November 30th, 2006 - Canes vs. Canadiens: Random Musings and Observations

- Ok, 'cause many of you are expecting it, I'll go ahead and make it official: Ron Francis needs to make more special guest appearances on FSN South when his now very, VERY BUSY schedule can allow it.

In all seriousness, it really seemed like the Canes got an extra spark or two in their engines when Ronnie took to the booth during the second period.

And for the record, when John said a special guest was coming on, something told me it would be Mr. Francis. Figured it would be either him, or Mike Commodore's dad, as much as they talked about Commie's day with Lord Stanley.

- Speaking of Mikey-Boy, you know he is really, truly a party dude when just his mere presence in a photo makes him look like he is fresh out of a college fraternity movie, with or without the enchanted afro.

- Too bad Erik Cole did not get the hat trick...but at least he got much needed points for both the Canes and my Fantasy teams. Something that cannot be said about Staalsy as of late...never thought I'd see the day where the boy would benefit moi more in the PIM column, where that's good anyway, than the goals or assist one.

- Ladies and gentlemen, Wardo is back. And even though I'm not sure I could agree with his taste in music shown off through it, Cam's new Nickleback helmet/mask is rather nifty looking. But, being a mythology nut, I still say Marc Denis has the best current helmet/mask in the NHL.

- What is with FSN South not wanting to cover the games against the Boston Bruins? First this past Friday's game, and now Saturday's game...well, at least NESN has not been obnoxious...yet.

- A thought just dawned on me...I did not see the infamous "Gizmo loves Brindy" ad at all tonight. You mean someone's actually listened to me? Wow...what a novel concept!

It's funny I bring that ad up considering I just bought Gremlins for my so-far tiny DVD collection... :D

Current Music: "My Will" - Inuyasha's First AND Last Closing Theme

November 28th, 2006 - Canes vs. Senators: Random Musings and Observations

There are only three good things that can be said about this particular affair...

1. Thank god somebody on the Canes, Andrew Ladd to be precise, got a goal.

2. Whether it is CBC, TSN, or Rogers Sportsnet, the latter being tonight's feed, getting the Canadian feeds absolutely rocks.

3. What would I ever do without House MD to save me from watching sixty hockey minutes of the crap the Canes try to push as hockey?!

As for the rest...quite obviously, the Canes did not heed my advice to drink (more) coffee.

And...well, what the HELL happened to the Canes who played in Boston Friday? I know the Bruins are not the world's greatest team...but STILL. If the Canes used an ounce of the energy from that game in tonight's game, they could have at least given the Spartacus' a run for their money.

It may be hard to tell from some of my posts as of late...I love the Canes, really and truly, I do. But I swear, they have been (and still are) more frustrating than a Rubik's Cube.

Current Music: "Dancing Madly Backwards" by Captain Beyond

I Have Two Words For the Canes...

...and two words only: Drink coffee.

Hey, you heard'em: Drink coffee. C'mon, hop to it and get your butts to a Starbucks now...and yes, that means you too Brindy*.

Current Music: "When Love Comes To Town" by U2 (Featuring B.B. King)

* - Sometime ago, I read that Brindy has never touched a drop of coffee in his life. If only he knew...

I Don't Like Michael Vick, Sam I Am

No doubt the pigskin viewers out there already knew about this...but I just read about Michael Vick's giving a bunch of his own fans the doity boyd, as they would say in New Jersey, yesterday.

http://www.850thebuzz.com/blog/?p=2045

Now, I have never liked Michael Vick way before what happened in Hotlanta yesterday afternoon...and really am not surprised by it, given that it's the NFL, with especially the likes of Randy Moss and Terrell Owens running amuck with their own PR nightmares.

But, the reason I am posting about this is that I happen to be in a region where Michael Vick has quite an army of supporters. Here in Bluefield, VA/WV, if someone is not a Steelers fan, then chances are that they are a Falcons fan because of Vick's being their quarterback AND/OR his having played for somewhat nearby Virginia Tech.

Well, as "wholesome" as quite a few people in this town try to be, I hope they got a gooooooood gander of yesterday's Saints/Falcons game AND/OR its ending, especially if they happen to be a member of that 'army' I mentioned.

When it's not the high school football religion in this place getting annoying, it's seemingly everyone thinking and saying Michael Vick is god's gift to football and/or sportsdom in general. *rolls her eyes*

Current Music: "All My Life" by the Foo Fighters

Stormbringer's Week In Review: November 20th-26th, 2006

(I know about the Bruins game and the Canes' win there...due to a *very busy* weekend and it being a holiday one, I decided to skip doing a RM&O for that game. But don't worry, the RM&O will return with Tuesday's game.)

Ananova never fails to amaze me with what they consider news... o_O

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_2090454.html?menu=news.quirkies

And by 'East Europeans', does that include Borat?

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_2090477.html?menu=news.quirkies

Between the former Canes prospect, the musical artist, and now this guy, there are too many Jack Johnsons!!

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_2088990.html?menu=news.quirkies

I cannot be the only one who misses OfficeMax's Rubber Band Man...thanks to the big yellow rubber band, that's what I am reminded of.

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_2087940.html?menu=news.quirkies

I wonder if Sir Mix-A-Lot was behind this...no pun intended.

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_2091153.html?menu=news.quirkies

In this instance, I'm glad there is no accompanying picture with the article...

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_2084922.html?menu=news.quirkies

Obviously, the man is oblivious to the fact that Halloween has been over for almost a month...

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_2089587.html?menu=news.quirkies

So THAT'S where that song came from!

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_2087700.html?menu=news.quirkies

The hits just keep on coming for those crazy Swedes...

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_2090945.html?menu=news.quirkies

We Smiths are taking over the world...bwa hah hah hah!!!

