Sunday, August 28, 2005

Stormbringer's Week In Review: August 22nd-28th, 2005

A note to anyone wanting to own a hockey team of any kind: PLEASE know the game.

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_1509289.html

And all of a sudden, a bunch of men wanted to go to the zoo...

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_1514740.html

And have they checked the color and overall chemistry of this "milk"?

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_1514926.html

Colombian Coffee may be good, but it can't fix train fuel leaks.

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_1513226.html

How could they waste such good cheese on dogs?! (Seriously, Stilton may be a bit on the smelly side, but it *is* good stuff.)

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_1511974.html

It's no secret that the Rolling Stones aren't the best at getting along. But, did they *really* need to go public with this latest argument?! (PG-13 warning)

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_1510565.html

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_1514720.html

Looks like someone is taking their Mrs. Naked Chef title with pride...

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_1511919.html
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Saturday, August 27, 2005

So Long, Raleigh.

I hate doing introductions to sentimental stuff like this...and I honestly couldn't think of a better way to start this.

Well, in just a mere few hours, I'm leaving Raleigh, North Carolina, the city I have called home for 21 and a 1/2 years, and getting ready to start life anew in Bluefield, Virginia/West Virginia (technically, my home will be in Rocky Gap, VA; much like my old home was in Wake Forest, NC).

Wait-a-minute...why did I type that? The part about starting life anew. Why did I type that? Just because I'm changing homestates and towns does not mean that my personality will change. I will still be as insane as ever. I will still love music, of most kinds, except country (despite that being THE genre where I'm moving) and some forms of rap. I will still be a hockey diva, at least in my mind AND in spirit. I will still be the nuttiest Ron Francis supporter and collector the man has more than likely ever heard OR will hear about at some point in his life. I will still be among the geekiest of geeks in my comic book/video-computer game/anime-manga/etc. fandoms.

Ok, I think you get the point...a move certainly won't change who I am, at least I hope not. BUT, there is no denying that moving is a change anyway. And it will be a change that while I have gotten better in my attitude towards it, I will still greatly miss Raleigh.

I said up there that I love music...it can convey so many emotions perfectly. It can bounce along with you when you are feeling good. It can sympathize with you when you are feeling pain, sorrow, and/or rage. And when you are feeling mixed, it takes just the right song to sum up how you feel AND to *really* make you think like you have never thought before. I found that song on the compilation of music I have been playing around with for my mountain trip listenings. It's a song I have always liked since I first heard it on Wishbone Ash's Argus (A HIGHLY recommended album, BTW, if you can ever find it), but it never meant a lot to me until the knowledge of the impending move became embedded in my mind...

"Time Was"

I've got to rearrange my life,
I've got to rearrange my world.
I miss you, i need you.
I've got to keep my memories aside,
I've got to try to live again.

Time was when there were things around
To be afraid of.
I've got cause, i've even changed my mind
To turn the tables.

Time was when there was no need to stop
And rearrange it.
Now i've got a memory
And i don't want to change it.

And there's a time for waking up
And feeling down,
It's when you have to pick your feet
Up from the ground.

Time was when i had you around -I was a strong (wo)man.
I need you to help make the change
And be a new (wo)man.

Takes more than a day and a night
For giving.
It's not so easy just to change your way
Of living.

Time was when there were things around
To bother me.
The crime was, i couldn't start
To change my history.

I know I just said that I'm not going to let the move change who I am...but it will be a change in living.

Enough talk about change...the song mentioned needing you. And I certainly need you now, people. I have made quite a few friends in Raleigh and North Carolina AND elsewhere, from Pennsylvania to Ohio to Michigan to California to Quebec to Ontario to British Columbia. Friends who are casual, close, have played/worked for the National Hockey League, have found that we have a common interest in hockey among other things, etc. Friendship of any kind is something that certainly does not need to change, regardless of where I find myself waking up every morning and living my life. And I want to share that life with you as much as I have shared life thus far in Raleigh.

