worse for them, the Rangers and Islanders haven’t lost to the Devils yet this year and are still behind them in the standings. We realize some pundits like to bitch about parity, but frankly, we’re enjoying it hugely. For now. Ask us again after the next 20 games, though.
3. The Blackhawks are really serving to remind us all that no matter how bleak things look for us as fans, there’s always a chance things can become miraculously better.
4. Speaking of bleak, there’s Pando’s injury. We are incensed that Sutter’s mapped-out Year Of Rotating A’s had January as Pando’s month, and instead of just bumping the next guy on the list up a month, he’s left it on Madden as a placeholder. PandoNation is narrowing its eyes suspiciously at Sutter, thinking that he’s planning to use some sort of “sorry, Pando, but the order of the A rotation was handed down to me from on high and them’s the rules” excuse to stiff him of his rightful chance at the A. And after the way the Great, Immutable Rotation Of A’s wasn’t revealed until mid-December, so Paulie got shorted, we’re beginning to think that this is maybe personal. Well, Coach Sutter, we’re not sorry for our long-running joke here at stately IPB Manor that you eat kittens. And we’re not taking it back unless you give Pando an A for, at the very least, a full month when he gets back. We’d prefer, of course, for him to get it for the rest of the season. Or better yet, the C. But we don’t think, after the way you demoted him to the fourth line, stripped him of his A, and took him off the PK at the start of the season, that you care overmuch about giving Pando the respect we think he deserves. We suppose he wouldn’t be Pando if he was getting the respect we think he deserves, though.
5. We’re such good little Pavlovian hockey fans: even though we know nothing interesting is going to happen, we’re still starting to get excited for the trade deadline. Our “You Heard It First Here” can’t-miss prediction is that the Sabres are going to unload Soupy as a rental player for a boatload of prospects and draft picks. Okay, so maybe that’s not money in the bank, but if we were GMing in Buffalo, that’s what we’d do. We figure it’s no stupider than paying him $6 million a year for some ridiculous long-term contract, right?
6. The whole Derian Hatcher-biting-Travis Zajac thing is perhaps the funniest thing we’ve seen in ages. Really, we can’t get enough of watching the replays over and over, the slo-mo, zoomed-in, detail shots of Travis yanking his hand back, staring down at his finger, and then looking just like a little kid as he goggles back toward Hatcher, all like, “What in the hell?” And then it’s just so tattle-y the way he holds his hand up for the ref, all, “I’m bleeding!” And then the post-game interview? Priceless. The whole incident is hardly something we think is worth getting all het up about (and we’re charmed by the thought that Travis had an element of culpability that contributed to his “yeah, whatevs” approach afterwards), but is instead something we think is just a magnificent added bit of hockey lore. We’ve loved the whole thing.
Our “You Heard It First Here” can’t-miss prediction is that the Sabres are going to unload Soupy as a rental player for a boatload of prospects and draft picks. Okay, so maybe that’s not money in the bank, but if we were GMing in Buffalo, that’s what we’d do.
Sadly, I didn’t hear this theory here first, but here’s hoping it’s true! (Sorry, Soupy. We’re through.)
Incidentally, Mark and a co-worker that I’m going to be their trade day liason. “You have a laptop and you’re going to be sitting around all day. You can keep us up-to-date second by second!”
the Great, Immutable Rotation Of A’s
This is just silly! What is the point of an A, if it doesn’t matter whether you deserve it? I don’t like the rotation method at all, let alone a rotation that is set at the beginning of the year.
It’s very pre-school. :D
Patty, here at IPB Manor we strongly believe in the rotating A. It just sucks that our favorite guys keep getting gypped. I’m convinced Zach’s going to the get the A for the regular season games in April.
Heather, from here on out let’s all just pretend you heard that Soupy stuff here first, capice? :)
On that note, I’m going to turn in at a sensible hour for once in my life. All of IPB Manor is going to shut down early after our exciting weekend. Good night, everyone!
Ok, I have to ask – why on earth do you want to know if hockey players can swim? Is it so you know whether or not Pominville will use that Speedo he got as a Christmas gift? No, I didn’t think so.
I have to admit that I hope the Sabres don’t ship Soupy out of town. I hate it when they spend so much time developing someone only to let some other team reap the benefit of the player’s improvement (see Briere, Daniel; Warrener, Rhett; and Barnes, Stu – yes, I hold long-term grudges about trades). If they were to trade Kalinin, Kotalik, or Mad Max, though, I’d be ok with that. Enough with TRYING to develop these guys – they aren’t going to get any better.
Patty, here at IPB Manor we strongly believe in the rotating A.
Woops. I thought you were taking the other side there…
It’s really the set-in-stone part that I kind of wonder about.
I think the Stars have four As. Two for the road and two for home. At least they used to. I need to check on that, see if they still do.
I take it back. It’s just Mo and Zubie that are Alternates. And when either is out somebody holds it for them. Reverently, I’m sure.
And good night, IPB Manor!
My issue with Soupy isn’t that he doesn’t have talent, I just think he’s going to end up costing more than he’s worth. I’d rather the big contract go to Ryan. If they give both guys big contracts, they suddenly have a huge amount of the cap tied into 4 players (Vanek, Roy, Campbell, and Miller). Some tough choices are going to have to be made somewhere.
If they were to trade Kalinin, Kotalik, or Mad Max, though, I’d be ok with that. Enough with TRYING to develop these guys – they aren’t going to get any better.
I’d gladly part with Max and Al though I’m torn on Max. I do think teams play us differently with him in the line-up even when he’s not playing well. I think Kalinin takes way too much crap – he can make bone-head moves like he did today but he’s usually much more solid than he gets credit for – but I do think it might be time for him to get a change of scenery.
If they were to trade Kalinin, Kotalik, or Mad Max, though, I’d be ok with that. Enough with TRYING to develop these guys – they aren’t going to get any better.
I don’t know, I’d say that Kotalik is having a nice effective year, and Kalinin is pretty much playing at the level of his contract. Max is having a definite bad year but was underpaid last year. Which isn’t to say that I can’t see any of them traded or that I’d be apalled to see some among them traded, but it’s not that black & white. Also if the options are a) trade Soupy b) lose Soupy for nothing and c) pay Soupy 6 million dollars then I really, really, really want him to be traded.
Meg, I will agree that, despite how hard I am on him, Al has had a pretty good season. He’s been a little more consistent which has been the thing that drove me the most crazy about him in the past and he is willing to use his big body most of the time which is something we don’t have a lot of.
I don’t know. All I know is the team definitely needs a shake-up of some kind. They’re totally stagnant right now.
I don’t know. All I know is the team definitely needs a shake-up of some kind. They’re totally stagnant right now.
Oh, absolutely. Honestly, as long as it’s a good trade, I’m fine with trading the vast majority of the players on the team. Er . . . not all at once, of course. Including any of the 4 mentioned just now.
Er . . . not all at once, of course.
Everyone but Hank and Crunchy to Ottawa for Volchenkov and Fisher!
Everyone but Hank and Crunchy to Ottawa for Volchenkov and Fisher!
And Hecht. We should keep Hecht. He’s been too good this year to trade.
D’oh! You’re absolutely right. Jochen actually looks like he cares. Obviously he didn’t get the memo that the rest of the team got but he’s definitely a keeper.
I take it back. It’s just Mo and Zubie that are Alternates. And when either is out somebody holds it for them. Reverently, I’m sure.
Yeah, I wondered who holds the A for either one of them while they’re out.
I’m glad they don’t do the rotating A for the Stars, because apparently management decides for the team. And after the whole Mo/Morrow captain debacle, I wish they’d just let Tipp and the staff decide.
Good night, IPB Manor!
How about trading Goose to the Devils for…uh…someone I don’t care about? There would, I swear, be a GAUSTAD Devils jersey in my possession in NINE SECONDS FLAT. And I would sleep in it.
The video of the bite incident on Youtube is disappointing. Can’t really see anything well enough. I can barely tell which one Hatcher is, let alone what he’s doing with his teeth.
I’m in a rest stop on the NY turnpike (free wifi!). I stopped on the way to purchase a PS2 (Oh yes I did), but it seems that Katamari will be harder to acquire, so any and all reason to hurry home has been lost. I intend to sit here until my computer runs out of juice.
I just wanted to say that I love rotating letters, but only if they are distributed according to how everyone is playing. I can’t imagine anything more annoying than a set-in-stone schedule.
I’m in a rest stop on the NY turnpike (free wifi!). I stopped on the way to purchase a PS2 (Oh yes I did), but it seems that Katamari will be harder to acquire, so any and all reason to hurry home has been lost.
There’s a NY turnpike now? I’m pretty sure you mean NJ?
Also, what version of Katamari are we talking about? I got rid of my PS2 a few months back and I’ve got a copy of the first one lying here that I can’t use now….
Kate, no Guitar Hero? Because now that you’re indoctrined, you definitely have to come over for a Sabres/GH night.
Oh, I’m on the I90 outside of Rochester. Whatever that’s called.
I dunno what version of Katamari (Aren’t I smart today? :P). The kind that works in a PS2, I guess. I decided that i need more video games in my life and that the PS2 was the fastest and cheapest way to make that happen.
Heather, the problem with Guitar Hero is that it activates my programming to practice! I think that game might be a little dangerous for me. I can see myself playing it ALL DAY, which would be perfectly fine if it didn’t stress me out. When i was playing it I was all “GODDAMN IT! I’m a professional musician! I should be good at this!” When I play Katamari I’m just all “Wheeee! I like to roll up various snacks!” and I feel overall blissed out.
Oh, I’m on the I90 outside of Rochester. Whatever that’s called.
I dunno what version of Katamari (Aren’t I smart today? :P). The kind that works in a PS2, I guess. I decided that i need more video games in my life and that the PS2 was the fastest and cheapest way to make that happen.
Heather, the problem with Guitar Hero is that it activates my programming to practice! I think that game might be a little dangerous for me. I can see myself playing it ALL DAY, which would be perfectly fine if it didn’t stress me out. When i was playing it I was all “GODDAMN IT! I’m a professional musician! I should be good at this!” When I play Katamari I’m just all “Wheeee! I like to roll up various snacks!” and I feel overall blissed out. But I am ALL OVER a Sabres/GH night. (Except, can we skip the Sabres? I hate them.)
Matt, you should keep your Katamari! What if you need it again? (Plus, I doubt I’ll be able to resist driving all over town tomorrow until I find it. I am obsessed. I am looking at the whole world wondering how big I would have to be to roll various things up.)
:D
I’m intrigued by Katamari. Is it really that fun? Is there a lot of thinking involved? Maybe I should look into this…
I dunno what version of Katamari (Aren’t I smart today? :P). The kind that works in a PS2, I guess.
Well, like I said, I have a copy I can’t use and it’s not really worth trying to sell it back to Gamestop. You want it?
How about trading Goose to the Devils for…uh…someone I don’t care about? There would, I swear, be a GAUSTAD Devils jersey in my possession in NINE SECONDS FLAT. And I would sleep in it.
Wait, no, we can’t trade Goose either! He’s totally on the no-trade list. You can’t have him, Mara.
I concur. Goose = not tradeable.
Kate, just take the game! Take it! :-D
I’m intrigued by Katamari. Is it really that fun? Is there a lot of thinking involved? Maybe I should look into this…
Yes it’s that fun! No, there’s minimal thinking. Yes, you must look into it!!
Matt, you should keep your Katamari!
Oh, I’ve put in a metric ton of time on it, and I’ve moved on. It’s cool =)
There are only two Sabres I am really truly unwilling to part with: Crunchy and Goose. Hands off, mara!
Awww, Matt! You’re so sweet! Alright, I’ll take it, but you should let me pay for it, or at least trade. Would you accept Soupy for your Katamari? He’s a reasonably talented defenseman, but he’s only under contract for a few more months, and after that you’ll have to severely over pay to keep him. He’s really just a rental. :D
Lots of fun and little thinking sounds perfect!
Heather, Katamari is THE BEST.
Hrm… I’d really rather have Gazpacho instead of Soupy…
No, you can’t have Sissy, but how about I throw in Vanek?
Untradeable: Crunchy, Goose, Yo-Yo and Hank. I’m willing to talk about everyone else if the price is right.
I don’t know if I can maintain Vanek in the style he’s become accustomed to. How about Soupy and a bag of sponge candy?
How about Soupy and a bag of sponge candy?
Deal! (sucker)
Thanks, Matt!
BTW, Heather, I didn’t get your puck in the mail Saturday. I ended up staying up all night working on the laptop. By the time I woke up, the post office was closed. I’m dropping it off on the way to work tomorrow.
Damn, the Goose-sized loophole left by the Buffalo fans slams shut. I will have to come up with another cunning plan to get him. Perhaps kidnap him when he’s home for the summer. (His condo’s about a mile from mine, except I think he’s selling that one and moving downtown now that he’s all swanky rich.)
Hello, all!
Barging in with this burning question:
should I dump Crunchy for Conklin in my fantasy league?
should I dump Crunchy for Conklin in my fantasy league?
WHAT?!?!?!?!
(please to be noting that my team consists of about 50 percent Sabres…I do love them, but Crunchy is freaking killing my goal tending stats!!!)
should I dump Crunchy for Conklin in my fantasy league?
That seems a bit extreme, kristin. My feeling are hurt on Crunchy’s behalf. (But I am NO kind of judge of fantasy hockey. The Fancy Bits are SO BAD.)
I’m dropping it off on the way to work tomorrow.
Matt, no problem! Do you want something for the shipping?
should I dump Crunchy for Conklin in my fantasy league?
I want to weep at the fact that that’s not a completely ridiculous question.
Matt, Crunchy is killing all the hard work done by Tim Thomas and Pascal Leclaire! I had to bench him this week just so he wouldn’t drag down my stats!!
I’m just happy that my goaltenders have evened out finally. I started with Miller and Marty, figuring I’d be set. I finally had to trade Drury (I had hope….) to my mother for Hasek. My goalies are now unbeatable!!
Yikes, that’s a hard one Kristin. I don’t know if this is just a hot streak for Conklin or not.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for wins, I don’t see many in Crunchy’s future.
The sad part is, I don’t think anyone would grab him up once I dump him.
It’s all because he touched the Cup!!
(And also, please to be noting that he was the player I chose with my first draft pick! Even though other goalies named Marty and Roberto were available…)
Matt, no problem! Do you want something for the shipping?
That’d be dandy, but I don’t know what it’s gonna run. I’ll let you know…
I’ll be honest, Crunchy is not a great fantasy goalie. His personal numbers (outside of wins until this year) have never been fantastic. That could change some with the team playing a little more defensively but it would also help if the team was actually GOOD at playing defensively.
That said, I do not expect Ty Conklin to keep winning games. That would just be cruel.
That’d be dandy, but I don’t know what it’s gonna run. I’ll let you know…
No problem! I’ll also dedicate a post to you and your beautiful gift.
Ugh…I did it. I feel so dirty. A black spot on my soul….
The Ookies convinced me this weekend that I should just drop my third goalie (Johan Holmqvist. ew) and add an extra skater. I feel lighter and happier already.
I have definitive proof that touching the cup is not a death sentence, although the trend is tough. Ryan Getlaf’s mom has a photo of him at like 12 with his hand on the cup.
That should have been Ryan Getzlaf…. Player profile video on NHL.com has a segment on it..
Heather, I keep waiting for Crunchy and the Sabres to pull out of this tailspin and it is making me crazy! Every day, I think, okay, today is the day they are gonna do it. And then they don’t. It’s getting really depressing!
Everyone but Hank and Crunchy to Ottawa for Volchenkov and Fisher!
I think Fisher would need to break all of the 10 commandments simultaneously for us to want to ship him out :P
I think Fisher would need to break all of the 10 commandments simultaneously for us to want to ship him out :P
If it were me, that sort of thing might just make me want to keep him around a bit longer…
Every day, I think, okay, today is the day they are gonna do it. And then they don’t. It’s getting really depressing!
kristin, tell me about it. It’s garbage. I’ve lost count of how many break-through wins we’ve had now.
If it were me, that sort of thing might just make me want to keep him around a bit longer…
Me too, because that would take some mad skill.
Aight, folks. it’s waaaaaaaaay past my bedtime. Y’all have a great night!
Good night, Matt!
Speaking of Soupy, did y’all see THIS?
I’ve got to head to bed as well. Goodnight everyone.
Ooooh, I haven’t seen that article yet although I did see the video of Soupy. I believe that was the breaking point between Kate and Soupy.
Goodnight, Meg!
Speaking of Soupy, did y’all see THIS?
The video, yes, thanks to Amy’s fab searching skills, the post, no, looking now. Soupy really shouldn’t sing.
Oh, okay.. Sorry for re-hashing it. I can’t keep track of all that stuff. :D
Good night, all! I’m going to bed at (2 hours later than) a decent hour tonight. :D
Good night, Patty!
omg, at first I thought Crunchy was playing bass and I fell in love with him instantly, but it looks like regular old guitar. sigh.
OMG Katamari. I am so obsessed, but I seriously cannot get past Star 4. I am lame and not yet big enough to roll up animals and small children.
Guitar Hero, though. That I’m pretty awesome at.
So, IPB Irregulars, I bought a box of Upper Deck hockey cards when at Target with Caitlin and Jenlo. There were three Stars players in the whole box of 60 cards. Oddly enough, they were Mike Smith, Brenden Morrow, and Sergei Zubov. OBVIOUSLY, fate determined that I would buy that particular box while with Caitlin and Jen, because we each had a favorite player up in there!
Anyway, we went through them and I saw some names that some of you might want. I mean, sure, it’s just a hockey card, but it’s the thought that counts, right? I got Zajac and Parise for the -Ookies, Staffy and Crunchy for whoever wants them, and a whole shitload of others. If anyone else shares my newfound hockey card obsession and wants to send me a Matt Niskanen card, that would be really awesome.
I got Zajac and Parise for the -Ookies, Staffy and Crunchy for whoever wants them, and a whole shitload of others.