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_2089124.html?menu=news.quirkies

With the combined prices of all the items involved, is this the most expensive "practical joke" ever?

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_2087886.html?menu=news.quirkies

Your jaws hurt? What about your body an hour or so later, dude?!

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_2090704.html?menu=news.quirkies

Current Music: "A Mad Russian's Christmas" by Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Happy Turkey Day!

Happy Thanksgiving to all throughout the Caniac Nation and beyond...just remember, you can get anything you want at Alice's Restaurant, excepting Alice! :D

Current Music: "Alice's Restaurant" by Arlo Guthrie

Edit as of 11:12 AM: And a little holiday reading for those of you awaiting the meal's being ready AND/OR wonder why I constantly bring up Arlo Guthrie's "song" during this time of the year.

Edit as of 8:50 PM: As the holiday dies down, let us watch one of the best, if not THE best Thanksgiving episode for a show ever made.

November 22nd, 2006 - Canes @ Islanders: Random Musing/Observation

Once again, the Canes played in such a way that does not deserve much to be said about them or the "game"...other than ever since last night, it looks like an entire hockey team decided to get an early start on their Thanksgiving vacation.

Really...th-th-th-that's all I have to say folks!

Current Music: "Follow You, Follow Me" by Genesis

November 21st, 2006 - Canes @ Rangers: Random Musings and Observations

Well, since the Canes played like nothing last night...this RM&O will be about nothing, at least in regards to the "game"...

- The dude on the current design for Arby's medium-sized cups bears an eerie resemblance to Tripp Tracy. o_O

- Since I already know what I'm getting for Christmas from one of my folks, I can safely say the following: I cannot wait to play Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess and Marvel Ultimate Alliance. I also cannot wait for the Guitar Hero (2) game(s) to be released...

- Regarding Marvel Ultimate Alliance...I cannot believe I have not heard about that game until the certain system I'm getting for Christmas' release this past Sunday. From the synopses and reviews I've read and the screenshots I have seen, MUA is looking and sounding like a freakin' sweet game. AND all of the Fantastic Four, even Mr. Fantastic(!!), are playable to boot! Like they should be in a game featuring Dr. Doom as its final boss...

- Another game I'm looking forward to trying...Trauma Center: Second Opinion. It shall be a blast to get to be like Dr. House, especially with the quirky patients, BUT without the excessive grossness and/or Vicodin.

- Speaking of America's favorite sardonic as hell doctor...I don't care what the people at Television Without Pity think: The current House MD story arc is pretty darn good, especially compared to a huge chunk of what's on TV now. AND, I personally am digging how House is being towards Wilson...the latter character had it coming with the way he was to House at the beginning of this season. Then again, ever since I got into the series, I've never been all that much a fan of Wilson...when dudeman is not being a jerk of some kind, he's being a total wuss.

- All of that said, thank god for House MD coming on last night AND saving me from watching an entire game of the Canes stinking up the MSG like they forgot their Right Guard.

- Last, but certainly not least, I am already getting very, VERY SICK of Mark Messier's media whoring. The "leadership award" named after him is bad enough...but now, VS. is having Marky-Mark pimp their NHL All-Star Event/Game contest. *does her best impression of Lurch moaning*

Regarding that "leadership award"...I am more than convinced that Ron Francis, Mario Lemieux, Steve Yzerman, and Wayne Gretzky's* chances of getting their name on that "award" would have been better if their retirement ceremonies would(will in Yzerman's case**) have lasted practically the length of an NHL game AND/OR they went and shaved their heads.

Current Music: "Spinning Wheel" by Blood, Sweat, and Tears

* - Just to name a few.

** - I'd like to think that Stevie Y would have a little more class than having his jersey retirement last almost two hours. But given that it's the Red Wings doing the honors, who knows?

Stormbringer's Week In Review: November 13th-19th, 2006

Ah, a soccer team that rocks...literally.

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_2079045.html?menu=news.quirkies

Between Bird Flu and now "Man Flu", flu is going to be named after every creature on Earth in a couple-few years from now. Bet on it.

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_2077385.html?menu=news.quirkies

Does it make me kind of mean to admit that I laughed at this? It sounds like something that would happen on Frasier or an obscure BritCom.

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_2079039.html?menu=news.quirkies

I don't know who the hell Pete Doherty and David Bailey are, but they must be pretty darned prominent to have their leftover sandwiches displayed in a restaurant's front window.

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_2081472.html?menu=news.quirkies

It can never be said enough...we are truly in the day and age of ridiculous and/or just flat out stupid lawsuits. This one, scarily enough, has potential to be the next "McDonald's coffee"...

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_2078964.html?menu=news.quirkies

Oh, but of course! Isn't 13 ALWAYS unlucky, with the exception of it being Ray Whitney's jersey number?

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_2075974.html?menu=news.quirkies

Only in Sweden...right Jes Golbez?

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_2078926.html?menu=news.quirkies

That James Bond fan...no, freak's name sounds like a new villain for the Austin Powers series.

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_2081355.html?menu=news.quirkies

Somehow, I don't think this girl has been watching Baby Einstein, Sesame Street, or Dora the Explorer...unless there is something on one or more of those shows/DVDs that has somehow slipped by adult eyes.

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_2080325.html?menu=news.quirkies

Who da thunk that Nickelodeon's CatDog would become reality?! The concept is freakin' scary enough in cartoon form... o_O

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_2081388.html?menu=news.quirkies

Current Music: "Tempus Fugit" by Yes

How Smart Are You?

Good thing I'm not evil...at least not yet. ;P

Current Music: "Rubber Biscuit" by the Blues Brothers

November 18th, 2006 - Canes vs. Stars: Random Musings and Observations

- While my Ron Francis calendar still hasn't arrived (stupid Media Mail...oh well, as that semi-cliche goes, you get what you pay for), I *did* get my King Crimson Discipline shirt today. AND, tonight alone has convinced me that if I wear that thing during Canes games, the Canes may very well take on the very word the shirt says and talks about:

"Discipline is a vehicle for joy."