To those of you reading this who have not been here before...don't be afraid to respond to my postings here. Nothing would warm my heart more than to hear from all of my friends, even those I don't hear from often. Don't be shy...let me know at one point or another that you are out there. Let's have a party in Rocky Gap, and y'all do not have to even be there for such a thing to happen.
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Thursday, August 25, 2005

Canes Name Brind'Amour Captain; Adams, Stillman, and Wesley Alternates

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story.asp?id=134566

Just as I expected.

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Sunday, August 21, 2005

Lookie What Came In the Mail Yesterday!



The last two are not of Ronnie playing dead, but of him showing off the patches. ;) Note the details...

This isn't the first customized figure of Ron Francis I've gotten...I have another one of him in a Whalers rookie uniform (with the #4 instead of Ron's traditional #10). That one is currently in my new home in Virginia, and once I finally get all moved in up there (and unless something happens this week, it's looking to happen a week from today!!), I'll post pictures of that and the rest of my collection too.

As for where I got the figures from...I met their creator online at a Carolina Hurricanes fan message board I used to attend, and eventually ended up getting the prototype Whaler rookie from him at the 2004 NHL Draft. Well, over a year later, he decided to do the above figure of Ronnie holding Lord Stanley's Prize, with which I actually helped him by providing him scans of Francis circa 1991-92. Eventually, the man finished the figure, and he told me that I could have it if it didn't sell at the recent Raleigh sports card/collectible show. And, as they say, the rest is history. BTW, here's my creator friend's site...the section about his custom figures, to be precise.

http://www.freewebs.com/sparkyzsportz/custommcfarlanes.htm

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Stormbringer's Week In Review: August 15th-21st, 2005

And beer drinking hockey faithfuls everywhere rejoice...despite the brew not being from the Great White North, nor the most affordable.

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_1502257.html?menu=news.quirkies

Apparently, the acoustics in churches in Russia are just not as well done as those here in the States...

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_1503587.html?menu=news.quirkies

Good luck. *laughs*

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_1500991.html?menu=news.quirkies

Is it just me, or does the keyboard make the scientists look like they've watched too much Press Your Luck? The only thing missing is a Whammie or two.


http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_1503625.html?menu=news.quirkies

Puffy/Puff Daddy/P. Diddy/Diddy changes his nickname. Meanwhile, the world rolls its eyes.

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_1503360.html?menu=news.quirkies

Well then, Simon Cowell needs a manssiere, does he not?

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_1505726.html?menu=news.quirkies

Well, this gives new meaning to "All that work for nothing!"...

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_1505904.html?menu=news.quirkies

Y'know, I have always wondered if the parents of musicians were ever tempted to sell their children's memorabilia...guess this answers my wonderment.

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_1503347.html?menu=news.quirkies

You can't get more religious than being in a church...and yet, you're not allowed to use a song called "Angels" in a wedding in one? That's just flat out screwed up.

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_1504696.html?menu=news.quirkies
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Saturday, August 20, 2005

The Road From Bristol

http://www.bravesbeat.com/bravesjournal/bristol/

Why couldn't I think of something like that?

I'm *very* willing to bet on it coming down to Stephen A. Smith and Skip Bayless.

(Discovered at the Scout.com Canes board.)
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Thursday, August 18, 2005

More Canes/Hockey News Than You Can Shake A (Hockey) Stick At

And it's all brought to you by Time Warner Cable, and their slow-as-a-tortoise's-rear-end service in bringing cable back after a thunderstorm. Folks, take my word on this: 35 hours without internet is HELL.


Anyhoo...

The Canes and Vasicek agree to a deal.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story.asp?ID=133867&hubName

The NHL and OLN/Comcast also agree to a deal.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story.asp?ID=133834&hubName

Even the players are having tons of fun keeping track of all the movers and shakers within the League.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story.asp?ID=133799&hubName

Peter Laviolette is named coach of the USA Olympic team.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story.asp?ID=133687&hubName

And last, but certainly not least...

The Canes sign Wes!

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story.asp?ID=133680&hubName
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Tuesday, August 16, 2005

For Those Wondering...

I DID IT!! I WON!!

Won by six points in the contest I've been seeking scans of cards for, and got 24 out of the possible 30 on the last tier of questions. And I already had a ten point lead before that last tier, so I more than likely had nothing to worry about...