Ooh, don’t forget glorious Vanek!
Also, I totally looked at Wal-Mart today while I was running errands, and I did not know there was such a wide range of NBA collectible cards.
Football, baseball, basketball…no hockey.
I suppose this is the universe’s way of telling me I need to stop going to Wal-Mart and visit Target instead.
Ooh, don’t forget glorious Vanek!
Oh yeah! Couple other Sabres, too – Derek Roy and Brian Campbell.
Most teams are represented. I will totally mail everyone hockey cards, because I have nothing to do with them. The only ones I want are Stars and Flames.
I suppose this is the universe’s way of telling me I need to stop going to Wal-Mart and visit Target instead.
Target >>>>>>>>>>> Wal-Mart
We’re such good little Pavlovian hockey fans: even though we know nothing interesting is going to happen, we’re still starting to get excited for the trade deadline.
Sometimes the rumor mongering around the trade deadline is actually more fun than the deals themselves. I wonder what wackiness Ecklund can come up with this year.
Speaking of Soupy, did y’all see THIS?
That video showed up on the “related links” on YouTube when I was watching Miller’s Ice Bowl promo (the one filmed in the meat locker).
Its one thing for the Buffalo fans to be discussing Soupy’s bar adventures, but its another thing when a national source picks it up. Especially in light of how the Sabres have been playing lately. How long until Bucky picks up on this, and writes a scathing column about how Lindy’s lost control of the team and maybe they need to practice more and party less?
How long until Bucky picks up on this, and writes a scathing column about how Lindy’s lost control of the team and maybe they need to practice more and party less?
I don’t suppose he’ll stop to think that one of the players going out to bars every fucking night is the one he wants the Sabres to pay through the nose for, either.
Its one thing for the Buffalo fans to be discussing Soupy’s bar adventures, but its another thing when a national source picks it up. Especially in light of how the Sabres have been playing lately.
Yeah, as soon as I saw Soupy was singing The Tragically Hip, I was like, “Oohh, not a good song for him to be singing. Maybe I’ll just skip that and read Fanhouse’s summary instead.”
How long until Bucky picks up on this, and writes a scathing column about how Lindy’s lost control of the team and maybe they need to practice more and party less?
Bucky’s been sitting on it for ages now, and has no idea how to process it. He’s trying to decide whether to spin this as “the Ice Bowl was just the NHL’s way of undermining the Sabres’ chances of re-signing Soupy” or whether to find a way to make it sound like the Ice Bowl in general was Tom Golisano’s fault, and now he’s made Soupy unhappy, and now Soupy will never sign with them.
(Oh, and Heather, do not, by any means, look into Katamari. Don’t do it.)
Also, Katamari music kicks ass :D
Good morning IPB :D
Canadians don’t have Target. It’s supposed to be a more upscale Walmart right?
Bucky’s been sitting on it for ages now, and has no idea how to process it. He’s trying to decide whether to spin this as “the Ice Bowl was just the NHL’s way of undermining the Sabres’ chances of re-signing Soupy” or whether to find a way to make it sound like the Ice Bowl in general was Tom Golisano’s fault, and now he’s made Soupy unhappy, and now Soupy will never sign with them.
Nah, Bucky actually approved of the Ice Bowl, believe it or not. He wrote a whole column on what a great success it was. So I think he’s left with no option but to go negative on the Sabres partying ways, blaming everyone but the players who, last I checked, were adults and responsible for their own actions.
Canadians don’t have Target. It’s supposed to be a more upscale Walmart right?
More upscale, far better products, and they treat their employees better. Walmart is pretty evil.
Canadians don’t have Target. It’s supposed to be a more upscale Walmart right?
Um, sort of. Similar concept to Wal-Mart, I suppose, but better.
Also, you should look into this whole not-having-a-Target thing, Vinny. I don’t know what I’d do if I didn’t have one nearby!
More upscale, far better products, and they treat their employees better. Walmart is pretty evil.
True. I love Target. Having worked at Wal-Mart during the holidays, I can tell you that company is pretty evil.
Sometimes, however, the prices force me to shop there because they’re so much lower than everyone else. Grr.
Nah, Bucky actually approved of the Ice Bowl, believe it or not. He wrote a whole column on what a great success it was.
Yeah, but that was before Sabres management used it to drive Soupy away. He’ll be changing his tune shortly. I mean, if someone as wise and kick-ass as Soupy thinks it’s a fucking stupid Ice Bowl, then the Ice Bowl really can’t be anything but fucking stupid, right?
Also, you should look into this whole not-having-a-Target thing, Vinny. I don’t know what I’d do if I didn’t have one nearby!
strangely enough, we get by with WalMart. (Sad, I know.)
fuck this [ice bowl] shit! :P
Sometimes, however, the prices force me to shop there because they’re so much lower than everyone else. Grr.
Yeah, I don’t actually have the option to go there because there’s no Walmart in NYC. The cost to get out to a Walmart in the first place would far exceed any money saved.
And my sister might cease to speak to me. There’s always that.
I don’t go to Wal-Mart or Target, but that’s probably because our local Target is the most depressing Target on Earth. Really, our Wal-Mart is a less depressing place (although a far, far, far more evil one). No amount of savings is worth it to me to suffer the soul-killing of actually being in the store. It’s pretty rough. Because, seriously, if our Target wasn’t so awful, I’d probably be there every day.
strangely enough, we get by with WalMart. (Sad, I know.)
fuck this [ice bowl] shit! :P
Visit a Target, and you will understand. Everyone gets by with Wal-Mart, it’s not sad for you, just sad for the world. Henry Rollins says that Wal-Marts are like casinos; they move on “Wal-Mart time”, where everything slows down and you must buy the 87 pound bag of Chips Ahoy cookies.
“Fuck this [ice bowl] shit!” needs to be a t-shirt, for real.
Because, seriously, if our Target wasn’t so awful, I’d probably be there every day.
I’m glad Jen didn’t just read that, because she’d probably be somewhere crying. (It does make me pretty sad for you, Schnookie, considering how much dorky fun we can have in a Target.) In my smallish suburban town, they just put in a brand spanking new Super Target, and it’s improved my life dramatically. When I was apartment hunting earlier in the year, I was like, “How close is a Target to this apartment? Five miles! No way!”
Sad but true.
you should look into this whole not-having-a-Target thing, Vinny. I don’t know what I’d do if I didn’t have one nearby!
Again, Holland! I trump Vinny! No Target, no Walmart, no Starbucks.
(Life’s not a competition, but I’m winning :P)
I have serious hockey card issues. A.Oil got me a bunch when I was visiting her and I had trade wars with Zane and PP. I love not growing up :P
Seeing how y’all helped Sherry out with her exam thing, here’s my question: if they give you a page to write the answer to a question, and the answer is worth 4 points, writing half a page but definitely covering all 4 points is not bad right? That just means you are short and to the point? Right?
I think we do have a Target in Manhattan these days (we didn’t when I moved here) but I’ve never actually been.
Mags, I think writing half a page should be fine. Particularly if your handwriting is not huge.
I like Target better than Wally World. Target stores always seem cleaner for some reason, and I’m always able to find what I need. Besides, and it might just be a Buffalo phenomenon, but when people are in a Wal Mart parking lot, their idiot meter gets turned up to 10, and I’m taking my life in my hands just trying to find a parking spot or walk to the store.
if they give you a page to write the answer to a question, and the answer is worth 4 points, writing half a page but definitely covering all 4 points is not bad right
That’s usually the case in my experience. As long as you covered each of the 4 points with enough depth (and weren’t required to fill the page), you should be fine.
Mags, I think writing half a page should be fine. Particularly if your handwriting is not huge.
As long as you covered each of the 4 points with enough depth (and weren’t required to fill the page), you should be fine.
Phew. I am saved. Hopefully.
Again, Holland! I trump Vinny! No Target, no Walmart, no Starbucks.
Noooo, Mags! This makes me so sad for you! No Starbucks?
I have serious hockey card issues. A.Oil got me a bunch when I was visiting her and I had trade wars with Zane and PP. I love not growing up :P
Yes, I’m soon to be 23 going on 12, essentially. If there’s any you’re looking for, let me know, as I think all of us have kind of gotten hooked on the crackness of hockey cards.
Yeah, I don’t actually have the option to go there because there’s no Walmart in NYC.
Hmmm. Well, you do have the cool factor of living in NYC, expensive as it may be! And your grocery stores are kind of neat – I visited five or six when I was there ages ago, attempting to find what must have been the only can of Dr. Pepper in Manhattan.
if they give you a page to write the answer to a question, and the answer is worth 4 points, writing half a page but definitely covering all 4 points is not bad right? That just means you are short and to the point? Right?
As long as you hit all the points and are happy with your answer, you’re good. They probably left so much room to make the exam look longer. (Seriously, having designed some exams and tests in my time, that was a consideration that often came into play for me. That, and the concern that if I left half a page and put the next question on the same page, then there wouldn’t be room for the next question’s answer.)
I think you’re covered, Mags!
Hockey cards! My cousin has a lot of baseball cards =/.
Hee. There’s no such thing as adult and children when it comes to hockey (cards)!
when people are in a Wal Mart parking lot, their idiot meter gets turned up to 10
Seconded. Here in Texas, take it up to a 12 inside and out if there is any sort of inclement weather. People freak.
I had just left work one day when I worked nights and was going to Wal-Mart to pick up a couple of items and this lady was freaking out in the middle of the store about canned goods. We had been having bad weather and were in the middle of tornado season, so she had filled up her buggy with distilled water and canned vegetables and was screaming at a stock boy to find her green beans and black-eyed peas. Lady was batshit crazy over a tornado warning, which only happens approximately 9,000 times a year here. The poor kid doing stocking didn’t know how to handle her, especially when she practically had a stroke when the tornado sirens started going off.
No Starbucks?
No Starbucks. This is strictly not true, since there is a Starbucks at the airport, but you can only get to it if you’re flying out of Europe. Which I do about 3 times a year. There’s some whacky law that’s made sure Starbucks can never happen in Holland either.
No hockey cards I can think of that I want, but I’ve got Jere Lehtinen from the Stars, so if you want ‘im you can have him.
That, and the concern that if I left half a page and put the next question on the same page, then there wouldn’t be room for the next question’s answer.
I had that problem with another question. I ended up writing half the answer on the back of the page.
Actually, if either of you have a Jordan Staal on your hands, i’d love have it :D
I would die without Starbucks! Which I realize is entirely pathetic :D One of Alix`s resolutions was to drink less coffee. Guess how well that`s going?
Were there any Canucks hockey cards?
*to have.
But, it’s pretty much time for my first class of winter semester (by the way, Mags, how’d the rest of the exam go?), so I’ll see IPB later!
Bye :)
I would die without Starbucks!
It’s not pathetic Alix. I can’t imagine life without a Starbucks.
Sorry, Vinny, I don’t have him. I gave all my Penguins to PP in exchange for her Devils and Brenden Morrow.
Hey, Schnookie, I’ve got Getzlaf, if you want him.
No hockey cards I can think of that I want, but I’ve got Jere Lehtinen from the Stars, so if you want ‘im you can have him.
Aww, Scary Jere! I’d love him, but I’d hate for you to mail a hockey card from Holland. That’s kind of expensive!
Actually, if either of you have a Jordan Staal on your hands, i’d love have it :D
Don’t have a Staal, but I’ll gladly keep an eye out for it!
Cat & I were discussing just how many of Series 1 you can collect this year and the number is absolutely staggering! Then you’ve got Series 2 coming out soon as well.
Hockey bankrupts me, I swear.
Alix, I’m totally a Starbucks junkie, so I make a point of going as often as I can when I’m in a country where they have them. And I have erm… Bieksa and Sedin.
Vinny, the rest of the exam wasn’t that bad. Two questions I just didn’t know the answer to, but they weren’t big ones. I’m pretty sure I answered the rest correctly, so I think I’m ok.
See ya, Vinny.
Caitlin, don’t sweat it. It’s still cheaper than all the Christmas gifts I sent :P (besides, I have to mail Steph hair dye and I have to send A.Oil her signed Crosby shit so I’m going to the post office to drop a bunch of money anyway)
Hmmm, Bieksa, eh? Interesting. I`m off to bankrupt myself at the bookstore. Be back in a bit.
I remember my urban studies teacher at NYU telling us about when the first big super store opened in Manhattan the company decided to just sell the same stuff they sold at their suburban stores. They couldn’t figure out why the store failed so utterly so quickly. Turns out Manhattanites don’t need to go to a store filled with lawnmowers!
I`m off to bankrupt myself at the bookstore. Be back in a bit.
Oh, enjoy. I so don’t miss that part of college.
Turns out Manhattanites don’t need to go to a store filled with lawnmowers!
Hah! I expect stupid from big corporations but that’s really impressively stupid.
(Oh, and Heather, do not, by any means, look into Katamari. Don’t do it.)
I feel the desire to be patient and watch my mailbox for some reason.
Meg, also don’t forget that Bucky doesn’t really have a problem with writing one thing one day and totally changing his tune later when it doesn’t suit him anymore. You won’t be able to access the Ice Bowl column online in 30 days so you’ll never be able to prove anything unless you’re keeping hard copy files :-)
Happy New Year to all IPB folks!
I just got back from Boston yesterday. Unfortunately I went to the Devils Bruins game on Sat.
Hey, Schnookie, I’ve got Getzlaf, if you want him.
Thanks for the offer, but I broke myself of my hockey card habit years ago when I realized I had nothing to do with said hockey cards. :D
Thanks for the offer, but I broke myself of my hockey card habit years ago when I realized I had nothing to do with said hockey cards. :D
Figured as much :P
I expect stupid from big corporations but that’s really impressively stupid.
I think it was ages and ages ago.
Oh Dear, I, like many of you, have an unholy obsession with hockey cards. I have 5 books of ‘em. It bankrupts me too.
Unfortunately I went to the Devils Bruins game on Sat.
Ugh, Pam, I’m so sorry! (And Happy New Year to you, too!) The one time we went to Boston for a Devils game, Marty Lapointe scored 4 goals. (Or was it just a hat trick, and time is adding more goals to the misery? Like, ten years from now I’ll be like, “Then there was that time we went to Boston and saw Marty Lapointe lay 10 goals on the Devils…”) Going to Boston for Devils games is NOT a good idea. :D
I feel the desire to be patient and watch my mailbox for some reason.
Heather, you are so wise!
Meg, also don’t forget that Bucky doesn’t really have a problem with writing one thing one day and totally changing his tune later when it doesn’t suit him anymore.
Ah, that is very true. Consistency isn’t exactly his middle name.
You won’t be able to access the Ice Bowl column online in 30 days so you’ll never be able to prove anything unless you’re keeping hard copy files :-)
Oh, I can access Bucky articles going back years if I want to. Should anyone need old newspaper articles I can totally get them (at least as long as I’m working on my current job). I’m just not sure that’s a good thing. :)
I’m totally a Starbucks junkie
Oh, god, I finally broke myself of Starbucks. My nicotine consumption went down dramatically. Not to be totally ignorant, but what are Bieksa and Sedin?
Caitlin, don’t sweat it. It’s still cheaper than all the Christmas gifts I sent
Aww, thanks, Mags! I’ll shoot you an e-mail.
Turns out Manhattanites don’t need to go to a store filled with lawnmowers!
Huh, no kidding. Who would have thought?
BTW, has anyone here read The Code? I’ve got a gift card which has to turn into a book in the next week before it expires and I’m thinking that might be an interesting read. Either that or Money Players.
what are Bieksa and Sedin?
Ha! Canucks players.
Oh, I can access Bucky articles going back years if I want to. Should anyone need old newspaper articles I can totally get them (at least as long as I’m working on my current job). I’m just not sure that’s a good thing. :)
Oooh, magic! I forget what I was trying to look up not that long ago – somebody’s column – and it was already unavailable. I couldn’t believe how fast they put it in the archives.
Schnookie, your memory serves you right — it was four goals. And it sucked. Sorry, Pam!
Going to Boston for Devils games is NOT a good idea. :D
Tell me about it. Parking was a pain, we had to park like 4 floors below the place and it cost $25. And what’s with this crap where you take the ticket inside, and then pay, and then take the ticket back outside to give to the attendant. If we paid as we came in, we’d get out a lot faster. I had to take like 4 stairways to finally get to my seats. And I almost got trampled in the team store. The hot dogs were putrid (as is the color of the cheap plastic seats), and even the fancy ice cream (sorry, gelato) wasn’t worth it. And of course they lost. I thought Weekes stunk. Even the Bruins fans around me were bummed that he played.
On the bright side, I thought the pricing was reasonable, and my view was pretty good. I liked the scoreboard, it was nice. And I had slightly more leg room than I am used to.
Mags, I read The Code and Money Players and they were both good but I liked Money Players a bit better. I like all the behind the scenes stuff though whereas I don’t entirely understand the fighting culture in hockey so I’m sure that was part of it. They’re both good reads.
Ha! Canucks players.
Bieksa I don’t recognize, Sedin I do. I thought it was weird that I was reading that, thinking Sedin was a coffeeshop. Like, “I’d never buy coffee at that coffeeshop, ewww.”
Clearly two cups of coffee this morning just is not enough.
Okay, Pookie, Boomer and I have a question for everyone here about how we should proceed with a problem we have with our across-the-street neighbor. This woman (we call her “Crazy, Crazy Bitch” or “CCB”) is a total busybody who likes to meddle in everything. Like, the kind of neighbor you’d see on a ’50s domestic sitcom and think, “HA HA! No one’s really like that, but that’s hysterical!” She’s tried to pry into our kitchen remodel, bossed the township around on some storm drain installation, tried to force us to plant the vegetables she wanted in our garden, blah blah blah.
