Happy Halloween!!! And Happy Birthday to Moi!

At long last, my most favorite holiday of the year is here! YAY!!! :D

In all seriousness, even if it wasn't my birthday, Halloween would still be absolute my most favorite holiday. As I've said before, you gotta love a holiday that allows you to dress up and be who or whatever you please. Not to mention all of the awesome horror and mythical characters and creatures associated with the day/night. If there is any holiday that was/is truly tailor-made for me, it is Halloween.

Hmmmmm...no wonder it was destined to be my very first day of existence. ;)

Anyway, as I promised, the last drink in the KISS tribute series...named after the Starchild (or Star-Bearer, as was stated in the Psycho Circus comic series, what little I've read of it) with the golden throat (Seriously, he landed a job as the Phantom in a Toronto production of Phantom of the Opera), Paul Stanley...

Paul Stanley

Fill shaker with ice.
1 1/2 oz. Gin
Fill with Milk.
1 tablespoon of Cream of Coconut
Shake.
In a shot glass, mix: 1 capful of Cranberry (Cocktail) Juice, 1 capful of Blue Curacao, a dash of Grenadine.
Pour over the shaker contents.
Fill glass with ice and pour from the shaker.

Very much as I predicted...a perfect drink for those who want a little bit of berry flavor and a little bit of citrus. Good lord...I think I almost quoted Lou Bega. o_O

For anyone who actually cares, you can buy me a last minute/belated birthday gift from Amazon.com. Don't worry...I got a spoiler filter in place. ;)

Last, but certainly not least...a blast from the past in the form of the post I did this time last year (in my LiveJournal). If any of you want to steal the meme featured there, feel very free...I'd do it again, but I have to say that my answers would be just about the same now as they were then.

Hope all of you have a creepy, kooky, mysterious, spooky, oooky, neat, sweet, petite...well, I don't know about that last one, for I hope everyone's Halloween is grand, in addition to everything else. ;D

BTW, for those of you wondering, pictures of yours truly in my Cat(wo)man costume will come later tonight/tomorrow. Stay tuned. :D

Current Music: "The Bogus Man" by Roxy Music

Football Has Not Been Very Good To Me

At least during the last two weeks, anyway...

Week 7

Picks I got wrong: Jacksonville over Houston (which also costed me my Survivor contest bid in the LiveJournal NFL Picks community...which became obsolete thanks to the contest starting over fresh), Carolina over Cincinnati, Pittsburgh over Atlanta, Philadelphia over Tampa Bay, Miami over Green Bay, San Diego over Kansas City, Seattle over Minnesota, Arizona over Oakland, Dallas over New York (Giants)

Picks I got right: New England over Buffalo, New York (Jets) over Detroit, Indianapolis over Washington, and Denver over Cleveland.

Week 8

Wrong: New Orleans over Baltimore, Seattle over Kansas City, Cincinnati over Atlanta, Houston over Tennessee, Philadelphia over Jacksonville, Pittsburgh over Oakland, New York (Jets) over Cleveland, Carolina over Dallas

Right: Chicago over San Francisco, Green Bay over Arizona, New York (Giants) over Tampa Bay, San Diego over St. Louis, Indianapolis over Denver

Still to be determined: New England over Minnesota

EASILY my worst NFL Pick'Em performance since I started doing such contests in 2001.

And y'know something? It wouldn't be so bad if my Panthers and/or Steelers would win their games, ESPECIALLY against teams like Cincinnati and Oakland. Grrrrrrrr...

Current Music: "Blood and Roses" by The Smithereens

One Day Before My Birthday/Halloween...

...another drink to almost round out the KISS themed bunch. This particular one being named after a certain fire-breathing, blood spitting member of the band...

Gene Simmons

Fill shaker with ice.
1 1/2 oz. Gin
Fill with Milk.
1 tablespoon of Cream of Coconut
Shake.
Add a capful of Cranberry (Cocktail) Juice and a dash of Grenadine.
Fill glass with ice and pour from the shaker.

It's neck and neck between this and the Peter Criss for my absolute favorite so far. Loved the berry touch the cranberry juice and grenadine added. Therefore, I recommend Gene for berry lovers, Peter for citrus fans, and Ace for those who prefer a slightly bitter drink like a Gimlet or Martini. Speaking of Ace, I've revised the recipe with his name a tiny bit...

