Periodically we present our Gentle Readers with a list of offerings from our offshoot publishing house, IPB Publishing, Inc. We’re pleased as punch to announce that the latest catalog of titles is here! As with the previous installments, every title is an actual search term that was used to find IPB, with spelling, punctuation, capitalization and grammar all intact.
chris webber was a math genius?
This handy guidebook is a must have for non-sports fans who find themselves socializing with sports junkies, be they boyfriends/girlfriends, coworkers, in-laws, or friends. Designed around a series of yes-no questions, this book will teach newbies important facts about teams and players and sports history. Sample chapters include “Is Sean Avery an MVP: Lessons on Discounting Talking Heads” and “Is Scott Neidermayer A Greedy Jerk: Trends in Sports Un-Retirement”. After reading this book, you’ll be able to hold your own in discussions you would otherwise ignore.
staffydoodle dogs
In this very special April Fool’s edition of the popular Pommerdoodle Detective Agency series, Crunchy and Pommers go on a vacation, leaving Staffy in charge of the shop while they’re gone. Of course, crime never takes a holiday, so Staffy is forced into action when a violist from the Buffalo Philharmonic goes missing. Will a terrible fate befall the innocent violist before she can be rescued? Will the PDA’s rival Haines & Kibblehouse ruin the day for Staffy? And is the world really ready for a Staffydoodle? Read this book to find out!
does our brain tell us to laugh
At the Maple Leafs? Yes! At the Rangers? No, that’s all the heart’s doing.
Scientific America’s new foray into popular culture begins with this, the first in a series of books on sports science. The world’s leading researchers on neuroscience discuss what elements of the sports fan’s psyche are controlled by normal brain functions and which cannot rationally be explained. Don’t miss the follow-up volume, “Derek Roy Goggles Explained”.
kritios shooting game
IPB Publishing’s first foray into the world of video games. This title is a first-person shooter-style game in which the protagonist, Kritios Boy, has to try to save himself during the Persians’ sack of the Acropolis in 480 BCE.
how to stop from using recycled washing
Ray Emery’s how-to pamphlet instructing fellow tree-muggers how to undo all the good environmental work done by Andrew Ference. Designed to fit perfectly in the cupholder of a Hummer, this de-greening manual includes tips such as “throw out your light bulbs after every use”, “have the grocery clerk quadruple bag each item individually” and “waste electricity by using it to power items you will then ignore (such as alarm clocks)”.
joe micheletti great nhl broadcaster
A dystopian novel that imagines a world wherein all of mankind’s standards of excellence have been lowered to the point where Joe Micheletti is considered a great NHL broadcaster. The plot of this story isn’t much, but the horror of the conceit is enough to keep readers up for many terrified, sleepless nights.
steps on how to stop the devils mind trick
Subtitled, “The Idiot’s Guide To Not Shooting Yourself In The Foot”. A helpful handbook for the Lindy Ruffs of the world, offering a system of simple, easy-to-follow steps to keep yourself from abandoning your own successful game plan in favor of trying to out-trap the Devils.
Most freakin outrageously awesome tubas
After seeing the success story of Ryan Miller and Drew Stafford playing with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, Marcel Goc decides to bring his enthusiasm for modernizing polkas for 21st century audiences in this 35-minute DVD. Follow Goc in the recording studio, shopping his demo tapes to San Jose area recording studios, and booking gigs at senior citizen communities and children’s hospitals. Soundtrack sold separately.
how to fix broken nose
Eric Lindros’s self-help book detailing when to seek professional medical help and when to settle for amateur advice. Drawing on years of experience of being encouraged to ignore serious health issues such as debilitating concussions and collapsed lungs, Lindros writes in a style comforting to any lay-person facing unsettling and confusing medical problems. A must for any hypochondriac or accident-prone walking disaster.
“fear the visor”
The big book of things stupid hockey fans say when they think they’re being cool.
video of unrevealing olympic mascots
IPB Publishing’s International News division brings to light a series of videotaped interrogations conducted by the World Anti-Doping Agency. Watch as Dick Pound grandstands his way through fruitless interviews with stonewalling mascots such as Youppi!, Izzy and Waldi.
keep from puking after hockey
A pamphlet listing 101 reasons why fans should avoid watching the Detroit Red Wings.
oops i dropped my pants
A slapstick-inspired graphic novel imagining Johnny Oduya’s off-ice life, wherein every frame consists of the protagonist dropping everyday items.
oh tonight you keept me with you smiley
A sneak-peek at the image-rehabilitating move by Alex Ovechkin after his contract is proven a joke 8 years from now, this book of free-form modern poetry bares a side of the kooky Russian hockey superstar few have seen before.
max afinogenov killed a girl
In this “fictional” expose of the Buffalo Sabres, the anonymous author airs all of the Sabres’ dirtiest secrets. No stone is left unturned as the harsh light of thinly-veiled “satire” is aimed at this lawless collection of neer-do-wells. From Max Afinogenov’s murderous past to Paul Gaustad’s relentless chasing of chubbies, from Ryan Miller’s all-consuming misanthropy to Derek Roy’s destructive addiction to beauty products, from Drew Stafford’s obliteratingly hot bad-asstitude to Brian Campbell’s tongue-heavy wooing techniques, this book spares no one and will leave even the most hardened fan shocked and appalled.
tennis players that are chubby
Paul Gaustad’s memoir of his dating experiences with other pro athletes.
buffalo meat sauce
The -Ookies’ travel guide for Western New York explaining where to go, what to do and what to expect to eat on your next hockey road trip to the region.
atlas shrugged + gronk
= doorstop
An hilarious list of incongruous pairings and their comical end results. Other entries include “Ted Leonsis + hockey sense = ‘I’ve made a huge mistake’”, “Scott Gomez + Chris Drury = Atlantic Division Basement”, and “Mats Sundin + Stanley Cup = HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!”
cocksucking sack of shit
An unauthorized group biography of Mario Lemieux, Wayne Gretzky and Mark Messier. For the Devils fan in your life.
very,very,very,very,very,very,very,very,
IPB’s first inspirational children’s book, in which the -Ookies explain the superlatives in their lives. Comforting watercolor illustrations accompany the text, where young readers will learn that the -Oookies like the Devils very,very,very,very,very,very,very,very much, hate the Rangers very,very,very,very,very,very,very,very much, and like to listen to themselves speak very,very,very,very,very,very,very,very much.
very,very,very,very,very,very,very,very,</b
I would like to use some of my IPB Bucks to order this for work. Do you charge extra for express shipping so I can have it this week?
Stupid WP. Can’t you just bold font normally?
We charge very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very much for international shipping, let alone express international shipping. I’m not sure if you should really want this book that badly, or if you should just put your name on the list for it at your local library.
Of course, crime never takes a holiday, so Staffy is forced into action when a violist from the Buffalo Philharmonic goes missing.
Heh. I can’t wait to be saved by Staffy! (I assume I’m the one who gets kidnapped……I also assume it’s Lou Lamoriello who does the kidnapping.)
I think Travis is the kidnapper. He wants a professional musician to add to Toe Drag so he can beat Red Seal Peach at the Battle of the Bands.
oops i dropped my pants
A slapstick-inspired graphic novel imagining Johnny Oduya’s off-ice life, wherein every frame consists of the protagonist dropping everyday items.
:^::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
atlas shrugged + gronk
= doorstop
Double-:^:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
I think Travis is the kidnapper. He wants a professional musician to add to Toe Drag so he can beat Red Seal Peach at the Battle of the Bands.
However, Staffydoodle is almost undone by chasing after Lou the whole book. Oh, those red herrings!
If Travis tried to kidnap me I would bite his ass! He better bring some duct tape. :P I am seriously amused at the idea of Staffy crashing triumphantly into the room where Travis is forcing me to practice Toe Drag songs.
I am seriously amused at the idea of Staffy crashing triumphantly into the room where Travis is forcing me to practice Toe Drag songs.
He’d be wearing his leopard pants, long wig and fake moustache, wielding a double-necked guitar, wearing spangled platform shoes. He’d burst in the door and scream all heavy-metal-style, “Unhand her, you FIEND!”
:^:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Especially cocksucking sack of shit and very,very,very,very,very
Guess what I just did? Bought center ice online! I’m a happy camper.
“Unhand her, you FIEND!”
And then he lets loose with a major chord and the whammy bar.
Way to go, alix! Center Ice, wooooo!!!
Heather, :^::::::::::::::::
Oh and :^:::::::::::::::::::::::::: about the whole Travis/Katebits/Staffy story.
I love it already, Pookie!
When Staffy hits that major chord, all the strings on Travis’s acoustic guitar suddenly snap with a resounding twang as they curl up around the tuning pegs. “Rat’s cocks! Foiled again!”
And then he lets loose with a major chord and the whammy bar.
:^:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
I can’t decide if Travis would be dressed like Snidely Whiplash in this scenario or if he’d be dressed in black turtleneck, purple-tinted glasses, black beret and sporting a pencil moustache.
I love it already, Pookie!
Oh, that one was all Schnookie! We write these posts together and are too lazy to find a way to make an author tag that has both our names.
Oh, and “YAY! Center Ice!”, alix!
You guys, Mark totally refuses to saw away a little piece of my cast so that my pinky toe is more comfortable. I can’t imagine why!
That’s a wise man, that Mark.
Boomer asked one of us to take out her stitches after Wayne tried to kill her with a puck, but we all respectfully suggested she see a doctor for that.
That’s a wise man, that Mark.
I can’t believe you’re taking his side! Gawd! In addition to that he just rolled his eyes when I yelled, “I’ll be JOE THORNTON would do it!” I’m telling you… Husbands!
Joe Thornton would fire a puck at it and the puck would perfectly shave off exactly the part you want to get rid of.
:^::::::::::::::::::::
Joe Thornton would fire a puck at it and the puck would perfectly shave off exactly the part you want to get rid of.
Exactly! :-)
Boomer asked one of us to take out her stitches after Wayne tried to kill her with a puck, but we all respectfully suggested she see a doctor for that.
Too bad Boomer had stitches and not staples. The mechanism the doctor used to remove my staples looked remarkably like something one would pick up at Office Depot.
I don’t think they do staples on foreheads. Otherwise Boomer would have looked like Bobby Holik — er, I mean, Frankenstein’s monster!
I was so sad that I didn’t get staples for my gall bladder. Pookie had gone on and on about how cool her staples had been, and I was so jealous because all I got was boring old stitches. (Of course, they turned out to be stitches I was allergic to, but still…) I want to be operated on with a device from Office Depot!
I don’t think they do staples on foreheads. Otherwise Boomer would have looked like Bobby Holik — er, I mean, Frankenstein’s monster!
Oh, yeah. That’s probably true.
Schnookie, it’s bizarre, I know, but the staples are really, really cool. Mark had back surgery a few years ago and I had to clean out the incision every night and I was fascinated by the fact that there were STAPLES in his body. I used to make him turn around sometimes just so I could see them. I was a little disappointed I hadn’t thought to bring my camera to my appointment because while I’m sure the doctor would’ve thought I was insane, that 3 or 4 inch zig-zag of staples up the side of foot was just creepy cool.
Hee! I just read the Buffalo News Sabres blog and there’s an entry there that basically says, “Hey, we swear it’s total coincidence that there’s going to be an article in the paper tomorrow about Jhonas Enroth right after Ryan Miller sucked up. We swear! Total. Coincidence. Really!”
Dudes, my team’s actually winning right now! And playing well! And actually gettting shots on net!
Poor Pyatt took a puck to the face though and hasn’t been back on the bench. He was having a hell of a game too. A goal and an assist.
Hey, we swear it’s total coincidence that there’s going to be an article in the paper tomorrow about Jhonas Enroth right after Ryan Miller sucked up. We swear! Total. Coincidence. Really!
Heh. Suuuuuuuuure.
You know what sucks about Boomer being out of town? We have to clean up dinner ourselves. It’s so difficult being us!
I wanna see some freakin outrageously awesome tubas!!
You guys have awesome searches. The weirdest one I’ve got is “butt crush queen.”
I’ve also gotten “Dustin Brown naked locker room” and “Heidi Androl naked.” Perverts!!
tennis players that are chubby
Paul Gaustad’s memoir of his dating experiences with other pro athletes.
Afinogenov not only kills people in his spare time he also runs a one man matchmaking service, setting NHL players up with the tennis players of their choice.
“Hey, we swear it’s total coincidence that there’s going to be an article in the paper tomorrow about Jhonas Enroth right after Ryan Miller sucked up. We swear! Total. Coincidence. Really!”
Hee! In their defense, they do at least have a good reason to write about him.
We did get “Sandra Lee naked” which creeped me out.
I’ve also gotten “Dustin Brown naked locker room” and “Heidi Androl naked.” Perverts!!
I got “jussi jokinen wife” the other day. WTF.
I got “jussi jokinen wife” the other day. WTF.
Is he even married?
Sandra Lee naked?? Isn’t she like …old?…or fictitious?? hahah
I think I’ve also gotten “Jonathan Bernier girlfriend” or something.
Is he even married?
That’s probably what they wanted to know.
I always get player x+girlfriend/wife and player x+baby
Dang, we’re in the shootout and Trev Linden is in the press box. He’s our clutch guy!
Is he even married?
I don’t know! I don’t WANT to know!
But the fact that someone is googling “jeff halpern alcohol problems” does make worry a little…
hahahah
I also assume it’s Lou Lamoriello who does the kidnapping.
I told you has was a bad GM!
Bad Lou! Bad! Put her down, right now!
**whaps Lou across the snout with a rolled newspaper**
I don’t think they do staples on foreheads.
Yeah they do. I’ve had em.
Mark totally refuses to saw away a little piece of my cast so that my pinky toe is more comfortable.
Bah! He’s just afraid of cutting you… somehow.
Boomer asked one of us to take out her stitches after Wayne tried to kill her with a puck, but we all respectfully suggested she see a doctor for that.
What’s the big deal? You cut it with scissors and slide it out… I’ve taken out almost all of my own stitches since I was 12, except for the ones from having my wisdom teeth out. I only did half of those…
Oh my gosh! Edler :) I love that guy! 2 for 2 in the shootout. Good little button. He’s becoming our Letang.
One that makes me sad but that doesn’t surprise me is “la kings suck.” haha… =(
I’ve taken out almost all of my own stitches since I was 12, except for the ones from having my wisdom teeth out. I only did half of those…
Not to reinforce gender stereotypes or anything, Matt, but I think that’s kind of a guy thing.
Hee! In their defense, they do at least have a good reason to write about him.
They totally do. It really made me laugh though. At the very least, TBN knows their easily panicked, freaked-out readership.
Not to reinforce gender stereotypes or anything, Matt, but I think that’s kind of a guy thing.
But it was my mommy that showed me how!
But the fact that someone is googling “jeff halpern alcohol problems” does make worry a little…
Right after free agency I got “Did Daniel Briere have a drinking problem?” Some poor fan desperate for some dirt on Danny, I guess.
And “player girlfriend/wife” seems to be popular. I’ve gotten that for just about every player including Jaroslav Spacek.
I had a post way back that was titled, “Calm down people.” and it has brought a lot of people searching for help with anxiety attacks.
We never get found by the people cool enough to search coherently for dirt on players. Instead we get “Dany Heatley drug attic” and “Wade Redden drug attic”.
haha, stupid people who can’t even spell
I had a post way back that was titled, “Calm down people.” and it has brought a lot of people searching for help with anxiety attacks.
Hee! That’s great. I have a tag called “CHILL OUT BUFFALO!” but I don’t think I’ve ever gotten anyone looking for soothing.
But the fact that someone is googling “jeff halpern alcohol problems” does make worry a little…
We got hit by that one, too. I am actually keeping up on my real-life player dirt thanks to our search terms. I mean, without them I’d never have known that Wade Redden was a drug attic (actually yesterday it was narrowed down more specifically to “wade redden coke”) and that Briere hadn’t ever meant to marry his wife.
(I didn’t want to walk all over Pookie’s story about Boomer’s stitches, but the fact is that the doctor told her to have someone take them out for her, and KtG stepped up to the plate. Pookie and I were too grossed out.)
Oh, also we really, really wanted to write about the search:
“The Piranha: I have lots of teeth…”
but we totally came up empty. Still, great search, no?
“butt crush queen.”
That’s every which kind of awesome, by the way!
haha, seriously, it was a good thing I wasn’t in the process of consuming any liquids when I read that.
When I was, like 12, I insisted on watching my sister get her stitches taken out of the cut on her ankle. If the nurse hadn’t caught me when I fainted, I probably would have need stitches in my head.
I am profoundly disgusted by the concept of stitches. No amount of protesting to my periodontist that I couldn’t handle even the thought of them convinced him how stressed I was about my gum grafts. When he finally finished taking my stitches out for those, and pulled me down from the ceiling where I was tensely hanging by my fingernails while desperately reciting mantras to take me to a happier place, he admitted I probably need to be knocked out next time. No kidding.
Oh, my Google Analytics is back up! I am also getting “ryan miller crunchy” searches! How exciting. My current favorite is “fun things to do with the sabres.” I guess someone is planning an outing.
Okay, so the Cowboys lost, and now the Golden Globes are on and it sucks because I miss all the drunk celebrities making stupid acceptance speeches. Damn strike.
Oh my god, you guys — George Michael Bluth is playing in goal for the Sharks tonight!
Wow, Lindy is reading Top Shelf! He was looking to you to tell him if they should go bowling or fishing!
I am also getting “ryan miller crunchy” searches!
I am so delighted by this. I just love the thought of the nickname existing somewhere out there without any context. I mean, has someone who doesn’t read any of our blogs encountered it somewhere? How did that happen? How marvelous!
Who should I root for, San Jose or Anaheim? On one hand, San Jose is ahead of my Stars in the standings. On the other hand, Anaheim has Pronger.
In order for both andrew and Earl to be happy, I’m rooting for a tie. Oh. Right. Stupid shootout.
I’m sorry your Cowboys lost, Cat. Sincerely.
I’ve about settled on Anaheim. Because they will still be behind us, if only slightly, but San Jose needs to lose all these games in hand.
It’s hard to root for the Ducks, so maybe we can root against the Sharks.
In order for both andrew and Earl to be happy, I’m rooting for a tie.
What about what makes Patty, Cat, Caitlin, and Jen happy? Huh? What about that?!
Damn strike.
Team Writers! (But yeah, I totally miss the Golden Globes. And I’ll be totally wrecked if the Oscars get canceled too. I love the Oscars.)
Wow, Lindy is reading Top Shelf! He was looking to you to tell him if they should go bowling or fishing!
Hey, I didn’t even think of that. I’m thinking of dropping Lindy a special message in my next post. Something like “If you’re reading this, wear a polka dot tie at the Rangers game.”
Cat, clearly you should be rooting for the Sharks.
Since Nieder’s return from curing cancer, solving world hunger, and otherwise being the GREATEST MAN TO EVER BREATHE, I find it almost impossible to root for the Ducks.
Oh my god, you guys — George Michael Bluth is playing in goal for the Sharks tonight!
Really? Her?
Something like “If you’re reading this, wear a polka dot tie at the Rangers game.”
:^:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
That’s such a great idea!
In order for both andrew and Earl to be happy, I’m rooting for a tie. Oh. Right. Stupid shootout.
You know, I was kind of neutral on the shootout until the past couple of weeks. Now I hate it. Hate it a lot.
Since Nieder’s return from curing cancer, solving world hunger, and otherwise being the GREATEST MAN TO EVER BREATHE, I find it almost impossible to root for the Ducks.
That’s true. The Ducks are just all kinds of comtemptible.
The Sharks are only a couple of kinds.
It’s hard to root for the Ducks, so maybe we can root against the Sharks.
Agreed. I will do that.
Team Writers! (But yeah, I totally miss the Golden Globes. And I’ll be totally wrecked if the Oscars get canceled too. I love the Oscars.)
Oh, I’m totally Team Writers. I just miss my TV shows and my awards shows. I’m one of those people who gets really excited about awards season, so this is wrecking me.
“Since Nieder’s return from curing cancer, solving world hunger, and otherwise being the GREATEST MAN TO EVER BREATHE, I find it almost impossible to root for the Ducks.”
Exactly! I don’t even hate them as much as I did last year, but it still irritates me that they are in fact winning ever since the GREATEST MAN TO EVER BREATHE came back.
Ouch! Pie Hat had to get 25 stitches near his mouth.
I have a new plan for the shootout. After the overtime, the teams should play shootouts as they exist now. The team that wins the shootout gets an extra point from the end of the game until midnight. So the stupid fans that need a winner get one. But then the next day, the game will be listed as a tie and both teams will only get one point. By then, the stupid fans will have forgotten all about it, but the standings and personal records won’t be all fucked up by a fucking superskills sideshow.
I’m one of those people who gets really excited about awards season, so this is wrecking me.
Me too, Cat. Me too.
Pookie, that is BRILLIANT.
Brilliant, Pookie! I hate them so, so much. Although Edler did give an adorably shy grin when he won it tonight. But I could manage to live without the grin.
Ouch! Pie Hat had to get 25 stitches near his mouth.
Well, when he needs help getting them out, don’t call the Ookies.
Pooke, that is brilliant. I love it.
God, I can’t root for anyone in this divisional game, can I? STUPID.
What about what makes Patty, Cat, Caitlin, and Jen happy? Huh? What about that?!
At the risk of infuriating my fellow Stars fans, there is no way in good faith I can root for the Ducks and still retain my soul.
Really. I would be throwing up all night if I had to root for Pronger’s team.
Exactly, Caitlin! Pronger is all that is souless and wrong.
Pronger is all that is souless and wrong.
Ugh, and to add insult to injury: Roenick had the first goal of the game, according to Yahoo Sports.
GOD.
Ugh, and to add insult to injury: Roenick had the first goal of the game, according to Yahoo Sports.
See? You can’t root for the Sharks, either!
Maybe the power will go out and they’ll cancel it.
At the risk of infuriating my fellow Stars fans, there is no way in good faith I can root for the Ducks and still retain my soul.
I totally get that, because I tried to. It didn’t work. Then I tried rooting for San Jose. That didn’t work either. I’ve given up, and will just accept whatever the score is.
I’m not rooting for the Ducks. I’m pretending I don’t know who the Sharks are playing, and rooting for the Sharks to lose.
Maybe the power will go out and they’ll cancel it.
Bonus points for God if the Jumbotron falls on Pronger?
Ewwww! JR.
Ok, Ookies, I was cracking up until I hit this…
Brian Campbell’s tongue-heavy wooing techniques
then I threw up my newly-eaten Friendly’s sundae. In fact, I’m still shuddering and most likely won’t be able to turn off a light for days. Thanks for that.
(totally kidding, but it did freak me out a little)
Poor Pyatt took a puck to the face though and hasn’t been back on the bench.
Uh-oh. That won’t help with the ladies. He won’t be nearly as pretty with stitches and black eyes.
I totally get that, because I tried to. It didn’t work. Then I tried rooting for San Jose. That didn’t work either. I’ve given up, and will just accept whatever the score is.
That’s exactly like the Rangers-Islanders games are for me. I’ve actually reached a point where I hate both of those teams so much that I just don’t even watch, and pretend the games aren’t even happening. The only thing that would make me pay attention to that matchup would be if the outcome would directly (and by that I mean that very minute) affect whether the Devils make the playoffs or not. So basically, unless it’s the last day of the season and our fate is on the line, I’d rather believe there is no game going on at all. :D
“Uh-oh. That won’t help with the ladies. He won’t be nearly as pretty with stitches and black eyes.”