No truer words could be said, especially regarding tonight's affair.

Seriously, despite what the score says, this was easily the most disciplined I have seen the Canes be this season. And I would absolutely, really, truly love to see them keep that up.

- My biggest beef with this game...you knew one was coming, admit it...was how the Canes didn't take advantage of all the power plays Da Starz were practically handing them. But, at the same time, the Canes' fantastic penalty kill, ESPECIALLY on the 5-on-3, cancels out that mess.

- Correction about something I said in last night's Canes/Caps RM&O: Rod Brind'Amour is behind (if not having already surpassed, as of tonight) Jaromir Jagr for season assists, NOT points. Instead, Brindy is behind (again, if not having already surpassed) Marian Hossa for season points.

I *still* wish I had made Brindy's weightlifting a** first priority in my Fantasy drafts instead of Eric Staal...even if Staalsy got his third career hat trick tonight. Congrats to ya, guv'nor.

- What I said about the Caps broadcasting crew in the said previous RM&O can also be said about the Stars crew. And even more fun about tonight's broadcast? It was one of those infamous literally commercial free broadcasts!!! You know, where you get to see the camera crew setting up for the return from the ads AND hear the announcers off the camera? Ever since I saw a Wings/Sharks game without commercials during a Center Ice preview way back at the beginning of the 2002-03 season, I have been clamouring for the golden night/day when I get the John and Tripp Show in one of those commercial free broadcasts.

Yes, I have practically no life, what-so-ever. And hey, at least I admit to that...

Current Music: "Groove Is In the Heart" by Dee-Lite (Featuring Bootsy Collins)

November 17th, 2006 - Canes @ Capitals: Random Musings and Observations

Despite having more company and another steak dinner that couldn't be beat (this time at the Sagebrush outside of Wytheville, VA), I did manage to catch the third period of tonight's game...

- Got the Comcast/Capitals feed tonight. And after reading some of the comments in the Score Boards' game thread, I don't get the overall beef with the Caps broadcasting crew. Sure, I would choose the John and Tripp Show if I had my choice of them or the Caps guys. But, the Caps guys are ok in my book...I'll take them over quite a few feeds, even the Pittsburgh one (no thanks to Mike Lange now being on the radio). Gotta give them credit where it is due...they know when to give the Canes their kudos, and tonight was certainly no exception.

- Didn't even realize that Grahame was in net until he got scored on...but despite that, he clocked in his first good game and win as a Cane.

- Speaking of him, I think I just read the best funny player nickname yet...

"Grahame Cracka"

The only way that can become funnier than it already is would be if John Forslund and/or Tripp Tracy somehow uttered it during a broadcast.

- If I had known that Rod Brind'Amour would be right behind Jaromir Jagr for the overall NHL points lead, I would have made his weightlifting a**, NOT Eric Staal, number one priority in all of my Fantasy Hockey leagues' drafts.

- Well, based on this year and last year's results, this "Room With the Dads" thing has been a capital idea on Laviolette's part...pun intended.

*does her best vocal impersonation of those darned Paine Webber ads a few years ago* Thank you Gomez Addams.

Current Music: "Hands Up" by the Black Eyed Peas

That 70's Movie

So, I was cruising around LiveJournal yesterday, when I came across the following in a horror movie community I track...

http://community.livejournal.com/horror_movies/1773573.html

I normally don't go for zombie flicks, but seeing that clip piqued my interest...causing me to further explore, and find the following on YouTube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82PBRerytEI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I33YvbUDrlQ

Even though it is probably uber-cheesy overall AND/OR will have a crappy ending (the reviews I've read make it sound like the above two clips are the most worthwhile parts), I would *really* like to see Messiah of Evil/Dead People.

And yes, that secondary title is for real.

BTW, one for the "Learn something new every day..." files: I didn't know Sammy Davis Jr. had been in a Western. And apparently, a very horrible one at that.

Not to mention how the girl sure is making that popcorn last in that second clip... o_O

Oh, and also, since the Canes have a game tonight...let us all hope they don't skate and play like zombies.

Current Music: "Hole Hearted" by Extreme

Edit as of 12:36 PM: Just added the Canes NHL All-Star Voting Blog, put together AND mentioned at the Score Boards by DeanSmith4Ever, to the Canes section of the link collection.

Current Music as of the edit: "Footstompin' Music" by Grand Funk Railroad

November 15th, 2006 - Canes vs. Rangers: Random Musings and Observations

- Even though I always like it when the Canes win (and who doesn't, other than opposing team fans, certain ones *still* clamoring for the Whale to return to the Land of Insurance, and/or those who just flat out hate the Canes and/or hockey for no decent reason), this had to be the most boring win of the year. I'm sure I would think differently if I had the fortune to be at the game in person...

Anyway, seriously, this game dragged like Garfield the Cat after a lasagna binge...and it couldn't have just been me. At the risk of sounding like an advocate for the devils that are the "New NHL" (hey, "new" or "old", hockey is hockey people) and Bettman, the only Canes goals being scored at the very beginning AND very end of the game probably didn't help the time perception.

- At the risk of ticking off some of my Caniac brethren, particularly those who prefer to pull for NC State...the game was so boring in parts that I ended up flipping back and forth between it and my UNC Tar Heels men's hoops team struggling against the Winthrop Eagles.

- Even John and, *gasp*, Tripp (yes, praise the DirecTV and Center Ice gods, I got the FSN South feed last night) came across as ho-hum. I think the most excited they ever got was when they were showing a couple of the players' dads and talking about Team Bonding Exercise #37 a.k.a. the big annual (apparently) "Room With Your Dad" event taking place in the District of Columbia today and tomorrow.