Ace Frehley

Fill shaker with ice.
1 1/2 oz. Gin
Fill with Milk.
1 tablespoon of Cream of Coconut
Shake.
Add a capful of Blue Curacao.
Fill glass with ice and pour from the shaker.

As mentioned previously, when I get a chance, more than likely next weekend, I'll try it....knowing that it should be a bit better without the Peppermint Schnapps.

Anyway, what about those who like their drinks with touches of berries AND citrus? That's coming folks...the only clue I'm leaving is that there is only one of the four left. ;)

Current Music: "I'm Your Boogie Man" by White Zombie

October 28th, 2006 - Canes vs. Lightning: Random Musings and Observations

A wittle tidbit about last night...it was the third anniversary of the greatest Canes game I ever attended. Therefore, no wonder the Canes overall kicked a** and took names.

- THREE GOALS IN FORTY-THREE SECONDS?! Wow...just, WOW. Just think, if it weren't for that, the Canes would have lost yet another game. Definitely a nice early birthday gift... :D

- Speaking of birthdays, Eric Staal celebrated his early AND in style tonight, being primed for the hat trick AND an assist to boot. Schweet, especially to those, like me, who made Eric their first pick for their Fantasy teams.

- Speaking of Fantasy teams, I may have to look into grabbing Scott Walker from the Free Agents...dudeman may very well be the best Cane as of now, at least point-wise.

- But, back to Staal...anyone who does not have Staal as their #1 Star for tonight is full of it.

- HOW ABOUT THOSE PENGUINS? Anytime they win AND the Flyboys go down is a good, no, GREAT TIME. Not to mention that Sidney Crosby kid and his first hat trick... *gives a thumbs up with an expression on her face similar to Wayne Campbell's*

- HOW ABOUT THOSE THRASHERS? Ok, I don't know why I said THAT...so instead: HOW ABOUT THOSE SABRES FINALLY LOSING? About time they showed the world that they're human afterall...

- Last, bu certainly not least, I made and tried the Peter Criss drink as I promised, and found it to be better than the Ace Frehley one, continuing my theme leading up to the "witching day"...

Peter Criss

Fill shaker with ice.
1 1/2 oz. Gin
Fill with Milk.
1 tablespoon of Cream of Coconut
Shake.
Combine and swirl capfuls of Blue Curacao, Orange Juice, and Pineapple Juice in a shot glass.
Pour the shot glass' contents over the shaken mixture.
Fill glass with ice, and fill with the resulting drink.

After sampling this and liking it more, I am wondering if the Ace Frehley would be better off without Peppermint Schnapps. I'll have to find that out much later...for up next will be the version of these drinks named after that ol' demon, Gene Simmons.

Current Music: "Cemetery Gates" by Pantera

As We Inch Closer To Halloween...

...yours truly further explores her revived KISS fandom. Today, I finished a fan fiction novel I printed up from the best KISS fan site I have found thus far, KISS Asylum. Saving space, my review for that can be found here.

With my fandom rejuvenated, I'm going through with getting what I have wanted a few years ago, and have the Psycho Circus game and the somewhat recent Dark Horse comics (more specifically, the trade paperbacks) coming in the mail. and am keeping my eyes peeled for a decent eBay deal on the complete Psycho Circus comic book run. Will post reviews of those, and the sequel to the fan fiction novel when I can.

As part of the Halloween countdown, I will attempt to invent four new drinks, one named after each original KISS member. Yes, believe it or not, there are no drinks named after the members of KISS, at least not yet. :D

A fair warning to those of you who look forward to my weekly drink recipes: These recipes will naturally contain Gin, 'cause, for those of you who don't know your KISS, they did a song called "Cold Gin". And, I know how Gin is either loved or hated by those who love a drink or two. BUT, read on to find out something interesting I discovered when I sampled today's featured drink...named after a certain spaceman guitarist.

Ace Frehley

Fill shaker with ice.
1 1/2 oz. Gin
1/2 oz. Peppermint Schnapps
Fill with Milk.
1 tablespoon of Cream of Coconut.
Shake.
Fill glass with ice, and fill up with the resulting drink.
Top off with a dash of Blue Curacao.