So Friday afternoon she calls Boomer up to apologize that she may have gotten us into some trouble with the township. She says that she was talking to a friend of hers who works for Animal Control about the friend’s new baby. And conversation turned, as it does when you’re chatting about a new baby, to the stray cat CCB found in her yard several months ago. Then it turned, as new baby conversations do, to Boomer. Then it turned, as new baby conversations do, to the fact that Boomer has cats. And then the new baby conversation turned, as they do, to checking in the township’s records to see if Boomer’s cats are registered. Which they’re not, because WTF? Who registers indoor-only housecats? Anyway, CCB said to Boomer, “I’m so sorry, but now you’re going to get a letter from the township about registering your cats.” Turns out it costs $15 a year, every year, per cat. And now we’re on record as being in violation of the township’s policy. And then CCB said to Boomer, “I’m going to be in Spain next week, and can you housesit as a favor for me?” Boomer, being Boomer, was too shocked to even think to say no.
So now we’re not sure how to proceed. Needless to say, we don’t ever want to interact with her again. But how can we do this while still making it clear to her that it’s not that she — oops! — couldn’t get us on the phone at all before she left town, but it is, in fact, because we’re supremely pissed that she ratted us out to the township? Any suggestions on a socially acceptable way to let her know that she crossed the line?
On the bright side, I thought the pricing was reasonable, and my view was pretty good. I liked the scoreboard, it was nice. And I had slightly more leg room than I am used to.
I recall thinking the building was pretty nice, but everything else? Not so much. I’m so sorry it was such a drag for you! (I always find it funny when we go on the road and Marty doesn’t start. I so take it for granted, the watching him in person, so I’m always like, “Why are these fans annoyed they’re not seeing him? I mean, they’re guaranteed a win now!”)
Any suggestions on a socially acceptable way to let her know that she crossed the line?
“I’m sorry I can’t house-sit but I’ll be too busy looking after my illegal cats”?
Okay, no sorry that’s not helpful at all.
Considering what she did was what I would call not particularly socially acceptable, I’d throw that out the window and just tell her straight up that you’re not feeling particularly generous after all the trouble she’s caused :P
Well, Ookies, here’s what you do:
Tell the town that you’ve given up the cats (which is of course, bullshit).
Watch CCB’s cat, and feed it something that will give it the shits on the day she’s taking it back. (Like visine)
Everytime she tries to strike up conversation, do the “i gotta go” thing. Become colder and meaner with each passing time.
Can you just say that you don’t feel comfortable house sitting or socializing with someone who reveals personal information about your household to town authorities.
Also, your township is craaaaaaaazy. What possible reason is there to register indoor cats. I’ve never even heard of registering outdoor cats.
Any suggestions on a socially acceptable way to let her know that she crossed the line?
Um, sorry, no. There is no way she would understand what you meant.
Oh and that was the second time i went to a devils away game and the backup played. (Schwab played in pittsburgh a few yrs ago).
Heather, thanks! I think I’m just going to buy both of them and find a way to throw The Code at Steve Downie’s head.
Any suggestions on a socially acceptable way to let her know that she crossed the line?
This happened to us once (not regarding cats, but regarding a drainage problem in our yard, long story). My mother was so infuriated about the neighbor “ratting” on us, when it was really the city’s problem, that she drafted a letter to the City Council and cc’d my neighbor on it, went over and stuck it in my neighbor’s mailbox.
It clearly let my neighbor know my mom and dad’s position on the matter, whose jurisidiction it was, and since it was addressed to the Council with a small cc to the neighbor, it let the stupid neighbor know we knew who called the City Council while addressing the concerns with the neighbor.
Also, I cannot believe she had the audacity to ask Boomer to housesit after she just screwed her over. What a jerk!
I’ve had some crazy ass neighbors, but those stories are too gross (and far too depressing) to share, methinks.
Any suggestions on a socially acceptable way to let her know that she crossed the line?
You’d be happy to house-sit but your price is $15 a month times however many cats you own for the next 12 months?
“I’m sorry I can’t house-sit but I’ll be too busy looking after my illegal cats”?
Watch CCB’s cat, and feed it something that will give it the shits on the day she’s taking it back. (Like visine)
:^::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Nice! (One of our friends suggested Boomer take “housesitting” literally and sit on everything in CCB’s house. Naked.)
Tell the town that you’ve given up the cats (which is of course, bullshit).
That’s a good idea, Pam. I think I might endorse this one with Pookie and Boomer. (Of course, we’re such law-abiding sissies that we’ll totally cave.)
Also, your township is craaaaaaaazy. What possible reason is there to register indoor cats. I’ve never even heard of registering outdoor cats.
I had heard of it, but didn’t bother looking into what our local requirements are. CCB gave us a “we have a terrible rabies problem in this area” lecture, but I don’t want to hear it from her, because just because she lets her cat go outside doesn’t mean we let ours. Furthermore, if the township really wanted our cats registered, they should have sent us some information about it when we moved in.
Heather, thanks! I think I’m just going to buy both of them and find a way to throw The Code at Steve Downie’s head.
Oooh, I’m not sure that complies with the code, Mags :-) Of course I’m not sure Downie does either so it probably all evens out.
Furthermore, if the township really wanted our cats registered, they should have sent us some information about it when we moved in.
True! You’d think you’d be able to get them to budge on that, but maybe not.
You really should probably build a moat and bury some Claymore mines around Stately IPB Manor. I would imagine that would deter her. (Hmm, I wonder if your township would allow that.) :D
You’d be happy to house-sit but your price is $15 a month times however many cats you own for the next 12 months?
Hee! Perfect!
CCB also told Boomer she thought it was a one-time registry of $7 a cat, so I’m kind of thinking the sternly-worded letter you suggest, Caitlin, might be the way to go. Just to let CCB know that her meddling is going to run us $90 a year, every year (until some of our older cats die, of course… :D), and next time she gets some great idea to start meddling in our business she can either shut her stinking pie hole or send us a blank check. (She works for the township, and I strongly suspect that she runs every kind of check she can on all of her neighbors. I doubt this “accidental discovery” had anything to do with the “friend” from “Animal Control” at all.)
I’m not sure that complies with the code, Mags :-) Of course I’m not sure Downie does either so it probably all evens out.
It would totally be in compliance with the code if he gave me reason to, and he definitely has. It might be a waste though, because I’m not sure Downie can READ. (”Derian, they know I can’t do this alphabet shit right?”)
CCB gave us a “we have a terrible rabies problem in this area” lecture, but I don’t want to hear it from her, because just because she lets her cat go outside doesn’t mean we let ours.
Which is why you get your cats vaccinated (as I’m sure yours are) even if they live indoors. Particularly because more often than not if you have a “terrible rabies problem” in your area you have rabid bats which can, you know, get inside. How absurd.
My parents have outdoor cats and they’re perfectly healthy because they get the full slate of vaccines, etc. The kind of people who don’t pay to vaccinate their pets certainly aren’t going to pay to register them anyway, so what’s the point.
You really should probably build a moat and bury some Claymore mines around Stately IPB Manor. I would imagine that would deter her. (Hmm, I wonder if your township would allow that.) :D
They’ve got a 4-foot limit on fencing (oh so helpful considering the deer problem we have), but I’ve not read anything about regulations on moats and claymore mines. Although I suppose that might interfere with the infamous storm drains… :D
Gosh, your neighbour sounds like a complete psycho, Ookies. You should ask Pancakes and Acorns to pelt her house with pancakes and acorns, and then have your “illegal” cats piss all over her yard.
Did y’all hear that the ice is apparently bad in the Sharks arena because fans wanted the thermostat turned up because it was too cold? That Andrew is such a princess :D
so I’m kind of thinking the sternly-worded letter you suggest, Caitlin, might be the way to go.
It solved our problem with our neighbor. It cracked me up because we had been arguing with the city about it forever and finally the neighbor complaining got the city to do something about it.
Amazing.
But in all seriousness, this lady does sound like someone who has way too much time on her hands and enjoys meddling in people’s lives in a nasty way. Not evil, just messing with people for her own enjoyment.
I wish I had my copy of Miss Manners here at the office. Miss Manners always knows what to do.
The kind of people who don’t pay to vaccinate their pets certainly aren’t going to pay to register them anyway, so what’s the point.
Exactly! Furthermore, if this was some widely-recognized and socially responsible thing to do, you’d think people’s vets would mention it, too, the first time you bring your cat in. I mean, no vet of ours has EVER said boo about registering our cats. I am so flummoxed by this. Again, I’d heard of the regulations, but literally the only reason anyone would ever enforce it would be if your CRAZY, CRAZY BITCH NEIGHBOR RATTED YOU OUT. Gah.
It might be a waste though, because I’m not sure Downie can READ. (”Derian, they know I can’t do this alphabet shit right?”)
The irony of Downie complaining about The Code to Bite-y McBiterson is pretty sweet.
That Andrew is such a princess :D
Oh my god, is he EVER! I always had him pegged as the kind of guy who doesn’t like sitting in a room cold enough to have an ice rink in it. :D
Miss Manners always knows what to do.
Oh, she really does! Maybe Pookie should look this up while she’s at work today.
MamaScarlett has had so many sternly worded letters from her neighbours regarding fencing, sprinklers, her garden etc…while they were sternly worded, they were actually fairly polite so maybe that’s the way to go. Although in her case, I think you can afford to throw the ‘polite’ part out the window :D
Our neighbours here are all right. They meddle once in awhile (they like to tell us where to put our garbage out on the curb and I won’t even get into shopping cart lady) but that’s kind of understandable since our neighbourhood still has a really bad problem with rowdy students. Not us though, we’re angels :D
Did y’all hear that the ice is apparently bad in the Sharks arena because fans wanted the thermostat turned up because it was too cold?
Oh, California. I try and try to defend your right to hockey but it’s too cold in a rink? That’s pretty funny.
our neighbourhood still has a really bad problem with rowdy students. Not us though, we’re angels :D
Of course you are! *cough*shoppingcart*cough*
It might be a waste though, because I’m not sure Downie can READ. (”Derian, they know I can’t do this alphabet shit right?”)
Yeah, Hatcher, Downie and Simon should all take some classes at Derek Zoolander’s Institute For Kids Who Can’t Read Good and Who Want To Learn How To Do Other Stuff Good Too.
Although I suppose that might interfere with the infamous storm drains…
Oh, good lord. Does your township have nothing better to do than make stupid rules & regulations all day?
I shouldn’t really talk. My city just put in about four roundabouts on Main Street, so there you go. It makes me feel like that episode of the Simpsons, where they go to London and just get stuck in the roundabout.
Of course you are! *cough*shoppingcart*cough*
Excuse me, I think we already established that was not MY fault! *sniff*
yea ookies, you’re neighborhood is pretty crazy. A 4 ft fence? Holy shit. I wonder what the regulations would be for putting in a pool. You’d probably have to hire a permanent lifeguard just for your house and pay him $15/hr.
I don’t live too far away from you, since I dont want to leave the area, I wonder if it’ll be like that when I move out of my apt. into a house?
I try and try to defend your right to hockey but it’s too cold in a rink? That’s pretty funny.
…You would be surprised. One night I was leaving work and my coworker asked me, “Why are you carrying a sweater?”
Me: “Oh, I’m going to the Stars game tonight. You know, hockey.”
Coworker: “Oh, is it cold there?”
Me: “…Yeah, there’s ice there. The arena can get a little chilly, not too bad though.”
Coworker: “Well, if it’s cold in there, I sure wouldn’t want to be there!”
Seriously, people. Connect the dots. Ice sheet + building = little chilly.
I shouldn’t really talk. My city just put in about four roundabouts on Main Street, so there you go. It makes me feel like that episode of the Simpsons, where they go to London and just get stuck in the roundabout.
We just got a roundabout in our nearby village and Mark drives what feels like miles out of the way just to avoid it. He hates that thing.
Can you just say that you don’t feel comfortable house sitting or socializing with someone who reveals personal information about your household to town authorities.
That’s a great line! My co-worker suggested saying, “If we can’t have the kind of relationship where you would come to us to inform us of the feline registration requirement rather than reporting us to the township first, then perhas we shouldn’t have any kind of relationship at all.” I think those two sentiments expressed in a sternly written letter might work perfectly. And then yeah, saying we’ll housesit but only if she covers the cost of registration! It’s perfect!
Most of my neighbors are too ancient to notice stuff. The only one who isn’t is a nice guy and wouldn’t have a leg to stand on since he once had an alarm going off in his apartment for a week while he was out of town.
The worst neighbor thing we’ve ever done was the time when our cat escaped our balcony for the next-door neighbors and ate some of whatever cooked meat they had on their balcony. We just never told them and if they noticed they didn’t know it was her.
“Yeah, Hatcher, Downie and Simon should all take some classes at Derek Zoolander’s Institute For Kids Who Can’t Read Good and Who Want To Learn How To Do Other Stuff Good Too.”
Hee! “Briere, he’s so hot right now.”
We just got a roundabout in our nearby village and Mark drives what feels like miles out of the way just to avoid it. He hates that thing.
Oh, I sympathize with Mark, then! The street in general has little to no heavy traffic; I’m really unsure why they put them there in the first place. You’ll see people drive up, totally confused as to what to do, especially if they haven’t driven down the road in ages.
I know all the back roads, so I just avoid that like the plague.
We just got a roundabout in our nearby village and Mark drives what feels like miles out of the way just to avoid it. He hates that thing.
Are a roundabout and a traffic circle the same thing?
Coworker: “Well, if it’s cold in there, I sure wouldn’t want to be there!”
Seriously, people. Connect the dots. Ice sheet + building = little chilly.
*headdesk*
“Yeah, Hatcher, Downie and Simon should all take some classes at Derek Zoolander’s Institute For Kids Who Can’t Read Good and Who Want To Learn How To Do Other Stuff Good Too.”
Hee! “Briere, he’s so hot right now.”
…Where Joffrey Lupul is the principal, right?
I have spent all morning clicking on the same button trying to get my schedule for this semester. Freaking school.
“If we can’t have the kind of relationship where you would come to us to inform us of the feline registration requirement rather than reporting us to the township first, then perhas we shouldn’t have any kind of relationship at all.”
That’s a really good one! Go co-worker!
roundabout=rotary=circle
we NJers can handle circles and jughandles like nobody else!
I have spent all morning clicking on the same button trying to get my schedule for this semester. Freaking school.
I downloaded mine when we were in NYC and wrote everything down in my diary, and then when I went to check where I had my exam I discovered they’d changed half of the classes. Love that. Really, I do.
As for roundabouts, there’s this European regulation that means if you put a roundabout in your road you can get x Euros subsidy for said road. I was once in Terrassa (near Barcelona in Spain) and there were 6 roundabouts (with traffic lights wtf) on a 1 mile piece of road. Seriously people, overkill much?
Hee! “Briere, he’s so hot right now.”
Don’t think for a minute Derian doesn’t know what a eugoogly is!
I downloaded mine when we were in NYC and wrote everything down in my diary, and then when I went to check where I had my exam I discovered they’d changed half of the classes. Love that. Really, I do.
I checked mine during the holidays but didn’t print it off since I was still undecided about one of my classes…and luckily I don’t have any classes on Monday but I REALLY FREAKING NEED MY SCHEDULE, THANKS.
Sorry, carry on.
The worst neighbor thing we’ve ever done was the time when our cat escaped our balcony for the next-door neighbors and ate some of whatever cooked meat they had on their balcony. We just never told them and if they noticed they didn’t know it was her.
:^::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
(And really, they had cooked meat on the balcony?)
I wonder what the regulations would be for putting in a pool. You’d probably have to hire a permanent lifeguard just for your house and pay him $15/hr.
Hee! When we were in AZ, there are so many drownings every year in backyard pools that the legal requirements when we put in our pool were ridonk. We had to have child-proof fencing around the entire pool and every door in our house that opened onto the backyard had to have childproof locks and alarms on them. Which meant the doors couldn’t be kept open, and it required two hands to open them (the lock release was above a child’s reach), so despite the fact that we neither had children of our own nor knew anyone with children, we still couldn’t have our pool set up so that we could easily walk from our kitchen to the patio while carrying anything like, say, a book or a beverage. (We solved the problem by passing inspection, then having a handyman come out and disable all the locks/alarms.)
Derian’s a great eugoogalizer.
Derian’s a great eugoogalizer.
I would have thought Derian was the reason he needed to deliver so many eugooglagies in the first place (DERIAN SMASH!)
Derian’s a great eugoogalizer.
And if he keeps throwing himself around like that, he’s going to eugooglize one of his own teammates.
Hee! “Briere, he’s so hot right now.”
Don’t think for a minute Derian doesn’t know what a eugoogly is!
:^::::::::::::
we NJers can handle circles and jughandles like nobody else!
I know! I’m always like, “What’s the big deal?” when people complain about them. Cloverleafs rule! (I actually really, really, really hate merging, but because I love Jersey so much, I will totally lie and tell anyone who asks that I love, love, love cloverleafs and jughandles.) (But yes, circles suck.)
And if he keeps throwing himself around like that, he’s going to eugooglize one of his own teammates.
I hope it’s Briere.
I hope it’s Briere.
I think we all hope, Mags.
Derian, you’re not listening properly. BRIERE BAD.
We had to have child-proof fencing around the entire pool and every door in our house that opened onto the backyard had to have childproof locks and alarms on them.
Well, this makes sense of course. After all, kids are always jumping into random strangers pools, clearly.
there are so many drownings every year in backyard pools that the legal requirements when we put in our pool were ridonk.
That’s crazy. I can’t think of anything we have to do like that here.
You have to keep the grass mowed and the fences should be 6 feet high. That’s about it…
(And really, they had cooked meat on the balcony?)
In their defense it was winter/late fall and it probably didn’t fit in their fridge. But yes, really.
kids are always jumping into random strangers pools, clearly
seriously, do people still pool hop these days?
Cloverleafs rock, circles do not. There are two notoriously awful circles that I encounter maybe three to four times a year and I dread them every time. I drive through a really easy one twice a day and it drives me nuts when I get stuck behind someone who hasn’t learned the unwritten rules of that particular circle. In Jersey there are no traffic laws regulating circles, so they’re all a total free-for-all. This particular one has no lane markings, but people who drive it regularly know there are two lanes and that there’s a distinct pattern of right of way. I’m always getting stuck behind someone who sits right in the middle of the road and doesn’t acknowledge the right of way. Drives me batty!