Don't know what the card prize is yet, due to the contest host going on a week-long vacation as of today. But whatever he gets for me, it will be *very* well appreciated by me and my collection...which y'all can check out while I await ze prize.

http://www.missfantastic.com/stormbringer/rfcardbox.htm
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Monday, August 15, 2005

Alright, It's Official: The Canes Have Lost It

http://mb3.scout.com/fcarolinacanesfrm1.showMessage?topicID=4658.topic

St. Jacques, ok. But PAVEL BRENDL?! The dude who's earned the nickname Krispy Kreme for his being notoriously out of shape? Not to mention how he was given the boot by not one, not two, not three, nor four, but AT LEAST FIVE, if not MORE European teams this past "season"?!

If Pavel makes the team, I'm going to already have this season down as a bust. That is how much I don't think Brendl and his sorry a** belong on the Canes (or really, any NHL team for that matter).
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Sunday, August 14, 2005

More Geeky Stuff

Except this time, I think this is rather cool, unique, and funny...

http://www.collegehumor.com/movies/163546/
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The Fin Fang Four?

Alright Marvel, we get it, you're running out of ideas...



































...though, the tribute to the first ever Fantastic Four issue's cover is pretty neat.
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Stormbringer's Week In Review: August 8th-14th, 2005

Astronomers either watch too much TV or have way too much time on their hands...

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_1494633.html?menu=news.quirkies

*does her best Ernest from the opening scene of Ernest Goes To Camp* Ewwwwwwww...


http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_1496232.html?menu=news.quirkies

Here's another one for the "I'm going to Hell for this." files: Maybe they would change their tune if they'd actually drink their beer.

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_1496145.html?menu=news.quirkies

(insert parody of A Tribe Called Quest's "I Left My Wallet In El Segundo" here)

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_1493588.html?menu=news.quirkies

Ok, I like squirrels and birds too, but how the hell did this make the news?

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_1497298.html?menu=news.quirkies

So basically, Eminem is copying Jim Morrison.

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_1493642.html?menu=news.quirkies

Translation: Johnny Depp doesn't want the lead role in The Life of Michael Jackson...

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_1494945.html?menu=news.quirkies

Two words: Yeah. Right.

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_1497601.html?menu=news.quirkies

*yawns* Everybody always wants to get in on an act, even if it is a few months old...

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_1497433.html?menu=news.quirkies
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Friday, August 12, 2005

Calling All Hockey Card Nuts

Need scans of the fronts AND backs of the following cards:

1999-00 Swedish Upper Deck #217 (Checklist featuring Daniel Sedin)

1992-93 Ultra #23 (Al MacInnis)

1991 Star Pics #37 (Arturs Irbe)

This is very important, for this is for the deciding tier of the contest. If I win, not only will I get at least one card worth $50+ in Beckett Value, but also 25 points towards Sports Card Sheriff's Hockey Prize Shop. So any help I can get before tomorrow night would be FANTASTIC!!

Many, many thanks in advance!
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Wednesday, August 10, 2005

A Belated Happy Birthday To Rod Brind'Amour!

May he get the C (if Kevyn Adams doesn't)!

And a Happy Birthday to both Bret Hedican and Jesse Boulerice today!
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Tuesday, August 09, 2005

Kevyn Adams Re-Signed By the Canes

http://www.carolinahurricanes.com/boards/viewtopic.php?p=15138

*flashes a thumbs up*

Now give the dude the C or an A.
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Monday, August 08, 2005

It's Official: Yours Truly Has Lost It

Actually, I already lost it when I was born...but that's beside the point.

Ok, so I am goofing around online, when the following catches my eye...

"Free NHL Jersey!"

Despite the fact that such "offers" usually don't faze me, this one had me interested. As many of you, being hockey fans, know: NHL jerseys, replica or authentic, customized or blank, are not cheap. And with my *really* wanting a Penguins jersey thanks to eventually being just a state away from Pittsburgh AND in their broadcasting range, if I can get that jersey free/VERY cheap, that would be too awesome.

So anyway, I click on the link in a Google AdSense block, and am taken to this site...

http://nhl.giftfiesta.com/

It *seems* legit. And based on the research I've done in the last couple of hours, it apparently is legit, with 100% of the user/reviewers for Gift Fiesta saying they had gotten their item(s) without any problems.