What seems like an odd combination of ingredients turns out to be pretty good...the Schnapps, Milk, and Coconut *really help* in taking the bite out of the Gin. Highly recommended to especially those who don't care for Gin. You'd swear it was Vodka or Rum instead.

Up next...my take on a Peter Criss drink, which should be like the Ace Frehley, but with one extra ingredient.

Current Music: "Black Diamond" by KISS (Symphony - Alive! IV Version)

Nothing Screams "Home Sweet Home" Like 'Jobing.Com Arena'

Seriously...yesterday, the Phoenix Coyotes agreed to rename the Glendale Arena that monstrosity (no pun intended, given how Jobing.com will probably get eaten up eventually by a certain bigger resume website outfit). Like they have enough woes already, at least on the ice.

http://www.phoenixcoyotes.com/news/story_details.php?ID=5377

http://www.thescoreboards.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5544

Makes 'RBC Center' sound like a sweet name, eh?

As much as I hate arenas being given faceless corporate names (let's not even get into the Anaheim (Mighty) Ducks' 'Arrowhead Pond' vs. 'Honda Center'), I much rather the arenas be given such monikers than the teams. Remember how three years ago, the Chicago Bears got renamed 'Chicago Bears Football Presented By Bank One'? Say that five times fast...

So far and thankfully, other teams have not followed suit, leading me to hopefully believe that such an advertising idea will go the way that inserting corporate brands into TV show names (Remember the Taco Bell/Pizza Hut/Pepsi-Co Soda Du Jour Dana Carvey Show?) went.

Current Music: "I Put A Spell On You" by Creedence Clearwater Revival

October 26th, 2006 - Canes @ Lightning: Random Musing and Observation

- A highlight from this game? Hmmmmmm...well, I'd have to go with one of the Bolts' zamboni drivers proposing to their girlfriend, who was perched upon her boyfriend's vehicle.*

Yes, that's it.

I hope the Canes who were in Tampa the night of October 16th play tomorrow night instead of whoever the heck played last night.

Current Music: "That's the Kind of Sugar Papa Likes" by Peter Criss

* - As shown on the Lightning broadcast feed, for those of you who don't get that and/or Center Ice.

Three For Thursday

First up, the genius behind the Raleigh News and Observer cartoons about Chuck Amato, John Bunting, and "Coach K" (the latter being my absolute favorite of the bunch) has built his latest creation, a parody of the latest string of Geico commercials, around the Canes and their past season...as told by Peter Karmanos Jr. and Ric Flair. Complete with four part harmony by...well, I won't give that away. Gotta give you a reason to watch this thing...

http://www.newsobserver.com/1235/story/502674.html

Y'know, between the "article" by "Five For Fighting" and now this, it's gonna be a freakin' miracle that I am not deemed a humorless slob by the end of either today or this week. When I discovered the above link yesterday, I immediately went in, expecting to love the cartoon as I have the others thus far. But, this one fell a little short in my book...I think it's 'cause of the over-exaggerated Ric Flair. But then, that "four part harmony" almost gave me a headache too. I *really* hate that...I had wanted a Canes toon to be done for sometime. As that cliche goes, "Be careful what you wish for..."...

Remember that picture of Eric Staal in a bar done for FHM I posted a few months ago? Well, thanks to 850 the Buzz and the N&O, a GQ picture has been revealed for those of us with enough good taste to avoid that particular publication...





You knew this was coming...CAPTION TIME!! And it's open to whoever wants to respond to this post. I'll start:

Eric: "Lemon curry?"

Also, I think the following comment, posted by one StormCast at 850 The Buzz's blog, beautifully sums up the photo.

"On that Staal picture? Yikes! It looks like an Anthony Michael Hall outtake from Sixteen Candles. Eric Staal = (Sod) Farmer Ted."

Last, but certainly not least, AND somewhat appropriately enough after that pic, the following search engine hit came up on my StatCounter this morning...

"Peter Laviolette puckbunnies"

No comment... o_O

Current Music: "A World Without Heroes" by KISS (MTV Unplugged Version)

Edit as of October 27th, 12:03 PM: Yes, yes...that bar picture was for FHM, NOT GQ. Forgive me, I was quite obviously out of it yesterday...

October 25th, 2006 - Canes vs. Thrashers: Random Musings and Observations

- At long last...I got the John and Tripp Show tonight!! Woot!!! :D

Actually, I really am not surprised that I got the FSN South feed on Center Ice...so far, DirecTV has stayed true to their format of offering the home team's broadcasting feed.