- Speaking of male bonding...the most entertaining the game got was when they showed a picture of Matt Cullen and Mike Commodore kissing Lord Stanley in...well, a way that makes me *very glad* it gets constantly cleaned. o_O

- That "Brindy! Brindy! Brindy!" commercial *still* gets on my nerves AND creeps me out royally. The more I hear of that thing, the more I lean towards my Mogwai/Gremlins comparison than Mini-Me.

The hits just keep on coming from the Canes' advertising/marketing department...

Current Music: "Never Say Never" by Romeo Void

Satellite Radio Is Going To Be the End of Me

So, I return from breakfast this morning to do my routine message board browsing...and lo and behold the first post that catches my eye at The Score Boards Canes MB...

'Ron Francis on NHL Live this morning'

...and from it, I find out that I was twenty minutes too late to hear my historic/overall favorite player speak. And to add insult to injury, I also found out that my computer probably wouldn't have been able to handle the Sirius link at NHL.com anyway. *sighs*

Even though it was Sirius and not XM, I am this close to throttling whoever decided that the NHL/Hockey channel should not be in the DirecTV XM lineup.

You knew this was coming: If, somehow and someway, you recorded this morning's interview on Sirius AND/OR the November 7th interview on XM, PLEASE respond here or via e-mail...

caroline@ (I DON'T LIKE SPAM!!!)smithcharles.com

Of course, remove the Monty Python quote.

Thanks a ton in advance.

Current Music: "Ship of Fools" by World Party

Edit as of 4:04 PM: While we're somewhat on the subject, I don't know how, but I found a clip of Ronnie getting himself into a fight during his first Pittsburgh days... *does her best Ben Stein* Wow.

http://www.hockeyfights.com/forums/showthread.php?p=829262

Given that it was a New Jersey Devil, I am somehow not surprised.

Current Music as of the edit: "High" by Jimmie's Chicken Shack

November 13th, 2006 - Canes vs. Sabres: Random Musings and Observations

- Right now, I hate DirecTV...they screwed me out of the John and Tripp show AND gave me the Buffoon crew on MSG. Grrrrrrrr...

- That said, that feed managed to get on my nerves despite being muted...where the heck did all the Sword fans come from, and how did they get into the RBC Center? o_O

- If the 2nd Period Canes had played all sixty minutes, the Slugs would have finally had two losses under their belt.

- As if tonight's loss was bad enough, I just read five minutes ago that Mark "Media Whore" Messier is getting to give out a leadership award...not once, not twice, but EVERY MONTH of the NHL season. Please excuse me while I go barf...

Y'know, this calls for a re-posting of a rather notorious pic of his baldness...

As John sometimes responds to Tripp, um, yeah... o_O

Current Music: "Long Cool Woman In A Black Dress" by The Hollies

All I Really Need To Know I Learned From Robert Fripp

A couple of days ago, I happened upon a marvelous little site that I cannot believe I did not discover earlier: The Discipline Mobile Globile Official Website a.k.a. http://www.dgmlive.com/.

As a good chunk of my more frequent readers know, I am an unabashed King Crimson/Robert Fripp nut. Fell in love with the "band" (More like various project groups put together by Fripp...my most favorite of those groups being the 1980-84 lineup featuring Fripp, Adrian Belew, Tony Levin, and Bill Bruford. All being favorite individual musicians of mine.) around 1998, when I bought In The Court of the Crimson King during one of my infamous (in my family, anyway) CD shopping sprees. My fandom has only grown more ever since, to the point where if I *had* to name one, just one favorite band/artist, I'd more than likely say King Crimson (or, if I wanted to get real technical (and on the asker's nerves), Robert Fripp).

Anyway, DGM's site is the official one for King Crimson/Robert Fripp. I had known about the site previously, but only about their being the home of the notorious King Crimson Collector's Club. I say 'notorious' 'cause as much as I love KC, the KCCC wanted you to pay a gawdawful fee of some kind to be able to have access to whenever they decided to release a concert from the vaults and onto CD. And in all honesty, I probably would have paid the fee if my KC fandom wasn't so era-oriented...specifically the aforementioned 1980-84, 1973-75 (Larks' Tongues In Aspic and Red), and 2002-04 (Happy With What You Have To Be Happy With and The Power To Believe). Not that the other KC eras are chopped liver, but I find myself listening to those three periods of the band's career more-so than any other. Hopefully, that will change whenever I get my hands on the other early 70's albums, the ProjeKCts, and The ConstruKCtion of Light. Maybe Thrak too...though, I think the only release I want from the 90's era is the Deja-VROOOOM concert DVD.

Among my discoveries on the DGM site was that my decision to not fall for the KCCC membership has paid off handsomely. All of the KCCC releases are individually available through the site's store...whoo-hoo!! Which means that I get to choose the concerts I want to hear from my favorite eras...another whoo-hoo!! And not just from the KCCC releases, but also the MP3s/FLAC files too.

Other discoveries I've made include:

- The DGM site has LiveJournal feeds...for Robert Fripp's diary, new MP3/FLAC releases, "Hot Tickles", and general news.

- The said store can get mighty addictive. Not just for Crimson/Fripp nuts like moi, but also progressive/experimental rock fans in general.

- On certain pages, one will notice a quotable or "aphorism"...more than likely said or penned by Robert Fripp, given that DGM is practically his outfit. If you click on the "Discipline Knot" graphic to the left of the quote, you can run through the whole lot of them. Well, at the risk of *really* proving what a geek I tend to be, I liked the quotes so much that I spent a couple of hours going through and compiling them in a Word file on my PC. And then, I printed up a couple of copies...one to have at my computer, and another to keep in the nightstand by the bed, so whenever I feel stressed out and/or just mad about something, I can take the booklet closest to me and read/scan through it to cool down.