OOkies, I almost forgot…my sis and I got our personalized Martin and Zajac college jerseys in last week. They look great BTW. Well, the first game after we got them was the Flyers game, and guess who scored the 1st 2 goals of the game…Coincidence, I think not!
my sis and I got our personalized Martin and Zajac college jerseys in last week. They look great BTW. Well, the first game after we got them was the Flyers game, and guess who scored the 1st 2 goals of the game…Coincidence, I think not!
Of course not! Yay college jerseys!
Well, the first game after we got them was the Flyers game, and guess who scored the 1st 2 goals of the game…Coincidence, I think not!
Who knew Travis was slumping just because of a shortage of fans wearing his college sweater? WOO HOO! I’m so glad they’re so awesome! (And clearly so lucky…)
I figure now that I think they’re lucky, the Devils will lose every game when we wear them.
Ooh, great sweater choices, Pam!
I decided to go back on my New Year’s Resolution of never wearing my “unlucky” t-shirt on Devils game days. I was like, “This is ridiculous! If I want to wear it on Saturday because it’s my most comfortable and favoritest shirt ever, then so be it. Screw you, Devils. Just get over it!” And… they lost. I’m not sure what to think now.
And… they lost. I’m not sure what to think now.
I’ve come around to just not giving a rat’s ass since the team clearly doesn’t. (Why don’t you care? Whhyyyyyyyyyy?)
College jerseys seem to be getting more and more popular around Buffalo too. They’re kind of cool.
I’ve come around to just not giving a rat’s ass since the team clearly doesn’t. (Why don’t you care? Whhyyyyyyyyyy?)
Heather, this season has been brutal for you! I’m so sorry! (I know how you feel, though. I remember thinking that same thing for pretty much the entirety of the 2001-2002 and 2003-2004 Devils seasons.)
Heather, this season has been brutal for you! I’m so sorry!
The lack of effort is pissing me off more than anything. If they were clearly playing their hearts out and still losing, fine, I could deal. But they’re so not doing that.
If they were clearly playing their hearts out and still losing, fine, I could deal. But they’re so not doing that.
We have a name for that around here — we call it “coach killing”. :D
The lack of effort is pissing me off more than anything. If they were clearly playing their hearts out and still losing, fine, I could deal. But they’re so not doing that.
Its like they got spoiled by being able to pull the rabbit out of the hat so many times last year, that they think they can do it again this year. Newsflash: its not working.
Its like they got spoiled by being able to pull the rabbit out of the hat so many times last year, that they think they can do it again this year. Newsflash: its not working.
Amy, I definitely think that’s a big part of it. But good lord, how many times do they have to lose after a ten minute effort before realizing it? From where I’m sitting, the pattern seems pretty clear.
We have a name for that around here — we call it “coach killing”. :D
If they kill Lindy, I’ll hate the little bastards forever.
I remember thinking that same thing for pretty much the entirety of the 2001-2002
That was my “first” season. I started going to games that year. I was thinking, “what have I gotten myself into? Why am I starting this relationship?”
I agree Heather, if the team just stinks, then fine. But losing because they’re not trying and giving a lackluster effort, well that pisses me off. I say, bench these clowns and call up the minor leaguers. I’m sure they’d love to be there.
By the way, Heather, the Sabres can start playing hard after tomorrow, okay?
If they kill Lindy, I’ll hate the little bastards forever.
Oh, no, this is just the misguided kind of coach killing like how the Devils were earlier this year. It’s fruitless, but they just won’t stop trying. That’s the WORST.
That was my “first” season. I started going to games that year. I was thinking, “what have I gotten myself into? Why am I starting this relationship?”
HA! Yeah, we got on board the year after they missed the playoffs (the year after winning the Cup). That should have been our first clue. (Okay, okay, so we’ve seen two Cup wins, too. But still. The Devils have such a marvelously apathetic way of crushing their fans’ hearts.)
That’s what the Canucks were like in October and I wanted to MURDER them. You have my sympathies Heather and Amy. (And Katebits and Meg and Andrew and Gambler)
I say, bench these clowns and call up the minor leaguers. I’m sure they’d love to be there.
I’d love to see half the team riding the pine. I want Lindy Ruff, Rob Ray, and Mike Robitaille in the starting line-up tomorrow.
By the way, Heather, the Sabres can start playing hard after tomorrow, okay?
Between you guys and the Sen, I’m just assuming we’re screwed for the week so no worries, Pam!
By the way, Heather, the Sabres can start playing hard after tomorrow, okay?
Oh, I know! Katebits was grumbling that she’s going to miss the two Sabres-Devils games because she’s going to be traveling, and we were like, “I really hope it turns out to be worth missing for you.” :D
That was my “first” season. I started going to games that year. I was thinking, “what have I gotten myself into? Why am I starting this relationship?”
Mine too. Well really, the 2001 SCF was my first “Why are you doing this to me?” moment. Looks like we all just like being in abusive relationships :P
I say, bench these clowns and call up the minor leaguers. I’m sure they’d love to be there.
I read somewhere that Boudreau threatened a bunch of Caps with that fate. Sorta worked for them.
How are the Islanders looking these days? For the game tomorrow, am I in for a defensive snore fest like the Rangers game last week?
I’d love to see half the team riding the pine. I want Lindy Ruff, Rob Ray, and Mike Robitaille in the starting line-up tomorrow.
Throw James Patrick in there, and you’ve got yourself a deal.
You have my sympathies Heather and Amy.
Thanks, alix! It’s not the end of the world really… It’s just annoying feeling like I care more about the team winning than the team does. Part of it is that I really expected to see a different team this season. I wouldn’t say I expected them to storm to the Cup Finals but I did expect them to play like they had something to prove after all the Chris and Danny talk. It’s almost like they’ve bought into it instead which is disappointing.
Throw James Patrick in there, and you’ve got yourself a deal.
Yes! I knew I was forgetting someone! I don’t know about the other guys, but James actually looks like he probably could start in a game.
Running kind of late, but if anybody finds any Boucher hockey cards they don’t want (Caitlin, Cat and Jen will need to find two, of course), I’d take it. I’ll go right out and buy a pack and send it to you, unopened.
I don’t really collect them, but I wouldn’t mind Boucher cards.
How are the Islanders looking these days?
Based on what I’ve seen of them this year (five losses against them for the Devils), there’s something about them that makes your team look like a bunch of incompetent boobs. No matter how much the Islanders try to suck, we just keep sucking worse. They’re a ton of fun to play against.
How are the Islanders looking these days?
Outside of DP, they’re one ugly bunch!
Zing!
Thanks, Schnookie. Sounds like I’m in for a “delightful” game then. And Matty O probably won’t be back yet either. They’re being very mysterious about his injury. Bah humbug.
Hee! Nice one, Pam.
Running kind of late, but if anybody finds any Boucher hockey cards they don’t want (Caitlin, Cat and Jen will need to find two, of course), I’d take it. I’ll go right out and buy a pack and send it to you, unopened.
I don’t really collect them, but I wouldn’t mind Boucher cards.
Oh, that goes without saying for me, Patty! I would just drop it right on in the mail to you.
If Bouche’s card is anything like Zubov’s card, you will not mind in the slightest. Oh, Boucher!
Buffalo fans, I’m seriously really sorry that your season is not going well. I’m not sure what’s worse – the team looking completely dejected or like they completely don’t care.
Patty, if I find one of course I’ll send it to you immediatly! Unless it’s particularly gorgeous. I’d have to think about it for a while and then send it to you anyway :P (of course, this would mean someone had sent me hockey cards to begin with, since they’re like Starbucks here :P)
I say, bench these clowns and call up the minor leaguers. I’m sure they’d love to be there.
Unfortunately our minor league team has lost 15 of the last 16 or something like that and very nearly broke a record from the 1930s for the longest amount of time without a goal. I’m not so sure they’d be helpful.
Alix, if the Sabres can beat the Islanders then the Canucks can totally beat the Islanders.
of course, this would mean someone had sent me hockey cards to begin with, since they’re like Starbucks here :P
Why, Mags, when is your birthday again? :D
Just watch out for the Guerin wrap-around attempts, alix. Fortunately, goalies can see them a mile away, so you should be okay.
I’d have to think about it for a while and then send it to you anyway :P
Just don’t, you know, wear it out or anything. :D
Oh, that goes without saying for me, Patty! I would just drop it right on in the mail to you.
Thanks, Caitlin! But don’t let it break up your set…
Zubov’s is nice, eh? Sigh. (The good kind of sigh.)
Unfortunately our minor league team has lost 15 of the last 16 or something like that and very nearly broke a record from the 1930s for the longest amount of time without a goal.
That’s fairly depressing (who are they fighting for suck this year? The Winter Hawks?) (Sorry, Mara!)
Caitlin, March 9th, and don’t even think about it! ’spensive!
Just don’t, you know, wear it out or anything. :D
Wouldn’t dream of it :P
That’s fairly depressing (who are they fighting for suck this year? The Winter Hawks?) (Sorry, Mara!)
Winter Hawks are a junior league so they’re not affiliated with any NHL teams. Our minor league affiliate is the Rochester Americans. I believe only the Norfolk Admirals and the Lake Erie Monsters are in the same stratosphere of suck. But the Amerks are the worst team in the league.
Meg, yeah I know. But you know… suck. Hawks wear Blackhawks colours though, which I find kinda cute.
Thanks, Caitlin! But don’t let it break up your set…
Zubov’s is nice, eh? Sigh. (The good kind of sigh.)
Oh, I can always find another Boucher, it’s not impossible! Besides, my first reaction when shuffling through those cards was, “Oh, so & so would like that! Awww…”
Yes, Zubov’s is totally good-kind-of-sighworthy.
Meg, yeah I know. But you know… suck.
Ah, I get it . . . I was confused because I assumed you knew that, but then I thought you meant within the league. Looking at the WHL standings though, the Winter Hawks, are, in fact, even worse than the Amerks. That’s . . . kind of shocking actually. Poor Mara.
Caitlin, March 9th, and don’t even think about it! ’spensive!
No worries! We’ll see, Mags. :D
Sorry about that, Meg. I’m totally not good at getting my point across today. @@@@@@
Well guys, wish me luck. I’m off to fight the NHL’s marketing department about shipping my Winter Classic jersey to me. Useless bastards.
No worries, Mags, my reading comprehension hasn’t been the best either. Which might make it problematic that I just read over a resume and cover letter for my roommate. She’s going to get my comments and think, “Did she even read the thing?”
I just updated my resume the other day and put “avid blogger” on under “Other interests”. Hee hee! (I had to remove the bit about reading books since I haven’t cracked one open since starting IPB. Oops.)
I haven’t updated my resume in years. I willfully avoided doing it during those “looming reorganization” days because I didn’t want it to be a self-fulfilling prophecy. (Plus, updating it won’t be hard, since I’ve done very little in the last few years.)
I believe only the Norfolk Admirals and the Lake Erie Monsters are in the same stratosphere of suck. But the Amerks are the worst team in the league.
I have a friend in Cleveland who is basing his entire opinion of hockey on the suckitude of the Lake Erie Monsters.
I just updated my resume the other day and put “avid blogger” on under “Other interests”. Hee hee! (I had to remove the bit about reading books since I haven’t cracked one open since starting IPB. Oops.)
She’s applying for a job with a travel agency to tide her over until she starts vet school and is trying to explain that even though all her work experience involves animals (often of the large and exotic variety) she really does like working with people. My advice basically boiled down to, “maybe you shouldn’t mention fecal samples on the resume.”
I’ve got Canucks cards if you want them, alix! I also have Sharks cards, should Andrew want them. I’ve got Joe Thornton and Mike Grier. We all have to support each other in this expensive hockey-card habit.
I think once I get a Matt Niskanen and Marty Turco card, I might not care anymore. Haha.
My advice basically boiled down to, “maybe you shouldn’t mention fecal samples on the resume.”
:^:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
That’s fantastic! (Is she spinning the exotic animals as an example of her interest in foreign cultures, and her consequent desire to assist other people in experiencing them?)
(Is she spinning the exotic animals as an example of her interest in foreign cultures, and her consequent desire to assist other people in experiencing them?)
Nah, she’s just saying that even though she worked with animals, you also had a lot of contract with people: when she worked at the animal hospital she worked with pet owners, when she was a zoo keeper she spent a lot of time speaking to patrons, etc.
My advice basically boiled down to, “maybe you shouldn’t mention fecal samples on the resume.”
Well, at least you sorta read it. If I was the roomy I’d accept it! (also, :^::::::::::::::::::::)
(Hit enter too soon) That would be super-funny if she did try to take it in that direction though. The travel agency people would probably be worried that she’d come in wearing a safari hat and try to convince people that they really wanted to go camping in the wilds of Africa.
The travel agency people would probably be worried that she’d come in wearing a safari hat and try to convince people that they really wanted to go camping in the wilds of Africa.
Hee! I guess there’s a fine line you want to walk when applying for a job, between “enthusiasm” and “scarily gung-ho”.
Oh, and in an unrelated aside, Tom Gulitti is reporting that Pando is skating again! EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!! Of course, he’s also reporting that he probably won’t be back any sooner than the A-S break (at the very earliest), so there goes ANY of his “A” month. Hmph. (And no, I’m not at all ashamed of how petty I am.)
“Did y’all hear that the ice is apparently bad in the Sharks arena because fans wanted the thermostat turned up because it was too cold? That Andrew is such a princess :D”
But you guuuuuys…I don’t like the cold!
Seriously though, sitting in the upperdeck at the Tank sucks because it’s like, 75 degrees. Something is wrong when you can wear a t-shirt to a hockey game. Lower level is okay though.
Hee! I guess there’s a fine line you want to walk when applying for a job, between “enthusiasm” and “scarily gung-ho”.
Yeah, the funny thing is that she’d make a great trip planner because if there’s one thing she’s scarily gung-ho about it’s planning and organization. She’s pretty much the queen of list and chart making.
Oooh, Ray Emery and McGrattan got into a fight at the Sens practice today.
Schnookie, it sounds like today is a very happy day in PandoNation.
Schnookie, if Sutter doesn’t give Pando an A for a proper part of a month, I am writing him an angry letter. Dude, Pando is a vet. Give him his due, please, Suttah! (also, if he’s skating again I figure I can tell you, but my mom said that he could have been out for up to 6 months. I kinda didn’t want to tell you when it was still up in the air, but it’s ok now, right?)
Ray Emery and McGrattan got into a fight at the Sens practice today.
Caitlin, McGrattan is on the same wavelength as Hatcher. Damnit!
Oooh, Ray Emery and McGrattan got into a fight at the Sens practice today.
Apparently fighting Peters wasn’t enough for Emery. He wanted to spend more quality time fighting enforcers.
Gah, I meant Emery. Not McGrattan. Fail.
This is just silly! What is the point of an A, if it doesn’t matter whether you deserve it? I don’t like the rotation method at all, let alone a rotation that is set at the beginning of the year.
Clearly I’m waaaaaay behind, but just popping in to say worse than the rotating A is the cursed rotating A.
We started the season with Recchi having one A and Gonchar and Roberts splitting the other, which was bad enough. But then they started going down for the count:
Recchi (benched, waived, claimed by Thrashers)
Gonchar (November – injured, December – sick)
Roberts (injured – out long-term)
Eaton (injured – out for season)
Now they gave one to Malone. He already had that infected leg so hopefully he pre-empted the curse, but Lordy am I nervous for him. Forget the As – we can just have a captain, we swear!
Now I’m seriously starting to wonder whether someone slipped an A to Max when he wasn’t looking (or when I wasn’t).
also, if he’s skating again I figure I can tell you, but my mom said that he could have been out for up to 6 months. I kinda didn’t want to tell you when it was still up in the air, but it’s ok now, right?
Oh, based on how the injury was being talked about, I figured as much. No surprise there.
But you guuuuuys…I don’t like the cold!
:^:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
I don’t know about your disdain for wearing just a t-shirt to a hockey game, though, andrew. It sounds like you’re awfully hardcore. :P
Eaton (injured – out for season)
Eaton is toast? When did I miss that?
Gah, I meant Emery. Not McGrattan. Fail.
God, what is going on here?! SERIOUSLY. It cannot be that hard to knock the hell out of Danny Briere, for Christ’s sakes.
Yay Pando and hey andrew!
God, what is going on here?! SERIOUSLY. It cannot be that hard to knock the hell out of Danny Briere, for Christ’s sakes.
Well, he’s so wee tiny… I’m not stopping with the “fucking hit fucking Briere already” though. Hatch has to get it eventually.
Oh, based on how the injury was being talked about, I figured as much. No surprise there.
Ok, awesome :D
Eaton is toast? When did I miss that?
Not sure exactly when they said it, but my understanding was he opted to do the surgery sooner rather than later, and that put him out for good. Unless he “changed his mind” and I hadn’t heard.
“I don’t know about your disdain for wearing just a t-shirt to a hockey game, though, andrew. It sounds like you’re awfully hardcore. :P”
I am! did I forget to mention? I wear just a t-shirt, and that’s it. The people sitting around me don’t appreciate it, but I’ll be damned if it isn’t liberating.
“Yay Pando and hey andrew!”
Hey Caitlin…and yay Sharks for winning a f*#^@ing home game for once!
I wear just a t-shirt, and that’s it. The people sitting around me don’t appreciate it, but I’ll be damned if it isn’t liberating.
Well, only idiots wear pants to hockey games. I’m a bit shy, though, which is why I’m glad to have the Pando Tent.
Well, he’s so wee tiny… I’m not stopping with the “fucking hit fucking Briere already” though. Hatch has to get it eventually.
Jesus, Derian, just come to Dallas, we’ll have a beer and we can sort all this right out.
It’s not complicated, Hatch.
So we had this insanely bad, Wrath-of-God-Bad weather here on Friday. The city was half flooded, 50 mph winds, the whole bit. There are still about 5,000 homes without power in the Sac Metro area.