- Once again, not the greatest of games by the Canes, or more particularly, their defense (despite Anton Babchuk getting the game-winner). Unlike Bret Hedican and Co., the offense and Cam Ward definitely came to play...that's what saved the Canes' fat from the brown birds' fire.

- Interesting how the little things can change with a Stanley Cup win under a team's belt. More specifically, the little aspects of that team's broadcast. I noticed tonight that the intermissions and Tripp's Chalk Talk are now sponsored by RBC Centura and CarQuest. Also, speaking of the Chalk Talk, they now have it spread out throughout the game instead of during the intermissions. Thanks to that, Caniacs like moi were spared initially seeing a goal by Ilya Kovalpunk in the third period.

- BUT, at the same time, some things haven't changed, like the razzin' frazzin' Rex Hospital/Healthcare ads...the same ad campaign as the last three-four years, at least. AND Tripp's obsession with food...in a desperate attempt to mention food during tonight's game, Tripp blurted out something about either a cup of coffee or drinking coffee over Cory Stillman's talking and John Forslund's play-by-play. And the way Tripp did that, one could swear that he'd had more lattes than Cosmo Kramer in a certain Seinfeld episode.

- Cory Stillman's lookin' good, despite still nursing his injury. I think the fact that he actually had hair on his head helps...to put it even more bluntly, the Patrick Stewart look isn't exactly you, Cory.

- The real reason the Canes won? They played KISS in the RBC Center tonight!! Seriously, they played "I Love It Loud", which rocked my socks. Gee, I'm wonder if someone on the CanesVision/arena entertainment crew has been reading this here blog lately. Hmmmmmmm...

But anyway, just like Van Halen, the RBC crew should play more KISS. Certainly didn't hurt tonight.

So tomorrow night, it's back to Tampa Bay...er, excuse me, "Hockeybay". *rolls her eyes* I cannot decide which is more stupid: "Be A Champion", "Blueland", or "Hockeybay". Between those and all the freakin' division games this month, I swear the NHL is trying to make not only the players, but also the fans sick of the Southeast Division.

Current Music: "King of the Night Time World" by KISS (Symphony - Alive! IV Version)

Enter the Dodo

According to a Score Boards Canes MB post, Chris Lee is one of the two officials refereeing tonight's Canes contest against the Thrashers.

http://www.thescoreboards.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5404

Also according to a response to the post, Lee is one of the absolute worst officials in the League...possibly even more nearsighted than Tim Peel and Mike Hasenfratz (of whom, as longtime readers know, I've NEVER been fond).

Which leads me to ask: Does the NHL seriously pay ANY attention to the rivalries they're bolstering AND promoting the begeezus out of? If they *really* did, they wouldn't assign refs like Chris Lee to a Canes/Thrashers game that is very much guaranteed to be incredibly heated enough as it is. I will not be the least bit surprised if all hell breaks loose in the form of a TON of (more than likely stupid, be it by either team OR whatever the heck the refs "see") penalties and/or fights tonight. o_O

Current Music: "Bark At the Moon" by Ozzy Osbourne

Y'Know That "Band", Five For Fighting?

Well apparently, he's trying to make his mark as the "Dave Barry of the Hockey World"...

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/writers/john_ondrasik/10/23/saving.hockey/index.html

http://www.thescoreboards.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5357

How is that crap different from one of ESPN's attempts at humor regarding the NHL? I knew the references to steroids, Alex Rodriguez, and Ron Artest sounded eerily familiar... o_O

And even more frightening is that there are to be six-eight more stabs at a hockey column from John Ondrasik throughout the remainder of this NHL season. Don't quit your day job, dude...even if I don't really care for the overall products from that myself.
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And as I typed all of that, it has been snowing here in Rocky Gap/Bluefield. SERIOUSLY...snow before my birthday/Halloween. I'm lovin' it. :D

Current Music: "Queen of the Reich" by Queensryche

AT LAST!!

Blogger *finally* seems to have somewhat gotten back on its feet. I don't know about any of my other Blogger/Blogspot cohorts, but things with the console on my end were slow and sloppy all freakin' day.