A good chunk of the quotes are aimed towards musician/performer types, but just like the following quote by Paul Coffey applies to hockey...

"Hockey's a funny game. You have to prove yourself every shift, every game. It's not up to anybody else. You have to take pride in yourself."

...most of those quotes, including Coffey's, can apply to life in general too when you think about it.

A few of my favorite collected Frippisms...

"Accept nothing less than what is right."

"It is not asked of us that we never fall over. It is asked of us that we always get up."

"May we wish for others what we wish for ourselves."

"Nothing worthwhile is achieved suddenly."

"The more failures, the more successes."

"The problem with knowing what we want is we just might get it."

"There are no mistakes, save one: the failure to learn from a mistake."

Oh, almost forgot to mention that you can get a free account set up at the DGM site...which allows you to search Fripp and "The Vicar"'s diaries and have access to reviewing the various works featured and available throughout the site. Should there be a way for members to communicate in a real forum/message board (the current "Forum" is really a guestbook) and search for one another, my name there is "Absent_Lover", taken from my absolute more favorite KC concert album thus far.

Current Music: "Discipline" by King Crimson (Live - Absent Lovers: Live In Montreal 1984 Version)

November 11th, 2006 - Canes vs. Penguins: Random Musings and An Observation

Alright, I don't have a whole lot to say about last night's affair...no thanks to the fact that I've been having company over this weekend. And we ended up eating out (at a steak and seafood house called The Mayflower...best steak I've ever had, seriously) AND having a few drinks when we got back. That said, boy, do I have the perfect drink recipe that sums up not only my night, BUT ALSO the Canes' night...

Sex In A Hurricane

Fill glass with ice.
1 or 1 1/2 oz. Vodka
1 or 1 1/2 oz. Rum
(Do the 1 1/2 oz of the above ingredients if you don't like Gin.)
1 oz. Gin (Optional)
1 oz. Peach Schnapps
A dash of Grenadine.
Pour in a little Pineapple Juice for flavor, fill with Cranberry (Cocktail) Juice.
Another dash of Grenadine.

Obviously, it's yet another Sex On the Beach varient...and a darn kickass one at that. As if one can't tell from the name, this varient combines the traditional Sex On the Beach drink with the notorious "Hurricane" drinks from New Orleans, at least in terms of alcohol content. When prepared right, other than the intentionally heavy red coloring and the said alcohol content, this drink is really no different from the traditional SOtB.

Based on what I've read at my online Canes stomping grounds this morning, the Canes took the high road on taking out their frustrations on the Penguins, and did it with hits and good old-fashioned scoring. Very glad that was the case...didn't want any ridiculously bad blood happening between my two favorite teams.

Current Music: "Carolina IV" by Angra

Stormbringer's Week In Review: November 7th-12th, 2006

And remember boys and girls, this is the same country that "declared war on the NHL" 'cause a certain one of their players preferred to play here instead of there...

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_2071539.html?menu=news.quirkies

And since when are Wikipedia edits actual news?

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_2067414.html?menu=news.quirkies

How...just HOW do you swallow a toothbrush?

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_2071769.html?menu=news.quirkies

I *still* say that waking up to the Burger King King in your bed is scarier.

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_2069854.html?menu=news.quirkies

I wonder if the dude behind this article's headline wrote the lyrics for "Mr. Jiggyfly's"* "rap songs"...

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_2072728.html?menu=news.quirkies

Instead of "The Fly"...it's "The Wife"!! That said, I hope Hollywood isn't getting any ideas...

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_2066870.html?menu=news.quirkies

Mmm, mmmmmmm...I sure could go for some grilled surgeon and pigeon milk right now.

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_2071300.html?menu=news.quirkies

Oh. My. God. And I thought the KFC Bowl was all sorts of disgusting...I wonder if these people sell those damned Krispy Kreme burgers...

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_2069849.html?menu=news.quirkies

The perfect face for comedy?! More like the perfect face for nightmares!! o_O

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_2072716.html?menu=news.quirkies

This is an EXTREMELY RARE instance where I actually agree with a lawsuit... (Before/After Eating Warning)

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_2073174.html?menu=news.quirkies

Two local artists? Why don't they just come out and say that Archie Bunker and Yoko Ono were the masterminds behind such "art"...

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_2068426.html?menu=news.quirkies

Wouldn't it be a hoot if this was the house of the family mentioned in that lawsuit article?

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_2068391.html?menu=news.quirkies

Current Music: "What Is Life" by George Harrison

* - What? You've never seen that Geico ad?

No Fighting Policy?

Well, this revelation from The Hockey News and Coach Laviolette certainly explains why there was a lack of retaliation against Garnet Exelby and the Thrashers the last time they and the Canes met.

http://www.thehockeynews.com/en/news/news.asp?idNews=22147

http://www.thescoreboards.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6462

http://www.letsgocanes.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7478

Carolina coach Peter Laviolette makes no bones about the way he expects his players to act in games.

“I have a very strict no-fighting policy for our team,” Laviolette says. “Last year in the playoffs (defenseman) Mike Commodore got into a fight and I said, ‘OK, that’s it. No more fighting.’ I simply cannot afford to lose a player like Mike Commodore to an injury he may sustain in a fight.

“Take a guy like Erik Cole. If we allowed him to fight, I know he would do it. Now if he gets hurt in a fight, our team has lost a very valuable asset. How do I justify that? I can’t. It just doesn’t make sense to me to allow our guys to fight.”

