The Ronnie Watch - April 30th, 2004: Leafs vs. Flyers, Game Four

And unlike the Joysey Devils in Round One, the Leafs have tied the series 2-2 with a 3-1 win over ze Flyboys. Ronnie had three shots on goal. Also, Ronnie registered an "unofficial hit" when he literally butted Tie Domi in the face. >:) I wonder if The Ron ever did anything like that to Jagr in Steeltown... >:D

It's Official: Hockey Is the Number Two Toughest Sport

According to ESPN, with boxing being the one to beat it out, no pun intended.

It's Time For Owner's Corner With Peter Karmanos Jr.

And it gets a big thumbs up from moi.

Overclocked Remix of the Week

This one kind of has a similar feel to the 10,000 Maniacs' excellent cover of Cat Stevens' "Peace Train". And come to think of it, that's one of the rare instances where a cover is better, MUCH BETTER than the original. Other examples being Metallica's cover of Budgie's "Breadfan" (as much as I like Budgie and their original "Breadfan", Metallica kicked their butt), Triskelion Under Power's cover of Hawkwind's "Hurry On A Sundown", Yes' cover of the Beatles' "Every Little Thing", and Fiona Apple's cover of the Beatles' "Across the Universe".

I realize two of the tunes mentioned were by the Beatles...but that goes to show that even the greatest groups can sometimes be one-upped.

The Ronnie Watch - April 28th, 2004: Leafs vs. Flyers, Game Three

And the Leafs say they aren't going down that easy, beating Philly 4-1, and making the series 2-1. Ronnie got an assist on Chad Kilger's goal (at long last, number ten got a point! Woot!), had a shot on goal, and registered a hit.

Do You Know the Way To E-Bay?

This man does...now someone please show him the way to the insane asylum!

The Greatest Video Game Ever?

Real Life.

A Thin Line Between Love and Hate

Let me say once again that regardless of who Ron Francis ends his career with, I will always be a fan of him. (Heck, if this wasn't the case, I wouldn't be doing the Ronnie watches. ;) ) And while I wish him the best as a Leaf, I absolutely hate he's there at the same time because of stuff like this. If that is not proof of T.O. being the whiny hockey media capital of the world, I don't know what is...

The Steve Yzerman Furniture Collection?

And no, I don't want any of it, Sam I am...

Thank You! I Knew I Couldn't Be the Only One...

...to totally dislike Bobby Flay's guts. It seems like quite a few on Jump the Shark's Iron Chef page agree with me that Flay is quite the nauseating character. I love Iron Chef (and with that said...I know I've fallen down on the job of presenting the Iron Cane Chef competitions. I'll be trying my best to get back to that...), but do agree that it jumped with the constant contests against Bobby Flay (with him undeservingly winning most, if not all of them). And I honestly don't like Flay more than Emeril...one who too has constantly gotten on my nerves with the over-exposure on the Food Network. IMO, Emeril jumped with a sitcom that barely lasted half of a season. Two shows not being enough?! Puh-leeze. While I can't deny that Emeril does have some good dishes (my dad once fixed his cheese grits and shrimp, and that really rocked), I miss Justin Wilson, the only true Cajun cook on TV. How I wish PBS or Food Network would get his show, Louisiana Cookin', back.

Anyway, back to Bobby "Cocky" Flay...Iron Chef Japanese, Morimoto summed him up best:

"This man is not a chef."

Normally, I cheer for the challengers to win on Iron Chef, but the Millennium Special was an exception with my wanting Morimoto to win over Baby Flay.

Some Horrible News: Another Update

My mother, brother, and father all went and visited my grandmother today (for those of you wondering, I finally will visit her either Tuesday and/or Thursday, my days off from work). I will not say her state is deteriorating because it's not, but she's going through some wild mood swings with all the painkilling medication she is on AND the pain itself. My mother and brother, who visited in the morning-early afternoon, were lucky and caught my grandmother when she was more stable...but unfortunately, my dad, who obviously took over in the late afternoon-early evening, had the luck of my grandmother's painkillers wearing off AND being moved to another room for no particular reason. The latter not only burned my dad up, but me too...my grandmother was moved from a very nice private room to a room that she has to share with not a woman, BUT A MAN. I suppose this makes me old-fashioned/prudish, but I've always been under the impression that if you're a woman, you share a hospital room with another woman, and the same for men. Not to mention how the service at the hospital was pee-poor. My dad actually had to remind someone that my grandmother needed her painkillers renewed!