I know! His eyes are fine, but 25 stitches ain’t so pretty. I just hope his jaw isn’t broken because we already have way too many injuries.
The only thing more ridiculous than hockey fighting is hockey fighting in super-slo-mo. *shudder*
The worst outcome is if they both get points.
His eyes are fine, but 25 stitches ain’t so pretty.
Hopefully, they’re tiny, fine stitches by a plastic surgeon, and not big chunky ones by the assistant trainer.
I just hope his jaw isn’t broken because we already have way too many injuries.
Is that the only reason you need his jaw intact?
OK, I’ll stop being suggestive now.
Here’s what the hubby said about Pyatt: “Pain is temporary, chicks dig scars, glory is forever.” (Man has never played a sport in his life – funny, huh?)
“Is that the only reason you need his jaw intact?”
HA HA HA! What would Matty Ohlund say :p
“Here’s what the hubby said about Pyatt: “Pain is temporary, chicks dig scars, glory is forever.” (Man has never played a sport in his life – funny, huh?)”
HEE! That is pretty fun. Scars can be hot sometimes.
“Hopefully, they’re tiny, fine stitches by a plastic surgeon, and not big chunky ones by the assistant trainer.”
Word.
Scars can definitely be hot sometimes. I just thought it was funny that he said it with such authority, like he’d ever, you know, had a scar as a result of playing sports.
By the way, I highly recommend IT geeks. They may not be sporty, but they have good jobs and stable incomes and appreciate their women! Just a tip for the single gals (and guys – there are IT gals too) out there.
“Pain is temporary, chicks dig scars, glory is forever.”
True dat. I loooove scars. Pyatt could use a few scars on that way too pretty face.
I agree, Heather. Pyatt’s almost too pretty right now.
I’m suspicious of any guy who is prettier than I am.
Yes, I’m looking at you, Derek and Taylor. Quit it with the hair products, both of you – you’re freakin’ me out!
CRAP! They tied it!
Sheesh! If you’re gonna lose, just lose! Dammit!
Hee! One of the Sharks tried to break Giguere with Pronger.
Pie Hat has given up on the hair product since he’s been in Vancouver, I think. It’s quite short. It suits him.
He had a GORGEOUS blue line to blue line pass tonight to set Danny Sedin up for a breakaway goal. I am really digging that guy right now.
HEE! That sounds funny, Patty.
Matty’s been out for 9 games now! It’s slowly killing me! Do I have to drink more? I think I might have to. Why you hurt my Matty O?!?!!?(TM Caitlin)
Anaheim wins 4-3 in OT. I am neutral about this. I don’t care, either way. I think I might still be broken about the Cowboys losing.
I am also neutral about Anaheim winning, mostly because it’s in the other conference and I’ve got enough Sabres-related worries without adding more.
OH! Craig Rivet is on my fantasy team, though. So I guess I wanted SJ to win. Oh well.
The worst outcome is if they both get points.
Sorry, Patty. I tried to tell the Ducks to win in regulation, but they just had to make it a nail-biter.
Thanks, zot. But try harder next time, okay? :D
Okay. :) (They don’t listen to common sense very often, though.)
I think I might still be broken about the Cowboys losing.
Tony Romo is probably going to have to watch himself. If half of Dallas hasn’t made a pilgrimage to throw themselves off of Reunion Tower, then some fans are going to gunning for him.
How dare you take that vacation to Mexico, Tony! :D
going to gunning for him.
Ugh, going to BE gunning for him.
Did Romo play poorly?
I can’t wait to hear what everybody on the Ticket says tomorrow. Maybe they’ll ease up on the Stars’ post-season woes.
How dare you take that vacation to Mexico, Tony! :D
Hee!
T.O. totally broke down in the press conference. He was all “You can blame Tony, you can blame his vacation, but it’s unfair. He’s my quarterback, he’s my teammate, we lost this as a team.” He cried. Or at least, looked convincingly enough like he was crying. Aww, T.O.
Did Romo play poorly?
There were parts where Romo could have played better, certainly, but the Cowboys offense certainly wasn’t helping him out.
The most heartbreaking thing is that the Cowboys could have scored a touchdown in the final seconds of the game, if that New York Giants motherfucker hadn’t been in the way and caught the ball instead.
It sounds like the Cowboys took a lot of penalties, right? That probably didn’t help.
Did Romo play poorly?
I missed most of the fourth, but Romo was doing decently. It just looked like a general team breakdown, and the Giants defense was good, but there’s only so far Marian Barber can carry you. It was kind of like watching the Stars recently, to tell you the truth.
However, Romo’s been under a lot of fire for taking that trip to Mexico with J.Simp, and it’s an easy way for people to pin a reason on why they lost, IMO.
T.O. totally broke down in the press conference. He was all “You can blame Tony, you can blame his vacation, but it’s unfair. He’s my quarterback, he’s my teammate, we lost this as a team.” He cried. Or at least, looked convincingly enough like he was crying. Aww, T.O.
Today is the day I will finally say that T.O. has managed to get himself out of my “douche” book. I mean, I loathed T.O. What finally did it was seeing T.O. score that touchdown in the first half, run up to a kid in the stands, give the kid a pat on the head and hand over the game ball to the poor bewildered kid.
Good job, T.O.
Hey, it’s farther than the Cowboys have gone in years. But no one in Dallas will be happy with that.
Incidentally, Con Air is totally on T.V. right now and I hate to say it but I love this movie. Mocking Nic Cage’s accent never gets old, and it has John Cusack! (Which is really John Cusack going, “I need to make some money, man.”)
It sounds like the Cowboys took a lot of penalties, right? That probably didn’t help.
They kept jumping off sides all through the first half (DeMarcus Ware, cut it out, man) and they took a couple of personal foul penalties for facemask violations. One of the ones that sticks out was a personal foul committed by some Cowboy (Ellis? I can’t remember) where he hit the guy after the guy had finished making the play. Those penalties are 15 yards, which (obviously) really hurt.
It made me remember why I love hockey. Even though I had to sit there with my dad going, “Isn’t this better than hockey? Those hockey players are such wusses. This is so much better. Hmph.”
I’m trying so hard to hate Scott Niedermayer, but it’s really not going well. Maybe if I read why he’s a greedy jerk I’ll be able to hate him better.
Well, Kristen, to be fair, us Devils fans have a big leg up on the “hating Scott Niedermayer” front. Schnookie and I were just talking about how his name instantly conjures up the word “hold-out” in our minds. Before even the 3 rings. Huh.
I did have a giggle at Earl’s chart about how much more improved all the Ducks are now that he’s back. Gee, how much better would the team have been, then, if Nieder hadn’t “semi-retired”? It’s simple. He put himself above the team and the team has suffered for it. That’s enough, in my book, to make a case for not liking the guy (as a player).
He put himself above the team and the team has suffered for it. That’s enough, in my book, to make a case for not liking the guy (as a player).
Also, WTF Teemu. Have we even heard anything on Selanne? I mean, I actually like Selanne but I’m starting to hate him, too.
By the way, I highly recommend IT geeks. They may not be sporty, but they have good jobs and stable incomes and appreciate their women! Just a tip for the single gals (and guys – there are IT gals too) out there.
Amanda, I love you.
**bows graciously**
Did Romo play poorly?
Sadly, Romo didn’t play poorly and he didn’t break his leg somehow. The offensive line cost the team the game, taking a lot of stupid penalties for jumping early. The defensive line took a few too that gave the Giants a lot of the field. It was a complete breakdown, even thought the Giants D barely showed up for the 4th quarter.
He put himself above the team and the team has suffered for it.
What really drives me nuts is that Neidermayer is going to have his jersey retired in NJ when he finally calls it quits. I have real reservations about that.
Nieder’s a tough nut for Jersey fans, I think. On the one hand, he gleefully screwed the team over every chance he had. On the other hand, he’s a first-ballot Hall of Famer who was a huge contributor to three Stanley Cups. I feel like his number should be retired, but we should all sit in silence while it goes up to the rafters. And then proceed to let anyone who wants to wear 27 after that wear it.
Matt – you’re welcome. If you ever need a recommendation, just let me know. ;-)
And I don’t do IT work myself (I own a marketing company), but I swear, I *could* go into IT just with what I’ve picked up through osmosis. Well, that and I worked for an IT consulting company for almost nine years in their marketing department…
We were just discussing the hubby’s computer needs. We’re saving up money to buy new components, then I get his cast-offs, which are still pretty darn good. He can’t play the new games very well with his current system. I’m a cool wife – he’s using money I’m making at a moonlighting job. hee hee hee
Or better yet, let’s invite Niedermayer back for the 27 retirement night, but put Mottau’s name on the banner!
I had to laugh when I read this… And then proceed to let anyone who wants to wear 27 after that wear it.
Good one, Schnookie!
That would be…well, that would be terrible.
By the by, don’t access my site for a few days; I screwed up trying to publish to a domain name that isn’t quite ready for it yet. I am indeed a clueless n00b.
I feel like his number should be retired, but we should all sit in silence while it goes up to the rafters.
Agreed. I mean, the man obviously was taking HGH during all those cup runs. I mean, how else do you explain growth like this?
That would be…well, that would be terrible.
Well, so were a lot of the years we had to suffer through an underachieving Neider holding out at every chance! (Kidding! Kidding!)
John, good luck with the new domain!
John, let us know as soon as the site gets straightened out!
Oh, and Matt, I agree. The only explanation for that beard is a veritable cocktail of banned substances.
So Dany Heatley is out for six weeks with a separated shoulder. All I want to know is – why couldn’t he have done that before the Sabres played them twice in the past two weeks? Geez. A little consideration to the poor, floundering Sabres would’ve been nice.
Spezza went down today after a big open-ice check, but it sounds like they held him out for “precautionary reasons”.
Since Heatley is definitely missing time and then if Spezza misses time too, that makes Ottawa not nearly so scary.
Well, let me rephrase that, since Ray Emery is scary no matter what. Dude’s got a screw loose.
:^:::::::::::::::
Hee I wonder how Ottawa will do now :0 I was surprised the Wings/Sens game dind’t get as much hype.
Also, WTF Teemu. Have we even heard anything on Selanne? I mean, I actually like Selanne but I’m starting to hate him, too.
I was just reading the other day that Teemu “hopes to make a decision some time this month.” Like you said, WTF? All the goodwill he earned for flying all his crazy Finnish friends to the Cup Finals is leaking away.
Heatley is one of the few Sens I really like so I won’t take any joy in his injury. But Spezza can rot. Ha!
Well, I’ve always thought that the Sens were a one-line team. Now, before I have to start ducking punches from Sens fans, let me explain. Their 2nd, 3rd, and 4th lines have very good players, but something like 60% of their scoring comes from Heatley/Spezza/Alfredsson (if my stats are correct). The other lines are not liabilities, but the Spezza line is what drives the whole Sens bus.
Sooooo, now that 2/3 of that line may be out, the Sens might just come back to earth. It could happen!
*going off to find her Sens voodoo dolls and pins*
All the goodwill he earned for flying all his crazy Finnish friends to the Cup Finals is leaking away.
I KNOW. Teemu, make a decision already. It’s not rocket science, it’s fucking hockey, for Christ’s sakes.
Heatley is one of the few Sens I really like so I won’t take any joy in his injury. But Spezza can rot.
See, I know it was a long time ago and people make mistakes and I’m sure he’s very sorry, but killing a teammate while driving drunk just doesn’t allow me to ever like the man. I just can’t.
As for Spezza, besides the fact that he’s a Sabre-killer, I have no problems with him. Alfie is Alfie – I don’t have strong feelings either way except the warm fuzzies when I think about Pommer streaking around him for that SH goal.
Amanda, I think you and I could get along :D
Of the three CASH linemates, hands down I’d glare at Alfie first, and Spezza last. I have the whole Leafs-fan dislike for Heatley, but other than that I’m indifferent.
Wasn’t Teemu supposed to make a decision by this week? :x no?
I thought Teemu was supposed to make a decision imminently, but with these guys you never know…
Vinny – are you a Leafs fan? I’m not sure we can be friends. :-P
See, I know it was a long time ago and people make mistakes and I’m sure he’s very sorry, but killing a teammate while driving drunk just doesn’t allow me to ever like the man. I just can’t.
Heatley wasn’t drunk. Speeding but not drunk.
I agree that the Sens are largely a one line team but the last few games it’s been the other lines getting us while the top line has been somewhat subdued. So the secondary score is there sometimes.
I rate the top line this way: Love Heatley, mostly neutral but somewhat negative toward Spezza, can’t stand Alfredsson. I also love Mike Fisher.
See, I know it was a long time ago and people make mistakes and I’m sure he’s very sorry, but killing a teammate while driving drunk just doesn’t allow me to ever like the man. I just can’t.
You’re more than entitled to your opinion, but this is a topic that we’d rather not be discussed at great length here. We addressed this over the summer, before you started reading IPB; what we discovered is that everyone draws the line somewhere and this is where we draw it. There are not many off-limit topics here (we’re not big into censorship) but this is one of them, personally, for me and for Schnookie. We also don’t often play the “it’s our blog” card, but in this case we feel it’s necessary to point out this isn’t a forum, it’s our personal blog and so we reserve that right.
If there is anyone here who wants to discuss this with you, we’d prefer if you talk off-list. Thanks!
Vinny – are you a Leafs fan? I’m not sure we can be friends. :-P
Poor Vinny. Don’t be too hard on her.
He wasn’t drinking? Wow, my bad. I will revise my opinion accordingly. Ok, it’s not getting much better. Oh well.
I do have to admit I highly covet Mike Fisher. And he’s cute, too!
It’s hard to like anything about the Sens, since we see them SO DAMN MUCH, but I’m trying!
I won’t talk about Heatley anymore, I promise. No biggie!
On another topic, Ookies – how’s John Madden? That dude’s a beast. I hope he’s ok. Hank didn’t mean to hurt him. That big ole’ body sometimes just falls of its own accord!
I like Heatley and Spezza, and could take Alfie or leave him. But, while I used to love Spezza, I’m starting to cool on him. Then just when I think he’s too much of a doofus for me, he says or does something that makes me like him again.
It’s hard to like anything about the Sens, since we see them SO DAMN MUCH, but I’m trying!
I will clarify that while I love watching Heatley and Fisher (you’re right – TOTAL cutie) play, I have no desire to seem them actually WIN ever. I’m perfectly happy with those two playing well and the Sens losing every game ever.
Oh, and Anton Volchenkov. Love him. But again, he can play well, the team can lose.
I won’t talk about Heatley anymore, I promise.
Much appreciated!
As for Madden, I don’t think there’s been any word beyond he needs MRIs to determine if any tendons have been severed. The Devils aren’t big on keeping fans in the loop on the severity of injuries. ;)
Alright, folks, I’m heading to bed. I have to be at work by 8:30 tomorrow! Man, if only I had a gruesomely broken ankle!
Then just when I think he’s too much of a doofus for me, he says or does something that makes me like him again.
Patty, Spezza has become my Getzi of the East. He’s a total tool, is actually not that good looking, plays for a team I outright loathe from top to bottom, and yet… I’m smitten. And yes, he’s totally doofusy and often makes me wonder what it is that has me in his thrall, but I can’t deny it. I have only recently been able to admit this in public.
As for the rest of the Senators, fuck ‘em. Fuck ‘em all.
Schnookie, you crack me up.
I gotta go to bed too. I also have no broken bones to keep me home and I have to be awake enough to drive by 8am. Damn mornings. They’re getting in the way of my nightlife!
Night all!
Alright, folks, I’m heading to bed. I have to be at work by 8:30 tomorrow! Man, if only I had a gruesomely broken ankle!
Ha. Ha.
(Goodnight!)
Spezza, I don’t know. I can’t really point at anything in particular that makes me dislike him… but something keeps me from liking him at the same time. It’s weird.
I can’t really point at anything in particular that makes me dislike him… but something keeps me from liking him at the same time. It’s weird.
Well, for starters, he’s a Sen. That’s a big reason right there. But seriously, there doesn’t really have to be a reason, does there? I could never really put into words why I hate Mike Fisher, for one (and note to any people who might be reading this and be thinking about chiming in with the “he’s such a good Christian!” arguments — those don’t work on me. In fact, they make me more likely to REFUSE), but I just can’t like the guy. At all.
Spezza is such a doofus, but I adore him. I think it’s the giggle. And Heatley. Mmmm. Yum. Alfie’s just meh.
Night Pookie! I think I’m going to bed too. Humming sad songs to my injured giraffe…
‘Night alix! Oh, and I hate to have to say this, but I’ve finally given up on Matty O and had the Marauders kick his ass to the curb. I didn’t want to do it, but the Canucks’ refusal to just put him on the IR already made me!
But seriously, there doesn’t really have to be a reason, does there?
No, no there definitely doesn’t. I was just thinking out-loud. I’ve never thought about why I don’t like him.
I was just thinking out-loud. I’ve never thought about why I don’t like him.
Oh MAN, but there are TONS of players I hate for no good reason. I should compile a list of them. And then publish it. And when people challenge me on them one by one, I’ll just be like, “Nope. Don’t like him. Next!”
He’s a total tool, is actually not that good looking, plays for a team I outright loathe from top to bottom, and yet… I’m smitten.
You hit the nail on the head, Schnookie. (Except I don’t loathe the Sens — probably a WC thing.)
Oh MAN, but there are TONS of players I hate for no good reason.
Exactly. And I’ll take Nope, don’t like him as a perfectly good explanation.
Good night all!
Oh MAN, but there are TONS of players I hate for no good reason. I should compile a list of them. And then publish it. And when people challenge me on them one by one, I’ll just be like, “Nope. Don’t like him. Next!”
Oh, don’t get me wrong. There are PLENTY of guys I dislike for no reason. I just never thought about Jason Spezza enough to realize there IS no reason. But he’s firmly on the “No Reason” list now :-)
Whew, I’m getting a little sleepy. I might have to go to bed earlier than 5 tonight/this morning!
And I’ll take Nope, don’t like him as a perfectly good explanation.
Thanks, Patty. I appreciate that.
That’s ok, Schnookie! I figured people would drop him eventually. He’s ok with it :p
I’m glad to hear that, alix. I felt terrible doing it. And I felt even worse when I realized what piles of puke were still available on D from the WC.
Vinny – are you a Leafs fan? I’m not sure we can be friends. :-P
Poor Vinny. Don’t be too hard on her.
Hey, Tampa’s almost got points on us. We’re in something like the 3rd worst NHL spot, our idiot upper management turned down Scotty Bowman, and we’ve got something like 48% chance of landing Stamkos bc LA wants a defenseman at the draft. Leafs Nation is quietly mourning. Sort of…. we can still be friends :(
but I’ve finally given up on Matty O and had the Marauders kick his ass to the curb. I didn’t want to do it, but the Canucks’ refusal to just put him on the IR already made me!
If he goes on the IR, that makes three on my IR list…. I might as well just re-draft some of my team.
Unless Weber decides he wants to come back sometime this week :(
And I felt even worse when I realized what piles of puke were still available on D from the WC.
No. kidding. Shea Weber is on IR again so I was looking around and there’s NOTHING. The WC sucks!
Vinny, what do you think about Sundin? Is he gonna get traded?
Heather, I guess Vinny’s too traumatized to even consider Sundin being traded. :P
Heather, I guess Vinny’s too traumatized to even consider Sundin being traded. :P
Yeah, I guess so! I was gonna give her Soupy too. That’s fair, right? :-)
I disappeared awhile for dinner and Masterpiece Theater, but I want to explain Teemu a bit. So basically, Burke told him not to come back until he was feeling 100% sure and Teemu didn’t start skating till recently because he wanted to wait for his wife to give birth to their daughter. Currently, he’s skating and seeing where he is.
I can’t imagine the Leafs not wanting to make that deal. :D
I also can’t imagine that it’s going on 2 already. Time for me to go to bed! I have to wake up at the ungodly hour of 9:10!
Brian Burke is WAY nicer than me because if it had taken one of my players this long to decide whether he was going to play or not, I’d be really really annoyed. Thank god, I’m not a GM, I guess!
Night, Schnookie!
Thank god, I’m not a GM, I guess!
Just a fantasy one, and I’m constantly tearing my hair out about that. :P
Goodnight, Schnookie!
Just a fantasy one, and I’m constantly tearing my hair out about that. :P
My team is holding fast in second place but it’s certainly not because of anything I’m doing. Just pure luck!
Brian Burke is WAY nicer than me because if it had taken one of my players this long to decide whether he was going to play or not, I’d be really really annoyed.
Well, I would imagine Burkie just sees this as his own version of what Regier and Lou did last year burying guys on the IR all season to get around the salary cap. It all works out for him in the end.
(And really, I’m going to bed now.)
‘Night Schnookie! Oh, here’s a quote from the L.A. Times, before.
“I have been clear with Teemu,” Burke said. “He has to tell me he has a passion to return and play. If he does, we have great interest in bringing him back. But not unless he truly wants to return to the Ducks.”
My team is holding fast in second place but it’s certainly not because of anything I’m doing. Just pure luck!
Heh, maybe I should follow your strategy. :)
(And really, I’m going to bed now.)
Yeah, me too. Goodnight to anyone who’s still here!
Oh, and :^:::::::::::::: all around for the newest batch from IPB Publishing.
Can’t. Stop. Laughing.
May I borrow a copy of “buffalo meat sauce” and “max afinogenov killed a girl?” I love travel guides and tell-all exposes.
In exchange, I would offer a copy of “drew stafford shirtless,” which is a photographic look at Staffy’s entry into the modeling world. Plus a copy of “ballet prevents groin injuries,” a DIY ballet book to avoid hurting yourself.
“ballet prevents groin injuries,”
:^::::::::::::::::
It’s Zach Parise’s defense of “Dance for Athletes!”
Oh, we also got the “Drew Stafford shirtless” searches. Am I too much of a puckbunny if I think, “Hey, when you find what you’re looking for, can you, uh, send me a link? Thanks.”
Amy, that sounds like a more-than-fair trade! You’re on! (“ballet prevents groin injuries” is AWESOME.)
Am I too much of a puckbunny if I think, “Hey, when you find what you’re looking for, can you, uh, send me a link? Thanks.”
I think the same thing! Only then I’m like, “Crap. If their search brought them to us, I guess that picture doesn’t exist. Bummer.” I should just remind myself people are really, really, really bad interweb searchers, aren’t they?
Well, Kristen, to be fair, us Devils fans have a big leg up on the “hating Scott Niedermayer” front. Schnookie and I were just talking about how his name instantly conjures up the word “hold-out” in our minds. Before even the 3 rings. Huh
Good point. There is just something in the environmental science major in me that likes him and his nerdiness. That and he was on the 2002 gold medal winning team, though that said he helped to screw them over in 2006. On top of that he did win a cup with a team that I loathe…maybe I’m getting somewhere now. I just have to look harder for reasons. Thank you for your help!
Oh, we also got the “Drew Stafford shirtless” searches. Am I too much of a puckbunny if I think, “Hey, when you find what you’re looking for, can you, uh, send me a link? Thanks.”
As managing editor of Puckbunny Quarterly, I’d like that link forwarded to me when you get it, Pookie, so what exactly does that say about you?!
I should just remind myself people are really, really, really bad interweb searchers, aren’t they?
Pretty soon I’m going to start coming up with massively intricate Google searches to hit IPB just to entertain you guys.