Instead, Laviolette elected to dress skilled players on his fourth line, guys who, in a pinch, could fill in on one of his top two lines. A player such as Chad LaRose, for instance. LaRose, a 5-foot-10, 175-pound speedy winger, couldn’t fight his way out of a wet paper bag, but he scored 61 goals and 117 points in 67 games for Plymouth in his final year of junior and helped the Hurricanes by skating an occasional regular shift and killing penalties. Laviolette also worked skill players Andrew Ladd and Josef Vasicek into the lineup.

So...lemme ask you this Lavy: Would it make ANY LICK OF SENSE if Staal and/or Wardo were hurt/injured by Exelby or another team's goon?

I'm very well aware that we are (unfortunately) approaching the day and age of hardly, IF any fighting in NHL games. But crap like what Exelby did somewhat recently is why I feel that some semblance of fighting/retaliation should remain. As much as I respect Lavy and all he has already done for the Canes, I'm afraid that I have to strongly disagree with him on his "No Fighting Policy".

Current Music: "Nineteen Hundred and Eighty Five" by Paul McCartney and Wings

Edit as of November 11th, 2006, 10:35 AM:

http://www.newsobserver.com/122/story/509235.html

Laviolette further explains the "No Fight Policy" in this morning's N&O...

Laviolette instituted the policy after the first game of the second-round series against the New Jersey Devils. In the third period of that game, with the Canes on their way to a blowout 6-0 win, Devils tough guy Cam Janssen picked a fight with Mike Commodore in front of the Carolina bench.

Commodore answered the call -- Janssen was hit with extra penalties for instigating the fight -- but Laviolette decided at that point there was little gain worth the risk of losing a player like Commodore to a broken hand.

"If the other team is down 4-0 in the third period and looking to fight, players sometimes feel pressure," Laviolette said. "I'm not looking for it. Don't do it."

November 9th, 2006 - Canes vs. Capitals: Random Musings and Observations

- I'll go ahead and say what everyone else has already said in their blogs and/or at various Canes message boards: Best. Game. Of. The. Season. (So far.) :D

- Thanks to an outstanding hat trick by Colesey, a goal and possibly an assist from Staal, and an assist from Walker, yours truly *really* racked up the points/stats in Fantasy Hockey tonight.

- And not to mention how jealous I am of those who have Cam Ward on their Fantasy teams...in addition to the great start he's having, he had his first career regular season shutout tonight. Woot!!

- Tonight's game is what happens when you play every last one of those sixty minutes...please, PLEASE remember that, Canes.

- I still hate John Mellencamp and Toby Keith's freakin' "All-American" truck ads. I also don't like Geico's gecko and cavemen...despite the latter introducing me to a damn infectiously good song in Royksopp's "Remind Me".

- I seriously need to see a Trans-Siberian Orchestra concert...*still* think they do the absolutely best version of "Carol of the Bells" to ever embrace one's ears. Not to mention that they just flat out rule when it comes to Christmas music...which, I don't start listening to until after Thanksgiving, thank ya very much.

Current Music: "Angela (Theme From Taxi)" by Bob James (Featuring Earl Klugh)

'Cause You Never Know With the Power of the Blogging World...

...obviously, with that said, I'm not holding my breath on this. But, figured I'd give it a try anyway...

Did anyone record the interview with Ron Francis that took place yesterday afternoon on XM Satellite Radio's hockey/NHL channel?

As expected, I am *very interested* in a copy of that...if you have it, please respond or e-mail me...

caroline@ (IDON'TLIKESPAM!!!)smithcharles.com

(Be sure to remove the Monty Python quote...not that it does any good, since I still get about a hundred pieces of junk e-mail a day.)

Current Music: "Street Life" by The Crusaders (Featuring Randy Crawford)

November 7th, 2006 - Canes @ Devils: Random Musings and Observations

- Overall, the game was good, not great but good. Even though to me, nobody *really* stood out, other than Cam Ward...again.

- What is with this team taking stupid and/or blatant penalties, ESPECIALLY when up by one, at five or less minutes before the end of the third period/regulation? At the risk of offending a certain current Captain's worshipers, if it hadn't been for the highly unnecessary penalty Brindy-Boy took with about three minutes left of regulation, the Canes might have gotten out of Joysey with a W AND two points.

- As much as I have a tendency to complain about the officiating, it was actually good for once tonight. So, certainly no blaming that for the Canes' woes.

- In addition to the songs in their respective ads just being flat-out annoying, Toby Keith and John Mellencamp are reminding me of how much I couldn't stand it when the boys in my elementary and middle schools would get into "deep" debates about Ford being better than Chevrolet, and vice-versa. *rolls her eyes*

- Regarding tonight's House MD (Hey, it was on during the game...that counts. >;) ), as much as I love David Morse's acting, damn, his character is getting on my nerves. Cannot wait to see how everyone's favorite medical snarkster puts "Officer Pesky" in his place.

Current Music: "Brick House" by The Commodores

Stormbringer's Week In Review: October 30th-November 5th, 2006

Yes!! It's back!! Whoo-hoo!!

And even though they don't mention it, there is a huge debate over whether the name should be the 'Bro' or the 'Manziere'.

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_2063334.html?menu=news.quirkies

Darn you Prince (or whatever the heck you're now called) AND your use of 'U' instead of 'You'!!!

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_2061979.html?menu=news.quirkies

I bet, apart from Ananova, that nobody, NOBODY dares to call her 'Granny'.

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_2063189.html?menu=news.quirkies

I guess ol' Guy was just too much of a party pooper...

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_2063135.html?menu=news.quirkies

It's not just America that is getting too danged lazy for its own good...

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_2056950.html?menu=news.quirkies

Oh yes! Nothing screams 'Fun!' and 'Romance!' like Tora Bora!!

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_2057745.html?menu=news.quirkies

Since when are Internet polls supposed to be considered actual news?

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_2060390.html?menu=news.quirkies

This sounds like something out of a really bad comedy movie or commercial...