Anyway, I know the few of you who visited yesterday were/are wondering where my post regarding the Saturday Canes game at Long Island was/is. Well, here it is...
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October 21st, 2006 - Canes @ Islanders: Random Musing

I think I'll have my post reflect the amount of good playin' time the Canes had...and keep it short and sweet:

The moral of this story is that you cannot let a team, especially a currently pathetic one like the Gorton's(TM) Fishermen, skate all over you for 50-55 hockey minutes, AND have the damn gall to expect a win on a silver platter. Sorry, but I'm afraid it just does not work that way, boys...

For the record, yes, I am aware that the Canes have a few guys out with injuries. But, that does not excuse playing poorly against a poor Islander team.

AND, those of you saying that the Canes worked hard...yes, they did...in FIVE FREAKIN' MINUTES. If they had done that for, oh, the remaining fifty-plus minutes, they would have two points, not one (miraculously). And that is the difference between that comeback and the comebacks last season...the Canes were not asleep for nine tenths of the majority of their games last season like they were Saturday evening.

Current Music: "See You In Your Dreams" by KISS (Don't be surprised to see a bit of KISS/Peter Criss, in addition to Halloween-themed tunes be cited for my "Current Music" over the next week, with my playlist set on Halloween psyche-up mode.)

October 20th, 2006 - Canes @ Sabres: Random Musings and Observations

- Until tonight, I thought the Turner South/Atlanta Thrashers broadcasting crew was the worst one in the NHL...they have been topped by the Buffalo Sabres crew. O_O And I cannot decide which is worst: The play-by-play guy, who sounds like a combination of a HORRIBLE impersonation of Mike Lange and Howard Cosell, or the use of the orchestral* version of "Rock You Like A Hurricane" for the Sabres' "official theme music". Bleeeeeech...

It can never be said enough: Gawd, I miss the John and Tripp Show. Big time.

- Overall, I thought the Canes played good. Not bad. Not great. Just plain good. And considering how on fire the Swords *still are*...good may as well be considered great.

- The biggest flaws in the Canes' game were, IMHO: Lack of hitting and Eric Staal's overall game. I seriously thought Staal had a weak game. His attitude seemed lackadasical in parts, and his puck control cost the Canes a couple of decent power play setups.

- Well, on to the Island...no, not like that movie. If anything, I'd like to think the Canes can escape out of Nassau, and better yet, with a win. So far, DiPietro has yet to prove he's worth a million bucks...67 and a 1/2 times that.

- Yours truly decided to concoct a totally new drink...at least one that does not have a presence in her handy Bartender's Black Book. And how much appropriate can you get with the following, especially given where the Canes played tonight?

Snowbound

Fill shaker with ice.
1 oz. Vodka.
A capful of Irish Cream.
1 oz. Peppermint Schnapps.
Fill with Milk.
Shake.
Fill glass with ice, and pour resulting drink from the shaker.

Delicious, simply delicious...and perfect for those seeking an "adult milkshake". ;) Cannot believe a recipe just like that was not in the Black Book.

Current Music: "Beth" by KISS (Symphony: Alive! IV version)

* - Got my birthday gifts to myself in the mail today...KISS: Symphony - Alive! IV and KISS: MTV Unplugged. Haven't listened to Unplugged yet, but damn, Symphony is just flat out awesome. And it's just the CD set...I haven't gotten the DVD yet, that may have to change ASAP.

Famous Last Words...

...before tonight's smackdown with the Sabres of Buffalo, that is. Certainly not overall in this here blog. ;)

Thanks to the wonders of hit counter technology, I have noticed that I have had a few visitors over from Bleeding Blue and Gold today. To those of you hailing from over there, you may or may not like what I have to say. But, believe it or not, I am quite honored to be acknowledged by those from the other side of the fence.

Anyway, all I really have to say before whatever the heck happens tonight (and there's no telling...given the mixed play of the Canes AND the powertrip the Sabres are riding) is that I hope that the Canes portray what this portrays. Not going to say anymore, for the sake of karma/mojo/whatever...

Current Music: "The Witch Queen of New Orleans" by Leon Redbone

Do, Do, Do...Another One Rides the Bus!

The injury bus, that is.

http://www.newsobserver.com/122/story/500222.html

Carolina defensemen Glen Wesley and Bret Hedican and forwards Trevor Letowski, Andrew Ladd and Keith Aucoin did not practice Wednesday due to injuries.