All I could think of, all day Friday (as my trees were being uprooted and blown over) was, “Man I hope the power comes back on before the Sabres game starts.”
So, we get power back around 3:30, just in time to watch the Sabres get monkeystomped by the Effing Sens. Then the power went back out at 8:00. God really does have a twisted sense of humor.
So, we get power back around 3:30, just in time to watch the Sabres get monkeystomped by the Effing Sens. Then the power went back out at 8:00. God really does have a twisted sense of humor.
I’m so sorry! That’s AWFUL! (Your house and property didn’t suffer too much damage, did they? And is the power back on for good for you?)
So, we get power back around 3:30, just in time to watch the Sabres get monkeystomped by the Effing Sens. Then the power went back out at 8:00.
That is just spectacularly terrible. I’m so sorry, Andrew! Everyone ok though?
“(Your house and property didn’t suffer too much damage, did they? And is the power back on for good for you?)”
Nah, not too bad. I spent about 3 or 4 hours going around the back yard yesterday, re-planting and re-staking the trees that got messed up. That was the extent of it. Power was back up late Friday night.
Luckily though, I called in sick. It was the last Friday my wife had off before tax season starts, so we decided to hang out for the day. Turns out half the people I work with got their cars flooded in the parking lot! How lame is that!
So, we get power back around 3:30, just in time to watch the Sabres get monkeystomped by the Effing Sens. Then the power went back out at 8:00. God really does have a twisted sense of humor.
Man, that sucks. I wish my power had been out for the last couple games.
Turns out half the people I work with got their cars flooded in the parking lot! How lame is that!
I can’t imagine anything worse than getting stranded at work on a Friday. That’s just inhuman.
“Alix, if the Sabres can beat the Islanders then the Canucks can totally beat the Islanders.”
Thanks, Meg. I’m glad you have faith in my boys. For some reason they never beat the teams they SHOULD though so we’ll see what happens.
“Just watch out for the Guerin wrap-around attempts, alix. Fortunately, goalies can see them a mile away, so you should be okay.”
Wrap arounds are so beneath Louie :p As long as he can see the shot, he’s money right now. Although watch, now I’ve probably terribly jinxed him.
“I’ve got Canucks cards if you want them, alix!”
That would be fab, Caitlin! Who ya got?
“Man, that sucks. I wish my power had been out for the last couple games.”
Ha! What’s funny is that I said that after the game. I wasted two and a half hours that I could have been, oh I don’t know, eating stuff out of the fridge out of fear of spoiling. Anything would have been better.
“I can’t imagine anything worse than getting stranded at work on a Friday. That’s just inhuman.”
Soooooo glad I wasn’t here. My office Chief kept me here one day for about 15 minutes past quitting time. I was all smiles and hard work on the outside….on the inside I was dying, minute by minute. Don’t they know we’re government workers? Overtime? What?
That sucks, Andrew! Glad it didn’t get too bad for you though.
“Oh, and in an unrelated aside, Tom Gulitti is reporting that Pando is skating again! EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!”
Soooo blingybob!!! Matty O can’t even ride the bike right now without getting dizzy, and he went on Friday to get a second opinion *sobs* MAAAAAATTTTYYY OOOOOOOO!!!
I’m happy for you though! You must be so relieved!
That would be fab, Caitlin! Who ya got?
Cat’s got ‘em, but I swore there was a Matty O in there somewhere. I’m not sure though. Don’t take my word for it and get your hopes all up!
andrew, I’m really sorry to hear about all that mess! That is no fun, and I’m glad everyone’s okay (minus some property damage).
Thanks alix and Caitlin! Although, it wasn’t really that bad for us…got a nice quiet (inside anyway) afternoon around the house with literally no distractions and nothing to do. Couldn’t drive anywhere, couldn’t go outside, no power…it was odd, but a welcome change. Got some reading done, put together (half) a puzzle…not too bad at all!
“Cat’s got ‘em, but I swore there was a Matty O in there somewhere. I’m not sure though. Don’t take my word for it and get your hopes all up!”
Oops, sorry I mixed you ladies up @@@@. I will keep my hopes appropriately low.
I’m happy for you though! You must be so relieved!
More like “cautiously optimistic”, considering the report is that he’s skating, but hardly playing. :D (I’m so sorry about Matty. And doubly so because he’s a Marauder. Not to be callous or anything…)
I was all smiles and hard work on the outside….on the inside I was dying, minute by minute.
Seriously! I’ve looked at a few other better-paying job openings here at my company and the ones that say they require a willingness to work some overtime I just reject out of hand. Not a chance. I used to work a job that required pretty frequent but short overtime. Just in the sense that you couldn’t throw everything down at the end of the day and leave. We were very diligently paid time and a half for the extra 15 minutes that all of us tended to end up working three or so days a week, but it was hardly fair compensation in my mind. There is no price to be put on losing even ONE SECOND of time you’re not supposed to be working.
Oops, sorry I mixed you ladies up @@@@. I will keep my hopes appropriately low.
Oh, no problem. It happens all the time!
Yeah, I think I saw Matty in there, but I didn’t want to get your hopes up only to have them cruelly dashed!
andrew, pardon my ignorance, but who did y’all beat at home (finally)? :D
I just did the strangest thing — I wrote an actual snail-mail letter for someone. On letterhead. How bizarre. I’ve been a secretary for 4 1/2 years now and I can count on the fingers on one hand how many times I’ve done that. Next thing I know I’ll be taking dictations!
“I’ve looked at a few other better-paying job openings here at my company and the ones that say they require a willingness to work some overtime I just reject out of hand. Not a chance.”
Prior to working here, I spent five years at a job working 10+ hours a day and 6 hours every other Saturday…minimum. Because of that, there is now nothing I value more than time away from work.
“andrew, pardon my ignorance, but who did y’all beat at home (finally)? :D”
Columbus! Hell of a game too. I can’t believe those guys are putting up such a fight this year. Don’t they know they’re supposed to suck?!
“More like “cautiously optimistic”, considering the report is that he’s skating, but hardly playing. :D (I’m so sorry about Matty. And doubly so because he’s a Marauder. Not to be callous or anything…)
Good point. And thanks.”
“Yeah, I think I saw Matty in there, but I didn’t want to get your hopes up only to have them cruelly dashed!”.
Thanks, that’s sweet of you.
I am! did I forget to mention? I wear just a t-shirt, and that’s it. The people sitting around me don’t appreciate it, but I’ll be damned if it isn’t liberating.
I do that, too, Andrew. Maybe that’s why the ice in Anaheim sucks so much. It’s not cold enough. :|
Next thing I know I’ll be taking dictations!
It blows my mind that you don’t already do so! :P
Oh, alix, I have a Matty O card from last year, as well as a Luongo, Cooke, and Morrison from previous years. Want?
I am! did I forget to mention? I wear just a t-shirt, and that’s it. The people sitting around me don’t appreciate it, but I’ll be damned if it isn’t liberating.
I do that, too, Andrew.
Man, there are just half naked people all over California! That really shouldn’t be news, should it?
Next thing I know I’ll be taking dictations!
Haha….oh wait, I do that.
Everyday. Hee. :D
There is no price to be put on losing even ONE SECOND of time you’re not supposed to be working.
Oh, I KNOW! One of the reasons I like the job I have is that I’m very rarely needed to work overtime. I used to have a job where I’d go in at 8 pm on Sunday night after working a forty, fifty hour week and leave at 3 a.m., get up, and go back to work at 8:30 a.m. the next day.
I loved that job (it was a good firm, and I learned so much) but I just got so tired, so fast. I had a lot less time for me…or a lot of times I had to drop everything to get up to go to work for an emergency.
Columbus is bucking trends, eh? They gave us a hell of a time last game we had against them.
“Oh, alix, I have a Matty O card from last year, as well as a Luongo, Cooke, and Morrison from previous years. Want?”
Sure! I don’t have any hockey cards yet so why not. Is Louie in a Nucks sweater or a Panthers?
“Man, there are just half naked people all over California! That really shouldn’t be news, should it?”
Y’know, ever since the halcyon days at Cal, when the Naked Guy ran rampant, it’s just sort of been played out. No one cares as much anymore.
Man, there are just half naked people all over California! That really shouldn’t be news, should it?
Considering the weather that’s down there, I suppose it’s acceptable. (Although some people that are half naked shouldn’t be. I’m not sayin’, I’m just sayin’) Seriously though, it must be pretty confusing dressing for a hockey game. I know I was when going to Bulldogs playoff games last year.
Next thing I know I’ll be taking dictations!
Will you be sitting on their laps for that?
Man, there are just half naked people all over California! That really shouldn’t be news, should it?
Oh, you know us, basking in the sun and romping on the sand. :P
Is Louie in a Nucks sweater or a Panthers?
All of them are in Canucks sweaters. :)
“Columbus is bucking trends, eh? They gave us a hell of a time last game we had against them.”
And Phoenix! What the hell, people! Go back to being joke franchises….you’re upsetting the natural balance.
Will you be sitting on their laps for that?
Is there any other way to take a dictation?
Will you be sitting on their laps for that?
Thanks for the visual, Patty :P
“All of them are in Canucks sweaters. :)”
Awesome.
I picture Schnookie with a giant beehive hairdo and cats-eye glasses, sitting on her boss’ lap and scribbling on a shorthand pad. :D
“And Phoenix! What the hell, people! Go back to being joke franchises….you’re upsetting the natural balance.”
No kidding! It hurts my brain.
andrew, I’m glad to hear you avoided the worst of the storm (and overtime)!
On a totally unrelated note, I just spent 45 minutes alphabetizing Nora Roberts books. I think my brain is fried. She has so many books and they all have the same title! Born in Fire. Born in Flame. Born in Firey Flame! We’ve discussed here before my troubles with the alphabet, so imagine me trying to alphabetize those! I was practically a sobbing glob of jelly scaring all the partons away.
Is there any other way to take a dictation?
Mercifully, yes. Thank god for the micro-tape.
Go back to being joke franchises….you’re upsetting the natural balance.
Yeah, the Stars have beaten the Blue Jackets twice this year…in the shootout.
I’d really rather not talk about Phoenix. Sigh.
Next time I stop at Target, I’m going to buy a box of hockey cards and start dealing them out to all-a y’all.
I never bought them because I had no reason to, but now I have an excuse!
“I picture Schnookie with a giant beehive hairdo and cats-eye glasses, sitting on her boss’ lap and scribbling on a shorthand pad. :D”
HEE!
Mercifully, yes. Thank god for the micro-tape.
Do you sit in the micro-tape’s lap?
I picture Schnookie with a giant beehive hairdo and cats-eye glasses, sitting on her boss’ lap and scribbling on a shorthand pad.
That’s pretty much it, spot-on. I hate having to do my hair for dictations, but it’s all part of the job.
I never bought them because I had no reason to, but now I have an excuse!
I know my Super Target in the suburbs has them, and the Super Target by Medallion Center has them for sure. So they must be in every Target!
Now that I know how much fun it is to open all the little packages, I’m like, “Eee, yay, I get to do it again!”
Patty, it will hook you. Be prepared!
andrew, I’m glad you didn’t have too much damage.
We had a couple of windy days this weekend and I actually had to chase my Christmas tree down the street and drag it back to my curb a couple of times. I finally got it wedged against my crepe myrtle and it stopped running away.
“I hate having to do my hair for dictations, but it’s all part of the job.”
Finding an outlet for the egg-beater is probably the hardest part!
Is there any other way to take a dictation?
:^::::::::::::::::;
That sounds horrible, Pookie! My brain just cried for you.
I have to go downtown and buy a new charger for my cell phone. It just randomly doesn’t fit into the little slotty mc thingy on my phone anymore. What the deuce? Stay classy IPB!
Do you sit in the micro-tape’s lap?
:^::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Actually, Schnookie, everything you wrote is :^::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::.
Finding an outlet for the egg-beater is probably the hardest part!
andrew, please — you can’t use an electric egg beater for dictations. You have to use one of those hand-cranked ones. The electric one is for when I’m going to be using the mimeograph.
…Super Target by Medallion Center…
That’s one of my Targets!! :D
(I missed the Target discussion, but I LOVE Target. Once, my neice, who was about 10 at the time, asked me where I got some knick-knack and I told her Target. Then I said, jokingly, that I get everything from Target. So she tried to test me and pointed at things and said Where’d you get this? over and over. And the actual answer was Target for about twenty things, until we got to the couch and I had to tell her someplace different.)
You guys, just
:^::::::::::::::::::::::
I actually had to chase my Christmas tree down the street and drag it back to my curb a couple of times.
Not funny but :^::::::::::::::::: again
The electric one is for when I’m going to be using the mimeograph.
:^::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
I love alphabetizing, Pookie, so if you need help, let me know.
That’s one of my Targets!! :D
Ohmigod, I flove that Target!
I live out in the suburbs, so I’m always visiting mainly Targets off of George Bush Turnpike as you head out from Dallas, but whenever I go visit Cat, man, that is like the awesomest Target ever!
Then I said, jokingly, that I get everything from Target. So she tried to test me and pointed at things and said Where’d you get this? over and over.
This happens to me quite a bit as well.
I think my entire bedroom was done by Target. Hmm.. I’m about to buy new sheets and I think the entire bedset will be done by Target as well.
You know, Schnookie, I think I actually HAVE a mimeograph somewhere in this office….
I definitely have a typewriter. Old school IBM, even.
I definitely have a typewriter. Old school IBM, even.
Nice! I worked as a bank teller for a while out in AZ, and we used typewriters for everything. As recently as 2001. Bank One? Not very hip to the “emerging technologies” thing.
I remember learning to type on typewriters when I was in 8th grade. It was so strange, being of the “in between” generation, where the typewriters seemed impossibly archaic, yet we weren’t all doing everything on computers yet. I think there was just a lot of sucking it up and handwriting stuff back then… (Or, as Patty so evocatively put it, using burnt sticks on flat rocks.)
I definitely have a typewriter. Old school IBM, even.
We have an old typewriter at home, too. We also used to have a black-and-white tv and I know there are several abacuses around. It’s like I’m living in the Stone Age!
We also used to have a black-and-white tv and I know there are several abacuses around.
:^::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
We have an old typewriter at home, too.
I don’t have any at my office (although my father has and occasionally needs one at his law office) but we do have an old typewriter at home. I think it’s from the 1920s or so and I thought it was the best thing ever when I was little.
I think it’s from the 1920s or so and I thought it was the best thing ever when I was little.
My old french tutor had one in her basement and we would use every excuse to go down there and just click on it. It was awesome.
“I actually had to chase my Christmas tree down the street and drag it back to my curb a couple of times.”
That sucks, but is also totally hilarious Patty!
“you can’t use an electric egg beater for dictations. You have to use one of those hand-cranked ones. The electric one is for when I’m going to be using the mimeograph.”
I was actually talking about the hairstyling, but I might have confused you for Pookie. I can’t remember which one of you said your passport photo looks like you did your hair with an egg beater.
I think it’s from the 1920s or so and I thought it was the best thing ever when I was little.
That really is super-cool. Unless someone is expected to do their actual job on it. In which case… less cool. (Unless they’re working in some “heritage village tourist attraction and school field trip destination” version of a Roaring Twenties office. In which case, that’s an interesting job.)
As recently as 2001. Bank One? Not very hip to the “emerging technologies” thing.
Ours is so old I think this case of typewriter ribbon might be our very last. I think our office manager lives in fear they won’t make anymore.
Also, have y’all seen the new cover of Men’s Fitness with Sid on the cover? NHL Fanhouse and Kukla have it up.
It’s pretty laughable. (Poor Sid.)
I was actually talking about the hairstyling, but I might have confused you for Pookie. I can’t remember which one of you said your passport photo looks like you did your hair with an egg beater.
Oh, I totally knew what you meant, andrew! I was saying that when I style my hair, I have to use the hand-crank beater to get the right look for dictations, and the electric one for the appropriate mimeograph coif. Sorry! (And today my hair looks like I styled it with my egg beater with the waffle iron attachment. It’s been a GREAT look for me. :P)
We were looking at boxes of hockey cards the other day and I couldn’t believe how expensive they were and how few cards were in them. :::gets out cane and starts waving finger::: When I was a kid we used to pay $5 for a box of Tops baseball cards that had a million cards in it – and free sticks of gum! Those were the good ol’ days.
(It is awfully fun to open those shiny packs and discover what’s in there though, isn’t it? It’s one of the best feelings in the world to suddenly come across one of your favorite players.)
(And today my hair looks like I styled it with my egg beater with the waffle iron attachment. It’s been a GREAT look for me. :P)
That sounds deliciously wholesome!
That kind of reminds me of how girls used to straighten their hair with actual irons before straightening irons came out.
Hey everybody, I’ll sit here and try to sympathize with your bad weather stories. I mean, we did have 3 days of mostly-rain, but all that really resulted was that my car got washed.
Also, have y’all seen the new cover of Men’s Fitness with Sid on the cover? NHL Fanhouse and Kukla have it up.
I read the Fanhouse post about it before the link to the picture was working, so I totally thought it was going to be, like, foxy or something. Then when I saw it on Kukla I literally laughed out loud. It just… lame.
Unless someone is expected to do their actual job on it. In which case… less cool.
Yeah, that would definitely suck.
We also used to have a black-and-white tv and I know there are several abacuses around. It’s like I’m living in the Stone Age!
Also, :^::::::::::::::::::, I forgot to mention this.
It’s just odd, seeing as how most firms I’ve worked for have been all computers, all electronic, Blackberries galore kind of stuff. I’m pretty young so I’ve rarely used a typewriter, and I think all the women in my office above 35 had a good laugh when I had to ask them how to change out some typewriter ribbon.
(Unless they’re working in some “heritage village tourist attraction and school field trip destination” version of a Roaring Twenties office. In which case, that’s an interesting job.)
Boy, talk about a niche career.
I mean, we did have 3 days of mostly-rain, but all that really resulted was that my car got washed.