With all that said, I just hope my grandmother makes it through the night...according to my mother, her face was bruising up bad. :(

The Ronnie Watch - April 25th, 2004: Leafs at Flyers, Game Two

And the Leafs lose once again...proving that Philly is very well be the place to beat so far. The score was 2-1, with Ronnie registering a shot on goal.

Who's Dumber?

The robber or the KFC that let him rob them? I don't know about you, but I'll go with the KFC...

This Is So Much Like NHL Refereeing

It's not funny.

British Man On A Mexican Holiday Gets Gored By Bull

...then, gets a free meal at a restaurant.

Mo, Lavy, JR, and Uncle Pete *Really* Missed the Boat

Forget bag skates, chewing out the entire team, hard-a** drills, etc., what the Canes really needed in their times of poor play and effort was to be punished with a classical concert or opera or ballet. And the Canes better be glad I'm not at the helm, because I would have made the punishment even better...Riverdance, Lord of the Dance, or whatever it's now called. >;)

A New Job I Wouldn't Want To Have In Russia...

Weatherman.

While Some Dream of A Rock and Roll High School

Others dream of a Final Fantasy High School.

Some Horrible News

(I know I've used the same title at the three Canes boards I attend too, but I don't feel like coming up with another title...)

My grandmother, on my father's side and the only grandparent of mine still living, has broken her neck. She was being airlifted to the UNC hospital earlier...

My grandmother was trying to bring groceries into her house, and had one of her falls (she's been falling a lot lately because of very weak leg bones), causing her to bust her head on the brick stairwell leading into the house, and breaking her neck.

My parents have gone to visit my grandmother and will update me.

Other than this, I really don't know what to say...incredible all the feelings running through me...the most prominent one of course being sorrow.

UPDATE as of April 24th: I eventually found out that my grandmother broke a tiny bone in her neck and has a bruise the size of an egg along with a good sized cut above an eye (which constantly needs to be numbed). Also, there is no paralysis, or possibility of it. But, she is still in the emergency room because the doctors are checking some things, and we haven't heard back from them yet. Unless they find anything else, my grandmother will have to stay at the hospital for at least a week...

The Ronnie Watch - April 22nd, 2004: Leafs at Flyers, Game One

Well, this seems awfully familiar...just like they lost to the Sens in Game One of that series, the Leafs lose to the Flyers in this Game One, 3-1. Ronnie had a shot on goal.

The Longest Tenured Coach In the NHL Is No Longer Tenured

The Ottawa Senators declared ixnay on the hombre named Jacques Martin. As I mentioned in the linked thread @ LetsGoCanes, wouldn't it be wild to see Paul Maurice, the second longest tenured coach, take Martin's place...

Overclocked Remix of the Week

This will truly kick your A into the next zipcode and beyond...

The Top Ten Worst Songs Ever

My comments on this are here.

The Ronnie Watch - April 20th, 2004: Leafs vs. Senators, Game Seven

The moral of this series: Owners, never predict the outcome of your teams' games. More often than not, teams lose when that happens, especially as evidenced by tonight's game, in which the Leafs creamed the Sens, 4-1. As told by Sportsline...

"Following Ottawa's double overtime victory in Game 6 on Sunday, Senators owner Eugene Melnyk predicted his team would win Game 7 easily.

"We're going to kill 'em," he said."

Shouldn't have said that, dude...

Anyway, Ronnie had no points and a shot on goal in his team's gateway to the next round vs. the Flyers.

It's Captioning Time, Starring Matt Cooke and A Couple of Refs!

I just can't top all of the goodies posted at FanHome on this one... :D

(PG-13 warning)

The Ronnie Watch - April 18th, 2004: Leafs at Senators, Game Six

And unlike what I almost perfectly predicted in my bracket @ MetroBoards...the series goes to a Game Seven. The Sens win Game Six in the second OT, thanks to Mike Fisher. Francis had three shots on goal...

And Just What Is Wrong With Kung Fu?

They think they know it all...

This Has Been THE Week For Musical Confessions

Wrapping up the Blog of Madness' look at a week in music, we not only have Macca confessing to abusing frogs, but also Dido admitting that she enjoyed playing Monopoly by herself and singing to Kate Bush ala Karaoke!

Paul McCartney: Frog Abuser

Notice that they won't tell what exactly he did to frogs...

First, The Darkness Have A Street Named After Them...

....and now they can't live without their precious curry.

I Bet You They Won't Play This Song On the Radio

I bet you they won't play this *beep* song.

That may have been true when Monty Python wrote and Eric Idle sang that, but unfortunately, it's becoming not so true now...