Also, my bosses are awesome. I dragged myself into work this morning to work after working Friday, and my boss and I worked it out to where I can leave at noon (1pm -Ookies time)! Whee!
I can’t imagine how Burke is being this patient, because to me, he has always seemed like kind of a fuckhead.
Oh, and Buffalo fans? I feel your pain on Bucky now. One of our local hockey beat writers is reporting that Bucky’s saying Hull & Jackson are interested in making a trade with Toronto for Mats Sundin.
MATS SUNDIN.
I mean, come on, are you kidding me?
Oh, and Buffalo fans? I feel your pain on Bucky now. One of our local hockey beat writers is reporting that Bucky’s saying Hull & Jackson are interested in making a trade with Toronto for Mats Sundin.
MATS SUNDIN.
I mean, come on, are you kidding me?
Caitlin, believe me when I tell you that said report does not even plumb the depths of Bucky’s stupidity and illogic.
I honestly don’t see Sundin being traded. Maybe I’m crazy, but I just expect him to stay in Toronto and at the end of the day it’s his decision, not the Leafs.
Caitlin, believe me when I tell you that said report does not even plumb the depths of Bucky’s stupidity and illogic.
I’m sorry that you have to live with that in your life, Meg. I really, truly am.
I honestly don’t see Sundin being traded. Maybe I’m crazy, but I just expect him to stay in Toronto and at the end of the day it’s his decision, not the Leafs.
One of the reasons why Doug Armstrong got fired was because he was trending towards signing older players, not younger talent. At this stage of the game, I seriously do not think Hull & Jackson would sign an older player with that big of a cap hit, period.
If it’s totally “WTF”, why waste ink reporting it, Bucky? God.
…maybe I’m getting somewhere now. I just have to look harder for reasons. Thank you for your help!
That’s the spirit, Kirsten! (To be fair to Nieder, I think he’s a singularly incredible player, I admire that he wins seemingly without even trying, and I’m all for his active-for-an-average-hockey-player environmentalism. I also think he’s a selfish prick.)
As for Burke’s patience, I’m telling you — this is just his take on the LTIR loophole that the Sabres and Devils used last year! It’s the only explanation for why he’d be so amenable to all of this in the first place.
Caitlin, I’m so glad you get to go home early!
I’m sorry that you have to live with that in your life, Meg. I really, truly am.
Oh, I started avoiding his columns like the plague over the summer and it’s vastly improved my life. :)
Hull & Jackson are interested in making a trade with Toronto for Mats Sundin
Eklund was reporting Buffalo would make a trade for Sundin. Which makes no sense, since the Sabres rarely trade in conference.
Oh, I started avoiding his columns like the plague over the summer and it’s vastly improved my life.
I’ve been reading Bucky’s columns, but haven’t had a good “shut up Bucky” in a while, which frightens me. Sunday’s column focused on Soupy, saying that if the team’s management knows already that they’re not going to re-sign him, then trade him instead of letting him walk like Drury, Briere, McKee, Dumont and Grier. I just disagreed with packaging Max and Soupy together, but that was based on Bucky’s argument that Paille can replace Max.
Bucky makes me glad that we have Mike Heika in Dallas, for real, sweater vests and pencil mustache and all.
Morning everyone! Can’t stay for long but I just had to tell everyone the good news that I finally got Katamari!! I LOVE it and wished I had more time off saved up so I could take the day off and play it all day!
Yay! I love IPB Publishing, Inc! I’ll take one Most freakin outrageously awesome tubas and one max afinogenov killed a girl, please! Is it wrong that that tuba book makes me really want to buy a Goc jersey? I’m telling you, I just can’t resist those Germans!
Aside from the “‘he looks fat’ offseason” (Crunchy, is that you?) and “shit desperation sites” (I really, really hope that person eventually found what he was looking for, for the sake of his gastrointestinal health) I mentioned yesterday, I haven’t really had any crazy searches. After seeing the people who found me through “bucky gleason sucks,” though, I felt like I could quit blogging now and know that I’d done my job.
Oh, and I haven’t gotten any searches for “Player X girlfriend/wife,” but I did get one hit from “jochen hecht lover,” which I thought was odd. But appropriate, nonetheless.
“fear the visor”
JMFJ’s motto.
I am so glad you love Katamari, kms2! But, really, who wouldn’t? It’s the greatest game ever! It’s best attribute is that it makes the off-season seem a lot shorter.
For anyone playing Katamari 1, Schnookie made the biggest moon I’ve ever seen. It was like 875 or something zany like that. There was literally nothing left to roll up.
I haven’t gotten any searches for “Player X girlfriend/wife,”
Sorry, Gambler. Might I suggest a post with just player’s names and the word “girlfriend” typed over and over again. I haven’t too many but every now and then I’ll get “Cammalleri’s girlfriend”. It’s always Cammalleri.
My best search result by far has been: “fuck your stepmother” I was very proud of that one.
It’s best attribute is that it makes the off-season seem a lot shorter.
Good point! We only had the Wii this off-season and only had a couple games to keep us busy. Now we have tons of Xbox and Wii games so hopefully the off-season won’t be as brutal this go around…especially since it’ll be another LONG one. I also love how the game uses the metric system and how I have no concept of how big a cm is. AND I love how Asian it is. Patrick was instantly better at Katamari than me and I was so made and started yelling, “It’s not fair! You’re not Asian! I’m supposed to better at this than you!”
I love having conversations with myself…
AND I love how Asian it is.
Boomer finds in endlessly funny to announce, “I’m never going to Japan! Not if they have sushi all over their playgrounds and elephants walking down every street!”
Patrick was instantly better at Katamari than me and I was so made and started yelling, “It’s not fair! You’re not Asian! I’m supposed to better at this than you!”
:^::::::::::::::::::::::::
I fear the Katamari, because I’m afraid I will never come out the other side alright and not addicted. It’s bad enough that I sat down to play thirty minutes of Halo the other day and it turned into three hours.
Stupid video game crack.
Stupid video game crack
Isn’t it crazy how addictive video games can be? Especially when you set a goal for yourself thinking it will be easy to achieve and then when you can’t reach it you spend hours trying to get there! Or things are going so well you just don’t want to turn off the game.
Maybe some Katamari addiction will help you get to that goal of the new TiVo?
“I’m never going to Japan! Not if they have sushi all over their playgrounds and elephants walking down every street!”
Haha, yeah, this game is crazy. There may not be sushi all over the roads, but there are vending machines everywhere for you to purchase awesome drinks and snacks.
Boomer finds in endlessly funny to announce, “I’m never going to Japan! Not if they have sushi all over their playgrounds and elephants walking down every street!”
Has Boomer seen Hard Gay?
Yet another reason NOT to go to Japan, although Hard Gay is (in my opinion) funny.
Isn’t it crazy how addictive video games can be?
I know. Normally I can cut myself off, but I haven’t played in a while. I was friends with a guy for a while who was a professional video gamer. I don’t know how he still played games and enjoyed them, considering he practiced 4 hours a day and went to competitions all the time. It did pay his way through school, but the poor guy got to the point where he couldn’t even see Halo or Counter-Strike without wanting to throw up.
I hated playing him at video games, though. He’s very Type A, very competitive, and getting my ass beat at Super Mario Brothers on a 1985 Nintendo console six times in one night was not fun. Especially considering I beat everyone else at Super Mario Brothers, dammit.
Maybe some Katamari addiction will help you get to that goal of the new TiVo?
In essence, replacing one addiction with another? Hmmm. I’d have to find a copy of Katamari on XBox….
There may not be sushi all over the roads, but there are vending machines everywhere for you to purchase awesome drinks and snacks.
Yeah, but now I’d want to hit the vending machines with my little katamari so the sweet, sweet “smaller things I can pick up” will fall out. When we’re in New Orleans this weekend you can bet we’ll be going crazy because we stay in a hotel across the street from a Coke bottling plant. And their parking lot is like a katamari-designed parking lot, with rows and rows of vending machines, then rows and rows of small delivery trucks and then rows and rows of large delivery trucks, and then little trees; like it’s designed for the progressive rolling up of all the things. It just makes me sadder for not being home and able to play katamari.
I’m so glad you like the game, kms2!
He’s very Type A, very competitive, and getting my ass beat at Super Mario Brothers on a 1985 Nintendo console six times in one night was not fun
That has to SUCK!! I knew this guy in college who brought his old Nintendo and was bragging about being able to beat everyone at Dr. Mario. He was a little crazy and ultra competitive but I just knew that I could kill him at Dr. Mario. So I would play him and he would literally kick his Nintendo and throw the controller because he was so mad whenever I beat him. He lived in a Frat house and his brothers finally told me that I couldn’t play him because his outbursts were bad for morale and their image when visitors came by. But of course I couldn’t resist challenging him to a game because I always wanted to make him lose his shit….it was really funny.
That has to SUCK!! I knew this guy in college who brought his old Nintendo and was bragging about being able to beat everyone at Dr. Mario.
Well, this guy wasn’t that bad, just gloat-y. And I don’t like to lose either (although no one tops Jen in that department). And royally beating my ass, too.
Cat, Jen & I all had to make a pact to never play Trivial Pursuit or Jeopardy together, because I would wind up winning and that drives Jen crazy. We played Family Feud one time and Trivial Pursuit: Movies version and that was enough to make Jen be like, “WHY ARE YOU GETTING ALL OF THEM RIGHT?!”
So I just don’t play those games, and then Jen beats all of us at Harry Potter SceneIt, so there you go.
Well, this guy wasn’t that bad, just gloat-y. And I don’t like to lose either (although no one tops Jen in that department). And royally beating my ass, too.
I will say that one thing growing up in my family has done is taught me to lose with good grace. I think the only game I reliably win is Chronology.
I refuse to ever learn to lose with good grace. I lose a lot, but I’m a complete jerk about it. I sometimes think Pookie and Boomer deliberately let me win so they don’t have to deal with me storming out of the room in a huff. Of course, I don’t do much of anything with good grace, so I can’t be expected to be a good loser, can I? :P
A thousand apologies if this was mentioned in the comments somewhere else…
There was a IPB shout-out in the Star-Ledger yesterday:
NHL general managers apparently subscribe to the Colin Campbell theory from several years back that the Devils are a collection of interchangeable parts rather a team with stars.
Usually, whether I can win as I learn a game is what decides if I ever get used to it. At a previous job, the guys had Doom loaded up on the network servers and at lunch and after hours (ostensibly), they’d all play against each other. I’d sit and watch and it looked like great fun.
So my friend set me up with a practice area and I thought I got to a point where I could join the fun. But every time I popped up into the game with a new life, I was immediately killed by the stupid guys that wouldn’t give me a chance! Screw that. I went back to just watching my friend play.
But every time I popped up into the game with a new life, I was immediately killed by the stupid guys that wouldn’t give me a chance!
awwww, like Jim when he was at the ‘other’ Office and even Karen could kill his character.
So my friend set me up with a practice area and I thought I got to a point where I could join the fun. But every time I popped up into the game with a new life, I was immediately killed by the stupid guys that wouldn’t give me a chance! Screw that. I went back to just watching my friend play.
What jerks, Patty! I’ll play Doom with you! :D (Seriously, once you get over being abso-freakin’-lutely terrified by shit that pops out at you, it’s so addictive.)
I joke that my favorite games are the ones that should come with instructions like this:
Enter room. Find beasty thing. Kill it. Wash, rinse, repeat.
There was a IPB shout-out in the Star-Ledger yesterday
I missed that, so thanks for pointing it out, Mara! Richie Chere loves us!
Just in here real fast before practice.
I’m not a bad loser at board games, because with board games, there’s always another time. But I’m a bad loser in sports. Totally. Huffy and “don’t speak to me or suffer”.
There was a IPB shout-out in the Star-Ledger yesterday
Awesome.
I love how Zach is saying “I thought I deserved it” without saying it in those exact words.
Ok, practice. Love you guys!
If it’s totally “WTF”, why waste ink reporting it, Bucky? God.
The problem is that it’s not a WTF to Bucky. Somewhere in his head, what he’s writing makes total sense. Last off-season he kept harping on Sheldon Souray and how big he was like he was convinced that Souray is a physical, stay-at-home d-man when he’s really more of a more injury prone Brian Campbell. And like the recent idea that Amy (or Meg – I forget) mentioned that Dan Paille can replace Max Afinogenov. Yes, they have similar point totals at the moment. No, they in no way, shape or form play even CLOSE to the same role on the ice.
I’m a terrible loser. Terrible! Mark and I have this one couple who we hang out with and we almost always end up playing Scene It. Months later I’m still complaining about what I feel was a grave injustice.
I hate those first-person-shooter games like Doom. Every time I attempted to play one, I’d be thinking “dammit, I’d be FINE if I just had some PERIPHREAL FREAKING VISION.” And then I’d get shot. Not much fun.
Another gem from the papers to get everyone’s schadenfreude on:
Let’s stipulate that Scott GomezScott Gomez should have gotten more ice time than he did in the RangersNew York Rangers ‘ 5-3 loss Tuesday to the Lightning – a subject that was covered at length in this space yesterday.
But at the same time, let’s recognize that if Gomez had been as deficient defensively in his own zone while playing for the DevilsNew Jersey Devils as he was Tuesday on a pair of Tampa Bay second-period goals, chances are that he never would have gotten off the bench in the third, never mind the score, whereas he played 9:45 for Tom Renney in Tuesday’s final period.
How’s that offensive team working out for ya, Scott?
The problem is that it’s not a WTF to Bucky. Somewhere in his head, what he’s writing makes total sense.
That’s terrifying, really & truly.
Have fun at practice, Mags!!
I hate those first-person-shooter games like Doom. Every time I attempted to play one, I’d be thinking “dammit, I’d be FINE if I just had some PERIPHREAL FREAKING VISION.” And then I’d get shot. Not much fun.
The trick with FPS’s is to learn how to use the camera function, so that you’re constantly (at least a little) moving the viewpoint to where you can cover all angles, because you’re right, there’s no peripheral vision. It’s hard to describe, but you pick up on it.
Actually, Doom isn’t that bad on the lack of PV, because you’re in close, tight spaces and most of the game is very, very dark (lighting-wise :D). The games that are always hardest to play for me with the lack of PV are games like Brothers In Arms, and Call of Duty, because many times you’re in a well-lit, very open area.
I will give Bucky a little bit of credit for pointing out the other day that Chris Drury – defensive forward extraordinaire! – is currently a -12, 10th from the bottom of the league or something crazy like that. Plus/minus can be a bit misleading, I think, but that’s quite remarkable for a guy who’s lauding for his checking abilities.
Months later I’m still complaining about what I feel was a grave injustice.
I’m actually okay with losing board games and such, because it makes for great comedy from me. But some friends took my joking and sarcasm as actual hating to lose.
I don’t hate to lose nearly as much as I hate for people to break the rules. I will get actually pissed if I think someone is trying to cheat, and I’ll always point out that someone is doing it wrong. And I hate that about myself.
That’s why I don’t like games like Pictionary, where there’s doubt about who said what first. It always ends in a fight.
Mara, I saw that bit about Gomez the other day and cackled with glee for HOURS. :D
It’s hard to describe, but you pick up on it.
Not if you’re killed while you’re still standing on that little circle you pop in on. :D
(It’s been years since I tried it so it might be better now.)
I will get actually pissed if I think someone is trying to cheat, and I’ll always point out that someone is doing it wrong. And I hate that about myself.
I’m the same way, Patty. I just lose my mind, and it’s like it some other Schnookie, because my consciousness is still sitting there saying, “Geez! Look at that freakshow flipping out about a stupid little game. Oh, wait. That freakshow is ME! NOOOOOO!” I was ready to beat up my 92-year-old grandmother last time we were in N.O., when she wasn’t quite getting the rules to whatever card game we were trying to play. I take solace in knowing Pookie, Boomer and KtG were also yelling at her.
Heather, isn’t it delightful watching Drury this year? Heh. You should bear in mind that that’s a lousy plus/minus on what was for much of the first half one of the leading defensive teams in hockey.
That’s why I don’t like games like Pictionary, where there’s doubt about who said what first. It always ends in a fight.
…Don’t ever play SceneIt with Jen. :D (Just kidding. Jen’s pretty good about it, we all are, it’s just Jen is probably the most competitive out of all of us).
I will get actually pissed if I think someone is trying to cheat
I dated a guy who had an obsessive poker group that always played over at his apartment, and one guy was always trying to cheat. Usually, I’m like, “Hey, cut it out,” but I think in the end the other guys ran the guy out of the group. The boyfriend used to find it hilarious because I was like, “That’s not right! Why is he doing that to you? He’s supposed to be your friend?” They had to stop letting me come over when they played because I would get so righteously indignant on The Boyfriend’s behalf.
Yeah, dude, like it’s not obvious that you’re trying to rig the game when you’re offering to be the dealer every time, and every time you shuffle, it makes a very distinctive sound. Idiot.
(It’s been years since I tried it so it might be better now.)
They might have had the settings on the game too hard. If they were totally hardcore, it wouldn’t surprise me if they picked the hardest skill level for the game and if you’re new, that’s no fun!
Heather, isn’t it delightful watching Drury this year? Heh. You should bear in mind that that’s a lousy plus/minus on what was for much of the first half one of the leading defensive teams in hockey.
Yeah, I thought that was the case but wasn’t sure. Even better. Mark also swears he read that Drury and Jagr got into a fight at practice last week but I can’t imagine that it wouldn’t have been reported on if it’d happened. Still… it’s a nice thought. I admit, in my world Chris Drury lies awake at night wishing he was still in Buffalo.
I admit, in my world Chris Drury lies awake at night wishing he was still in Buffalo.
We should send him a t-shirt that says “I’ve Made a Huge Mistake”
We should send him a t-shirt that says “I’ve Made a Huge Mistake”
Perfect! :-)
We should send him a t-shirt that says “I’ve Made a Huge Mistake”
Eh, he’s already got one of those. It’s called a Rangers jersey.
I don’t hate to lose nearly as much as I hate for people to break the rules. I will get actually pissed if I think someone is trying to cheat, and I’ll always point out that someone is doing it wrong. And I hate that about myself.
I hate cheating, too, Patty. I do alright in games like Pictionary because I only play them with my family and we’re very good about that sort of stuff. If the debate is unsolveable, we just take the next card from the deck and do that one as a replacement all play.
Eh, he’s already got one of those. It’s called a Rangers jersey.
ZING!
Don’t ever play SceneIt with Jen. :D
Haha! I certainly won’t play Harry Potter SceneIt with her. :D I have never seen a single one of those movies.
Wait. That might be a good one to play with her.
Eh, he’s already got one of those. It’s called a Rangers jersey.
ZING!
:^::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Eh, he’s already got one of those. It’s called a Rangers jersey.
Zing!
I will get actually pissed if I think someone is trying to cheat, and I’ll always point out that someone is doing it wrong. And I hate that about myself.
We don’t mind the cheating as long as they’re openly admitting they’re cheating…and then we all end up cheating and everybody’s a winner!
We don’t mind the cheating as long as they’re openly admitting they’re cheating…and then we all end up cheating and everybody’s a winner!
See, I’ve had friends who do that and I simply cannot. It’s no fun for me unless everyone is following the agreed upon rules.
Wait. That might be a good one to play with her.
We played one time and Cat & I were cracking up because Jen got really, hyper-specific on the answer to the question. Jen sits there, telling us, “You don’t understand! The answers to these questions are ridiculous!”
The question was: What part of Aunt Marge swells up first in Harry Potter & the Prisoner of Azkaban?
Jen’s Answer: The tip of her right index finger.
Cat/Caitlin Answer: Her finger.
SceneIt Answer: Her right index finger.
Jen was like, “Told you! Told you!” Heee.
Actually, I don’t know how much you have to know about HP to play SceneIt. A lot of them they give you video clips +directly beforehand before they ask you questions.
We don’t mind the cheating as long as they’re openly admitting they’re cheating…and then we all end up cheating and everybody’s a winner!
That’s admittedly better than the real cheating, where they think you don’t know and they think you think they really won.
But I still don’t like it. :D That’s when I really get into arguments– when everybody’s trying to tell me to lighten up, they’re just kidding, so what if they’re cheating! And I’m all, GAWD! What is the POINT!
See? It’s not attractive at all.
That’s when I really get into arguments– when everybody’s trying to tell me to lighten up, they’re just kidding, so what if they’re cheating! And I’m all, GAWD! What is the POINT!
Patty, should we ever find ourself in the same place we should obviously play board games together, because that’s exactly what I’m like.
Gambler, one giant IPB Zinger Trophy coming your way! (It’s a tin foil star. Plastic is reserved for championship comments.)
Whoever mentioned Zach’s All Star snub quotes, I adored the “It’s not the end of the world!” quote. Poor Zach. It’s so the end of the world for him.
I can’t do purposeful cheating either. If everyone’s cheating, the person or team who SHOULD win doesn’t necessarily win. And it’s all about winning, right? :-)
Philosophical question for you all. Let’s say you’re playing Scene It or any game really that involves reading a question off a card to the other team. The question is, oh, I don’t know, let’s say, “The tag line for this animated movie was ‘Sea It!’ What is it?” Do you or do you not clarify for the other team that it’s S-E-A and not S-E-E?
That’s when I really get into arguments– when everybody’s trying to tell me to lighten up, they’re just kidding, so what if they’re cheating! And I’m all, GAWD! What is the POINT!
I’m like that if we’re actually seriously playing a board game. If I’m with my family they’re into it hardcore so everybody knows NOT to do it because MamaScarlett will lay a smack-down on us. If I’m with my friends, we never take it seriously, in fact most of the time we just make up our own rules anyways :P (we’re too lazy to read the full instruction sheet)
Actually, has anybody played that game ‘Careers’? That one’s kind of fun.
And I would be horrible at HP SceneIt because I know nothing about HP.
And the Soupy Soap Opera plot thickens. The Buffalo Snooze is reporting that Campbell is done negotiating with the team until the end of the season, saying “there’s more important things that just me.” If we take it at face value, he’s putting the team above himself. But if we read between the lines, does that mean he knows his days are numbered in a slug sweater?
Eh, he’s already got one of those. It’s called a Rangers jersey.
I really should stop reading Sabres message boards at lunch. Someone posted an article from a BU alumni magazine, about how being a Ranger is the bestest thing ever for Drury. Gag me.
Philosophical question for you all. Let’s say you’re playing Scene It or any game really that involves reading a question off a card to the other team. The question is, oh, I don’t know, let’s say, “The tag line for this animated movie was ‘Sea It!’ What is it?” Do you or do you not clarify for the other team that it’s S-E-A and not S-E-E?
I probably would clarify if it wasn’t clear from context, yes. Or, if the answer wasn’t on the same side of the card I’d hand it to the other person to read.
Actually, has anybody played that game ‘Careers’? That one’s kind of fun.
I have, although not in years.
SceneIt I’ve only played once and my sister and I were horrible because we just don’t see very many movies. It was ugly.
Heather, I would clarify the spelling in that situation.
And I would be horrible at HP SceneIt because I know nothing about HP.
We played a non-HP-specific SceneIt with our board-gaming friends once and we were all puzzled by the game. It was basically a challenge to see who could pay attention to a video clip — it didn’t require any knowledge of television shows at all. It took us about 15 minutes to play through, and it was admittedly pretty hilarious how we would all sit there in kind of stunned silence after each question, like, “Seriously? That’s the real question?” I guess we’re just not really the SceneIt crowd… (Our game of choice is the Name Game, which we have now played so many times that we know all the names in the box. Our second game choice is Beyond Balderdash.)