But, I still can't help being cautious...and so I turn to you dear readers: Have any of you ever done anything like Gift Fiesta? What is it like? Would doing something like Gift Fiesta be something I'd regret in the future?

Knowing my damned luck, there is probably a rub or two or three. But hey, if there's not, I might just be the proud owner of a new jersey soon...
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Sunday, August 07, 2005

Stormbringer's Week In Review: August 1st-7th, 2005

Apparently, Teri Hatcher has never seen the Beverly Hillbillies episode about Jethro Bodine's portable bachelor pad.

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_1484413.html?menu=news.quirkies

Dude, I thought pets were the most ridiculously pampered things until this...

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_1489105.html?menu=news.quirkies

Hey, haven't we all wanted to be a garbageman for our birthday?

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_1487299.html?menu=news.quirkies

"We decided to dedicate the room to Batman because we think he is the coolest superhero..."

How old is the spokesperson? Ten? I mean, c'mon, I like to use "cool" and "coolest" myself, but not if I was in a press conference or something just as grand...even if the press conference *is* about Batman.


http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_1486445.html?menu=news.quirkies

Maybe I should pursue a career in being an air guitar virtuoso...

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_1484480.html?menu=news.quirkies

Nah...the *real* secret to avoiding bear attacks is to simply give the bears Grape Nuts and Charmin...oh, and maybe letting them watch a little bit of the WB too*.

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_1488814.html?menu=news.quirkies

Obviously, somebody on the Australian Board of Tourism has a great sense of humor...

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_1484897.html?menu=news.quirkies

This would have made George Constanza's day if he still had that desk converted to a bed.

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_1488934.html?menu=news.quirkies

* - Picture found on this thread at Television Without Pity.
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Saturday, August 06, 2005

Canes Sign Ray Whitney

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story.asp?id=132672

Schweet!
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Friday, August 05, 2005

Sidney Crosby Invades The Tonight Show

http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/shownews.jsp?content=s080515A

For those of you who didn't see the interview, it was actually quite good and well done. The peewee hockey clips were especially worth viewing...they were so cute and cool!
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Y'Know...

...I didn't think that anything could make Clay Aiken's rendition of "Bridge Over Troubled Water" sound good. But boy, I was proven wrong, DEAD WRONG.

http://www.miserablemelodies.com/ram/senator-bridge.ram

And you know what's *really* embarassing? The senator "singing" once represented North Carolina. No wonder he sounds like Andy Griffith...


BTW, I think the editor's note for the "song"'s description if you pay the Miserable Melodies site a visit sums it all up best: "Why?".
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Thursday, August 04, 2005

Canes Land Oleg Tverdovsky

http://tsn.ca/nhl/news_story.asp?id=132424

Don't know how to feel about this one...on one hand, Oleg has strong potential to fit into Coach Lavy's defensive offense friendly system. On the other hand, dudeman hasn't played an NHL game in 2-3 years, AND I cannot help but feel that the $7.5 million price is a tiny bit steep. Because of that price, I hope it is not Danny Markov all over again. I.E. Tverdovsky starts the first two or three months of the season with a HUGE bang, and then starts having injuries to the point that he immediately becomes trade bait.
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Tuesday, August 02, 2005

Canes Sign Cory Stillman

(does her best Ben Stein) Wow.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story.asp?id=132232
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Monday, August 01, 2005

*does her best cheesy announcer voice* The SALE of THE CENTURY!

As I noted to a friend from Pittsburgh in my Net (the LiveJournal equivalent of this place) last night, I had my eyes on a Hartford-era Ron Francis poster on E-Bay, which I won this morning...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5223352107&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWN%3AIT&rd=1

Look at that price. What an awesome steal...and I was expecting to get into a battle over that poster with a Francis/Whalers collector or two. Can you believe that I *was* once considering shelling out 75 smackers via Buy It Now for another copy of that poster? Thanks to that and the research I had done at the time, I was very well under the impression that that was such a rare, hard-to-find poster. But it just further goes to show that good things come to those of us who wait...oh, and to whoever did buy that poster (much to my dismay at the time of discovery), thanks for doing me a HUGE favor. ;D
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