Some Good Driving Music

Well, I don't know if this man is a Leafs fan. But, considering he was heading into Toronto, the said team is doing well, AND it's hard to get tickets to their games...why else would he be playing the violin WHILE DRIVING HIS CAR? Sure he was warming up for a concert...

What the...?!

Oh...they're talking about musical instruments, NOT music itself. (whew!)

Lara Croft: Sewage Raider

And you thought Tomb Raider was something...

First Madonna and Britney...

..and now two Canadian schoolgirls.

Yes Virginia

There *is* a Batman and Robin.

The Ronnie Watch - April 16th, 2004: Leafs vs. Senators, Game Five

Game Five, despite being a win for the Leafs and the Eagle's third shutout of the series, was a vewy, vewy quiet game for Ronnie. He didn't even have a shot on goal...

Though, it appears that Ronnie was put back on wing by Quinn, despite being a natural born center/centre AND proving that in his point streak as a Leaf. The said coach just doesn't learn, which really isn't anything shocking...

Overclocked Remix of the Week

While I've never been much of a Ken fan (Of the Shotokan boys, Ryu's my man), this mix and his theme in the Street Fighter 2 and SF Alpha games kick.

Yeah, I know it's not on Overclocked Remix, but dagnabit, it should be...

The Ronnie Watch - April 14th, 2004: Leafs at Senators, Game Four

Game Four and the Leafs were owned by the Sens tonight with a score of 4-1. Ronnie had two shots on goal and a penalty in the first period.

The Exorcist...In Thirty Seconds!

And reenacted by bunnies too!

A Real Eye Open...er, Closer

It happened a couple of months ago, but I just found out today that The Eye (official Carolina Hurricanes store) at the Triangle Town Center is kaput. :( While the prime locations at Crabtree Valley Mall and the RBC Center are still alive and kickin', it kind of breaks my heart to see the most convenient location (and obviously one I visited the most) gone. Had some good times chatting with a worker friend at the TTC Eye. Unfortunately, while it's a real blow to me, the TTC Eye's closing (which happened in or around February) is *really* not all that surprising...they never got any business, other than me and the players who picked up their jerseys. When I used to hang out there for an hour or two and chat with my worker friend almost every Friday night throughout the Spring and Summer of last year, at least three-five customers would come in. My friend said those were the most customers they had all day. It didn't help that the Eye's location was not the best...it was outside the entrance to Belk's, which one would think would get a lot of traffic. But, the most traffic the TTC Eye ever saw was when Ron Francis was at the grand opening of Belk's...and according to my friend, more stuff was stolen for Ronnie to sign than bought. >:( Anyway, I cannot help but feel that had the TTC Eye been near or right next to the Food Court, just like The Eye at Crabtree Valley Mall, it might have just done better. But who knows? A lot of stores at Triangle Town Center are not doing well, the economy and certain locations (like where The Eye was...at least one or two other stores are permanently closed there too) are eating various stores in the mall alive.

R.I.P. TTC Eye...how I knew and loved thee.

The Ronnie Watch - April 12th, 2004: Leafs at Senators, Game Three

Game Three, the first game at Ottawa is ovah, and the Leafs take it, 2-0. Ronnie got an assist on Joe Nieuwendyk's game-winning goal and a shot on goal.

Congratulations to Phil Mickelson!

The winner of this year's Masters and the coveted green jacket, Phil also wins his first major ever! Again, congratulations and Happy Easter to Mr. Mickelson! :)

Happy Easter!

This blog wishes everyone in the Caniac Nation and beyond a Happy Bunny Day! Hope the bunny or beagle was good to y'all... ;)

The Ronnie Watch - April 10th, 2004: Leafs vs. Senators, Game Two

With Game Numero Dose of the Ottawa/Toronto series in the books, the Leafs tied the series with a 2-0 victory over the Sens. Ronnie earned no points and had two shots on goal.

Get Hung Or Die Trying

With a title like that, how can you resist these mixes featuring the one and only William Hung?

Want A Freaky Easter Story?

You got it.

Talk About Some Real Hip-Hop

Everybody give it up for the Easter B!

If This Is Not A World Record In the Making, I Don't Know What Is

Though, I wouldn't be handing my baby to some of those people.

Some Nicknames Were Just Not Meant To Be Lived

As Jamie Oliver found out the hard way...

(PG-13 warning)

It's About Time!

What on Earth took so long to do this?!