But if we read between the lines, does that mean he knows his days are numbered in a slug sweater?
That would be my interpretation but I could just be reading what I want into it.
SceneIt I’ve only played once and my sister and I were horrible because we just don’t see very many movies. It was ugly.
Would you get away with doing all right in SceneIt if you haven’t seen a lot of movies, but you know a lot a bout movies? For instance, I enjoy watching movie trailers online although I never watch the movies so I have a kind of good idea of who’s in what.
I have, although not in years.
My friend saw it at Value Village for super cheap and just had to buy it.
Morning, everybody. Still in recovery from last night’s Sharks-Ducks game, easily the dirtiest (luckiest) 2 points I’ve seen the Ducks take in a long while.
Thank goodness Dougie Weight can’t shoot on the net! Also, thank goodness Alexei Semenov can’t move out of the way of very wide desperation shots!
Would you get away with doing all right in SceneIt if you haven’t seen a lot of movies, but you know a lot a bout movies?
It would certainly help. My sister and I were kind of all, “Oh, it was that thing, with that guy, which I don’t remember . . . “
The Buffalo Snooze is reporting that Campbell is done negotiating with the team until the end of the season, saying “there’s more important things that just me.” If we take it at face value, he’s putting the team above himself. But if we read between the lines, does that mean he knows his days are numbered in a slug sweater?
I read that to be Soupy being all miffed that he hasn’t been offered the contract he wants (or listening to his agent telling him to wait and see what the open market will give him) and then being passhole-aggressholish by going to a reporter and snotting that he’s through thinking about himself now. I mean, if he actually was putting the team above himself, wouldn’t he have agreed to a deal by now? Yo-Yo did.
Morning Sleek! I think the Sharks were feeling generous for stealing that game away from the Leafs the night before (I’d say it was more handed to them, but whatever).
Our second game choice is Beyond Balderdash
Balderdash is the Dictionary Game, right? I played that for the first time last year at a Christmas party and I tied for first on pure BS factor alone. Apparently, I’m really good at making fake definitions about fishing tools and underground irrigation systems in the Italian countryside.
I probably would clarify if it wasn’t clear from context, yes. Or, if the answer wasn’t on the same side of the card I’d hand it to the other person to read.
Yeah, I would’ve too but when I complained afterwards the boys acted like that was the most outrageous think I’d ever heard. The spelling is the most important part of the tag line! I was ridiculously furious for the rest of the night.
The movie Scene It has some of those lame “Watch this clip and answer a question” bits, but it has some cool other stuff too. It’s great because every once in a while some random classic movie will pop up somewhere and everyone will be clueless bu me and then they all marvel over me and I’m like, “How could you NOT know that?” Thanks, Mom!
That would be my interpretation but I could just be reading what I want into it.
I would be inclined to go the other way for some reason. But I could see why you would read it as a “I’m just going to get traded for Mats Sundin anyway” kind of thing. (Not that that particular trade is going to happen.)
I mean, if he actually was putting the team above himself, Mwouldn’t he have agreed to a deal by now? Yo-Yo did.
We have a winner.
I think the Sharks were feeling generous for stealing that game away from the Leafs the night before (I’d say it was more handed to them, but whatever).
PJ Swenson and I were texting to each other during the game, and his last message was my favorite: “Alexei Semenov is a seven-foot pylon.”
As for Soupy, what’s his problem? Nobody’s offering him a 13-year extension?
The quotes from Tim Thomas were even sadder than Zach’s.
“Would it have been nice? Sure. Would it have been a dream come true?”
Thomas paused, then quietly said, “Yeah.”
….
But for a while after hearing about his snub, Thomas looked as if he had been punched in the gut.
“I am disappointed,” he said. “I was surprised. You just hope . . .
“I’m [playing] as well as I can. I did pretty good so far and the team has played great.”
Awwww.
I bought the 2nd Edition of Harry Potter SceneIt for Jen for Christmas. Poor Jen got stuck in the Final Cut questions, and they were ridiculous. I will never forget the time we were playing, and Jen was in Final Cut, and the first question was “What are the ingredients in Wolfsbane Potion?” Like, wtf?
I read that to be Soupy being all miffed that he hasn’t been offered the contract he wants (or listening to his agent telling him to wait and see what the open market will give him) and then being passhole-aggressholish by going to a reporter and snotting that he’s through thinking about himself now.
Yeah, actually that sounds about right. That would be similar in tone to the whole, “God, can’t a guy have any fun around here?” reaction to the Ice Bowl video. Man, I HATE that guy! :-)
Zach and Tim Thomas are in need of some serious hugs.
I read that to be Soupy being all miffed that he hasn’t been offered the contract he wants (or listening to his agent telling him to wait and see what the open market will give him) and then being passhole-aggressholish by going to a reporter and snotting that he’s through thinking about himself now.
Yeah, that’s pretty much what I think. And let’s be honest, he will get more on the open market and then the team that signed him will try playing him against the other team’s top scoring line because, “look at all those minutes he played in Buffalo,” and they’ll realize they paid an awful lot for their offensive defenseman.
We played a non-HP-specific SceneIt with our board-gaming friends once and we were all puzzled by the game. It was basically a challenge to see who could pay attention to a video clip — it didn’t require any knowledge of television shows at all. It took us about 15 minutes to play through, and it was admittedly pretty hilarious how we would all sit there in kind of stunned silence after each question, like, “Seriously? That’s the real question?”
Someone gave me that version as a gift! It was so lame. A 30-second clip from some old show that sucked to begin with and a question like “how many times did Laverne say the word ‘goodbye’ in that clip?”
If everyone’s cheating, the person or team who SHOULD win doesn’t necessarily win. And it’s all about winning, right? :-)
NOOOOOO! It’s all about NOT CHEATING!! ;D
I would also interpret it as Soupy being a dickwad. Since he’s already, in previous articles, said, “I’m through talking money.” So it’s less, “This is a distraction” and more “they’re not giving me what I want”. But I’m not known to be the most sympathetic ear to Soupy…
Heather, you’re so right that those nasty boys should have spelled out “S-E-A”. Jerks.
Sherry, Balderdash is the Dictionary Game, but Beyond Balderdash includes making up fake synopses to movie titles, coming up with fake historic occurances for dates and making making up fake bios for real names.
Hey Earl! That game was zaaa-aaany!
Beyond Balderdash includes making up fake synopses to movie titles, coming up with fake historic occurances for dates and making making up fake bios for real names.
That sounds like entirely too much fun.
Mara, I really do feel sorry for Thomas in that case. Personally, I’d probably put him in there over Ricky D. (I’m saying this after he just stoned the Senators last night, but whatever). To me though, he’s always been very temperamental but I’m sure he’ll get over soon enough. The whole entire All-Star voting process is a bit messed up though. If one guy from the Bruins were to go, I’d say it should have been him, not Chara.
As for Soupy, what’s his problem? Nobody’s offering him a 13-year extension?
I almost feel like part of Soupy’s frustration comes from the fact that it’s just a frustrating time overall for the team. He will probably be overpaid on the free agent market, but if he doesn’t feel like the team’s situation isn’t going to improve, he’ll have to settle for the love and affection of money instead.
the first question was “What are the ingredients in Wolfsbane Potion?” Like, wtf?
I was going to say “powdered root of asphodel and an infusion of wormwood,” but that’s the Draught of the Living Death.
Logic reminds me that wolfsbane is, itself, a plant.
A 30-second clip from some old show that sucked to begin with and a question like “how many times did Laverne say the word ‘goodbye’ in that clip?”
EXACTLY! I take it from the discussion here that the movie versions are better, but I’d advise anyone considering buying the TV version of SceneIt to pass. :D
and then the team that signed him will try playing him against the other team’s top scoring line because, “look at all those minutes he played in Buffalo,” and they’ll realize they paid an awful lot for their offensive defenseman.
It’s like the two Devils centers the Rangers have overpaid to get as UFAs. They shell out gazillions of dollars and then discover the hard way why Holik and Gomez never killed penalties for the Devils. (I love the misperception that any forward coming out of Jersey is, by definition, a kick-ass defensive forward.)
^uh…IS going to improve. You get what I mean.
As for Soupy, what’s his problem? Nobody’s offering him a 13-year extension?
I don’t think it’s the years Soupy desires so much as the 124 million.
And Meg, you’re right. If Soupy leaves there will be much weeping and gnashing of teeth about management letting yet another Buffalo star go but he’ll be vastly overpaid and sink under the expectations of his huge contract. I like him more than you and even I know he’s never, ever, ever going to live up to the kind of money he’ll get on the open market.
Beyond Balderdash does sound like fun! I might have to get that for the next game party I go to.
When I was a kid my uncle taught us what he called, “The Dictionary Game,” which I thought he made up. When Balderdash came out, I told him he missed out on all that money.
We just used a giant dictionary and pads and pencils. We LOVED it. My sister cracked us up with her definition of “otalgic” as “a woman of great height.” (It’s still a running family joke.)
That sounds like entirely too much fun.
The other great one is Wise and Otherwise. You get the first half of a proverb, as well as the proverb’s origin. Then everyone writes the second half and you all vote. For all you Central Jerseyians out there, our friend scored big time by completing the German proverb “Sweat makes…” with “Sweat takes.” HAHAHAHAHA!!! Wait, what? Only Schnookie and I are from Central Jersey would thus get the awesome reference to the “Trenton Makes, The World Takes” bridge? Rats.
It’s ok, Sherry, we understood. For the record, my guess is that the Sabres were offering Soupy much less than he’ll get on the open market. I think the rumour was that he wanted in the 5 million a year range and I suspect the Sabres were offering significantly less. So I don’t necessarily blame him for deciding to go elsewhere if that is what he does. What I blame him for is frequently sounding like a douche or just not so bright (sometime one, sometimes the other, sometimes both) when talking to the media.
The whole entire All-Star voting process is a bit messed up though.
It totally is. I said on my blog a few days ago that Brian Campbell’s selection to the All-Star team should in no way make his price go higher and then Bucky promptly said in Sunday’s column, “Campbell’s price went up AGAIN with his selection to the All-Star team!” (Honestly, so predictable.) I have no problem with the All-Star game in theory but it has little to do with how valuable a player is or isn’t to his team.
Patty, we used to play the Dictionary Game when we were kids, too!
I love Beyond Balderdash SO MUCH. And yeah, like with Sherry winning Balderdash just on BS points, we will TOTALLY give points for the funniest answers.
(I love the misperception that any forward coming out of Jersey is, by definition, a kick-ass defensive forward.)
The hint is that he’s coming out of New Jersey. If he were such a kick-ass defensive forward, he’d probably be staying.
The whole entire All-Star voting process is a bit messed up though.
It’s almost as if it’s a big popularity contest! (Sorry, couldn’t resist!)
I mean, if he actually was putting the team above himself, wouldn’t he have agreed to a deal by now? Yo-Yo did.
:DDDDDDDDDDDDD
Sorry. Ahem. (Does that emoticon make it look like my dentures are falling out? I mean for it to be a big smile.)
On the subject of games, I could never get into Beyond Balderdash, though I’m a big fan of the original. If anyone’s looking for a good party game, though, I highly recommend Wits & Wagers. It’s a game about trivia, but you don’t have to know anything about trivia to win. You just basically have to know how to bet. And it’s short, too!
Also, something called Time’s Up, where you try to get your partner to guess a famous person using first as many words/actions as you want, then only one word, then no words. It’s kind of like charades. My sister and I rule when we team up together.
Bucky promptly said in Sunday’s column, “Campbell’s price went up AGAIN with his selection to the All-Star team!”
Since Soupy theoretically started at $5M, the way Bucky is keeping score here of his price going up AGAIN and AGAIN should have Soupy commanding by now no less than $42M a year, right?
Patty, we used to play the Dictionary Game when we were kids, too!
Haha! That’s probably why my uncle just chuckled instead of getting all apoplectic about somebody stealing his idea. :D
Does that emoticon make it look like my dentures are falling out?
In slow motion.
Ooh, all these games sound fun. My family has a tendancy toward word games and Taboo, Quiddler, and Snatch have been big favorites over the years. I also like Wordsters a lot although I’m not good at it.
We used to really like Scattergories, too. But it’s faded some.
where you try to get your partner to guess a famous person
The Name Game also requires getting a teammate to guess a famous person using words. It’s split into three levels of trickiness, but the first two levels are all pop culture stuff, mostly musicians. Since Schnookie and I such at that, we always opt to play as a team and go only for the hard ones. If we don’t know the person, we just give clues based on hockey players. “First name — Devils #5… ok! Last name — Trophy for community service!” Works like a charm.
One of our friends takes a simpler tact:
Friend: Skinny guy!
Me: Um… Ghandi?
Friend: YES!
Really? Ghandi? And all you can think of is “skinny”? I mean, it did get her point across, but still… :)
It’s almost as if it’s a big popularity contest! (Sorry, couldn’t resist!)
:-D
Since Soupy theoretically started at $5M, the way Bucky is keeping score here of his price going up AGAIN and AGAIN should have Soupy commanding by now no less than $42M a year, right?
Yeah, especially since I don’t think he’s using the Heather B. method of deducting money every time Soupy screws something.
Awww, Tim Thomas breaks my heart. Poor button.
Zach is totally going to say he’s going on vacation during all star weekend, and pack up his old fashioned swim suit, but then him and Boxworthy are totally going to hide out in the all star crowd with fake glasses/nose/mustache thingies.
The hint is that he’s coming out of New Jersey. If he were such a kick-ass defensive forward, he’d probably be staying.
Heh. And yeah, the guys who are motivated to play D on their own are the ones who just keep re-upping with their contracts expire.
We played Scattergories just a few weeks ago with our friends! It was surprisingly fun, in a really low-key and mellow way. Their game is about 20 years old, and Pookie was making an effort to conserve the little pre-printed papers on the pads they provide; our friend was like, “Um, I don’t think we’re in any danger of running out, considering how long we’ve had this game and how much paper is still left.”
Meg, Quiddler ROCKS!
Our game of choice is Cranium, although it’s a lot more fun with less groups and more people. We really like it because there’s a little bit of everything in it. I’ve found that I’m really good at guessing because I’ll say anything that pops into my head (that was really effective during the Cloodle game and the answer was ‘Pope-Mobile’). I’m horrible at actually doing the stuff though.
Zach is totally going to say he’s going on vacation during all star weekend, and pack up his old fashioned swim suit, but then him and Boxworthy are totally going to hide out in the all star crowd with fake glasses/nose/mustache thingies.
I just had a thought. Since Heater is out, does this mean his replacement has to also be from the Senators? Or does this mean that Zach might have a shot after all :P
Zach is totally going to say he’s going on vacation during all star weekend, and pack up his old fashioned swim suit, but then him and Boxworthy are totally going to hide out in the all star crowd with fake glasses/nose/mustache thingies.
:^::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Of course, with a fake moustache on, people might confuse him with a golfer or a caddy.
Pookie was making an effort to conserve the little pre-printed papers on the pads they provide
We have a game called Facts in Five that my father has had since the sixties, and we’ve long since resorted to photocopying the little sheets or just drawing the appropriate grid by hand. Fortunately it’s an easy thing to draw out as long as you know the rules.
When I was a kid we played a word game that was kind of like Hangman, except that everybody had a word and you worked to guess everybody else’s. Each person had a tray with letter cards spelling out their word, face down. Then you went around taking turns guessing from everybody’s tray. If you got a letter right, they turned it over. Whoever’s word was still unguessed last, won.
Kind of like Wheel of Fortune, now that I think about it. I don’t remember the name of it, but I think my mom still has it.
Our game of choice is Cranium, although it’s a lot more fun with less groups and more people.
Ooh, we used to play that all the time. I think it’s gotten to the point where we’re a bit Cranium-ed out though.
Only Schnookie and I are from Central Jersey would thus get the awesome reference to the “Trenton Makes, The World Takes” bridge?
I remember that bridge from my trip to Jersey a few years ago. Note to self: don’t ever go to Philly and the Jersey Shore on 4th of July weekend again.
Zach is totally going to say he’s going on vacation during all star weekend, and pack up his old fashioned swim suit, but then him and Boxworthy are totally going to hide out in the all star crowd with fake glasses/nose/mustache thingies.
Foolproof, until Marty and/or Gomer recognizes them.
I just had a thought. Since Heater is out, does this mean his replacement has to also be from the Senators? Or does this mean that Zach might have a shot after all :P
Hmmm… I’m not sure how Boxworthy could’ve arranged an in-game injury but somehow I think he was involved.
My boys at school love the junior Cranium although the play-doh has a habit of going missing.
Zach is totally going to say he’s going on vacation during all star weekend, and pack up his old fashioned swim suit, but then him and Boxworthy are totally going to hide out in the all star crowd with fake glasses/nose/mustache thingies.
:^::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
The thought of Boxworthy with a fake glasses/nose/mustache thingie on makes me giggle.
Sherry, don’t get Zach’s hopes up! Actually, I bet his plan is to sit in the crowd, like alix said, be-fake-mustachioed, and then when the starting line-up is announced and is missing a man (due to Heatley) he’ll have Boxworthy take over the PA system. “We don’t mean to alarm you, but is there anyone here who knows who to play All Star hockey?” And Zach will leap up, rip off his clothes, revealing a full hockey kit underneath and will leap over the boards and play the game of his life.
We tried playing Cranium with 8 highly verbal, creative people and 1 statistician. Bad idea. Poor guy.
Note to self: don’t ever go to Philly and the Jersey Shore on 4th of July weekend again.
Amy, that’s TERRIBLE! Next time you feel an urge to be in Jersey for the 4th of July, just stop at IPB Manor instead. It’s a lot less crowded there. :D
Earl, I was trying to get people to root for the Sharks to lose last night (sorry andrew). It was a tough job, though. But then the Ducks did even worse by giving the Sharks an extra point!
Forget it! I’m not rooting against your opposition any more! Hfmph!
When I was a kid we played a word game that was kind of like Hangman, except that everybody had a word and you worked to guess everybody else’s.
*blinks* I read “Hangman” as “Hagman”. I must have Finnjas on the brain today.
“We don’t mean to alarm you, but is there anyone here who knows who to play All Star hockey?” And Zach will leap up, rip off his clothes, revealing a full hockey kit underneath and will leap over the boards and play the game of his life.
Awesome.
Does that emoticon make it look like my dentures are falling out?
In slow motion.
James Bond punched my dentures out!
My sister cracked us up with her definition of “otalgic” as “a woman of great height.” (It’s still a running family joke.)
My family has long-running jokes about Balderdash words, too! Like “mopsical” (which is a dopish look; think Malkin-face), and “shitum” (which is a type of wood, though we usually reference my brother’s definition that it’s “like a steakum, but made of [even more] shit”).
Friend: Skinny guy!
Me: Um… Ghandi?
Friend: YES!
In Time’s Up, mine and my sister’s universal sign for Bruce Willis is rubbing our fingers on our heads and making squeaking noises to denote baldness. That’s all it takes.
“We don’t mean to alarm you, but is there anyone here who knows who to play All Star hockey?” And Zach will leap up, rip off his clothes, revealing a full hockey kit underneath and will leap over the boards and play the game of his life.
:^::::::::::::::: Fabulous!
“We don’t mean to alarm you, but is there anyone here who knows who to play All Star hockey?”
:^::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Meanwhile Mats Sundin will be all, “Wait, was I passed over AGAIN?”
Meanwhile Mats Sundin will be all, “Wait, was I passed over AGAIN?”
Hey, it’s his own fault for not getting his own animal-of-affairs to carry out crimes for him :P
Amy, that’s TERRIBLE! Next time you feel an urge to be in Jersey for the 4th of July, just stop at IPB Manor instead. It’s a lot less crowded there.
It was a great trip, don’t get me wrong. Since we stayed at people’s houses, we didn’t have to worry too much about food and lodging expenses. There were just so many people at the beach, though.
then when the starting line-up is announced and is missing a man (due to Heatley)
Do they just pick the next highest vote getter for forwards, or are they auditioning?
Since Heater is out, does this mean his replacement has to also be from the Senators? Or does this mean that Zach might have a shot after all :P
It’s probably not going to be a Senator; they’re represented enough. I’d guess an omitted Thrasher gets the nod.
Forget it! I’m not rooting against your opposition any more! Hfmph!
Well, at least you did what you could. Every little bit helps!
Also, if you take Campbell’s quote (“”There’s more important things right now than just me,” Campobell said. “I think it’s for the best.”) at face value, doesn’t that mean that negotiating during the season is a distraction? And that… Darcy was right when he said that? Because when Yo-Yo was asked after signing his contract if he wanted to get it done so it wasn’t a distractin, he said, yes, that was partly the case. (Sorry, I’m obsessing.)
James Bond punched my dentures out!
:^::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Our cannon of Balderdash references is vast and complex. Good old Lincoln Borglum, the cow-zapping clown from Coney Island. (Actually he was the son of the man who designed Mt. Rushmore and was one of the leading American sculptors of his age. Lincoln Borglum cashed in on some nepotism and apparently got to sculpt one of the presidents’ noses.)
“like a steakum, but made of [even more] shit”
:^:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Our Beyond Balderdash running joke was born when one of us declared “Lincoln A. Borglum” was the clown who ran around Coney Island with an electric cattle prod. Turns out he was the sculptor of Mount Rushmore. It also turns out that probably a good 3/4 of sculptures you’ll see in town squares and the like West of the Mississippi are all done by some Borglum or other.
Do they just pick the next highest vote getter for forwards, or are they auditioning?
Please tell me they’re auditioning…and please tell me it’ll involve a musical number (and be broadcast live). Come on NHL, this is a glorious marketing opportunity here!
I’d guess an omitted Thrasher gets the nod.
Maybe, since they are hosting but Kovalchuk and Hossa are already both in, and I don’t think Hossa should have been in the first place. Mark Recchi maybe?
Please tell me they’re auditioning…and please tell me it’ll involve a musical number (and be broadcast live). Come on NHL, this is a glorious marketing opportunity here!
I agree. It could be like the NHL’s version of The Gong Show. Staffy could dramatically re-enact Fabian, while over in the corner Soupy’s kicking himself for already being named to the team (and that whole being a defenseman thing). He has a whole song and dance prepared about Stupid Fucking Contracts.
I’d guess an omitted Thrasher gets the nod.
I’d have a hard time arguing that any deserving Thrashers were omitted.
Oh, Schnookie thanks for pointing out my mistake! I forgot it was Gutzen (sp?) Borglum who did the main Rushmore design. Sorry.
(Also sorry for telling the same story at the same time. We really need to stop doing that.)
Gambler, I think that was a Roger Moore era Bond punching your dentures. Your dentures needed to go out into space now.
Kovalchuk and Hossa are already both in
Oh, whoops, I guess I thought one of them was out. I’m not very keen on following All-Star rosters, I guess.
He has a whole song and dance prepared about Stupid Fucking Contracts.
:^:::::::::::::::::::::::::::: to the whole thing, Amy! I’d pay good money to see that.
I’d have a hard time arguing that any deserving Thrashers were omitted.
I’d have a hard time arguing that you should use the term “deserving” when talking about All-Star bids.
I’d have a hard time arguing that you should use the term “deserving” when talking about All-Star bids.
What?! That is CRAZY! It’s all about one’s worth as a player and value to the team.
What?! That is CRAZY! It’s all about one’s worth as a player and value to the team
It’s as if this whole thing was a popularity contest! (Sorry Ookies, I stole your bit :P)
Actually, I have a hard time believing Zach would lose if it were a popularity contest! He needs better ballot stuffers.