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_2058625.html?menu=news.quirkies

Watch this one make its way into notoriety like a certain Star Wars trading card... (PG-13/Work Safe warning for both links)

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_2061760.html?menu=news.quirkies

Current Music: "The Twist" by The Fat Boys (Featuring Chubby Checker)

November 4th, 2006 - Canes @ Senators: Random Musing and Observation

'Cause it can never said enough, I LOVE when the Canes play well enough to the point that I don't have to write a ton nor do I have to be in a hurry to write.

Though, for mojo purposes, I will not officially declare the Canes to be on a winning streak until they officially have another one or two games under their belts. Unlike some people in ye olde Caniac Nation...you know who you are.

BTW, I could not believe it...DirecTV showed the John and Tripp Show last night, despite the Canes not being in Raleigh. And, with all due respect to those two, I hafta admit that I was looking forward to Hockey Night In Canada. They're one of the few non-Cane feeds I LOVE, AND I very much agree with the following, posted at The Score Boards.

"Am I the only person who found Tripp's commentary terrible and ridiculous (more than usual) last night? He was carping at Gerber the entire game. He tried to get Williams to rip on Gerber in the pregame and when he wouldn't , Tripp was off and running. Poor positioning, leaves the short side open, not as calm as Cam Ward--not just once, but again and again.

When Phillips took the extra penalty for arguing the call Tripp was talking about the officials as if they're saints. Paraphrasing --"They quietly do their jobs and if you have a problem with their calls you must respect them and say nothing"

Chad Larose blocked a shot and Tripp went on for three minutes with a Larose lovefest.

He kept talking about crescendos and climaxes during the Canes power play, I wondered if he was watching a different feed in the press box.

I can almost feel Forslund cringing in the pressbox. One of these days he's going to give Tripp an elbow to the side of the head to shut him up."

Current Music: "Remind Me" by Royksopp

BREAKING NEWS: CANES NAME RON FRANCIS DIRECTOR OF PLAYER DEVELOPMENT

http://www.carolinahurricanes.com/news/news.asp?articleid=1642

http://www.thescoreboards.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6065

My Ronnie's a Cane tangibly again AND not just in spirit through his #10 hanging in the RBC Center!! YES!!!

Being someone who has pushed for Ron's being a consultant/player developer for the Canes (or Penguins) for quite awhile, this is some of the most freakin' awesome news to come along in sometime.

I cannot express enough how delighted I am for my absolute most favorite athlete AND the Canes. And I hope things really, *really* work out for both Ronnie Franchise and his nicknamesake.

Let the good times roll!!

Current Music: "The Mayor of Simpleton" by XTC

November 2nd, 2006 - Canes vs. Canadiens: Random Musings and Observations

- I had a *very bad feeling* that the Canes were going to make like Hoovers tonight when Scott Walker was interviewed by Tripp Tracy before the game, and uttered something about his teammates being tough enough AND that what Exelby did to Eric Staal and Cam Ward was no big deal. Gee, I wonder if Scotty-boy sounded like Bill Murray when he said that latter part... (rolls her eyes)

- This is the second time in a month that the Canes have been shutout in the RBC Center...y'know, I had a huge tirade planned, but I think I'll just say this: HOW FREAKIN' PATHETIC CAN YOU GET?!

- At least the night isn't a total waste...thanks to my brother, I now have the Fantastic Four 90's animated series on DVD!! And have been reliving a small part of my adolescence while writing this.

I had almost forgotten how uber-cheesy the first season of the series was...not only in its animation and writing, but also little things like:

- Ms. Forbes, the female version of Mr. Collins, the FF's grumpy landlord in the comic book, at least during the 60's-early 80's.

- The Dick Clark Collegiate Telephon taking place during the very first two episodes with a special guest appearance by Gary Owens!! Y'know, that announcer guy on Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In...

- The two "songs"..."It's Clobberin' Time" (done by Green Jelly...who I know better for doing "Anarchy In Bedrock" on The Flintstones movie soundtrack) and "Flame On" (by Brian Austin Green...rumor had it that he was using his brief stint as the Human Torch's voice to spawn a singing career. Why he thought that instead of his role on the highly successful Beverly Hills 90210 would land him in the music world is WAY BEYOND me).

- Speaking of songs...the opening and closing theme songs: "Call the Four! Fantastic Four!" Imagine that and other piece of cheese lyrics about the FF getting their powers and saving the day being sung in a happy sing-along voice...yeah, that screams 'action show'!

Despite all of that, I love the first season in all of its cheese, along with the far superior and cool second season. Best FF cartoon evah.

- Ok, one more Canes related thing...have you seen the ad with the dude in the cubicle pretending he's Brindy kissing Lord Stanley? You know how the computer keeps saying "Brindy! Brindy! Brindy!"? It just dawned on me that the voice on the computer sounds like a combination of Mini-Me and Mogwai (y'know, from the Gremlins movies?)... o_O

Current "Music": The "The Silver Surfer and the Coming of Galactus Part 1" episode of the said cartoon.

"Welcome To Politically Incorrect With...Your Carolina Hurricanes!"

Before I go any further, let me state that I have never been all that fond of politics being brought up in public places and entertainment outside of election venues, newspapers/magazines, news channels/shows, and the local/world morning/afternoon/evening news. And really, not only political ads, BUT ALSO people who try to insert political references into posts at boards and LiveJournal groups I visit really, *really* burn my grits.

So, I hope that makes my stance on the following somewhat clear...

http://www.thescoreboards.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5858

As someone brought up in the above linked Score Boards thread, Cory Stillman is in an ad barracking the Wake County school bonds proposal.

When I first read that, I had an uneasy feeling. I knew the Stanley Cup victory would open up the Canes to a ton of promotions and such. But of the political kind? Damn...