It's Official: Germany Is the News Capital of the World

I swear, Germany finds its way into the Quirkies more than any other country (except maybe the United Kingdom)...the following is only from the last week:

"Eminem Moons For German Viewers"
"Piranha Found In Children's Petting Pool"
"Court Rules In Ruled Paper Case"
"Man Kidnapped Ex-Lover's Dentures"
"Parents Experience Life In the Womb"
"Man's Vomit Caused £1,300 Damage To Car"

Britney Spears' Tour Bus Caught For Speeding

If only they could have arrested her and the crew for assault and battery on the state of music AND entertainment...

The World's Fastest Goal

And that's in soccer...does it include hockey?

The Ronnie Watch - April 8th, 2004: Leafs vs. Senators, Game One

In a 4-2 Toronto loss to Ottawa, Ronnie picked up an assist on a goal by Bryan McCabe.

Eleven points in thirteen games...not shabby, not shabby at all. :)

Overclocked Remix of the Week

This is too cool...I recently have started to getting into a little more smooth jazz. And this mix, currently the most recent at Overclocked Remix, fits the bill big time.

BTW, if you're interested in smooth/experimental jazz, look no further than the awesome Pat Metheny Group. Their self-titled release and Offramp are GREAT albums. I especially adore "April Wind/April Joy" on the self-titled, one of the most haunting tunes I have heard in sometime.

For a good idea of what Pat Metheny sounds like, listen to this Overclocked Remix, one that had the honor of being my pick for a week a few weeks ago...

Congratulations to the 2004 NCAA Champs, the University of Connecticut Huskies

In what turned out to be a rather boring game, outside of the first and last five minutes, UConn defeated Georgia Tech, 82-73.

Best game of the tourney was UConn/Dook, hands down, with Ok. State/Ga. Tech and UAB/Kentucky right behind.

What Exactly Do the People At Microsoft Do?

Well, if the following is any indication, they *really* want to be on American Idol and/or worship Howard Dean.

Exhibit A, Exhibit B, and Exhibit C.

And while Steve Balmer did not steal my bike, he makes me *almost* want to get a Mac...

Booze and Ladies Don't Mix

Especially when the ladies are barenaked.

A Real Cliff...er...Roofhanger

The sad part about this? At the risk of making me sound like I don't care for animals, the fact that a cat was left on a roof of a car in motion doesn't surprise me after everything else I've seen left on car roofs (including a COMPLETELY FULL drink!).

Have A Banana

Talk about making a monkey out of someone...

Ewwwww...

Did this *really* have to make the news?

Mainline Florida

What a barnburner the Canes' final game of the season turned out to be...after the Canes having a 4-0 lead in the first period, the Panther scored six straight goals to make it 4-6. Then, thanks to Eric Staal and Brad Fast (getting his first NHL points AND goal today :D), the Canes tied it 6-6.

Way to go boys, despite losing the lead...now rest up for next season, PLEASE let there be a next season. As I've said countless times, a lockout is not the answer!

BTW, a Happy Birthday to Kevin Weekes AND Roberto Luongo! :)

NCAA Final Four Update

Whoooo...what a Final Four it has already been. Both games coming down to the wire, with Georgia Tech beating OK State, 67-65, to reach their first NCAA tourney final school history; and UConn defeating Dook, 79-78.

Go Tech! It would be nice to see a school that's never won a Final Four get one...sorry Huskies, but great game and thanks for beating Dook! :D

The Ronnie Watch - April 3rd, 2004: Leafs at Senators

In Belfour's second shutout in a row and tenth of the season, the Leafs snowed the Sens, 6-0. Ronnie got the game-winning goal and an assist on Nieuwendyk's second goal.

Go Francis! Go! Dude's on fire with ten points in the last twelve regular season games... :)

Remember the Childhood Prank of Drawing Mustaches and Glasses On Everything?

Cartoon Network took that to a new level on April Fool's Day.

Carbs Are Groovy, Man

According to Dave Barry.

The Ronnie Watch - April 2nd, 2004: Leafs at Sabres

In the midst of a blanking, 2-0, Toronto over Buffalo, Ronnie got an assist on Chad Kilger's game-winning goal. He also had a shot on goal.

Nice Comeback...

...but wasn't enough against an Islander team that was hungry for the eighth seed, and got it: 6-4 over the Canes.

Report (all of them!) coming soon. :)

Being the Protector of Your Canes Just Wasn't Enough...

So now, I am officially the mod of the Canes forum at Metroboards! :D Please come on over and give some business...if you decide to do that, please enter "Stormbringer" for the referrer. Thank you in advance! :)