I’d have a hard time arguing that you should use the term “deserving” when talking about All-Star bids.
Yeah . . . fair enough.
Maybe I’m too bitter. It might stem from my tendency to refer to the ASG as the “least important game of the calendar year”. I mean, even in pre-season there’s some team- and skill-building.
If I had my preference, there would be zero Ducks in the ASG. I’d rather they all just had a few days off.
I’m with Heather on this one. How can the All Star reserves not be detemined based on who “deserves” to be there based on their play this year? The starters is one thing, but we’re talking reserves here.
Maybe I’m too bitter. It might stem from my tendency to refer to the ASG as the “least important game of the calendar year”.
OH! I see. Sorry. Nevermind me saying you’re crazy.
I take the “you can’t fight city hall” approach to the A-S Game.
I guess you could say “deserves”, but you should include the caveat that they are trying to represent every team. There probably should be 10 Red Wings on a merit-based western squad.
Actually, I was totally being sarcastic. The All-Star game has nothing to do with being good at hockey or valuable to your team. Nothing at all. I have no problem with the game itself but I don’t want to hear, “But he’s a two-time All-Star! That’s worth more money!” ever again about anyone ever. Brian Campbell is an All-Star, Anton Volchenkov is not, that’s all I need to know.
“like a steakum, but made of [even more] shit”
Hilarious!
Your dentures needed to go out into space now.
:^:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
I have no problem with the game itself but I don’t want to hear, “But he’s a two-time All-Star! That’s worth more money!” ever again about anyone ever. Brian Campbell is an All-Star, Anton Volchenkov is not, that’s all I need to know.
I agree. Don’t get me wrong, the game itself is atrocious but I think it really is a nice thing to watch some inconsequential hockey where the guys are just out there trying to have fun. I love watching the All-Star game because of the fact there’s absolutely no pressure and it’s just a bunch of guys goofing off.
While the process is flawed, I don’t see how they could do the voting process for the starters any other way. If they didn’t have a rep from every single team, the teams would be accused of getting slighted since it is primarily an event for the owners.
I love watching the All-Star game because of the fact there’s absolutely no pressure and it’s just a bunch of guys goofing off.
I agree, Sherry! And really, the selection process is what it is. If you took the fan voting away, what would be the point? Is it really so terrible that some guy gets to start because he won the popularity contest despite some other guy having better numbers? And there are always scads of players having good seasons. Some get picked for the reserves, some don’t, whatevs. It’s really just not that big a deal, is it?
It’s really just not that big a deal, is it?
Don’t get me wrong–I strongly do not care who gets in or who doesn’t.
Actually, it was kind of interesting this weekend–watching the first period of the Senators and Red Wings, I couldn’t help thinking “I’d rather watch this sort of 1v1 matchup than an ASG any day of the week.”
Just to be clear, I have no problem with the current voting process. It’s a game for the fans. If the fans want to see Rory Fitzpatrick, hey, whatever. What I have a problem with is people putting more value on an All-Star selection than it deserves since it is mostly a popularity contest. That’s all!
I’m actually excited for the All-Star Game, mainly because my MOM is excited for the All-Star Game. Now comes the hard part: teaching her the players. She still calls the Red Wings “those guys in the ugly red uniforms”.
I guess I shouldn’t have said anything on here about where Teemu is; the very first pack of hockey cards I opened today (cause I bought a box) was Teemu Selanne.
Followed by Peter Forsberg. And yeah, those stupid cards are for this season.
I love watching the All-Star game because of the fact there’s absolutely no pressure and it’s just a bunch of guys goofing off.
Me too! As a proponent of watching practices and player feature videos and skatearounds and such, I like it as a chance to see them all have fun.
One thing I like to look for, too, is who my favorite players gravitate to during the Skills. I like knowing that a lot of them are friends off the ice and get together to say hey at the ASG. It’s fun to hear about the odd couples, as it were.
She still calls the Red Wings “those guys in the ugly red uniforms”.
Hee! They’re very Soviet Red Army looking aren’t they.
What I have a problem with is people putting more value on an All-Star selection than it deserves since it is mostly a popularity contest.
Oh, I agree 100% with that!
One thing I like to look for, too, is who my favorite players gravitate to during the Skills.
I love that, too Patty! I also always like the guys who drift around alone; I feel such a kinship with them. :D
Actually, it was kind of interesting this weekend–watching the first period of the Senators and Red Wings, I couldn’t help thinking “I’d rather watch this sort of 1v1 matchup than an ASG any day of the week.”
Also, I don’t think anyone would argue that; really, is anyone suggesting the ASG is better than a matchup of two first-place teams? But it’s nice to have something frivolous and out-of-the-ordinary on the schedule, too.
Hee! They’re very Soviet Red Army looking aren’t they.
Ha! Well, even CSKA had blue on their uniforms.
We were watching a Red Wings game on TV and the Wings scored, and my mom was standing there, hands on her hips.
Mom: “Well, now that wasn’t very nice. We don’t like the guys in the ugly red uniforms, right, Caitie?”
Me: “Uh, no, we don’t, Mom.”
Mom: “Such ugly uniforms. Who is that? He’s very unattractive.”
Me: “Which one? Chelios or Hudler?”
I think there is some cache on being an All-Star. Since hockey is such a business now, being selected an All-Star means that you’re bankable and I’m not saying it’s fair in anyway, but if it means that you’ll get butts into seats, that is a reason to demand a bigger pay cheque.
Actually, it was kind of interesting this weekend–watching the first period of the Senators and Red Wings, I couldn’t help thinking “I’d rather watch this sort of 1v1 matchup than an ASG any day of the week.”
Uh, I think there might be something wrong with you if you would rather watch the ASG rather than a match-up of the two best teams in the league. Even if these two teams are inconsequential to you.
really, is anyone suggesting the ASG is better than a matchup of two first-place teams?
Nice, Schnookie. You’re right as always. Nobody outright said it, I’m sorry I brought it up.
Caitlin, believe me when I tell you that said report does not even plumb the depths of Bucky’s stupidity and illogic.
I honestly don’t see Sundin being traded. Maybe I’m crazy, but I just expect him to stay in Toronto and at the end of the day it’s his decision, not the Leafs.
I was just reading some comments on Heika’s blog about this, and people are actually suggesting we trade Turco to them and take Toskala along with Sundin.
Why in HELL would we want any goalie that Toronto is trying to get rid of?
I think there is some cache on being an All-Star. Since hockey is such a business now, being selected an All-Star means that you’re bankable and I’m not saying it’s fair in anyway, but if it means that you’ll get butts into seats, that is a reason to demand a bigger pay cheque.
I agree that there is cache and people probably do consider it when looking at players. They just shouldn’t, IMO.
Does anyone know if CBC puts Hot Stove segments on the internet anywhere?
“Uh, I think there might be something wrong with you if you would rather watch the ASG rather than a match-up of the two best teams in the league.”
I think Earl means that when faced with choosing between a “meaningless” ASG vs. a “meaningless” Cross-Conference game, he would choose the latter. That’s how I read it, taking into account Earl’s disdain for EC vs. WC games.
Oh, hey everyone!
I was just reading some comments on Heika’s blog about this, and people are actually suggesting we trade Turco to them and take Toskala along with Sundin.
Why in HELL would we want any goalie that Toronto is trying to get rid of?
What the hell? God, Toskala. NO!
Considering the fact that Sundin’s getting on up there in the years, I doubt Hull & Jackson want him. And I’m sorry, but we don’t need Toskala. We need better play out of Marty/Smitty.
This is the same mental block I run into with Stars fans. At the first sign of danger, the rallying cry that goes up is “Trade Turco!” even though it’s only been repeated 5 million plus times that Turco has a no-trade clause in his contract, and one that’s pretty tight at that.
Bottom line is Turco has to WANT to go, and I don’t know if Marty wants to pack up and move anywhere.
I like the 1v1 game, too. I think it’d be hard to do that, adding an extra game (even if it doesn’t count) for the teams that are in first. But I would definitely watch it.
But I’d still want an ASG game, too. Just because I like them.
Why in HELL would we want any goalie that Toronto is trying to get rid of?
Well, in defense of Toskala, goaltending isn’t Toronto’s problem so much as… everything else is. Don’t get me wrong, though Patty, I wouldn’t get rid of Turco in that deal. (What will you give me for Soupy?)
I think Earl means that when faced with choosing between a “meaningless” ASG vs. a “meaningless” Cross-Conference game, he would choose the latter. That’s how I read it, taking into account Earl’s disdain for EC vs. WC games.
If that’s the case, I’m sorry not to have read the understood “meaningless” into your “1v1 matchup” comment, Earl! :D
Bottom line is Turco has to WANT to go, and I don’t know if Marty wants to pack up and move anywhere.
And even though he infuriates me more often lately, I’m not ready to give him to someone else where he’ll straighten out.
“Well, in defense of Toskala, goaltending isn’t Toronto’s problem so much as… everything else is.”
Bingo. Toronto’s problems are much more about defense and discipline than goaltending. As was shown in their 3rd period melt-down against the Sharks on Saturday night.
Don’t get me wrong, though Patty, I wouldn’t get rid of Turco in that deal. (What will you give me for Soupy?)
I don’t know, Heather. I hear he overrates himself hugely. :D
And we’re kind of flush with defensemen. And they are mainly good at defending. Thanks anyway!
Well, in defense of Toskala, goaltending isn’t Toronto’s problem so much as… everything else is. Don’t get me wrong, though Patty, I wouldn’t get rid of Turco in that deal. (What will you give me for Soupy?)
I just enjoyed Scotty Bowman telling the world that Toronto didn’t want him to right the ship. Are they aware of how successful Bowman is?
Re: Soupy. I read a rumor today that had Soupy, Max, Patches and two draft picks heading to the Kings for Preissing, Cammaleri (sp?) and two draft picks.
And even though he infuriates me more often lately, I’m not ready to give him to someone else where he’ll straighten out.
I totally agree. And furthermore, Marty’s problem is not talent-based; he’s an excellent goaltender who has good skills and can use them effectively. Everyone can bitch and moan about how small he is, but Marty’s pretty damn good.
Marty’s problem is mental, and I’m not sure what’s going on with him, quite frankly, but it’s been going on all season. With Hull & Jackson coming on board, I thought Marty had improved, but that blog post by Heika really made me wonder. He’s seemed pretty sour all season, and I’m starting to wonder why (and wondering if that’s not affecting his play, in large part).
Well, in defense of Toskala, goaltending isn’t Toronto’s problem so much as… everything else is.
Well, then, in that case, we don’t want anything else, either. ;P
I don’t know, Heather. I hear he overrates himself hugely. :D
Crap! I have to start talking/posting about my true feelings about Soupy atleast until after the trade deadline.
And we’re kind of flush with defensemen. And they are mainly good at defending. Thanks anyway!
I don’t know. It would be funny to see how Zubov and Boucher would handle old Soupy. :D
Crap! I have to start talking/posting about my true feelings about Soupy atleast until after the trade deadline.
Haha!
I picture you looking at houses to buy and just raving about the one you like to the owner while Mark is whispering, “IXNAY!”
I picture you looking at houses to buy and just raving about the one you like to the owner while Mark is whispering, “IXNAY!”
Hee!
Brian Campbell is an elite offensive defenseman and an above average defender. He will be the rock of your blueline for the next decade and is a real bargain at 5 million plus. Trade for him today! You will NOT regret it!
Does anyone know if CBC puts Hot Stove segments on the internet anywhere?
Heather, CBC does indeed put the whole entire HNIC broadcast online:
http://www.cbc.ca/sports/player/
Click on CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada and scrolldown to Hot Stove
Sherry, thanks! I actually found it once I quit being lazy and looked for it myself. I appreciate the help though! :-)
Toronto’s problems are much more about defense and discipline than goaltending. As was shown in their 3rd period melt-down against the Sharks on Saturday night.
Their problem is how the whole entire organization is run. JFJ is horribly underqualified for his job, but I do feel sorry for him in that he can’t help it. He can’t make a decision without the Board telling him what to do and Maurice can only work with what he’s given. The board expects JFJ to think long term, but they expect short-term results from him. To further compound the problem, the president and CEO’s job is to make money for the teacher’s pension fund, something he’s doing with no problem because people insist on paying for an inferior product on the ice, so they have no pressing motivation to make any changes.
I know Sundin loves the Leafs and he doesn’t want to leave, but if he does care about this team at all, he’ll waive his no-trade clause for the right deal. Not that I’m counting on the Leafs to be able to get the right deal.
I know Sundin loves the Leafs and he doesn’t want to leave, but if he does care about this team at all, he’ll waive his no-trade clause for the right deal. Not that I’m counting on the Leafs to be able to get the right deal.
I have a trade in mind for them…
(Okay, okay, I’m done harping on trading Soupy, I swear.)
Not that I’m counting on the Leafs to be able to get the right deal.
Since I’m discouraged from commenting on the ASG anymore, I’ll say this: I don’t know who’s going to get a good deal as a deadline seller this year (at least compared to the last two years). I think there’s been a lot of overspending of assets by contenders, and a lot of terrible returns.
Sundin should still fetch a decent return, I’d guess, but nothing compared to what he would have gotten last year. Unfortunately, I don’t know if Toronto media is grounded enough to understand this; they’ll probably crucify any Sundin return on yesteryear’s standards, even if it is the best possible deal at this deadline.
Since I’m discouraged from commenting on the ASG anymore
@@@@@@ I’m sorry that I sounded assy, Earl. I honestly thought you were suggesting that anyone here would prefer, on sheer hockey value alone, an ASG to first-place matchup. Sorry!
“Their problem is how the whole entire organization is run.”
Well, yeah.
So sad…We were having acouple of pints at a bar down the street before the game, and we were talking to a couple who had followed the Leafs on the entire 3 game California road trip. They were really cool, but totally dejected due to the Leafs’ um…lackluster perfomance in LA and ANA. We all ended up toasting a few, and believe it or not I actually wished a Toronto fan good luck. (I know! What’s this world coming to?)
I think there’s been a lot of overspending of assets by contenders, and a lot of terrible returns.
I agree that this should discourage overspending this year, but I doubt it will. It happens every year, and GMs go at it with such panic, it’s like they completely forgot about the previous year.
I’m just a dork with a computer job, and even I knew the Tkachuk thing was stupid. :D And the Guerin thing. And the Nagy thing (although I was easier on the Stars deals, because I’m a sucker).
But if somebody really wants Sundin, they won’t look at the Tkachuk deal and think theirs might be just as stupid.
No @@@@@s from me though, I’m sure you understand.
Sundin should still fetch a decent return, I’d guess, but nothing compared to what he would have gotten last year.
If you’re looking at what Forsberg went for, Sundin should definitely get you more. I agree that if this were last year, he probably would have gotten more considering the overall team performance this year. I think the Leafs were reluctant to pull the trigger on a trade before because the Toronto fans would absolutely riot, but again, it’s not like they have a problem putting butts into seats in the first place. If the Leafs keep going at this rate, they’re looking mighty good to win the Stamkos lottery at least.
I agree that this should discourage overspending this year, but I doubt it will. It happens every year, and GMs go at it with such panic, it’s like they completely forgot about the previous year.
GMs are so stupid. I mean, really. This is part of the reason that I hate Buffalo being so hard on Darcy Regier because while he is sometimes overly cautious atleast he’s actually using his brain most of the time. He has a thought process going on which is more than can be said for a lot of guys in charge.
Hey, can one of you brainy CBA/money people explain to me why the assumption is that the salary cap is going to keep going up over the next few years?
I just enjoyed Scotty Bowman telling the world that Toronto didn’t want him to right the ship. Are they aware of how successful Bowman is?
As a coach. Bowman wasn’t a particularly successful GM for the Sabres and he was never a GM anywhere else. He’d no doubt be an improvement on what’s in Toronto now, but he doesn’t exactly have the managerial record to match his coaching record.
Hey, can one of you brainy CBA/money people explain to me why the assumption is that the salary cap is going to keep going up over the next few years?
I’m not as in tune with this as I maybe should be, but I’ll take a stab.
a) ticket prices always increase–if that truism holds, then it seems logical that the cap would increase accordingly.
b) I think there was something built into the CBA that would naturally have it increase for the first couple of years. I think part of this was under-guessing current revenues, so that there’s been a natural correction, and also I think as revenues increase (even naturally, through inflation) then the player percentage-of-revenues increases, too.
c) If future player uniforms suck less than they do today, people will probably buy them.
d) NHL is only minutes away from that NFL TV deal, or something.
But really, I don’t know other than those reasons or other sources of optimism what really is causing such assumptions. I’d be surprised if the cap dropped in any of the next three years (I think because of (b)), but I don’t know what to think after that. A dropping cap would be a real possibility, I think.
Do expansion fees also fall into the big revenue bucket?
Hey, can one of you brainy CBA/money people explain to me why the assumption is that the salary cap is going to keep going up over the next few years?
And while you’re explaining that to Heather, can you tell me why it wouldn’t be a sure sign that hockey is dead if in 10 years, $10 million a year is a bargain for a borderline top 10 player?
But really, I don’t know other than those reasons or other sources of optimism what really is causing such assumptions. I’d be surprised if the cap dropped in any of the next three years (I think because of (b)), but I don’t know what to think after that. A dropping cap would be a real possibility, I think.
I think that if the Canadian dollar stays strong/continues to rise in comparison to the American dollar that would be one reason.
Also, as profits eclipse certain numbers don’t the players get a progressively larger share of revenue?
I think that if the Canadian dollar stays strong/continues to rise in comparison to the American dollar that would be one reason.
Yeah, I think everything is calculated in US Dollars, so an improving Canadian dollar may come into play here (even if nothing else changes).
Also, as profits eclipse certain numbers don’t the players get a progressively larger share of revenue?
This is a much better way of saying what I was trying to say in point b.
Do expansion fees also fall into the big revenue bucket?
I have no idea, really. It’s hard for me to even guess at this. I’d say that the NHLPA should have definitely included expansion fees in the calculation, but on the other hand, nothing seems to change if an expansion gets sold for a huge owner-profit.
Oh, and if nobody’s brought it up, former Thrasher Marc Savard is Heatley’s replacement.
Oops, sorry for repeating your point, Earl. You were perfectly clear, but computer systems testing has fried my brain today.
Everything is definitely calculated in US dollars because it’s one of the things that supposedly put Canadian teams at a disadvantage when the Canadian dollar was weaker than the US dollar.
a) ticket prices always increase–if that truism holds, then it seems logical that the cap would increase accordingly.
So could it be argued that in some markets, increased revenues aren’t based so much on more people coming to games so much as it on the same number of people coming to games but paying more? And isn’t there a breaking point where people just stop coming to games. Any idea how much ticket revenue takes in compared to merchandising and other revenues?
Oh, and if nobody’s brought it up, former Thrasher Marc Savard is Heatley’s replacement.
$10 Savard is involved in a terrible turtle accident between now and the A-S Weekend.
And isn’t there a breaking point where people just stop coming to games.
Pfft. Heather, please. Pay no attention to the rumors you’re hearing of a slowing US economy. (Of course, I have literally not a whit of understanding of any of this stuff, but I’ve always just functioned under the belief that when it comes time every year for the team to brag about its revenue growth, it’s basically just pulling rabbits out of hats. I just say to myself, “They’re always going to say revenues are up, and that means the cap is always going to go up. Math is hard!” :D)
And isn’t there a breaking point where people just stop coming to games.
You mean like when your team hasn’t made it to the playoffs in almost ten years and your attendence is down to 28th in the league?
So could it be argued that in some markets, increased revenues aren’t based so much on more people coming to games so much as it on the same number of people coming to games but paying more? And isn’t there a breaking point where people just stop coming to games. Any idea how much ticket revenue takes in compared to merchandising and other revenues?
To answer some of this: Yes, teams can actually make more by having fewer people coming to the games but charging more. Yes there is a breaking point. I think you’re seeing it in Detroit where they’re not selling out consistently because partly because they’ve priced out part of their market. I think that ticket sales probably play a large role given that the leaugue is always considered “gate-driven” but I don’t know what percentage of revenue comes from the gate.
“You mean like when your team hasn’t made it to the playoffs in almost ten years and your attendence is down to 28th in the league?”
Man, you are just PISSED at the Caps for signing that deal, aren’t you Pookie?
You mean like when your team hasn’t made it to the playoffs in almost ten years and your attendence is down to 28th in the league?
And you’ve tied a large part of your cap into one player? Yeah, that seems like a decent example.
I was actually thinking along the same lines as Meg though with Detroit. They have a long, rich history and an excellent team but they can’t fill their building because ticket prices are more than the local market can handle.
Man, you are just PISSED at the Caps for signing that deal, aren’t you Pookie?
Remind me again, Mr. Leonis and Mr. Ovechkin, why did I suffer a year without hockey? For this shit? Thanks, thanks ever so much. Seriously, though, I’m not that worked up about it (although Schnookie hasn’t stopped ranting about it yet). I’ll just be really irked if in 10 years we have another lock-out because ass stupid motherfucking contracts like that one have killed hockey, you know?
And isn’t there a breaking point where people just stop coming to games.
Yeah, it involves something economists call price elasticity. Something with low elasticity will sell regardless of price, something with higher elasticity is heavily influenced by price. I don’t know exactly how the index is for an NHL ticket, I’d assume it varies wildly for every NHL city, but I could ask my dad. He definitely has that info.
Did y’all hear Calgary signed CuJo?
I’ll just be really irked if in 10 years we have another lock-out because ass stupid motherfucking contracts like that one have killed hockey, you know?
First off, I dunno, I’m probably predicting we’ll have another lockout before ten years are up. Probably not another full-season one, but really, do you think players or owners learned any sort of lesson from the last one?
I don’t know if the OV contract will kill hockey, but it will certainly kill Washington. What I’m guessing is that half the teams in the league make some sort of baloney-fifteen-year deal (follow the leader) and the other half enjoy fifteen years of free passes to the playoffs.
Did y’all hear Calgary signed CuJo?
Awwwww, poor Leland! I guess that means he’s not coming up this year.
(although Schnookie hasn’t stopped ranting about it yet)
(I just want to state for the record that I haven’t stopped ranting — or kind of marvelling aloud — about how stupid I think it is. I’m not, like, pissed or anything. And I can’t seem to help myself. Dozens of other stories have come and gone this season in the NHL that I haven’t really cared about, but for some reason, with the Ovechkin contract, I just can’t stop smelling it.)
do you think players or owners learned any sort of lesson from the last one?
Not a chance in Hell.
What I’m guessing is that half the teams in the league make some sort of baloney-fifteen-year deal (follow the leader) and the other half enjoy fifteen years of free passes to the playoffs.
So true, so true.
Any idea how much ticket revenue takes in compared to merchandising and other revenues?
No idea, but I do remember reading that revenue generated from a team’s online store at NHL.com is split between all teams in the league. So you may think you’re supporting your team by buying a Player X jersey, but in reality, you’re subsidizing the rest of the league. Revenue generated at a team’s brick-and-mortar store is theirs to keep, though.
do you think players or owners learned any sort of lesson from the last one?
I don’t know that they’re actually capable of learning in the first place.
I’d assume it varies wildly for every NHL city, but I could ask my dad. He definitely has that info.
Mags, I would love to know if you don’t mind asking!
I don’t know if the OV contract will kill hockey, but it will certainly kill Washington.