Cory's saving grace on this front is that he's in an ad for something most political minds could probably get behind, especially with all of the growth that Wake County is experiencing AND more than likely will for sometime. And even though I really don't like Cory's being in a political ad overall, I rather the ad be for something like a proposal than a living, breathing candidate. Which leads to my big beef with current athletes in political ads...

The last thing any of the current Canes people need to do is upset a large group of fans. And I fear that Cory's decision to be in a political ad could lead to one or more of the boys ending up in an ad or two backing a candidate the next time around instead of a proposal. AND because of that, a nice number of fans, specifically those from the opposing political party, being turned off of the team because of such ads AND the players/coaches/front office crew barracking their party's opponent.

Ten years ago, this wouldn't concern me like it does now...'cause ten years ago, people weren't as crazily obsessed with politics to the point where everything, even escapes from such mess, was associated with them.

Current Music: "Just Got Paid Today" by ZZ Top

Edit as of 9:00 PM: Going back to that Score Boards thread, I see that people have taken to b*tching and moaning about public schools vs. private schools. Two things about that...

1. I really hate seeing Ronnie Francis' children, and really, any player's kids being the focus of such an argument.

and

2. After the riff-raff I've dealt with during my career as a public school student, if I had kids of my own and the money, I'd put my children in a private school. Either that, or homeschool them.

And to be honest, that depends on the area. Around here in Bluefield, I probably wouldn't be as afraid of public schools. But, in somewhere like Wake Forest/Raleigh, I would definitely do the private school/homeschool thing, especially with the state of public schools not getting any better from what I know in my experience AND what I have read over the last few years.

*hums a few bars of a certain Neil Sedaka song*

Now that I finally bought the following, I can now provide the link without the fear of it running out... ;D

http://www.lulu.com/content/292704

Yes, boys and girls, your eyes are not deceiving you...that IS a Ron Francis calendar. Found it on a search engine a month ago, and am still amazed at how I got that to pop up...

Will post pictures when I receive the calendar.

Current Music: "Quark, Strangeness, and Charm" by Hawkwind

November 1st, 2006 - Canes @ Thrashers: Random Musings and Observations

- Garnet Exelby is a jacka**. For those of you who did not have the pleasure of receiving the Atlanta broadcast feed, Exelby got interviewed during the first intermission. And naturally, the interviewer questioned Exelby about his already infamous hit on Eric Staal. What did Exelby say? Something along the lines of..."Well, his head was down, and I had a job to do, so...".

There it is, NHL, straight from the horse's mouth. Seriously, this trend of players hitting other players, on the Canes or another team, with their heads down has GOT to STOP. It is very reminiscent of Scott Stevens, AND ESPECIALLY how Shane Willis and Ron Francis got pretty danged bad concussions. Hell, *just thinking* about that day they showed Stevens' hit on Ronnie during one of the playoff games this year *still* gives me freakin' shivers down my spine.

- Those kinds of hits are why the role of the enforcer is not dead in the NHL. And you can tell me how it's the "new NHL" over and over until you are as blue in the face as Mel Gibson in Braveheart, BUT the Canes need an enforcer to let teams like the Thrashers know that you can't do possible injury-causing hits on star players like Eric Staal AND EFFIN' GET AWAY WITH THEM!!

And while we're at it...what's up with Hutchinson giving Exelby a hug? That the ABSOLUTE LAST THING that guy needed after what he did to Staal AND Cam Ward. Also, what was also up with Walker being the only one among the Canes to show retaliation? He's the newbie, for crying out loud! Some veterans have got some steppin' up to do on the rough and tough front...

- Despite what could have been a devastating hit AND my gripes about the lack of toughness, the Canes played great tonight. Really, how could they not AND managed a 5-1 score? More often than not, numbers speak louder than words... ;)

Current Music: "All For Love" by Color Me Badd

Meeeeerow!

Wonderful, WONDERFUL birthday...obviously, my makeup for my being a feminine version of Peter Criss turned out GREAT. Dinner at Macado's was good. The only setback being their being out of Halloween '06 glasses, which really wasn't a huge deal since this year's design (a glasses wearing pumpkin) was rather cheesy looking. It's going to be hard to top last year's design, a "Nightmare Before Christmas" version of the Macado's mascot with a "slogan" saying "Life's no fun without a good scare!".

The spoils of my day...

- A ceramic wolf bookshelf decoration.

- A Hallmark Keepsake Ornament replica of the Transporter Chamber from Star Trek (The Original Series), complete with Captain Kirk, Spock, and McCoy; AND lights and sound that activate when you press a button!! It now sits behind Don Cherry and Blue on my desk... :D

- The KISS - Psycho Circus: The Nightmare Child computer game...which finally arrived in the mail.

- A Beanie Baby Emperor Penguin named "Admiral". (Which my weiner dog thought was an American Kennel Club chew toy...THAT was fun to deal with during the grand return of House MD.)

- A Joan Rivers Classic Collection chain pendant with a changable charm/ornament, and ten different stones to change. Love how amulet-like it looks.

...with more to come!

- A couple of more gifts I got myself.

- And something my brother got for me off of my Amazon Wish List. From what little he's told me, it sounds like it will be something...

Current Music: "Jazzy NYC (Latin Mix)" - Street Fighter 3 Arranged Album

Edit as of 12:40 PM: Meant to mention this last night, but was so tired and wanted to get to bed soon...at the mall, near Borders, I saw a dude dressed up like a Nashville Predators hockey player!! Complete with a yellow helmet like the Preds wear!! I know the guy thought I was on drugs the way I stared in awe at him, in addition to my makeup probably freaking him out. But I couldn't help it...so, SO AWESOME to know I'm not the only "weird" hockey fan in these parts. :D

Current Music as of the edit: "American Woman" by Lenny Kravitz