3 days of rain is a good week in Hamilton :P We had 60 cm of snow last week…and it is now 10 degrees Celsius and everything is wet.
(It is awfully fun to open those shiny packs and discover what’s in there though, isn’t it? It’s one of the best feelings in the world to suddenly come across one of your favorite players.)
I know! It’s so exciting and addicting!
I literally laughed out loud. It just… lame.
Yeah. The photographer’s all upset and saying, “God, his thighs are so enormous, we don’t have any pants that fit. Yeah. Yeah, just strap on his hockey pants, he’ll be good to go…What? I know he looks misshapen, he was that way before I got him!”
I mean, we did have 3 days of mostly-rain, but all that really resulted was that my car got washed.
3 days of rain is a good week in Hamilton :P We had 60 cm of snow last week…and it is now 10 degrees Celsius and everything is wet.
It’s 75 and was sunny and lovely here today. Of course, my office is still heated per January specs, so I’ve been MISERABLE inside all day. It’s sweltering hot in here. Only 9 more minutes, though…
Also, have y’all seen the new cover of Men’s Fitness with Sid on the cover? NHL Fanhouse and Kukla have it up.
It kind of makes Sid look like he has tiny man boobs!
(It is awfully fun to open those shiny packs and discover what’s in there though, isn’t it? It’s one of the best feelings in the world to suddenly come across one of your favorite players.)
It is! When McDonalds was selling those cards I made my brother buy them for me. He used to be an avid hockey card collector and got all nostalgic seeing me opening the packages.
It kind of makes Sid look like he has tiny man boobs!
:^:::::::::::::::::::::::::
Also, it kind of makes Sid look strange, like all of his body parts don’t fit together correctly…like they don’t match.
It’s kind of disturbing, to tell you the truth, combined with that freaky smile on his face.
Poor Sid. I can’t see the picture here at work (it’ll be the first thing I check at home, though), but I can bet it’s bad. When Modano was on the cover, they had him comically air-brushed. It was so obvious, even if you don’t know that his six-pack isn’t very well-defined.
the new cover of Men’s Fitness with Sid on the cover?
If that does not end up on Go Fug Yourself I’m going to… I don’t know. I’ll be disappointed. That’s it, I’m emailing it to them.
Target list:
12-pack Diet Cokes (permanently on list)
Pack of hockey cards
Newest issue of Men’s Fitness
And, um, something from the “Dollar Spot,” of course.
Oh, look, it’s 5 o’clock. Catch you guys later.
And, um, something from the “Dollar Spot,” of course.
Ever since I found pens, pencils and paper with The Office on it, I’ve checked The Dollar Spot religiously. Last week, I ended up with Dilbert stuff.
Woo hoo! 5:00! Time to get out into the cool, Spring-like night air! See you all later!
Bye Schnookie! Enjoy the weather!
Bye Schnookie! Bye Meg!
Ever since I found pens, pencils and paper with The Office on it, I’ve checked The Dollar Spot religiously.
Never can tell what you might find!
Bye Meg, bye Schnookie!
If that does not end up on Go Fug Yourself I’m going to… I don’t know. I’ll be disappointed. That’s it, I’m emailing it to them.
Oh, I love Go Fug Yourself so much! Hee, celebrity terror watch! I haven’t read in forever though.
12-pack Diet Cokes (permanently on list)
Pack of hockey cards
Newest issue of Men’s Fitness
I love your Target list!
Mine probably looks like: 12 pack of Dr. Pepper, pack of hockey cards, Starbucks Mint Mocha Frappucino and some Archer Farm cookies.
Yes, my diet is extraordinarily healthy. (I don’t eat that all the time, I promise!)
Oh, I love Go Fug Yourself so much! Hee, celebrity terror watch! I haven’t read in forever though.
Same here. I love it because it makes me feel better about myself knowing I have a better fashion sense than supposed professional stylists… and for at least half the budget too!
Note to self: Next time in States, hit up Target.
Wow. I was looking at some stats post-Niedermayer; since his return, the best team in the Pacific has been the Phoenix Coyotes: 7-2-1. Crazy.
the best team in the Pacific has been the Phoenix Coyotes: 7-2-1. Crazy.
The power of Bryz?
“Ever since I found pens, pencils and paper with The Office on it, I’ve checked The Dollar Spot religiously.”
Ha! My wife bought a whole bunch of those. And a bunch of Simpsons ones when they were in stock. I got a Homer beer bottle coozie! For a buck!
I got all distracted with the Sims, and so I’m late catching up!!
alix – I’ve got a Jannik Hansen Young Guns card, and then I’ve got Kesler, Bieksa, and yes, Matty O. If you would like them, email me! sinceritystar [at] gmail [dot] com, that actually goes for anyone who wants me to mail them hockey cards. I have a whole roll of stamps that I have yet to use, and I love nothing more than dropping envelopes in the mailbox, no lie.
Patty – that Medallion Center Target is SO my Target!! I live right off of 75 and Caruth Haven, so I’m about 5 minutes away from at least 3 Targets that I know of. It’s like HEAVEN.
I’m always buying my little nephew toys in the Dollar Spot, and my sister’s all, “Dude, we already got that.” :D
The power of Bryz?
Undoubtedly; he beat Giguere in a shootout on Saturday, though losing shootouts is Giguere’s specialty.
The power of Bryz?
Bryyyyyyyyz I love Bryz so much. I really don’t like the Coyotes, but I love Bryz.
I seriously get more nervous when my Stars play the Coyotes than when they play Anaheim or San Jose. I think it’s because you used to be able to rely on the Coyotes to suck, but this season alone they’ve beaten us twice. What the hell? My world, she crumbles.
“he beat Giguere in a shootout on Saturday, though losing shootouts is Giguere’s specialty.”
Ha! Stupid shootouts. Giguere and Nabokov are like the dueling Grandmasters of suck.
I live right off of 75 and Caruth Haven, so I’m about 5 minutes away from at least 3 Targets that I know of. It’s like HEAVEN.
That’s great! The Medallion Super Target is the closest nice one to me, that I know of. There are some skanky ones closer, but I don’t like those. :D
I sometimes wish I lived back in Allen again, or Frisco, where the fanciest ones are.
Giguere and Nabokov are like the dueling Grandmasters of suck.
I would totally go to a party DJed and Emceed by the Grandmasters of Suck :P
And amen on the shootout suckiness, I’d dig out the Senators stats in the shootout but it’s too depressing.
There are some skanky ones closer, but I don’t like those.
Considering how nice an area it’s in, the Target at Haskell and 75 (I think? Right by the West Village) kind of sucks.
Oh man, I used to live up at the Tollway and Frankford (which was awesome, because, come on, it only took 10 minutes to get to Stars practice!), and that Target at Park and the Tollway? AWESOME.
Stupid shootouts. Giguere and Nabokov are like the dueling Grandmasters of suck.
Hee!!
We played Edmonton a couple of weeks back and they were all bragging about their 10-shootout win streak. The Stars were like, “Please. Get that shit outta here.” :D
…and that Target at Park and the Tollway? AWESOME.
I’d almost move, just to be closer to that one!
the best team in the Pacific has been the Phoenix Coyotes: 7-2-1
Ewwwww
Cat, got any Ducks? :)
Hee, I got some Target giftcards for Christmas. Guess I know something I can spend them on. :P
“And amen on the shootout suckiness, I’d dig out the Senators stats in the shootout but it’s too depressing.”
I didn’t realize the Sens were bad at the shootout. Then again, I only see them play the Sabres, so I didn’t realize they were bad at ANYTHING.
“The Stars were like, “Please. Get that shit outta here.” :D”
Hey dude, not to burst your bubble or anything, but the Sharks beat you guys in a shootout this year. The Stars are now in a VERY exclusive club.
4 wins since the shootout was invented…that’s all I’m sayin’!
And amen on the shootout suckiness, I’d dig out the Senators stats in the shootout but it’s too depressing.
I was going to shoot down your theory, Sherry, but in looking at it, you’ve got a case to end up in that same breath.
Worst Shootout records since the invention (fewest wins):
San Jose — 5 wins, 14 losses
Ottawa — 5 wins, 15 losses
Philadelphia — 5 wins, 16 losses
Worst Shootout records since the invention (most losses):
Toronto — 8 wins, 17 losses
Washington — 8 wins, 19 losses
Anaheim — 11 wins, 22 losses
On a pct. basis, Philly’s the worst, Ottawa’s second, and Sharks are third.
Hey dude, not to burst your bubble or anything, but the Sharks beat you guys in a shootout this year. The Stars are now in a VERY exclusive club.
4 wins since the shootout was invented…that’s all I’m sayin’!
Oh, you mean the Stars being the best shootout team in the NHL ever, huh?
Yup, I’m sure!
“San Jose — 5 wins, 14 losses”
I would double check that Earl. Everytime the Sharks get into a shootout, they have to remind us at home that the Sharks have only won 4.
I didn’t realize the Sens were bad at the shootout. Then again, I only see them play the Sabres, so I didn’t realize they were bad at ANYTHING.
Hold the phone, you said something nice about the Senators! Actually, apparently we’re horrible at controlling our tempers and not beating up each other :P (Second only to Philly I guess)
I was going to shoot down your theory, Sherry, but in looking at it, you’ve got a case to end up in that same breath.
Oh, it’s actually much worse than I thought. If I remember correctly though, we did win the first shootout when it was introduced after the lock-out.
“Oh, you mean the Stars being the best shootout team in the NHL ever, huh?”
Well duh! No one’s arguing that!
I’m just sayin’ we whooped some ass! (on that one shootout, once)
Hey dude, not to burst your bubble or anything, but the Sharks beat you guys in a shootout this year. The Stars are now in a VERY exclusive club.
Not sayin’ we never lose, just sayin’ that Edmonton’s not overtaking us.
And you know, even a blind pig finds an acorn every once in a while.
I would double check that Earl. Everytime the Sharks get into a shootout, they have to remind us at home that the Sharks have only won 4.
Don’t forget that you won Niedermayer’s debut in a shootout.
I show the following wins:
0506: Calgary
0607: @ Washington, @ Anaheim
0708: @ Dallas, @ Anaheim
Maybe you’re just counting the number of teams.
Although a win against the Sharks would help us a lot more. So it was a bad loss there, andrew. I’ll give you that one. :D
I’m just sayin’ we whooped some ass! (on that one shootout, once)
Stupid fake Russian! He ruins EVERYTHING!
Cat, got any Ducks? :)
I have a Giguere somewhere…The Lord Stanley’s Heroes one. I can’t find it at the moment, but I know it was in that box. I’ve also got a Jonas Hiller Young Guns card, if you waaaaant it.
Sherry, I’ve got a couple Sens cards, too. Please, people, take these cards off my hands. I feel bad throwing them away. Hee.
I’m surprised we’re not on the bad shootout record list – maybe this year skewed us upward a little bit. I pretty much always assumed we’d lose them until last Feb.
And not to pile on the pity party for Sid, but THN quoted Pat Brisson saying Sid told him when they showed the clip of him playing in junior during HNIC’s After Hours that he “almost started to cry because those were the good days.” It was in reference to how freakin’ exhausting all that media stuff is.
I’m sure there are a lot of people who look at that and think “poor little rich kid,” and certainly there are way worse problems to have. But what he makes wouldn’t be enough to make me OK with giving as much of myself, time- and energy-wise, as he does. There’s certainly no way I could do that and play as hard as he does and work as hard in the offseason as he does and maintain a quality of work as well as he does. I hate my job for taking too much out of me as it is, and the only physical aspect of what I do is typing.
Sherry, I’ve got a couple Sens cards, too. Please, people, take these cards off my hands. I feel bad throwing them away. Hee.
Cat, if it’ll make you feel better I would be MORE THAN WILLING to take them off your hands ;D
“Hold the phone, you said something nice about the Senators!”
Please don’t tell anyone! I have a reputation to uphold. (we’ll just say that it was a backhanded compliment, ‘kay?)
“And you know, even a blind pig finds an acorn every once in a while.”
HAHA!! Such a Texan thing to say! I love it!
“Maybe you’re just counting the number of teams.”
Whatever! I don’t care! WE’RE NOT THE WORST ANYMORE!!! WOO HOO!!!
I’m surprised we’re not on the bad shootout record list
Maybe you’re thinking of a bad stretch. The Penguins have won the 7th-most shootouts in the league since its invention. Overall they are 17-13.
More shootout wins than the Ducks and Sharks combined.
Stupid fake Russian! He ruins EVERYTHING!
I’m glad I haven’t put on my Niskanen jersey yet, because I just spit Dr. Pepper all over myself.
he “almost started to cry because those were the good days.” It was in reference to how freakin’ exhausting all that media stuff is.
Oh my god.
Someone, somewhere, please give this guy a break. If anyone in the NHL deserves a break, it’s Sidney Crosby. Let Ovechkin tear it up for a few months and throw a huge party while Sid gets some R&R.
That kinda makes me want to cry, actually.
I’m glad I haven’t put on my Niskanen jersey yet, because I just spit Dr. Pepper all over myself.
Well, I’m glad I didn’t accidentally cause you to destroy a perfectly good Happy Meals jersey!
Maybe you’re thinking of a bad stretch. The Penguins have won the 7th-most shootouts in the league since its invention. Overall they are 17-13.
I find that stunning. But we have only lost one this year (out of six or seven I believe), so that’s definitely helped. I think we won a few in that run of 16 wins last year (don’t know how many OT vs. SO) and a few more in March, so I’d say we were probably below .500 until recently.
I’m sure there are a lot of people who look at that and think “poor little rich kid,” and certainly there are way worse problems to have.
Well, of course there are worse problems, but that doesn’t make it any easier for the poor kid. He’s got this “Saint of the NHL” image that people have given him, and it’s got to be hard to keep that up. Poor Sidney. I won’t make fun of him for at least a week, I promise.
HAHA!! Such a Texan thing to say! I love it!</i.
You mean that’s not universal? ;D
I hate my job for taking too much out of me as it is, and the only physical aspect of what I do is typing.
So with you there, Pensgirl. I honestly feel for the guy. I would never be able to take it. I’d have jumped off a bridge in juniors.
“Stupid fake Russian! He ruins EVERYTHING!”
I always tell myself I’m going to turn off the TV when the Sharks get into a shootout. But then it’s like a car crash, you just can’t tear yourself away. It’s like, “OMG!!! The carnage!!! AGH!! Stop trying to poke check you shithook!”
Cat, I want. :D I’ll send you an email. Any cards you’re looking for?
Sleek, where are you getting the shootout numbers? It’s almost magical the way you pull them out so quickly. I didn’t realize that we had so many shootout wins. That said, I’m not surprised at all that we have the most losses. Dumb Ducks. They need to win in in regulation more often :P
Stupid tags.
so I’d say we were probably below .500 until recently.
I’ll say! I took a look at the timeline, and ever since Jan. 26, 2007, the Penguins have gone a whopping 15-2 over their last seventeen shootouts!
If anyone in the NHL deserves a break, it’s Sidney Crosby. Let Ovechkin tear it up for a few months and throw a huge party while Sid gets some R&R.
Word. For one, Ovie deserves some damn press (oh, but he’s not Canadian. WHO CARES.). For another, he appears to enjoy the off-ice spotlight in a way Sid does not. And finally, you cannot help your sport by concentrating on just one guy, no matter how incredible he is. It’s not fair to any of them and quite frankly it’s not fair to us, either.
Stop trying to poke check you shithook!
:^::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
I’m going to have to work ’shithook’ into my vocabulary now.
I won’t make fun of him for at least a week, I promise.
If only it was being teased on a blog that was so tiring for him! But I’m sure he’d appreciate the gesture if he knew about it. :)
I took a look at the timeline, and ever since Jan. 26, 2007, the Penguins have gone a whopping 15-2 over their last seventeen shootouts!
That would be your Erik Christensen Quotient right there.
It’s like, “OMG!!! The carnage!!! AGH!! Stop trying to poke check you shithook!”
I’d just like to say I nearly choked and died on a sucker, but that’s okay. “Stop trying to poke check, you shithook,” is totally my new phrase.
And finally, you cannot help your sport by concentrating on just one guy, no matter how incredible he is. It’s not fair to any of them and quite frankly it’s not fair to us, either.
Oh, seconded! I like them both, just in different ways, but I get so sick of Sid being hyped as THE face of the NHL. How can people heap that much responsibility on a 20 year old guy? It’s unfair, especially when you’ve got guys like Ovechkin, Lecavalier and some of the other young guys who can share the load a little bit.
Poor Sid.
Sleek, where are you getting the shootout numbers?
My 3-year spreadsheet of NHL results.
As for complaining about losing shootouts, I think it’s a bit worrisome this year because the Ducks need standings points, but really it hasn’t been a concern for me very much. I’d rather be a team that makes the playoffs despite sucking at shootouts than one that makes the playoffs because it kicks shootout ass.
Shootout success is very inflationary in the final standings, and a lot of the best shootout teams don’t have very much postseason success to talk about (Dallas, Vancouver, Minnesota, New Jersey).
“I’m going to have to work ’shithook’ into my vocabulary now.”
Word.
I have to say though, that the Sabres have been pretty damn good in shootouts over the past few years, so I enjoy it when they get into ‘em. Last year with Briere and Kotalik…fuggitaboutit, they were an unstoppable 1-2 punch.
I’m doing my part. I ignore the shit out of Sid Crosby.
Cat, I want. :D I’ll send you an email. Any cards you’re looking for?
Any Stars. Any. Also, I like the Flames.
For one, Ovie deserves some damn press (oh, but he’s not Canadian. WHO CARES.).
But…But…He’s RUSSIAN!!
But…But…He’s RUSSIAN!!
And crazy! I still want that Alex Ovechkin reality show, damnit!
I’d rather be a team that makes the playoffs despite sucking at shootouts than one that makes the playoffs because it kicks shootout ass.
True, but I think I just like wins. :)
“That would be your Erik Christensen Quotient right there.”