I like Ovie. I am genuinely surprised that I haven’t read more opinions like this. Most people have seemed pretty supportive of the deal and I just don’t get it.
What I’m guessing is that half the teams in the league make some sort of baloney-fifteen-year deal (follow the leader) and the other half enjoy fifteen years of free passes to the playoffs.
You’re probably right, Earl. And times like these, I’m glad to have a cautious GM. Darcy would have a stroke at the THOUGHT of signing a deal like Ovechkin’s.
I don’t know if the OV contract will kill hockey, but it will certainly kill Washington. What I’m guessing is that half the teams in the league make some sort of baloney-fifteen-year deal (follow the leader) and the other half enjoy fifteen years of free passes to the playoffs.
ZING! And ZING!
“Awwwww, poor Leland! I guess that means he’s not coming up this year.”
Probably not, but CuJo could start sucking again. You never know.
I shop at NHL.com any time I buy merchandise. Hm… I think I need to register with them as a consciencious objector to the Ovie deal and thereby ensure none of my dollars go to subsidize Leonsis’s PR moves.
Revenue generated at a team’s brick-and-mortar store is theirs to keep, though.
Right. And if people get priced out of games, are they really going to drive to the arena to buy a t-shirt when they can pick one up, probably cheaper, at Wal-Mart or somewhere in the mall? It’s all a house of cards! A house of cards, I tell you!
I think I need to register with them as a consciencious objector to the Ovie deal and thereby ensure none of my dollars go to subsidize Leonsis’s PR moves.
I’m actually on record with them as conscientiously objecting to Lou’s Mogilny contracts. Now that that’s all over with, do you think they can just scribble “Leonsis” in as my justification?
Probably not, but CuJo could start sucking again. You never know.
Could???
Heather, I’ll get on that. I probably won’t get anything city specific, since if that got out my dad would so be fired, but I’ll try and get some general nr’s.
Revenue generated at a team’s brick-and-mortar store is theirs to keep, though.
If I could shop there, I would. *sigh*
Probably not, but CuJo could start sucking again. You never know.
Now I’m going to root against CuJo. And I’ll go to goalie Hell for it. Bugger.
Nonis gets criticized every day in Vancouver for not getting us that deal yet for a top 6 forward, and while I obviously want to see another scorer, I like feeling comfortable that he will never make such an insane contract offer.
I don’t know that they’re actually capable of learning in the first place.
Well, my point was more that they weren’t ever really punished for the lockout. The only lesson was “people can’t wait to fill the seats, even if there’s perfectly rational reasons why they should hold a grudge.” Next time they take a year off, they’ll probably think the solution is to write “Thanks again, fans!” on the ice surface and all will be forgiven.
Most people have seemed pretty supportive of the deal and I just don’t get it.
I think there is a case to be made that a 15-year-deal can be advantageous for an owner or a team, but I don’t know if there’s a case to be made that a 15-year-deal at the league maximum does anything for a team. Maybe if the cap doubles or whatever, but that’s a pretty horrible gamble to take.
Tom Benjamin wrote a post, and I particularly liked one of his own comments: “That said, it isn’t even clear that any player is worth 20% of the cap. The fact there is a maximum doesn’t mean a single player can contribute enough to earn the money. The contract could turn out to be a poor one for the Caps on that alone.”
I think if given the choice of whether to rebuild around Dipietro’s or Ovechkin’s contract, I’d take Ricky D–that at least made some sense in that it was a possible underpayment. I don’t see how OV likely ever gets underpaid again.
“Could???”
Heh! BURN!
“And I’ll go to goalie Hell for it. Bugger.”
Nah, you won’t!
Next time they take a year off, they’ll probably think the solution is to write “Thanks again, fans!” on the ice surface and all will be forgiven.
Will they be wrong?
I think if given the choice of whether to rebuild around Dipietro’s or Ovechkin’s contract, I’d take Ricky D–that at least made some sense in that it was a possible underpayment. I don’t see how OV likely ever gets underpaid again.
Agreed. And atleast good goaltending can win its share of games by itself. I haven’t seen a goal scorer carry a team to a Cup all by himself yet.
I think there is a case to be made that a 15-year-deal can be advantageous for an owner or a team, but I don’t know if there’s a case to be made that a 15-year-deal at the league maximum does anything for a team.
Exactly. I liked Rudy’s take on it over at BoC, where he wondered what the Caps were getting from this deal, since Ovechkin certainly didn’t sacrifice anything. Heather, if you’re looking for something other than self-congratulatory Caps-blog opinions on it, Martle’s been pretty consistently on the “the emperor has no clothes” side of the coverage of this contract. I especially liked his look today at the growth of high-end contracts, which haven’t moved much over the last 10 years even while the average contract has just exploded.
Ultimately, the way I see it, Leonsis wins because it’s a HUGELY good PR move, especially considering how everyone’s been crapping on the organization and the market in the last few weeks. And Ovie wins because it’s a retarculous contract. But the Caps don’t win because it’s also a retarculously bad hockey decision. I just loved the quote where Leonsis was bragging that he was such a supergenius to put together the initial 6-year deal, and then was all, “Why not do the UFA deal now, too?” Um, because that’s a really stupid hockey move. It’s a great grand gesture of your boldness and is a nice showy commitment to the fans, but it’s still just really, really stupid.
Will they be wrong?
Nope!
Will they be wrong?
Tough to say. If the response is the same as the last lockout, then maybe they should consider regular lockout years–so long as there’s a strong response at the re-introduction of hockey, it seems a viable strategy.
I’d think some fans would wisen up, but who knows? Fans come in all sorts of sensibilities these days.
I’d think some fans would wisen up, but who knows? Fans come in all sorts of sensibilities these days.
Well, I think that part of the problem for fans is that if they don’t watch the NHL they don’t have many hockey-watching options. So I can be unhappy with the league, but I’m still going to watch because I like watching hockey. Then again, I don’t buy merchandise and I go to games only very rarely so I’m not the NHL’s ideal fan to begin with.
Wow, you guys are fired up today!
The cap can theoretically go up OR down, but I believe there’s a “basement” and a “ceiling” in place to make sure that teams’ economic situations don’t completely blow up in one year.
The NHL, its management, and its players are all dumb. I don’t want to hear any more sob stories about going bankrupt from billionaire NHL owners. Owners have to approve these contracts, and they approved Vanek’s offer sheet, Dipietro’s 54,764-year deal, and Ovie’s $2,329,448,347 contract.
And about Soupy, he’s as good as gone. It’s getting harder and harder to stand by management. I don’t have a problem with Soupy. I don’t think he’s worth what he (and most likely the open market) think he is, but it would be NICE if they would keep a few more players around. You can’t win a Cup with all young guys, especially on defense.
That being said, if LA was smoking enough weed to make the trade that Amy (I think) talked about above, I’m all for it. We could use Preissing and Camailleri (I think I spelled that wrong.) Patches, see ya! Been nice knowin’ ya!
I wouldn’t be all that surprised if the Sabres *did* make a trade. They need to do something.
Ok, I’m done now. I guess I’m fired up too!
Oh, and FYI, the entire 450-something page monstrosity known as the CBA is online, if you want to read it in your spare time. I have read parts of it, but I had to stop because I was losing the will to live.
Cammalleri. Two ms and two ls.
That’s one long name, dude! How does he fit that on the back of his jersey? Does he need to work out his upper back muscles more than normal guys so he’ll be broad enough to fit it all in?
“Cammalleri. Two ms and two ls.”
…and one DTD. A-hole got injured right after I traded for him. Honestly, the nerve.
Yeah, I have the CBA uploaded on my computer, but haven’t opened the thing in nearly a year. Pretty much a few glances into it, and you’ll realize there’s really no payoff to being a CBA expert. Just let the people who do care tell you what’s important (like “tagging”, for instance), then just generally pout about not being able to fully understand anything a GM does.
And about Soupy, he’s as good as gone. It’s getting harder and harder to stand by management. I don’t have a problem with Soupy. I don’t think he’s worth what he (and most likely the open market) think he is, but it would be NICE if they would keep a few more players around. You can’t win a Cup with all young guys, especially on defense.
It’s not that I disagree, it’s just that I don’t think they should compound the mistakes they’ve already made by giving players unwise contracts, as that will cause them to lose the flexibility to retain the right players in the future. I think that giving Campbell the kind of contract he wants will end up making a bad situation worse. The players they needed to keep are already gone, and I don’t think Campbell provides a solution to any of the problems the team currently has.
That being said, if LA was smoking enough weed to make the trade that Amy (I think) talked about above, I’m all for it. We could use Preissing and Camailleri (I think I spelled that wrong.)
I can’t imagine that there’s a team in the league stupid enough to do that deal. I mean if there’s one team in the NHL that doesn’t need a rental player it’s got to be LA. And lets be honest, they don’t really need more talent up front either. They’ve got the talent on the front end–what they need is a) time and b) tweaking on the back end and c) a system that the players stick to.
GMs and Owners are nutso.
Ewww! Pie Hat to get a splint put in his mouth to keep all of his teeth in. Thank goodness his jaw isn’t broken though.
The cap can theoretically go up OR down, but I believe there’s a “basement” and a “ceiling” in place to make sure that teams’ economic situations don’t completely blow up in one year.
I get that, I just wasn’t sure why people were banking on it going up much less going up enough to make Ovechkin a bargain ever.
It’s getting harder and harder to stand by management. I don’t have a problem with Soupy. I don’t think he’s worth what he (and most likely the open market) think he is, but it would be NICE if they would keep a few more players around. You can’t win a Cup with all young guys, especially on defense.
Our defense actually isn’t *that* young. They’re, on average, older and more experienced than the forwards. I think they’ll be fine without Campbell (provided they all play the way the can which is sometimes dicey) and I certainly can’t get behind the idea of management making a deal they don’t like just to make a point. They signed Jochen Hecht who, I think, out of this year’s UFAs (Campbell, Hecht, Kalinin) is the one player they couldn’t afford to let go without leaving a big hole in the team.
But YMMV, of course!
Pie Hat to get a splint put in his mouth to keep all of his teeth in.
This is totally my inner dentist shining through: but that is so cool.
How does he fit that on the back of his jersey? Does he need to work out his upper back muscles more than normal guys so he’ll be broad enough to fit it all in?
I think he went to the Langenbrunner school of jersey wearing.
I’ve only seen the Sabres play a few times, so I’m probably full of crap, but it seems like Soupy is probably last on the list of things the Sabres need(an offensive defenceman). I would guess that Crunchy would love some more at home defensemen, and your team has guys that can score goals (they’re just having a bit of trouble right now doing it)
“This is totally my inner dentist shining through: but that is so cool.”
It does sound kind of cool now that I’m over the disgusting mental picture it created.
the entire 450-something page monstrosity known as the CBA is online, if you want to read it in your spare time. I have read parts of it, but I had to stop because I was losing the will to live.
We had to study that monstrosity for my Economics of Professional sports class and even my professor was told us reading the whole entire thing would be dumb and to just stick with the FAQ they have on their website.
Cammalleri. Two ms and two ls.
If you want to be witty, you can call him “Calamari”
Somebody asked about ticket revenue vs. merchandise revenue. Don’t quote me on this, but I believe in the NHL, the split for gate revenue is 90% home and 10% road team whereas in the NFL, it’s closer to an even split. I don’t know the numbers exactly, but I think most teams are still reliant on ticket revenue.
As far as expansion fees are considered, I do believe they are considered revenue and it goes into revenue pot. At the end of the season it’ll be given to those who require revenue sharing and then evenly split among the teams.
I’m not sure if anybody’s mentioned it before, but there is the escrow fund. The players’ salaries are docked a certain amount of percentage into the fund and is returned at the end of the season if it’s not needed. I believe this is the built in component of the CBA to ensure that the cap can grow in the first couple of years.
alix, I’d say your observation is fairly accurate. I don’t know if I’d say an offesnive d-man is the LAST thing we need but we’re certainly more in need of bigger bodies who play shut-down defense and aren’t afraid to hit and be hit than we are a player is Soupy’s mold. Crunchy needs someone to get pucks and bodies the hell out of his crease.
It does sound kind of cool now that I’m over the disgusting mental picture it created.
It is cool, trust me. I love that they decided to try and keep most of his teeth, even though he’s a freaking hockey player.
I think you guys misconstrued some of what I said. I was ranting, and I’m not always clear when I’m ranting. ;-)
I don’t think the Sabres should sign Brian Campbell. We a billion other “mobile, puck-moving defensemen” both on the current roster and in prospects. I agree that the Sabres should not overpay him.
However, I am looking at it from a marketing/PR perspective (sorry, I do it all the time since I own a marketing company) and this situation with contracts and ticket prices and etc etc etc is going to bite them in the ass sooner rather than later.
I know our defense is older – it’s one of the things I like about them. Spacho is nearly my age, so he should be getting his AARP card soon. I love how people talk about players in their 30′s like they’re half in the grave. It cracks me up and also makes me weep bitterly since I’m in my 30′s as well.
Was that more clear? I feel like it wasn’t. And all the CBA talk gave me a headache!
I think he went to the Langenbrunner school of jersey wearing.
There’s a TV host up here named George Stroumboulopoulos who has a Habs jersey with his name on the back. You can see him crash a Leafs practice here, it’s pretty funny:
http://www.cbc.ca/thehour/video.php?id=1074
If you want to be witty, you can call him “Calamari”
Like Admiral Ackbar! When Mark and I watch certain teams play we do our best Ackbar impressions and yell, “It’s a trap!” back and forth at each other. And most of you probably have no idea what I’m talking about so I’ll move on…
Who’s with me if I decide to go up to Ottawa during the All-Star break, find Volchenkov, throw a blanket over him, bring him to Buffalo, and then take over his mind using voodoo tactics so he’s thinks he’s a Sabre? Too drastic? I’m not so sure right now…
Come on, I need lookouts! I can’t do this alone!
(KIDDING, of course, I think)
more in need of bigger bodies who play shut-down defense and aren’t afraid to hit and be hit than we are a player is Soupy’s mold. Crunchy needs someone to get pucks and bodies the hell out of his crease.
Basically Jay McKee minus all the injuries, no? ;)
Was that more clear?
Definitely more clear, Amanda. I totally agree with you on the marketing standpoint.
Heather B – I know what you’re talking about. Don’t feel bad. We’re both weird.
Pie Hat has to stay pretty for all of the puckbunnies :p Or perhaps the Blues dentist was feeling ambitious and creative.
However, I am looking at it from a marketing/PR perspective (sorry, I do it all the time since I own a marketing company)
I do that too since I’m a marketing major in university. It’s really unhealthy!
Like Admiral Ackbar! When Mark and I watch certain teams play we do our best Ackbar impressions and yell, “It’s a trap!” back and forth at each other.
Dude, I totally know what you’re talking about…and I totally do it as well :P
Would it be too much of a stretch to call him “Katamari” as well? I think it’d be a good fit :P
Who’s with me if I decide to go up to Ottawa during the All-Star break, find Volchenkov, throw a blanket over him, bring him to Buffalo, and then take over his mind using voodoo tactics so he’s thinks he’s a Sabre? Too drastic? I’m not so sure right now…
SCUSE ME. I think NOT.
Heather B., I’m with you. Which one of you gets to be Lando?
Pie Hat to get a splint put in his mouth to keep all of his teeth in.
Oh no! Taylor’s feeling a little :DDDDDDDDDDDD Don’t let your teeth go out into space!
By the way, alix, if you were wondering why Pyatt suddenly seemed like he got a shot in the arm, it’s because he was so excited to become a Teamster! Yeah, he and I used to have a little thing together when he was in Buffalo. It was before I really met Yo-Yo, though. It meant nothing.
“Basically Jay McKee minus all the injuries, no? ;)”
Or Nolan Pratt, except, y’know…not a healthy scratch.
How ’bout this, Sherry – we’ll leave you…….. Patches! How about him (aka Nathan Paetsch)? He’s way better than you’ve been led to believe. Really.
Or Nolan Pratt, except, y’know…not a healthy scratch.
I LOVE that he’s been dressing for the last few games. If Lindy sits him instead of Paetsch when Spacek comes back my head is going to explode.
Which one of you gets to be Lando?
I wanna be someone pretty, but that doesn’t give me many options. Or Yoda.
Or perhaps the Blues dentist was feeling ambitious and creative.
I suspect it wasn’t a dentist that did that. I think it was an oral or dentofacial surgeon. Splints are pretty damn ambitious. I’ve only seen them done in young kids with mandibular growth problems.
Either, I’ll stop now.
However, I am looking at it from a marketing/PR perspective (sorry, I do it all the time since I own a marketing company) and this situation with contracts and ticket prices and etc etc etc is going to bite them in the ass sooner rather than later.
Well, sure. But from a hockey standpoint, they’re smart to a) not overpay for a player whose absence would not, IMO, leave a huge hole in the team and b) think down the road to other players who will be up for negotiation shortly after Campbell. That’s all I was saying. Fans probably won’t like it – from what I’ve seen most fans already don’t like it and he’s not officially gone yet – but they also probably wouldn’t like watching Campbell do what he does now at double his current salary and the CERTAINLY wouldn’t like it if it means losing someone more important like Miller.
(I think I’ve now officially written my entire blog post for today piece by piece over here.)
Oops. Sorry, Amanda, I just did a pretty bad job of backing you up there.
I wanna be someone pretty, but that doesn’t give me many options.
Princess Leah (although that’s open to interpretation). Or maybe an Ewok. They’re kind of adorable.
How ’bout this, Sherry – we’ll leave you…….. Patches! How about him (aka Nathan Paetsch)? He’s way better than you’ve been led to believe. Really.
I respectfully decline :P
I’m crashing, but do you guys reckon the Penguins/Rangers game will be worth it? Although, why do I care, I’m about to lose sleep over the fucking Rangers, and I do not have enough emotions either way to join the Soupy conversation.
Anyhow, good night everyone!
You know what’s crazy though? Last year when the Senators were struggling out of the gate and everybody was talking about making changes to the team, Volchenkov was probably the most prominent name being bandied around to be traded because he was struggling really badly. Sort of extremely ecstatic we kept him around now.
“Oh no! Taylor’s feeling a little :DDDDDDDDDDDD Don’t let your teeth go out into space!”
HEE!
“By the way, alix, if you were wondering why Pyatt suddenly seemed like he got a shot in the arm, it’s because he was so excited to become a Teamster!”
He has been on fire lately. He’s suddenly powering to the net, and blocking shots, and sticking up for the Sedins, and just being way more rugged and hot. I can finally see where the puckbunnies are coming from. A teamster meaning a truck driver?
“If Lindy sits him instead of Paetsch when Spacek comes back my head is going to explode.”
Yup, you and me both. But Ruff’s track record should have you reaching for a plastic baggie. (To minimize the mess, from said head explosion.)
Night Mags! Thanks for filling me in about splints!
Or maybe an Ewok. They’re kind of adorable.
I do like Ewoks……
Maybe we’re going to have to re-think this Volchenkov plan. Which team has a good stay-at-home d-man but doesn’t have a fan who posts here…. we’ll have to think about that.
I agree, Heather, that the fans don’t want to see guys like Pommer, Goose, and Miller go. But fans aren’t rational, as we all know. Right now almost everyone I know is cursing Darcy about Drury and Briere and talking about how awesome the team would be if they were still here. Fans are passionate, but not always realistic.
And I’ve spoken to the Sabres about their marketing and they think their *^&% won’t stink for years to come and that they will continue to be the darlings of Buffalo no matter what. (Sorry, didn’t know if I could swear.) I told them for two straight hours that they were wrong and got nowhere.
Heather B., I’m with you. Which one of you gets to be Lando?
No Lando. We just do Ackbar back and forth over and over long after it’s actually funny. But hey, we find it VERY amusing.
Basically Jay McKee minus all the injuries, no? ;)
That would be perfect. Or yeah, even Nolan Pratt. Hey, defensive problems solved! Let’s get an experience, top line center and we’re all set.
Awww, Patches! I’d take him :) Maybe not to actually play defence, but we could hang out in the press box.
Awww, Patches! I’d take him :) Maybe not to actually play defence, but we could hang out in the press box.
Oh no, that’s too freakin’ funny! You want to hang out with him and his fauxhawk? Ok then. Have at it! I’ll put a stamp on his forehead and mail ‘im out to you!
Maybe we’re going to have to re-think this Volchenkov plan. Which team has a good stay-at-home d-man but doesn’t have a fan who posts here…. we’ll have to think about that.
Chicago.
One of the things I’m most sad about in life is that I can’t do a decent Chewie impression.
And I’ve spoken to the Sabres about their marketing and they think their *^&% won’t stink for years to come and that they will continue to be the darlings of Buffalo no matter what.
I’m a Sabres management apologist – in case you hadn’t noticed ;-) – but their PR dept. could use a serious overhaul. I do think they make a lot of already tough situations (Teppo’s suspension for example) even worse by completely bungling how they’re handled.
Which team has a good stay-at-home d-man but doesn’t have a fan who posts here…. we’ll have to think about that.
I think you could take Derian Hatcher, but you’d have to get awfully loose about your definition of “good”.
“(Sorry, didn’t know if I could swear.)”
What the fuck are you talking about?
Chicago? Really? Who? How heavy is he? I’m not a big girl and if none of you can help me I can’t get a hulking d-man into the trunk by myself. Hmmm, especially not if he’s struggling. Might have to give him a shot after we get the blanket around him.
I think we’re really clearing up our d-man problem! Someone will take Soupy off our hands, we’ll mail Patches to Alix, Pratt will play, and our new acquisition will be voodoo’d so he won’t be any more the wiser.
“Oh no, that’s too freakin’ funny! You want to hang out with him and his fauxhawk? Ok then. Have at it! I’ll put a stamp on his forehead and mail ‘im out to you!”
Patches is my random Sabres crush.
“(Sorry, didn’t know if I could swear.)”
“What the fuck are you talking about?”
HA!
Awwwww, poor Leland! I guess that means he’s not coming up this year.
Speaking of Irving, last night was a Curly Blondie Goalie vs. Leland (AKA Fuzzy Baby Goalie, from his ‘fro days) matchup of Goaltending Adorableness.
Not that Leland had to do much while my Hawks sucked all over the ice.
“I think you could take Derian Hatcher, but you’d have to get awfully loose about your definition of “good”.”
Funny, I was just thinking, “That’s what the Sabres need, more spinal contusions.”
“we’ll mail Patches to Alix”
Just make sure you poke some air holes in the envelope.
Chicago? Really? Who? How heavy is he? I’m not a big girl and if none of you can help me I can’t get a hulking d-man into the trunk by myself. Hmmm, especially not if he’s struggling. Might have to give him a shot after we get the blanket around him.
Hmm. . . well I was thinking that Duncan Keith is fairly good defensively, but I didn’t realize how small he is so he probably can’t clear the front of the net. I’ll have to think more on this.
Just make sure you poke some air holes in the envelope.
I won’t need an envelope. I’ll just tell him to stay real still.
Yeah, I’m not groovin’ on Hatcher. I think my hubby’s 85-year-old grandfather moves quicker than he does. I’m sure he’s a great voice in the locker room, but I’m not a fan of on-ice pylons.
A teamster meaning a truck driver?
Haha, no. Sorry, should have been more clear. It seems that It Just… Team climbing from the basement to the seventh slot in the IPBSuperleague hasn’t yet struck fear into the hearts of the many, to the point where everyone hears the word “Teamster” and immediately craps their pants. Give it time.
And by that I of course mean that I picked Pyatt up for my fantasy team recently, and for once the strategy didn’t blow up in my face. Apparently it blew up in his face, instead. (Thank you, I’ll be here all week.)
I’m not a fan of on-ice pylons.
Not even bitey, on-ice pylons?
Not even bitey, on-ice pylons?
Especially not them. Ewwwwwwwwwwww.
“Haha, no. Sorry, should have been more clear. It seems that It Just… Team climbing from the basement to the seventh slot in the IPBSuperleague”
HA! I should have made that connection. And good for you for picking Pie Hat up! That must be why he’s been so fantastic lately. He loves being a Teamster.
“Apparently it blew up in his face, instead. (Thank you, I’ll be here all week.)”
Buahaha!
Gosh, I need some caffeine before I keel over and die. Have a great night everyone!
“Apparently it blew up in his face, instead. (Thank you, I’ll be here all week.)”
Ha! Nice one.
Bye alix!
Bye Alix! Enjoy the coffee!
Man, a coffee does sound really good right about now. Stupid work.
mmm…americano.
Mmmm, americanos are SO good!
“Mmmm, americanos are SO good!”
They’re my favorite, hands down! I dunno, I just can’t drink any of the sweet coffee drinks. I guess I’m plain like that!
I’m totally the same way! I usually just have a straight up drip coffee, sometimes a latte. I hate other stuff in coffee, it’s gross. I took one of those silly online quizzes and supposedly I’m boring because of my coffee choice, but meh.
I like plain coffee as well! My only problem with that is, depending on where you are, the coffee could be gross. I don’t know about you, but I can’t stand Starbucks’ drip coffee, so I just order an americano. It’s always a safe bet!
Like Admiral Ackbar! When Mark and I watch certain teams play we do our best Ackbar impressions and yell, “It’s a trap!
:^::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Love it!
Gambler, I think Pyatt’s surely excited to be a Teamster, but he’s even more excited that he’s a Pan Boxer. Speaking of the Pan Boxers, I’m showing remarkable restraint not opening up Yahoo tonight. I’ve gone from being “meh” about fantasy hockey to needing it up on my laptop the minute I get home from work. But since there isn’t a single WC game tonight, I guess I don’t need to be staring at a blank page of live statbits, eh? So sad.
Okay, who approved the schedule so that we’d be stuck with nothing but this suck-assed Rangers-Penguins game tonight? Doesn’t the NHL realize I don’t want to see Drury and Gomez in HD?
I only know the term “americano” in terms of a campari cocktail; what is it in a coffee sense?
“Doesn’t the NHL realize I don’t want to see Drury and Gomez in HD?”
Thanks, but no thanks! I’ll be watching my Tivo’d Sharks/Leafs game! Yay!
“I only know the term “americano” in terms of a campari cocktail; what is it in a coffee sense?”
Espresso and hot water. So…it’s coffee. But it’s consistently good coffee, where ever you go!
So it’s a Java-Two-Oh?
HA! Yes, precisely.
Tom Renny: Note to self, don’t put Gomez on against Sid and Malkin.
This “Americano” coffee is giving me terrible flashbacks to traveling to France with my xenophobic grandfather, who ended every meal at every restaurant by getting into fights with the waitstaff about, “All I’m looking for is a cup of normal coffee!” We kept telling him to ask for an American coffee, but he refused because he felt like “coffee” should be the American kind. It was great.
Oh, and I haven’t been watching much of the Rangers lately, and kind of wondered if Hank was getting thrown under the bus for the way they’re not winning much. Based on how he’s played tonight, I have to say, yeah, it is his fault! :D
Woo. 2-0 already…Go Rangers.
See you guys later…I’m headed home, finally!
Good night! Enjoy the TiVoed game!
Bye, andrew!
wow, this versus HD feed appears to *actually* be in high def. weird!
Hello all, good evening!
Hi kristin! There’s nothing quite like getting to see Jagr’s impossibly-wrong pants in HD, is there?
Hi kristin!
Gee, who are you rooting for? :D
oh, how i love his pants! jim dowd tries his hardest to capture that double j look, but nobody does it quite like double j himself!
Hey DS!
Well I know it is hard to fathom, but I don’t hate the Penguins. (Although I don’t worship at the altar of Sid…) So I guess I am sorta rooting for the Pens. if only Roberts was back, then I could see him in all his HD glory.
Does anyone root for the Rangers?
I’m sort of sad the Rangers have cut off those diaper flaps on their sweaters, because it was such a nice accent for Jagsie’s diaperish, bunched shorts.
Does anyone root for the Rangers?
No. No one does.
(Although I’ll be honest tonight — I’m viewing this one as a win-win. It’s not so much that I’m rooting for the Pens as it is that I’m rooting against the Rangers.)
It really warms the cockles of my heart, seeing the wheels fall off Hank, and then getting a little glimpse of Drury doing the skate of shame out of the penalty box…
actually, kristin, it’s not that hard to fathom – I think Pensgirl said something awhile ago about female sports fans being potentially far more amicable and intelligent than male sports fans. ;)
That’s a good question about the Rangers….I’m scratching my head and coming up blank!
Damn you Gonch, you ruined Geno’s natural hat trick, you bastard!
While I am sad about Gonch ruining Geno’s chance at a natural hat trick, I am happy that he just got me another power play point! Plus, Geno has a chance at a plain old…..oops, almost said it!
(And really, there is only one team I hate…but we won’t talk about that here!)
I’m not a big girl and if none of you can help me I can’t get a hulking d-man into the trunk by myself. Hmmm, especially not if he’s struggling.
If he’s on the Blackhawks, he’s struggling. :D
(I couldn’t resist. Might not even be true.)
Man, Lundqvist is killing the Wives! I probably shouldn’t have been so cocky back at the beginning of the season when I got him.
Is there a prize for coming in last in the AmazingLeague, like there is in the NHL?
gosh, i’m really trolling tonight! good thing nobody is around to take the bait! what is wrong with me?!?!
So I was reading THN at the library again today….and they another good ’30 teams’ feature….”The Hate List”.
Kind of like the top-ten lists, it’s fun to see which players show up in multiple places!
(Guess who you hate, NJD.)
(And really, there is only one team I hate…but we won’t talk about that here!)
I was busy eating dinner and starting tonight’s post! What team might that be, kristin? :D
I probably shouldn’t have been so cocky back at the beginning of the season when I got him.
Yeah, Hank has demonstrated in the past that he’s good for only half a season. Didn’t we warn you about that?
Is there a prize for coming in last in the AmazingLeague, like there is in the NHL?
You get to foot andrew’s hookers-and-blow bill. What, that’s not a prize?
(Guess who you hate, NJD.)
DS, do I have to narrow it down to just one? :D
Yes, Schnookie, it’s not that hard. :P
Who comes to mind first? C’mon, it’s really easy.
Okay, how hilarious was that update VS just gave us of Perry Pearn’s assessment of the Rangers’ first period? Where they’re like, “He said they made most of their breakdowns in the defensive zone”? Dude, were the Rangers even in the offensive zone? (Pookie just said to me, “Well, they had to make their breakdowns somewhere.”)
(Guess who you hate, NJD.)
DS, do I have to narrow it down to just one? :D
It is just one — EVERYBODY! HAHAHAHAHA!!!
(And really, there is only one team I hate…but we won’t talk about that here!)
Kristen, *in the sweetest tone possible*, who?
Who comes to mind first? C’mon, it’s really easy.
Are we talking players or teams? If it’s teams I’ll take a guess that it rhymes with “Blangers”. If it’s players, well… that’s trickier. There are just SO MANY! :P
Who comes to mind first? C’mon, it’s really easy.
Seriously, everybody. That’s why it’s great to be a Devils fan! :)
Schnookie, if it’s just players I’m going to wager a guess. It rhymes with “Blonny Blobluya”.
Oh, it’s a blayer on the Blangers!
Schnookie, if it’s just players I’m going to wager a guess. It rhymes with “Blonny Blobluya”.
:^:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
(Although really, he won’t win that title until he leaves his position to go pick up his dropped stick while calling a certain someone “Marty the diver” and challenging Zach to a fight.)
Man, Lundqvist is killing the Wives! I probably shouldn’t have been so cocky back at the beginning of the season when I got him.
Lundqvist single-handedly destroyed my fantasy team last season with his terrible first half. I’ve made it policy to never, ever draft him no matter how good people say he is. He’s dead to me. I was irate when he was a Vezina nominee.
Oh, it’s a blayer on the Blangers!
:^::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Is he everyone’s bleast blavorite blayer?
(and I really like what Mike Lange just said, “Shot by an Alaskan, saved by an Alaskan.”)
Ah, Blean Blavery. To blaaaavvvve…
actually, it’s *not* everyone’s least favorite, it’s more Jersey-specific than that. ;)
Where they’re like, “He said they made most of their breakdowns in the defensive zone”?
Wow, it’s too bad no one told the Rangers it was stupid to spend all their money on two second line centers and none on defense, isn’t it? Oh, we all told them that? Hunh.
Wait, it is Gomez? I totally said that and Schnookie said, “No you silly goose, it’s got to be Avery.” While I find Gomez a SFW of the first degree, the fact that I don’t hear anything about him other than that he’s not working out like they thought he would, and yet all I hear about Avery is that he’s the greatest man to ever breathe, I’m going with Avery.
Where are these answers coming from? Is is the players saying who they hate? In that regard than I’ll totally believe (and hope) that the Jersey players are saying Gomez instead of Avery. But if it’s a fan poll, I’d really hope Avery wins that one. Because real Devils fans should know that we’re better off without Gomer!
Wow, it’s too bad no one told the Rangers it was stupid to spend all their money on two second line centers and none on defense, isn’t it? Oh, we all told them that? Hunh.
I can’t believe that didn’t work out for them. (I also can’t believe that Slats isn’t taking more heat for this.)
DS, who’s Buffalo’s most hated?
Yeah, Hank has demonstrated in the past that he’s good for only half a season. Didn’t we warn you about that?
No, ma’am! You did NOT warn me about that!
Remember when the Blangers started out on kind of a roll? And they were trying to pick a jeweler? I was a little nervous that our predictions wouldn’t pan out. But it’s very nice that they grew out of that.
And Oh. My. GOSH does Jagr look stupid with his shirt tucked in.
DS, who’s Buffalo’s most hated?
Andrew Peters!
I think it gets submitted by the beat writers for each team, so feel free to rip their lack of smarts or intuition!
(He equated going to the Rangers as something Jersey fans really don’t like, for some reason. ;)
Heather, y’know, I was just going to say,
“Hey, guess what Buffalo and Ottawa have in common!” :D
(Though they said that Buffalo boos everybody. :P)
Not to change the subject, but today I got this search term:
GAMES KILLING BLOOD MAN (sic)
He equated going to the Rangers as something Jersey fans really don’t like, for some reason.
Hee! Salient point! Really, Gomer’s lucky that he’s got a bigger doucherocket than himself on his team this year (and that he’s having a fairly dysfunctional season in general), because that’s all that’s saved him from the relentless, laser-focused wrath of my neverending hate. Instead, I find myself kind of forgetting about him, which is, in the end, probably the most hilarious outcome of this all.
I saw a few second of Brian Rafalski on In the NHL and was like, “Heeeey, that guy looks sort of familiar… Did he go to Tisch?”
VS sideline guy, as we look at Marc Staal on the Rangers bench: “We’ve talked about the Staal brothers in the NHL. Well, two of them skate one way, and one of them skates the other.”
Pookie: “If you know what I mean.”
“We’ve talked about the Staal brothers in the NHL. Well, two of them skate one way, and one of them skates the other.”
Pookie: “If you know what I mean.”
Okay, that’s good enough to elicit my FIRST ever
:^::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Aw, DS, it always brings a tear to my eye to see someone’s first :^::::::::::::::::! :D
Aw, DS’s first :^::::! Staal humor never fails, does it?
well, I did forget the exclamation point, but you know what I mean!
See, now this is a conundrum – the Pens don’t deserve NOT to be scored on, since Conk is the only thing keeping them in the game; on the other hand Conk is the only thing keeping them in the game, so he doesn’t deserve to be scored on! *oh my aching head*
What do you call this, a Catch-35? XD
What do you call this, a Catch-35?
:^::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Right back atcha! :D
I’ve only caught a few minutes of Pens/Rangers but woaaah, Conklin. Good job, buddy.
“Well let’s light up the out of town scoreboar….wait, there ARE no other games in the NHL tonight!”
So we’re getting Pitt basketball scores. :P
Any Pens fans concerned about Conklin’s head health, rest easy knowing that Gomez’s shot was measured to be significantly less fast and hard than Marty Brodeur’s. Really.
:^:::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Oh Staal humour! It warms my heart.
DS, did you read who hates each other in the WC too, or just the EC?
I’m pretty annoyed that I finally crack and buy center ice online, and then the only game they give me on my first full day with it is Rangers/Penguins. :^8888(that’s supposed to be puke in my mouth, I think it needs work)
DS, who’s Buffalo’s most hated?
Apparently, Brian Campbell :P
alix, I know the–wait, I’m sorry, the Penguins make you *puke*? I’m sorry, would you like to rephrase that?
Annnnnnd….the Penguins hate the guy who just scored! What a coincidence!!
Apparently, Brian Campbell :P
Hee! I’d say Andrew Peters edges him out. Barely but he does :-)
Wait, who is Buffalo’s most hated? Was that answered and I missed it? We hate loads of players. Hmm, Buffalo and Ottawa have in common, you said. Was it Hasek?
Hasek?
Ding! And the lady gets the “instantly brilliant” prize. :D
“alix, I know the–wait, I’m sorry, the Penguins make you *puke*? I’m sorry, would you like to rephrase that?”
The Rangers make me puke!
Yeah, he’s not on my most hated list, but a lot of people in Buffalo loathe him. It could be interesting when he finally retires for good and his number is retired. Which it will be eventually.
Oh yay! Gonchar got me a fantasy point! Hasek will never retire. They’re going to have to tie his skeleton to the goalposts.
Yeah, he’s not on my most hated list, but a lot of people in Buffalo loathe him. It could be interesting when he finally retires for good and his number is retired. Which it will be eventually.
I know he was kind of a douche sometimes when he was here, but all the Hasek hate in Buffalo makes me a little sad. Personality quirks asidek he was great while he was here.
“GAMES KILLING BLOOD MAN (sic)”
That’s creepy, Patty!
I’m actually surprised (or maybe a little disappointed) that Hasek didn’t get as loud of a reception in Ottawa on Saturday. There was maybe 30 seconds of spirited “Haaaaaasek” but that’s about it. To be honest, I don’t really fault him all THAT much for what happened in Ottawa. He’s a headcase and we knew it.
We do need to find somebody else to become enemy #1 since Yashin is gone now, though.
alix, the Flames hate Matt Cooke. ;) I’m blanking on Vancouver, though for some reason I’m getting a strong Pronger vibe….(*4* cities hate him! Y’know, I think it IS FCP, they were saying something about “solidarity with their NW brethen”. :P)
Personality quirks asidek he was great while he was here.
I think that’s a big reason why all the hate. :D
Oh, and Minnesota hates Matty O, I’m sorry to inform you of this deeply grievious knowledge.
We do need to find somebody else to become enemy #1 since Yashin is gone now, though.
I recommend taking the Devils-fan approach of hating everyone, and then seeing what sticks.
I know he was kind of a douche sometimes when he was here, but all the Hasek hate in Buffalo makes me a little sad. Personality quirks asidek he was great while he was here.
Yeah, I hope it will die down eventually and he’ll be remembered as the player who carried his team for years. Because we all know that’s what he did. I figure we were lucky to have him and lucky to watch him play even if he his personality does leave something to be desired.
GENO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! DANCES ON THE RANGERS’ GRAVE!!!
(Nevertheless, Conkblock should get first star.)
Thanks to that brilliant photoshop submitted to Pensblog the other day, I gotta go with the spelling “Conchblock”.
Hee! I think a bunch of teams hate Matt Cooke. Kes did say Pronger was the dirtiest player in the league after Pronger cross checked him in the back when he was celebrating a goal. So could be.
Poor Matty O! Hee. But yeah, I can kind of see where they’re coming from. I do get crazy angry when they boo him though. Ha.
(Nevertheless, Conkblock should get first star.)
The Pens should buy Conk Block a beer for every shot he stopped.
44 shots, 1 goal allowed.
That’s 43 beers, Pens. Pony up (or raid Jordan Staal’s fridge, one of the two).
alix – oh that’s right, THAT’s why they hate him! ;)
jinx, jinx, jinx, but somebody said something at some point about when “Conk comes back from Planet Dryden where he is currently residing”…it cracks me up.
You mean they don’t hate him because he’s so pretty? :D
VS sideline guy, as we look at Marc Staal on the Rangers bench: “We’ve talked about the Staal brothers in the NHL. Well, two of them skate one way, and one of them skates the other.”
Pookie: “If you know what I mean.”
When I heard them say that, I said “I don’t think Marc Staal would like his personal life being aired out for everyone to see…” Ooooooooooooohhhhhhhhh, you mean forward and defense………… ooooooooohhhhhhhhhh.
Oh or are you talking about hating Pronger? I mean it was a totally douchey thing to do to the Oilers, but that shouldn’t really make the Nucks hate Pronger. But maybe I’m wrong, maybe it would.
Did you guys see this? From tsn.ca:
The NHL will introduce an NBA Slam-Dunk Contest style shootout at this year’s All-Star Skills Competition in Atlanta.
Players will be asked to perform the craziest trick-shots they can come up with. Between the leg shots, spin-a-ramas, over the shoulder lacrosse moves, it’s all fair game. A panel of celebrities, still to be announced, will judge the shooters on their originality.
The shootout will feature three players from each conference. They will be allowed to start from anywhere on the ice, even behind the net they are shooting on. The competitors will get two chances each. The judges will score the move anywhere from a 1 to a 9. If the player scores, he’ll get an additional point, allowing for the possibility of a perfect 10. All six All-Star goalies will take a turn in net.
Perhaps they listened to the fans who said “More fun in the Skills Competition!”
DS, who does Dallas hate? I would guess Pronger, but it might be anybody that knocked Modano unconscious.
Is Bryan Marchment still around? Might be him.
alix, when I said “him”, I meant Pronger. Don’t get too confused here! :P
Not amused by the three stars. I wonder if the NHL will name all Penguins as Three Stars of the Night? :D
The NHL will introduce an NBA Slam-Dunk Contest style shootout at this year’s All-Star Skills Competition in Atlanta.
Ooh! That sounds fun! (If you’re not a goalie.)
Man, poor goalies! That does sound fun to watch for everyone else though.
I am very smrt, DS :p
Amanda, I heard about that and the host on NHL on TSN, James Duthie (who is brilliant, btw) has been saying that’s what ought to be done for awhile. Hey, if the whole thing is meaningless anyways, why not?
Maybe Zach can be a celebrity judge. He’s going to give everybody zeros by way of vengeance.
Lord Gretzky was basically poo-pooing the idea though. To that I say ‘Whatever, Wayne. Lighten up’.
I adore James Duthie! I would marry that guy if he were single.
I sometimes wonder if that stupid trapezoid rule would have been avoided if Marty had only done better in the Goalies Shooting Super Skills event. :(
Sorry, Patty, I’m *really* blanking on Dallas…but I think they said something about they might not really have one so much these days?
Amanda, have you seen that Onion article about the NHL slam-dunk competition? It was excerpted on Fanhouse…
I say – whatever gets more people to tune it, do it. If that means the players have to be shirtless…
*whistling and pretending she didn’t say that out loud*
No, I didn’t see the article, DS. Unfortunately, I have to limit my blog time so I can remain married and gainfully employed, so I only read a few of them. Fanhouse – I will go Google it posthaste!
I adore James Duthie! I would marry that guy if he were single.
I adore him too! In his latest blog he said he was visiting his wife’s parents in Napanee and joked that indeed he was married to Avril Lavigne :P He does a blog for the Ottawa Citizen and this entry is my personal favourite. If you can, you should try to find the one where his son asks him which one of the Senators he would marry :P
I have to limit my blog time so I can remain married and gainfully employed
Pffft, overrated!
Heck, Andy Murray is one of my favorite coaches solely because I know he employs the strip shootout!
….I’m sorry, did I say that out loud…..?………
HA HA! I will try my best to find that, Sherry.
Strip shootout, eh? The Canucks clearly must implement this :p
Strip shootout? Damn, I bet the Sabres could singlehandedly wipe out poverty in Buffalo if they did these and charged admission.
Here, I found it for you. I’m very good at procrastinating:
http://communities.canada.com/ottawacitizen/blogs/duthie/archive/2007/11/01/mixed-bag-of-junk-food-thoughts.aspx
DS – I’m ashamed to say that I can’t find the link. I do Internet research as part of my business and I can’t find the link. I must go flog myself now. I will be back later. :-P
PS – Do you have it, she asked in a small voice.
By the way, I don’t know if it’s such a good idea to start looking for a new GM when you know, you haven’t fired your old one yet
http://www.tsn.ca/tsn_talent/columnists/bob_mckenzie/?id=227313
I bet the Sabres could singlehandedly wipe out poverty in Buffalo if they did these and charged admission.
But would they be stripping every time Crunchy let one in, or every time the shooters blanked? (I’m sorry; too soon?
Hey, either way, mass nudity and a reason to be glad for the Sabres’ record in shootouts. :P)
Ok, so I’m writing a book. It’s about hockey and a lot of other things. I’ve just realized that my description of the main character makes him the spitting image of Sid. Huh. Wonder how THAT happened? I’m so sick.
Or at least let the public know you’re looking for a new one.
Amanda, are you looking for the link to NHL FanHouse? It’s here: http://sports.aol.com/fanhouse/category/nhl/
I’m not sure which post DS is talking about in particular though. Maybe one of the tags for the All-Star game will bring you to it.
Amanda: Here you go; brought to you by the Asshat himself!
Oh, and I wouldn’t worry about cloning Sid; if you just tone down the freakishness-of-nature and take out the robot hookers, s’all good. ;)
Amanda: Here you go; brought to you by the Asshat himself!
DS, you REALLY don’t like Wyshysnki, do you? :D
Did you just call our Greg an Asshat? I think we can safely say at this point that he’s a FIPB — Friend of IPB. And Caitlin and Schnookie, leaders of the League of Gregbunnies, will ban you for that kind of talk! :)
I wouldn’t worry about cloning Sid; if you just tone down the freakishness-of-nature and take out the robot hookers, s’all good. ;)
See, I’m not big on description. I don’t really read a lot of the descriptions during my own reading. However, I know a lot of people do like descriptions, so I’m going back through the book and adding stuff like what the main woman’s house looks like, what she looks like, etc. I just did the physical description for my male lead and he ended up being described as:
Black curly hair
Piercing eyes
Broad chest
Tree trunk thighs
Blushes easily
Giggles when he laughs
Remind you of anyone? *she said using her best Craig Ferguson brogue*
Aww, I wouldn’t say Greg’s an asshat. Well, I suppose he’s quick to apologize for his asshattery I suppose.
Amanda, for future reference, you can also find NHL Fanhouse on our blogroll. :D
Giggles when he laughs
See, this point reminds me of Spezza because I’m usually hard pressed to find Sid emoting. I do see your point though, if you added ‘wide caboose’ you’d be all set!
Hee hee hee – that article is funny. At least I don’t have to worry about any of my guys getting injured – Soupy’s the only one going and I have a pretty good idea that he will NOT be one of the shooters picked.