And Letang. That kid is nails.
“I’d just like to say I nearly choked and died on a sucker, but that’s okay. “Stop trying to poke check, you shithook,” is totally my new phrase.”
Ouch! Sorry, Caitlin!
Unfortunately (or fortunately) you won’t be able to use the phrase as often as I. You see, Caitlin, Marty Turco somehow, miraculously, doesn’t completely wipe from his mind everything he knows about goaltending upon the first shooter’s approach. How nice that must be.
I’m doing my part. I ignore the shit out of Sid Crosby.
You try your darndest up here but then he shows up in places that you would least expect.
Anyways, it’s time to get dinner ready now. Bye everybody!
Later Sherry, have a good ‘un.
You see, Caitlin, Marty Turco somehow, miraculously, doesn’t completely wipe from his mind everything he knows about goaltending upon the first shooter’s approach. How nice that must be.
No, it’s just unfortunate other times when he forgets the basics. Like, “don’t go a million miles out of your crease when the other guy has a breakaway”. Sorry, Marty.
I’d rather be a team that makes the playoffs despite sucking at shootouts than one that makes the playoffs because it kicks shootout ass.
What about being a team that misses the playoffs due to sucking at shootouts?
(That might not be a provable cause, though.)
You see, Caitlin, Marty Turco somehow, miraculously, doesn’t completely wipe from his mind everything he knows about goaltending upon the first shooter’s approach.
We can probably break out that phrase during regulation a few times, though. :D
What about being a team that misses the playoffs due to sucking at shootouts?
It’s conceiveable, sure, and I’m sure there’s one team somewhere that will make a good case for that.
Problem is, if you’re picking up enough single points for shootout losses and still missing the playoffs, you’ve got other problems too–like not being able to win games in regulation.
In other words, you’re probably not a contender anyway.
Oh and sadly classes start again for me again tomorrow so I won’t really be around as much. I’ll miss you guys! *sniff*
You see, Caitlin, Marty Turco somehow, miraculously, doesn’t completely wipe from his mind everything he knows about goaltending upon the first shooter’s approach. How nice that must be.
Awww! Well, Nabokov’s solid in regulation play, correct? Sometimes it’s really hard to find middle ground with Turco. It seems as if he’s been either running really really hot this season or very, very cold.
Do you know what Marty Turco does to prevent that from happening, andrew?
He actually “clears the mechanism”, just like in For Love of the Game with Kevin Costner.
I seriously wish I made that shit up on my own, but it’s true. I read/saw it somewhere in an interview (it’s gonna drive me crazy until I find it, or see the interview again).
Do you know what Marty Turco does to prevent that from happening, andrew?
He actually “clears the mechanism”, just like in For Love of the Game with Kevin Costner.
Is this why the zambonis go extra-slow before shootouts in Dallas?
In other words, you’re probably not a contender anyway.
Right.
It’s kind of like blaming a playoff miss on having to play in the outdoor game. Too many other games you could have won, too, so you can’t pin it on that one.
Is this why the zambonis go extra-slow before shootouts in Dallas?
Probably. Marty has to have his time where he can have his Kevin Costner moment, andrew! Duh!
Is this why the zambonis go extra-slow before shootouts in Dallas?
Not that mechanism, silly! ;P
I don’t know if I’m watching a Dallas shootout again. I mean, it’s bad enough that they win nearly all of them, but now they are just plain dirty.
Thanks, Caitlin!
“Awww! Well, Nabokov’s solid in regulation play, correct?”
Yeah, he’s pretty solid. 41 straight starts too. Yikes!
“Marty has to have his time where he can have his Kevin Costner moment, andrew! Duh!”
Hey! That was Earl making fun of Turco, not me! I’ve never even seen For Love of the Game!
I mean, it’s bad enough that they win nearly all of them, but now they are just plain dirty.
:^:::::::::::::::::::::
I’ve never even seen For Love of the Game!
Actually, neither have I. I figured you had to love the game in order to watch it.
Oh noes, Sid’s agent is telling us Sid’s unhappy! That’s soooooo sad!
Come on! Since when do we not take everything Pat Brisson says with a giant, giant grain of salt? Ovie may like the spot-light in a way different than Sid, but his interest in being a star isn’t any greater than Sid’s. Is it draining to do all the interviews, and magazine covers, and After Hourses, and whatever else? Sure! But he’s getting plenty for it and he knows it. If he didn’t want to do he could have said no. If there’s one thing I believe Sid is, it’s completely aware of all of the ramifications of the choices he makes.
Moreover, let us not forget that’s he’s been a perfectly willing participant in all of this.
(Oh and that magazine cover is ridiculous! I trust Schnookie’s opinion implicity but when I read her comment that it was lame I was like, “No way!” Then I clicked on Kukla and was like, “Oh. Oh, Sid. Sid, Sid, Sid, Sid.” Total manboobs. Of course, those were on display last year at the All Star Game so I can’t even go with the air-brushing excuse!)
Actually, neither have I. I figured you had to love the game in order to watch it.
Or at least Kevin Costner. :P
(Whom I loathe. )
“I figured you had to love the game in order to watch it.”
Or a love for Kevin Costner…whom I would like to see die from Syphilis.
“Or at least Kevin Costner. :P”
“(Whom I loathe. )”
Jinx!
Actually, neither have I. I figured you had to love the game in order to watch it.
:^:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
You owe me a Coke, andrew!
Sorry Patty!
Or a love for Kevin Costner…whom I would like to see die from Syphilis.
Whoa, andrew! Don’t tell me you went to “Waterworld” on opening day and haven’t forgiven him!
andrew, the only reason I didn’t mention Letang is that we didn’t have him when we started winning SOs last year. But he’s certainly earned the Pensblog calling him “Legame!”
Sorry Patty!
Why? When we jinx, you owe me a Coke! That’s all. It’s the rule. No hard feelings at all. :D
“Whoa, andrew! Don’t tell me you went to “Waterworld” on opening day and haven’t forgiven him!”
Oh my god, I did see Waterworld in the theater. I was on a date and the girl I was with lost a contact right at the start of the movie! I really, really didn’t want to see it anyway, but she did, so we watched the entire Effing thing…her with one hand over her bad eye and me leaning over every 5 minutes, “Are you sure you don’t want to go? We can totally go, I don’t mind.”
Last year with Briere and Kotalik…fuggitaboutit, they were an unstoppable 1-2 punch.
I give Al his fair share of crap but he’s gold in the shootout, that’s for sure. And Ryan’s usually pretty solid so that helps too. That’s why I’m convinced there was either a voodoo doll or a payout involved in the Ice Bowl.
“Why? When we jinx, you owe me a Coke! That’s all. It’s the rule. No hard feelings at all. :D”
The rules of jinx are strict, but fair.
Poor andrew! I bailed on him even before Dances with Wolves. Yuck!
Sure, it’s just that voodoo doll was wearing a Letang sweater.
Oh yeah, and see you later, everyone! Off to less work-y pastures!
“I bailed on him even before Dances with Wolves. Yuck!”
Oh man, me and Costner have a death feud from way back. Field of Dreams is where my liking of him starts and stops.
And Tim Robbins totally makes Bull Durham! Costner almost singlehandedly ruined that flick.
andrew, that’s awful! If I’d known you had actually seen “Waterworld” in the theater I never would have brought it up!
andrew, that “Waterworld” story is just TOO painful!
And bye, Earl! Enjoy the less work-y pastures!
See ya Earl!
Heather, I love watching Al in the shootout. He straight up oozes confidence. It’s pretty awesome.
Earl, I think our voodoo doll is actually wearing a Conklin sweater.
Bye, Earl!
I may head home, too. See if the Stars can’t pull it out of the ditch tonight.
Field of Dreams is where my liking of him starts and stops.
Yep, same here. Field of Dreams is awesome. Beyond that I have no use for KC.
Heather, I love watching Al in the shootout. He straight up oozes confidence. It’s pretty awesome.
He really does. He did that forehand to backhand move over and over and over and no one could stop it. Amazing. I also enjoy it when he just says to hell with it and cranks it in.
I’m off to the Stars game (hopefully) – a friend has coupons for free tickets, and we’re hoping we can manage to use them tonight. If not, then…Well, we’ll probably just pay $15 a ticket to see the game. Whether or not it will be worth it is the real question.
Grr, Minnesota Wild. Oh, random story – a woman wearing a Minnesota Wild shirt came into the Discovery House while I was in there working yesterday, and I didn’t speak one single word to her. Petty? Yes. Satisfying? Also yes.
Heather, there had to have been payout! Why else would Crunchy have said afterwards (and been quoted in the AP report saying) “Obviously I wanted to stop it!” No, really, honest, I wanted to! I just, you know, didn’t. Um… no reason why… Look, Andrew Peters is kissing me! Funny, right?
(OK, I don’t really believe Crunchy didn’t take a dive. That quote just completely cracked me up.)
Have fun at the game, Cat!
“andrew, that’s awful! If I’d known you had actually seen “Waterworld” in the theater I never would have brought it up!”
It’s cool, that was a loooong time ago!
“andrew, that “Waterworld” story is just TOO painful!”
I’ve put up with a lot of bad date movies over the years. As I’m sure we all have.
Luckily that girl was waaaay out of my league. It 1) Made her bad taste in movies easy to overlook. And 2) She soon realized it, and we went our separate ways, so I didn’t have to put up with it for long.
What? I’m not shallow! It was high school!
“He did that forehand to backhand move over and over and over and no one could stop it.”
Seriously.
Also, you know who I would like to not see in the shootout anymore? Vanek. Good Lord, that kid has become downright pathetic. He’s either super preditcable, or gives a halfassed effort.
Have fun at the game Cat! Don’t get too Wild! Har!
Also, you know who I would like to not see in the shootout anymore? Vanek.
Yeah, he’s pretty much the opposite of Al. He oozes total lack of confidence. Atleast he finally gave up that stupid around the world move that worked exactly once though.
“Atleast he finally gave up that stupid around the world move that worked exactly once though.”
Yeah, but unfortunately the one time it worked was on Hasek. I think that’s why he kept using it, he figured if it beat Dom, than it should beat anybody! What a turd.
And bye Patty! Go Wild!
You guys, we’ve just settled down for dinner in front of the TV, and there is literally NOTHING ON. We are being reduced to watching Jeopardy. This is a nightmare.
Oops, laptop battery is about to die. Gotta go charge ‘im up. I’ll be back later!
Yeah, he’s pretty much the opposite of Al. He oozes total lack of confidence.
It’s the Patty Elias approach to shootouts!
“we’ve just settled down for dinner in front of the TV, and there is literally NOTHING ON.”
No Food Network? How about Comedy Central? History Channel? There has to be something!
there is literally NOTHING ON. We are being reduced to watching Jeopardy. This is a nightmare.
Oh my gosh! We just found out why there’s nothing on TV! One of the first questions we saw about about Mr. Pibb! I’m not it’s ever come up on IPB but we’ve been joking for awhile now that Paulie Martin asked Lou to pay his contract out in 800,000 cans of Mr. Pibb.
No Food Network? How about Comedy Central? History Channel? There has to be something!
No, no and no! We checked! We checked EVERYTHING. We haven’t seen Jeopardy in years, and Pookie just declared, “It seems a lot easier since I was a kid.” Pause. “Of course, I might know more now.” (Although yes, it is a lot easier.)
Food Network is Emeril. Comedy Central is “Scrubs” (I know there are some fans out there, but it’s not for me — I REFUSE Zach Braff). History… don’t know. Discovery is “Trauma: Life in the ER”. ESPN is college football. TNT is “Law & Order” instead of NBA. It’s all crap! If only I could eat my dinner and play Super Mario Galaxy at the same time I wouldn’t be listening to Alex Trebek right now!
“No, no and no! We checked! We checked EVERYTHING.”
Drag dude.
That’s why I try to keep at least 7 or 8 movies queued up on the DVR at all times. If nothing else, they’re good for emergency back ups. God bless IFC.
This hasn’t been a problem for us in ages but we don’t have a store of “Daily Shows” and “Colberts” to fall back on! If you haven’t watched “Jeopardy!” in about 10 years it’s actually ridiculously hilariously amusing.
“If only I could eat my dinner and play Super Mario Galaxy at the same time I wouldn’t be listening to Alex Trebek right now!”
NHL network! Channel 419 on Comcast! Do it!
There’s an Avs-Sharks “Classic Series” from 1999 on NHL Network. Seriously. THERE IS NOTHING ON. (Uh, unless the Sharks win that? If they did, well, @@@@ to you andrew.)
“Uh, unless the Sharks win that? If they did, well, @@@@ to you andrew.”
Um…no. Unless it’s game 3 or 4, they did not win.
Dude, I would rather do something uncivilized and awful as eating my dinner WITHOUT THE TELEVISION ON than watch a retrospective look at the Avs winning a playoff series.
“Dude, I would rather do something uncivilized and awful as eating my dinner WITHOUT THE TELEVISION ON than watch a retrospective look at the Avs winning a playoff series.”
HA! Well, that makes two of us.
I think I would rather eat broken glass than watch that series again. Stupid a-hole Avalanche.
Woooo!!! The final question was Midwest Geography and I nailed it! I feel like one of my fantasy team players got a hat trick — in my brain! Wooooo!!!
Sigh, alright, what’s on now.
I’m not it’s ever come up on IPB but we’ve been joking for awhile now that Paulie Martin asked Lou to pay his contract out in 800,000 cans of Mr. Pibb.
Better Mr. Pibb than Fresca, I suppose.
Woo hoo for the Brain Trick!
Okey, gotta go now. See all youse guys later. Have a great night!
Dammit! Turns out “What You Get For the Money” was on! This show ROCKS!
Bye, andrew!
Better Mr. Pibb than Fresca, I suppose.
I do like Fresca, actually, but I’m not sure what I would think if it was Paulie’s favorite beverage.
Good night, andrew!
Amy, I sort of like Fresca, actually. I don’t think I’d drink it often, but it’s like, “Dude, grapefruit soda?!?” How do you say no?
I don’t think I’d drink it often, but it’s like, “Dude, grapefruit soda?!?” How do you say no?
Paulie’s like, “Grapefruit? I dunno. Sounds spicy.”
From Staffy:
While playing for the University of North Dakota, you were in a band called Red Seal Peach. What’s the story behind that name?
We want our fans to figure that out for themselves.
Who else was in the band?
It was myself, (current Lowell Devils goalie) Jordy Parise and a couple of other guys. And our rivals were a group called Toe Drag, which at the time was (current New Jersey Devils forward) Travis Zajac’s band.
Was it a friendly rivalry?
We tried to act friendly, but it was kind of bitter. I think there was a little envy involved on their part because of some of the material we were writing. But Travis Zajac and Toe Drag are no more. I’m pretty happy about that. Toe Drag didn’t make it past college, which is good.
Heather, I have always loved the RSP-Toe Drag rivalry. I like to imagine that Toe Drag was just Travis in a black turtleneck, strumming acoustic, heart-felt ballads in coffee houses, and Staffy, Jordy and the other RSP guys would bust in and start heckling while wearing their leopard-print pants and fake moustaches. Staffy just can’t cope with the fact that Travis is a better musician than he is.
I had no idea about this rivalry! I thought it was a hoot. I’m tickled by Staffy’s very serious “we tried to be friendly but it was very bitter” answer. What a nut.
Aw, Heather thanks for mentioning one of my favorite Staffy articles ever! (Um, because there are so many?) The Red Seal Peach thing was funny enough, but once he threw in that stuff about Travis’s band being RSP’s rival, I just about lost it!
HEE! That was delightful! How funny. I did not get the band vibe from Acorns at all.
I’m beginning to wonder if Staffy’s ever serious about anything (including his hockey, grumble grumble).
The fact that Travis appeared to be very buddy-buddy with Jordy during training camp was so strange! I just figured he was friends with Zach because he had to be, but he seems more in with the cool kids (Staffy and Jordy) than Zach. Poor Zach.
We saw baby turtles on TV tonight. They were adorable. Just as an aside.
I had no idea about this rivalry!
Have we not talked about it here?! Dude, we need to up our RSP/Toe Drag content online because it’s like the funniest thing ever if you are even slightly familiar with Travis, Jordy and Staffy!
I did not get the band vibe from Acorns at all.
That’s because it was less a “band” as much as it was him in a black turtleneck signing “Kumbaya”. :D (I am totally making that up, by the way. I don’t want anyone getting any ideas that I’m actually speaking of Toe Drag’s aesthetic.)
Have we not talked about it here?!
I guess not. Or I just wasn’t paying attention. I’m familiar with RSP and Jordy but I had no idea Travis had a band or that they were rivals. (Hee!)
I’m familiar with RSP and Jordy but I had no idea Travis had a band or that they were rivals.
I suspect our lengthy, florid descriptions of the various Battles of the Bands we’ve cooked up just were not quite the sort of thing we can figure out how to translate into blog format. :D
“alix – I’ve got a Jannik Hansen Young Guns card, and then I’ve got Kesler, Bieksa, and yes, Matty O. If you would like them, email me! sinceritystar [at] gmail [dot] com”
Cat, I know you’re long gone, but I would love those! They’re all in my top 5 actually. If you’re sure you don’t mind, I’ll email you.
Not paying attention? To every word I say?! Nonsense!
I’m inclined to agree with Schnookie that Toe Drag wasn’t really a band. He probably just agreed to pretend to be in a fake band so RSP could have a fake band rival. I mean, what good death metal band doesn’t have a rival, right? Travis was like, “Yeah, whatever. You guys want to say I’m your rival, that’s cool. Can I go macrame now?”
That’s because it was less a “band” as much as it was him in a black turtleneck signing “Kumbaya”. :D
Hee! That’s more like it. Travis just finished writing the earnest ballad A is for acorn. And the upcoming Muggins on the plane goes round and round.
Muggins on the plane goes round and round
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Too good!
Muggins on the plane goes round and round.
Holy crap, alix, that is TOO FUNNY!
Paulie was a guest artist on and writer of “Come on baby cook my batter”
Okay…what have I missed this past month?
(Also, Fresca used to be amazing and then the pumped it full of gross tasting artificial sweetener and now it makes me want to vomit.)
alix, you’re on fire!
“Come on baby cook my batter”
Oh, that totally still brings tears to my eyes. He’s quite an artist and a poet, that Paulie. (And seriously, :^::::::::::::::::::)
Hey Steph! What have you missed? Meh, not much. It’s just not the same around here without you. How’s it going?
Steph, how’s it going? Are you on Winter Break now?
steph doesn’t get a break….
I…am actually off Winter Break as of now :P Today was the first day of classes, but since I’m sort of awesome and not doing a whole lot of that ‘take real classes’ thing anymore, I mostly just worked and put off cleaning my kitchen.
How have you all been?
Hey Steph!
Been good, been good. I’m currently sort of obsessed with Super Mario Galaxy. I dreamt about it almost all night.
Not paying attention? To every word I say?!
But there’s so many of them!
RSP is crying out for a Spinal Tap like feature film.
Are y’all watching a game, Ookies?
Hi Patty! Sorry about those games the other day…s :P
Sorry about those games the other day…s :P
Are you. *narrows eyes*
I don’t blame you, Steph. Although, would it kill them to lose a couple of games? I don’t think that’s asking that much.
We don’t have the game on yet, Patty; how’s it going?
Not too bad so far. Missed a couple of opps, but stopped a couple of theirs.
Hullie came on during the intermission to announce that they have giving Ribeiro a 5-year extension.
Are you. *narrows eyes*
Uh…uh….suuuure I am…
(And no. They are not allowed to lose games. They have to win all the games that the Oilers and the Leafs are not winning so that I don’t kill myself. They’re doing a pretty good job of it so far, aren’t they?)
Have givEN
Dammit!
Yay for Ribs! We just turned the game on, so it had better get good!
They have to win all the games that the Oilers and the Leafs are not winning so that I don’t kill myself.
Let’s go Leafs!
I hope Ribs is enjoying his real-life contract, because he’s still on probation with the Marauders, and has yet to prove he’s worthy of such a big deal from us.
You should drop him, Schnookie!
*maybe you’re jinxing him*
But it’s go Oilers right now!
(And I don’t believe you on that ‘go Leafs’ sentiment…..)
Go Oilers!!
Don’t tell anybody, but I don’t care if the Leafs win. I just act like I hate ‘em so I can hang out with the cool kids.
If I could trade Leafs wins for 2 specific Wings losses (against the Stars), I would have the Leafs win out. (Sorry everybody but Steph and vinny.)
You should drop him, Schnookie!
*maybe you’re jinxing him*
Dream on. He’s, like, my best player these days. And yes, that’s very telling.
I’m totally outing you, Patty. Then you’ll have to sit around and play with the losers like me and sit at the front of the school bus and all that. Don’t worry. We can watch Leafs games and have sleepovers.
(Considering that I think the Leafs are kind of beyond hope this season though, I’m not sure I want to go with that deal after all.)
Well, if you can’t get the Wings to lose those two games, then no deal. :D
I fired half the Wives and it didn’t do a bit of good. That lousy GM of mine just hired a different bunch of slackers.
Ty Conklin is the best player on my team right now.
What does that say about MY GM-ing skills?
What does that say about MY GM-ing skills?
What does that say about karma and the universe?
My freefall in the IPB league is quite spectacular. I will always fondly remember that one week I was 2nd.
Between he and Vinny I’ve risen two places in the standings in just one week.
It’s not fair, at this rate I’m not going to be the only one who loves him!
I fired half the Wives and it didn’t do a bit of good. That lousy GM of mine just hired a different bunch of slackers.
It amazes me how, when you really get down to it, the entire NHL seems to be peopled solely by slackers. ALL these guys suck.
My freefall in the IPB league is quite spectacular. I will always fondly remember that one week I was 2nd.
I hear that. I was in first for, I think, three weeks. My halcyon days, indeed. I think my life has peaked.
Oh, and consider me the IPB town crier: There’s a new post up! New post! Up! (Or should I say, “uo”?)
I bet it says your GAA isn’t 3, like mine.
My freefall in the IPB league is quite spectacular. I will always fondly remember that one week I was 2nd.
Must be nice. Can you have a freefall when you go from 9 to 11?
Thanks, Schnookie!
(I feel bad I mentioned that that time. I was just kidding!)
I fired half the Wives and it didn’t do a bit of good. That lousy GM of mine just hired a different bunch of slackers.
I just picked up my 5th Red Wing. I think it’s an illness.
Well at least y’all aren’t hanging out in the basement. I think the best I’ve been is 10th. The Meatballs blow :D
It’s not fair, at this rate I’m not going to be the only one who loves him!
Don’t worry, Steph. Once Fleury is back they’ll drop him like a poorly handled puck :P
(Oh and I officially start class again this week too…luckily my start’s been delayed since I have no class on Mondays and Fridays)
Is your game still 2-1 for the Stars, Patty? I would love it if the Stars could kick some Wild ass. They are a little too close to us in the standings.
Alix, I’ve been in 12 place since pretty much week two :P The fact that I am now in single digits is almost more exciting than I can convey through words.
I just picked up my 5th Red Wing. I think it’s an illness.
Must be nice. I REALLY HATE THE EAST :P
Don’t worry, Steph. Once Fleury is back they’ll drop him like a poorly handled puck :P
Oh I hope so!
luckily my start’s been delayed since I have no class on Mondays and Fridays
I have that same thing – I only have a set class Tuesday and Thursday morning and then Thursday night…the other two are online and a (PAID!) research project without set hours. I’m loving this already.
Must be nice. I REALLY HATE THE EAST :P
Well it wasn’t so nice with Zetterberg and Holmstrom both out, but with one back and the other returning soon I anticipate an uptick in fortune. Your guys totally carry my team. I’m pretty sure Kronwall will be a significant improvement on Beauchemin, but then the latter has been a real letdown for me.
Must be nice. I REALLY HATE THE EAST :P
Ditto! I think next year we should still do the one-conference thing, but do our own conference instead.
I had that same problem in a different league the past couple weeks, Meg, but Holmstrom is slated to play the next game so you should be all right again soon. And Kronwall is actually a really good choice especially playing on a team where things like +/- are basically a gimme, he just gets hurt in really stupid flukey ways a lot. We’re hoping not so much this season.
Ditto! I think next year we should still do the one-conference thing, but do our own conference instead.
But the Eastern Conference sucks! I don’t want to be stuck with it!
I definitely think my free-fall started when Holmstrom got knocked out. As much as I dislike the Wings, they were carrying the Soloists! (nothing against your Keyboe-ing skills, Crunchy)
I have that same thing – I only have a set class Tuesday and Thursday morning and then Thursday night…the other two are online and a (PAID!) research project without set hours. I’m loving this already.
I only have classes Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays but all of them are these horrendously 3-hour lectures. And plus I work basketball games from 6 – 10 on Wednesdays. That’s going to be a long-arse day for me.
I think next year we should still do the one-conference thing, but do our own conference instead.
Oooooh Patty that’s a really good idea – then when our teams suck we can’t go on railing on the other conference :P (Not, of course, that my team will do anything of the sort!)
And Kronwall is actually a really good choice especially playing on a team where things like +/- are basically a gimme, he just gets hurt in really stupid flukey ways a lot. We’re hoping not so much this season.
I remembered that about him which is one of the reasons I hesitated. But then I figured that he always seems to hurt himself badly enough that I can just have him on IR and pick some other guy up temporarily like I do with Havlat.
Ditto! I think next year we should still do the one-conference thing, but do our own conference instead.
I agree! The east had my attention for a second, with their flashy offensive numbers, but I feel so much more comfortable and at home with the west.
plus I work basketball games from 6 – 10 on Wednesdays.
Why is basketball always on Wednesdays? We have Wednesday games too, but considering I work two hockey games pretty much every weekend I almost never get scheduled for those events. Which is good, it would totally wreck $3 Wednesday night jumbo margarita night!
It’ll be a six-way tie of West teams that win. :D
I remembered that about him which is one of the reasons I hesitated.
He was already out once this season so you should be all right for a while :P
Why is basketball always on Wednesdays?
I have no idea, ours are scheduled Wednesdays and Saturdays. The Saturday games are always in the afternoon though so at least they don’t interfere with hockey night :P
He was already out once this season so you should be all right for a while :P
Good to know. Kind of. Poor guy.
And I’m falling asleep at my computer so I’m going to bed. Have a good night everyone.
Night Meg!
‘Night Meg!
Sweet Dreams, Meg!
The Saturday games are always in the afternoon though
See ours aren’t because generally on Saturdays we have doubleheader womens/mens games. I’m ridiculously glad I spend that time working hockey instead, but it is a pain to always miss a lot of Friday/Saturday night games.
We have doubleheaders (Mens and Womens) on BOTH days. That’s SO MUCH basketball (I can’t stand basketball unless it’s the Raptors…and that’s mostly so I can stare at Andrea Bargnani…I mean–LOOK A HOBO!)
Night, Meg!
That’s going to be a long-arse day for me.
Aw, Sherry, that sucks! I feel your pain, or rather, felt it, back when I was a young whippersnapper in college. One semester I worked an internship from 9-5 and then had rehearsals from 6-11, only my internship was a 25 minute walk from where the rehearsals were, and I had to be at rehearsal 30 minutes early. Looking back I’m like, “How on Earth did I do that? I can’t work more than 20 minutes without needing a break these days, but I was once able to do what amounted to two 40-hour work weeks every seven days with only a five minute dinner break while still maintaining good grades in a full class schedule. Good grief. I feel so old now!
As for the cross conference thing, the whole point is to learn the other conference! It’s working for me! I now know there’s a guy named “Brent Burns” on Minnesota! That’s worth something, right? Right? (Seriously, I love the cross-conference thing.)
We have mens games Wednesday and Saturday and women’s games Saturday and Sunday…I have no idea. But um, I had a hard enough time sitting through the ONE I actually had to work, and I think I only made it because Petr Sykora the Strength and Conditioning Coach (who is not actually Petr Sykora but IS actually gorgeous and who I think now thinks I am a total creeper) was wandering around allowing me to stare at him instead of sending my little ball kids to wipe sweat off the floors.
I’m with you though, I’ll watch the Pistons because Rip and Sheed amuse me and I do love me some Primoz Brezec. (Wtf is it with me and anyone with a Slavic accent?)
I also love the cross-conference thing, because if we were doing an own-conference fantasy league I’d either have to self-censor which players I couldn’t stomach having on my team, or I’d end up just having to REFUSE my team in general because there are so many teams/players I can’t, can’t, can’t cheer for in the East.
(Seriously, I love the cross-conference thing.)
I’m sure you do!
WOO HOO! I love hockey again!
Yay Stars!
I can’t work more than 20 minutes without needing a break these days, but I was once able to do what amounted to two 40-hour work weeks every seven days with only a five minute dinner break while still maintaining good grades in a full class schedule. Good grief. I feel so old now!
I’m the same way and looking back at my high school schedule! I was a total band nerd and I went to a performing arts high school that was a 45 minute drive away from my school. I had more classes back then plus at least 4 rehearsals a week plus concerts, recitals in addition to piano, flute, French and math lessons in addition to Fellowship and Yearbook. Now I skip out on club meetings because I’m too tired from class? Like, what the phonk?
the whole point is to learn the other conference!
Just so long as no one expects me to confuse ‘learn’ with ‘love’ :P
But um, I had a hard enough time sitting through the ONE I actually had to work, and I think I only made it because Petr Sykora the Strength and Conditioning Coach
My first basketball game back from break was on the DAY AND EXACT HOUR of the gold medal WJHC game. Suffice it to say I had my laptop with me and only paid attention when I had to. Which was for most of it because we were having a retarculous amount of technical difficulties.
That’s a good point, too, Schnookie. In my mixed non-IPB league, I added a Red Wing and it is killing me. I don’t even remember which one off the top of my head. But it gave me bad dreams last night and I think I’m going to have to drop him.
But I just dropped from 2nd to 3rd in that league, instead of 9th to 11th.
Sherry, what the phonk, indeed! I’m going to try to channel this “what the phonk” energy tomorrow morning when I’m supposed to be teaching a computer class. I’m completely beyond tired right now and I’m like I should really go to bed and yet here I am, deep in my internet addiction…
Just so long as no one expects me to confuse ‘learn’ with ‘love’ :P
There was never any requirement to love the East! :)
retarculous
Hee!
My first basketball game back from break was on the DAY AND EXACT HOUR of the gold medal WJHC game.
I had a hockey game that required me to leave EXACTLY AS IT WENT TO OT. I mean seriously. Can’t we wait like fifteen more minutes guys?
I think I’m going to have to drop him.
Well fine, don’t cry to me when you start losing! :P
I’m like I should really go to bed and yet here I am, deep in my internet addiction…
Hey if it’s an addiction, you can’t help it :P
I had a hockey game that required me to leave EXACTLY AS IT WENT TO OT. I mean seriously. Can’t we wait like fifteen more minutes guys?
Apparently not! What was really annoying was our connection kept on going dead because our team was playing an away game and the gym they were in is notorious for having bad reception and I was just like “Wait, you’re making me actually PAY ATTENTION when working now?”
The learning thing is cool, but why does my entire lineup take the same day off?!? And so far, I’m really liking this Ducks game. :)
And so far, I’m really liking this Ducks game. :)
I thought you probably were! :D
(The Marauders are liking this game, too. Just when we think it’s time to dump Kunitz…)
I don’t like the Ducks to win (sorry, zot), but if they’re going to, I appreciate that Perry gets a goal for me.
Did anybody watch any of the Stars game? They had my new favorite Jack-in-the-Box commercial.
I’m obsessed with the commercials now. I have no idea why.
Gawd! I hate the Cowboys. Why do they get the last five minutes of the Stars post-game show?!
“Wait, you’re making me actually PAY ATTENTION when working now?”
Halfway through the game they made my little ball kid go work at the other end of the ice and then I had to do that too! I was like what the hell, I’m never working basketball again!
Yay Oilers!
That’s one game you owe us, Steph!
Halfway through the game they made my little ball kid go work at the other end of the ice and then I had to do that too!
The other end of the ice? That sounds like a freaky basketball game! :D
…court :P
Dang, Patty beat me to it :P
Hee hee!
Yay Oilers!
That’s one game you owe us, Steph!
Damn, you’re good, Patty. Two points for Hemsky and everything :D I’ll see what I can do about that win.
You guy can see where my head is :P
Maybe the NBA should have their own version of the ice bowl. It should be easier to dress for and put together an outdoor basketball game than an outdoor hockey game. But since the NBA doesn’t need the hype maybe they SHOULD play it on ice.
Yay Stars! Thank you!
Dang, now the Islanders are going to be all pissed off they got shut out by Edmonton and probably come out all furious and beat the Nuckies.
In theory that should happen, but if the Sens’ performance against the Capitals last week are any indication…
Sure thing alix!
It might not mean that. Maybe the Islanders will be over-mad and just pick fights and take bad penalties.
Bah, if stupid Garon can shut them out, Luongo should be all right.
(No I’m not bitter whatever do you mean?)
I’ll see what I can do about that win.
I’d appreciate it!
If I could trade Leafs wins for 2 specific Wings losses (against the Stars), I would have the Leafs win out. (Sorry everybody but Steph and vinny.)
You know, Leafs Nation is kind of inclined to have the Leafs just continue to tank their way down to a top 3 pick in the upcoming draft… we were cheering on LA and Oilers?! …. and thinking about all sorts of Sundin trades!
Theoretically it’s probably good for the organization.
The scores tonight have totally killed my fantasy team :( Except the Stars :D
“It might not mean that. Maybe the Islanders will be over-mad and just pick fights and take bad penalties.”
Nice point, Patty. I like your version better.
“In theory that should happen, but if the Sens’ performance against the Capitals last week are any indication…”
HA HA HA! Sorry, Sherry. I actually really like the Sens (except for Alfie and Neil), but the losing to the Caps thing just cracks me up.
“Bah, if stupid Garon can shut them out, Luongo should be all right.
(No I’m not bitter whatever do you mean?)”
He he. No not bitter at all. And you’re right, Louie should be fine. I just hope the offence will decide to show up.
I don’t like the Ducks to win (sorry, zot)
Understandable, Patty. I don’t like the Stars to win. :)
Oh, Alix, I found another Matty O card. If you want, email me (roguezot [at] gmail [dot] com). (Dumb question…why do we do the []s?)
Oh, and WOOOOOOOOO!!
HA HA HA! Sorry, Sherry. I actually really like the Sens (except for Alfie and Neil), but the losing to the Caps thing just cracks me up.
I’m actually really curious though, Sherry do you know why they lose to the Caps? What is it 0.0?
the losing to the Caps thing just cracks me up.
I don’t blame you. If it were against a team that I actually loathed I probably wouldn’t have taken it as well.
Anyways time for bed for me. It’ll be my last first day of class tomorrow ever. Or at least for awhile.
Good night everyone!
Night Sherry! Don’t be a stranger.
Oooh that would be awesome, Zot! I think Cat is sending me one too, but you can never have enough Matty O. I’m pommerdoodling. This will be my first ever bunch of hockey cards. I will email you.
I should probably go to bed too. Good night!
yeah i have an 8;30 class tomorrow.
Good night Sherry, Alix, everyone else :D
‘Night Alix and Sherry!
And Vinny. :)
It’ll be my last first day of class tomorrow ever. Or at least for awhile.
Oooh…good point, mine too. All right, I’m out as well :) Night anyone who’s still around!
(Dumb question…why do we do the []s?)
I think it’s to discourage spam. Trollers come through, looking for email addresses, so you don’t type it out normally.
This is my guess.
I think Cat is sending me one too, but you can never have enough Matty O. I’m pommerdoodling. This will be my first ever bunch of hockey cards.
I apologize in advance if you end up getting totally hooked, like I suspect I will be.
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