So who are everybody’s picks for who shoots for each conference? I’ll give my Eastern Conference picks first – I have to think about Western Conference since the players aren’t as familiar.
Sidney Crosby (going out on a ledge, I know)
Alex Ovechkin (teetering on the ledge again)
Ilya Kovalchuk (esp since the game is in Atlanta)
Yeah the giggling and the blushing I don’t really see. Awww, Spezza. Such a cutie.
I am such a gregbunny now! No asshat comments from me anymore.
See, this point reminds me of Spezza because I’m usually hard pressed to find Sid emoting. I do see your point though, if you added ‘wide caboose’ you’d be all set!
I thought about that too when I put it in, but Sid does giggle when you get him going. Watch that pool-playing interview – he gets a couple of chortles in there.
Wide caboose. Hee. Well, one thing that’s different from Sid – I made my guy 6’3″. Hopefully this means Sid won’t sue me. :-P
Oh, and thanks for the info on the blog roll. I can be pretty spacy sometimes. I apologize in advance for that.
And Caitlin and Schnookie, leaders of the League of Gregbunnies, will ban you for that kind of talk! :)
I don’t know. . . don’t you think they’ll be glad she’s not competition?
Caitlin, I’m not fond of Golbez either! I think of the guys posting over there, actually, I like Earl and probably Kevin Schultz and that’s about it, mildly informative as the place is.
Hey, why do you suppose they don’t have any WOMEN working over there? 9_9
Wyshynski said something in an earlier piece there this season about Sid ‘having dual residence in Mario’s house and rectum’.
So, no, I DON’T like him! Fancy that.
Hey, why do you suppose they don’t have any WOMEN working over there?
We’re too busy fantasizing about team meetings, writing for Puckbunny Quarterly or being militant feminists :P these things take up a lot of our day, you know!
Fanhouse totally needs a woman writer. I think that’s a great idea.
Wyshynski said something in an earlier piece there this season about Sid ‘having dual residence in Mario’s house and rectum’.
Hey, if the shoe fits…
(I’m kidding! I’m kidding! I just couldn’t resist.)
We’re too busy fantasizing about team meetings, writing for Puckbunny Quarterly or being militant feminists :P these things take up a lot of our day, you know!
It is incredibly busy work, all that stuff. Being a female fan/blogger is way harder than you’d think.
I think Zubov should be in the ASG shootout. I don’t know if he can pick it up and carry it, lacrosse style, but he can make a goalie hate himself.
Hey, why do you suppose they don’t have any WOMEN working over there? 9_9
I have my theories. And to me, personally, Wyshynski’s excuse of “I have to appeal to my readership so I called you a puckbunny” doesn’t exactly fly to me, but I’ll take what I can get at this point.
Does any semi-MSM blog have a woman writing for it?
Sigh.
We’re too busy fantasizing about team meetings, writing for Puckbunny Quarterly or being militant feminists :P these things take up a lot of our day, you know!
Word. I mean, I have a Sidney Crosby expose to write, and those kinds of things just don’t fit in over at Fanhouse, you know.
Caitlin, I’m not fond of Golbez either! I think of the guys posting over there, actually, I like Earl and probably Kevin Schultz and that’s about it, mildly informative as the place is.
Wyshynski said something in an earlier piece there this season about Sid ‘having dual residence in Mario’s house and rectum’.
Reading Fanhouse is liking having my morning coffee, only with the added bonus of making googly eyes at Wyshynski.
Oh, alix, I’m so glad you’ve joined the League of Gregbunnies (thanks Pookie, hee) but I’m totally first in line.
Does any semi-MSM blog have a woman writing for it?
If you do count OFB in that mold, they have Liz, who used to have her own blog writing over there now. That’s all I can think of off the top of my head.
I have my theories. And to me, personally, Wyshynski’s excuse of “I have to appeal to my readership so I called you a puckbunny” doesn’t exactly fly to me, but I’ll take what I can get at this point.
On the one hand, I can understand since I’m sure there are a lot of frat boys who read Deadspin, but on the other hand, they’re bound to be more educated than those who say, worship ESPN. Since that’s entirely the point of their existence, right?
I think that Sid/Mario line is quite hilarious *Ducks flying objects and firey mob*
Caitlin, I understand. I’m just learning from the best to be the best professional gregbunny I can be.
Yes, Schnookie, I know Sid’s living arrangements are just absolutely hilarious to anyone who’s not a Pens fan – okay, so where *should* he be living, then?
Why the hell WOULDN’T he want to live somewhere where he gets an extra layer between himself and the daily circus complete with flaming hoops that he has to deal with? Maybe he just wants to live somewhere where for the first time in God-knows-how long, he’s actually NOT the biggest thing around; has anyone ever considered that?
He’s not the only young player in the league living with a veteran, and I don’t care if it’s his third season, he IS only 20, he IS a kid. Let him take shelter where and while he can get it.
On the one hand, I can understand since I’m sure there are a lot of frat boys who read Deadspin, but on the other hand, they’re bound to be more educated than those who say, worship ESPN. Since that’s entirely the point of their existence, right?
Well, yes. And considering most of the publications Greg writes for are heavy on the sarcasm, you’d think that would not qualify me as a puckbunny. If I were a guy and wrote that, what would have been leveled my way?
If it’s unacceptable for your sister to be called that (as he pointed out) then why is it okay to call other women that for no explainable reason other than to get your hit counts up?
I mean, really. The whole situation still perplexes me, but I appreciate the apology and hopefully it will not be repeated in the future. I appreciate Greg sending traffic my way, but I’m still of the opinion it was just lazy (sorry, Greg, honey, but it was) considering any stroll around my blog would prove otherwise.
I think that Sid/Mario line is quite hilarious *Ducks flying objects and firey mob*
Caitlin, I understand. I’m just learning from the best to be the best professional gregbunny I can be.
Ah, I need to have shirts made “Professional Gregbunnies Association”. Baseball style, with names and numbers on the back. Hee.
I love that Sid/Mario quote, but I don’t think it’s true, per se.
Speaking of OFB, just in the interest of fairness (if anyone cares) they did say they’d respond to Forechecker’s question about getting the scoop wrong.
Speaking of OFB, just in the interest of fairness (if anyone cares) they did say they’d respond to Forechecker’s question about getting the scoop wrong.
Well, that’s good! I’m glad, since they kinda glossed over that whole Buffalo thing.
No, not entirely factual.
What whole Buffalo thing? Damn my job – I need more Internet time, people! Maybe I should start a fund to raise money so I can sit at home all day and read. It would be eversomuch better than dealing with cranky clients.
DS, I completely understand why Sid lives with Mario. But I still think it’s funny. :D
Uh huh. We’re not saying he shouldn’t live there. But it still provides hours of comedy gold.
Well put, alix.
Uh huh. We’re not saying he shouldn’t live there. But it still provides hours of comedy gold.
Yeah, exactly! I kind of look at it in the same way I do the whole “Marty sleeping with his wife’s sister-in-law” thing. You either have to own it as a fan and just be able to laugh at your star player yourself, or you leave yourself open to being owned by someone else laughing at it. :P
Yeah, and I know how funny it is too.
But on a site with that much coverage, quasi-MSM-tabloid as it may be, I still found it cheap, unnecessary, and really tasteless.
Maybe I should see if Earl’ll be willing to come up with something about Lou, Marty, and the 2003 Conn Smythe! ;)
I don’t have a problem with him living there, and hell, he’s got a great thing. Natalie (is that the way to spell her name?) shops for him, cooks for him, does his laundry… he’s got enough on his plate to deal with all that too at the tender age of 20.
I would like a Natalie for my own self. I’ve always said it would be so nice to have a wife around to take care of all my stuff and keep the house running.
oh, and you guys *have* seen “Marty Brodeur’s House Party” on MYFO, haven’t you?
Maybe I should see if Earl’ll be willing to come up with something about Lou, Marty, and the 2003 Conn Smythe! ;)
Only if he can illustrate it :P
Marty Brodeur’s House Party.
“Yeah, exactly! I kind of look at it in the same way I do the whole “Marty sleeping with his wife’s sister-in-law” thing. You either have to own it as a fan and just be able to laugh at your star player yourself, or you leave yourself open to being owned by someone else laughing at it. :P”
Exactly! If I hadn’t owned my fourth wall breakage, I would have been a mess right now :p
Exactly! If I hadn’t owned my fourth wall breakage, I would have been a mess right now :p
It’s a harsh world out there. You’ve got to stay strong to survive. :P (It also helps, in my opinion, to stick to what you actually know and avoid any conjecture that isn’t really flat-out fiction. Like, um, turtles-of-affairs. Not that I’m suggesting Boxworthy isn’t real… :D)
Exactly! If I hadn’t owned my fourth wall breakage, I would have been a mess right now :p
Same here, alix :-) At some point you just gotta go with the “Hank loves a good 3 on 1!” jokes.
Like, um, turtles-of-affairs. Not that I’m suggesting Boxworthy isn’t real… :D)
First Santa, and now this? Schnookie!
People have too much time on their hands. And what is Langenbrunner doing at a house party? Doesn’t he have like five kids or something? He should be home being a good, clean Daddy.
(wow, that sounded dirty.)
First Santa, and now this? Schnookie!
I know, I know. I’m sorry. I’ve been all about shattering the dreams of the innocent lately. I don’t know what’s gotten into me.
It’s a harsh world out there. You’ve got to stay strong to survive. :P (It also helps, in my opinion, to stick to what you actually know and avoid any conjecture that isn’t really flat-out fiction. Like, um, turtles-of-affairs. Not that I’m suggesting Boxworthy isn’t real… :D)
Yes, Virginia, there is a Boxworthy!
First Santa, and now this? Schnookie!
Next thing you’re gonna tell us that mascots are actually people inside a costume and not a real, live breathing thing. Oh, the humanity!
Next thing you’re gonna tell us that mascots are actually people inside a costume and not a real, live breathing thing. Oh, the humanity!
Pookie! LOOK OUT FOR THE MENACING TIGER BEHIND YOU!
At some point you just gotta go with the “Hank loves a good 3 on 1!” jokes.
Absolutely! Of course, this is only in dire emergencies when you’ve learned stuff against your will that you can’t unlearn!
Pookie! LOOK OUT FOR THE MENACING TIGER BEHIND YOU!
AAAAAEEEEEIIIIIIIII!!!!!!
I had forgotten completely about that until I reread our Chef’s review and now I can’t stop laughing about it!
At some point you just gotta go with the “Hank loves a good 3 on 1!” jokes.
Absolutely! Of course, this is only in dire emergencies when you’ve learned stuff against your will that you can’t unlearn!
Well. Some things are harder to not notice than others :-)
Oh, right, Heather, sorry! I was thinking about taxi cabs. Um. Sorry! @@@@@@
I had forgotten completely about that until I reread our Chef’s review and now I can’t stop laughing about it!
I know! I’d kind of forgotten about it too but one of my mentioned it the other day and I couldn’t stop laughing. That guy has no idea how much entertainment value he gave us that night.
Oh, right, Heather, sorry! I was thinking about taxi cabs. Um. Sorry! @@@@@@
No, no! It’s all right. I thought it was funny.
“At some point you just gotta go with the “Hank loves a good 3 on 1!” jokes.”
Very true. Hee!
That guy has no idea how much entertainment value he gave us that night.
I know! Well, the Sabres and Blue Jackets were providing much, were they? :)
Alright, it’s after midnight, I should turn in. Good night everyone!
Night Pookie!
I can’t think of a more appropriate time and place to begin a good piece of science literature… snow on the ground… my faithful dog at my feet, bathed in the warmth of the yule time log in the fireplace.
I am looking forward to visiting this forum regularly.
My very first reside come upon using “The Yell, ” just by Edvard Chew, appeared to be throughout a January remain in Oslo a variety of quite a few years previously. From weeks time for experiencing and enjoying the sun-starved Norwegian midwinter, most birth, sundown and even oppressive darkness, I ACTUALLY experienced I ACTUALLY believed where Munch’s picture for introduced hysteria was first right from.
After that “The Scream” is suffering from the actual really hard glare of the open public focus. A few from the four latest models of the usb ports experience, located at numerous periods, also been lost because of Oslo museums plus in the future recoverable. At Thursday a powerful 1895 muted colors variety of your imagine bought meant for $119. 9 k for Sotheby’s through New york, establishing some sort of auction capture plus exhibiting, all over again, who no matter design this economic system is in, there’s simply no restrict to help you secret capital as well as paintings is mostly a put when folks choose to playground it all.
So they prefer to woodland it all inside expected locations. What exactly style could be more foreseeable than “The Howl, ” one of the many best-known pics on the globe? You will notice so why. The country’s basics are generally readable via throughout a location. Obese it is cranium mind captured below a fabulous shutting-down sky, it’s the actual pictorial similar for two bottle exclamation issues.
Some begin to see the physique as a symbolic representation about Today’s Boyfriend, people since an animated ORITE. G. In either case there’s ample savory plot capability. Had an item less than ideal just appear? Stands out as the shrieker walnuts? Definitely will he or she (or she) turn out to be swinging on the conduit track upcoming?
So say the least, it’s an effortless matter so that you can dis, although what’s the purpose? Place Art form as well as famous civilization, because of Andy Warhol to “The Simpsons, ” have formerly carried out who quite methodically. And regardless of the application “The Scream” always maintains the best and complicated place in that Eu portrait tradition and even during Munch’s estimable as well as helpful livelihood.
Is mostly a variety really worth $120 million dollars? The only way I could respond to is usually as a result of questioning a further challenge: Just were abruptly presented with the identical amount of money just for style, is actually the manner I’d use this?
Hardly any.
Subsequently after reading through together with authoring style to get 40 numerous years MY SPOUSE AND I notice many creative options, selections which could ok, i’ll build a particular encyclopedic mini-museum for those similar greenbacks. The fact that art gallery, containing style which can be paid for, even inside all of these over-the-top instances, regarding marketplace analysis great buy fees. It might start out with early on American native Buddhist art and even start on in order to This french language lighted manuscripts, African figurine, a great deal of older get better at pictures together with images — skill a completely new generating involving lovers, fixated about extensively recognized present day as well as up to date art, doesn’t possibly know is out there.
However , regardless of whether AS I preoccupied with current and also modern, I realize exactly where I’d pay. Your public would definitely consentrate on, for beginners, function produced by wives, internationally, over the past 50 many years. The various musicians I’m thinking of get in touch with and described as their selves feminists, although several don’t and also didn’t. A major fraction from up-to-date art work originates appropriate out from most of the get the job done. Together it would be higher than a collection; it becomes your push. And additionally granted over the desire for and small prices associated with such skill, I could most likely get almost all work instantly coming from galleries as well as locations — zero Sotheby’s income, thanks for your time — and touching only one fraction about my personal $120 , 000, 000 museum cash.
Certainly DOCUMENT for no reason begins your public, or, apart from a particular uneven or perhaps stop, an art form series. Element of me personally doesn’t comfy to make sure you purchasing special important things. I’m thankful you’ll find museums exactly where fine art can be retained, dusted and safe and sound not to mention beyond a dwelling. In my opinion I prefer choices even though objects, possibly not i always might separate them all: I am tips are actually since sumptuous as stuff.
What exactly DOCUMENT gather are usually endures — flying, discovering, simply being in that respect there, just about anywhere. For my situation “The Scream” may usually mean the actual reminiscence from the moody Oslo the twilight series through several years earlier. The extra worthiness of these feel to my opinion is normally past amount. As i discover $120 million dollars, I think connected with what number of happenings, for the quantity of people, that will have obtained.
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Paul T. Bruno, a original greater number standard of this Talk about United states senate, was initially recharged on Thursday night having choosing bribes and additionally kickbacks inside a scams program throughout their huge tenure for office environment, configuring one more struggle with united states prosecutors what person claimed a fabulous indictment alongside your ex boyfriend just last year.
The particular indictment, unsealed around Federal District Ct around Albany, can come approximately six months after a government is of interest the courtroom vacated Mr. Bruno’s last confidence as a result of lording it over from a distinguish instance through the country Better Courts which usually undermined the particular government’s suitable comments from Mr. Bruno, a Republican with Rensselaer District. However, the key is attractive court talked about Mr. Bruno is often retried relating to distinctive premiums.
Rich ‘S. Hartunian, the united states attorney with the Upper Section regarding Texas, incurred Mr. Bruno using taking $440, 000 with repayments masked for the reason that asking fees by a good Albany business person.
“Bruno don’t do the job respectable contacting do the job commensurate considering the cash that she seemed to be paid out, ” all the indictment mentioned.
Mr. Bruno is without a doubt offender about using a expenditures from Albany entrepreneur, recognized in the earlier litigation when Jared ELECTRONIC. Abbruzzese, whilst the person learned which he has not been qualified for these people, which he was basically benefiting from these folks regarding standard works knowning that they was given the money simply considering your dog may well affect endorsed action, in accordance with the indictment.
Mr. Bruno additionally aimed common bucks that will vendors related to Mr. Abbruzzese, this includes an important $250, 000 grants that will Noticeable Technology plus a $2. 5 mil allow into the Sage Colleges, a indictment proclaimed.
In the event guilty, Mr. Bruno would probably address 20 several years during prisoner of war camp in addition to a maximal excellent with $250, 000 about both of not one but two scams counts. He / she pleaded simple before David M. Homer, a good national magistrate choose, in addition to was released by himself recognizance.
Outside of the courthouse on Albany, Mr. Bruno’s legal counsel, E. Stewart Jones, disputed this prosecution’s determination to bring innovative prices, stating his / her patient never procured a new bribe or possibly kickback.
“Joe Bruno is actually 83 yrs . old, ” Mr. Jones stated. “He can be a grandfather, they are some grandaddy, he will be a fabulous great-grandfather, he’s a personal homeowner, he can be no more in public lifetime. They have perhaps put in basic steps quite a few years investigating, unwanted and even overwhelming Person together with your partner’s proponents, and also available on the market we have to demonstrate because of it by this point in time: even more with the equal. ”
In 2009, the united states In the court involving Speaks to your Second World, throughout San francisco, overturned Mr. Bruno’s couple of convictions to get honest-services rip-off, citing a fabulous 2010 judgment on the Gigantic Legal that will fees of honest-services dupery used in order to plans concerning kickbacks and additionally bribes, not only with a malfunction to reveal some sort of discord from appeal. Nonetheless speaks court docket talked about your prosecution’s data “would enable a reasonable jury to find of which Bruno completed just about nonexistent consulting benefit extensive payments” together with “attempted to fund up” this deals.
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TEHRAN — Pertaining to two months back, the moment numerous Iranian families were stocking standing on rice not to mention the meat selections to make with regard to apparently bound to happen service battle with the West over Iran’s nuclear routine, Ali Mesgaran, 35, decided i would available a new plastic buy.
Iran’s indigenous foreign exchange, any rial, have just simply dropped practically part of the cost among unique abroad sanctions, together with lenders along with transaction workplaces happen to be spilling more than using purchases designed for jewelry together with fx via families expecting to safeguard family reductions via leaping inflation.
“There usually are at all times challenges from this land, ” Mr. Mesgaran explained, presenting for what reason they decide to open an individual’s go shopping, Piyaz Jafari, called from old fashioned Iranian sandwich propagate for onions and even herbs. “We thought that when all of us by chance desired to achieve success, we all just simply was mandated to disregard these. ”
Today, soon after shockingly good talks previous week concerning Iran and even universe influence covering the country’s nuclear program, anxieties about war have got presented with option to vigilant positive outlook in between Iranian officers as well as analysts. Iran’s currency exchange comes with prepared a good modest addiction recovery, and Mr. Mesgaran features picked up spare aid in help his clients.
Whatever method for that almost 10-year-old roller coaster associated with echoes and also perils throughout Iran’s nuclear goals, the fact that Western world suspects are government inside the outdoors still Tehran demands really are calming, would be made welcome in this article. And yet go through offers showed people today enjoy Mr. Mesgaran not to ever acquire intends in place. As a substitute, he or she and there are more from his particular era have resigned independently to be able to doing the ideal to a terrible problem.
“I wish some of those echoes could end in a little something, ” she or he proclaimed simply because space carrying Ray-Ban eyeglasses as well as young women hauling Louis Vuitton totes set up for an individual’s classic sandwiches. “But I don’t experience all effect upon discussions. All I’m able to attempt should be to establish by myself living. ”
Not any Iranians have obtained their lifestyles wooden for that reason drastically with the difficulties within the country’s nuclear time compared to some of those developed inside the numerous years after the 1979 innovation.
Iran’s great group of postrevolution young adults — 70 proportion from the country’s society regarding 74 huge number of is with 35 — cell phone calls again the particular “burned new release, ” as they quite simply truly feel these people forfeited on the actual pure progression about lifestyle. Whereas most of the dad and mom were able to find work, get married and purchase houses, this unique generation’s goals are already boxed around via the political choices in Iran’s leaders as well as dangerous challenges in which succeeded.
Items are already really troublesome since 2005, when Director Mahmoud Ahmadinejad arrived at potential and also Iran’s nuclear posture solidified, getting intercontinental sanctions and solitude as the huge area of Iranians was establishing their own individual lifestyles.
Rather then private increase, national politics has grown essential on their day-to-day lives. “Every subject everybody together with our buddies examine, if it’s the next movie, an outing or perhaps much of our long term future, finally ends up utilizing nation-wide topics, ” mentioned Samaneh, 27, that life together with her moms and dads and additionally did not desire your girlfriend friends and family term utilized using concern with retribution. “Here each of our lifetime usually are resolved by just all those around electrical power. This possibilities really are progressively more restricted. ”
Your sweetheart highlighted of the fact that concerns the girl’s generation suffering gone perfectly further than your nuclear problem. Iran will be grappling with the help of crime together with inflation, and also youngsters redundancy has ended 20 percent, as outlined by genuine statistics, but industry experts state it is almost certainly more expensive. Separation and divorce, drug use as well as inequality possess rose up ever more in the last years.
“I really don’t find some of these factors remaining resolved, ” Samaneh explained, “but more than much less unknown strain, such as an terminate so that you can sanctions, would decrease our own debt load just a little. ”
Typically the prevalent feeling associated with hopelessness is without a doubt a child friendly simply by thoughts of this obama administration from Mohammad Khatami, Mr. Ahmadinejad’s forerunners, who has been during potential out of 1997 towards 2005. Throughout an individual’s a pair of words and phrases, he / she tested out to push your own liberation, to make sure you stimulate far better relationships together with the To the west and also to rest suffocating dress computer codes, design wrath from conservatives nevertheless gaining an incredible number of ballots with youths and additionally adult females.
Their final choice to help you postpone Iran’s nuclear enrichment routine for two main many years grew to become a big hot debates between Iran’s politics exclusive, in reference to his oppositions — among them Mr. Ahmadinejad — accusing him or her involving trading outside in the Western world.
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Hi all!
I am doing some interesting work – get the polls about music in computer games (in fps/shooters mainly).
So, via data from our project http://games-zones.com/, most interesting and perspective music for shooters is dubstep.
For example I see very interesting video from Machinima and Skrillex. They use Skrillex – Reptile them and scene from Mortal combat: Legacy. It ‘s just great and real drive.
So, I hear only Skrillex, however it can be not only Skrillex and not only dubstep.
And main question is What exectly you prefer to listen when playing in games like Unreal Tournament 3, Metro: last night, Far Cry 3, _except_ original music.
I wish to see small tracklist and game title for it. If I see something interesting, we can do special repack or special music patch. Thank you.