Groovy...just freakin' groovy. *sighs*

Note how among those bus riders are Glen Wesley and Bret Hedican...two people many were expecting to retire 'cause of not only having finally won Lord Stanley, but also their bodies being quite banged up no thanks to over ten-fifteen years of playing the defenseman position.

Admittedly AND as some of my more frequent readers can recall, I was one of the advocates of Wes and/or Heddy retiring. BUT, at the same time, I realize that if those two did not stick around, the Canes' defense would be (seemingly, considering how well the Canes have played lately) more depleted. A sticky situatation, if there is such a thing...

Speaking of fun with defensemen, I found the following epithet's presence in the above linked Raleigh News and Observer article interesting...

Forward Cory Stillman, who underwent shoulder surgery this offseason and is not expected to be available before late November, returned to the ice briefly after Wednesday's practice to test a new pair of skates. Defenseman Niclas Wallin jokingly introduced himself to Stillman when he saw Stillman suiting up to take the ice after the team practiced.

At the risk of being *just a little overly critical* and/or just a plain old butthead of a Caniac, was that sentence in bold *really* necessary to put in an N&O article? As much as I enjoy such "cute" snippets (AND miss attending practices), I expect to read such stuff more at message boards' practice reports, fan websites, blogs, and/or heck, even booster club newsletters...NOT official/more widely read sources like the News and Observer.

Just sayin'...

Current Music: "Mustang Sally" by Wilson Pickett

YTMND of the Moment!

I have not been to YTMND.com in god knows when...but yet, something told me to go there today. And lo and behold what I discovered...

http://sixtymins.ytmnd.com/

Sheer. Utter. Genius. :D

And the scary thing? The "new talent" would get me to actually watch 60 Minutes... o_O

Current Music: "What You're Thinking (Pure Energy)" by Information Society

Peter Criss/KISS Makeup Help?

I probably won't get any responses to this. But you never know who reads this place, so I figure why not post the following here, besides my LiveJournal, too?

As I mentioned here not super long ago, for Halloween/my birthday, I want to do something different from my hockey player get-up I've done for the last three years. And being a huge KISS and classic/hard/hair rock nut, I've always wanted to be Peter Criss or Ace Frehley for Halloween one year. Well, I've decided this year is it, I am going to be Peter Criss. The cat look is very appropriate for Halloween. Plus, I've already had a Psycho Circus shirt and silver cross pendant for sometime, and I recently got the necessary white, black, red, green (for the eyes...doing it like Criss did in the 70's), and silver cream makeup.

So today, I'm looking for semi-decent instructions on how to apply the makeup, specifically the white and black. It's probably easier than I am making it out to be...I just don't want to mess up. :D Those of you who have been KISS members for Halloween and/or a costume/masquerade party (and I know you're out there), how did you apply the makeup?

I have looked all over Yahoo! and Google for such instructions, AND I know there are the "KISS and Makeup" kits being offered right now. The only reasons I didn't grab a Catman one of those was that I knew I could get the makeup and supplies cheaper from Spencer's and a drug store, and the kit didn't offer green for the eyes.

Also, is there anything else I'm going to need besides the cream makeup and a sponge and brush/Q-tip for applying it? Figure I better ask while I still have time to look for and get anything else.
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Speaking of "KISSing and making-up", Colby Armstrong did just that with Trevor Letowski when the former gave the latter a ringy-dingy yesterday morning/afternoon...

http://www.newsobserver.com/796/story/499351.html

Two days after he rung Trevor Letowski's bell, Colby Armstrong gave him a ring.

Armstrong, the Pittsburgh Penguins forward who sent Letowski to the hospital briefly Saturday with a big hit, called Letowski on Monday before the Carolina Hurricanes' 5-1 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning.

"I talked to him for a good 10 minutes," Letowski said. "I thought it was a classy move on his part. He's not that type of player to go out and intentionally hurt someone."

Letowski suffered a concussion, a lacerated forehead and a stiff neck but was able to fly out with the Hurricanes that night. He'll be re-examined by team doctors today, but given the violence of the hit, he knows he could be much worse off.

"Everything happened so fast, I don't remember much," he said. "I had an opportunity to see it on tape, and it was pretty ugly. I was pretty fortunate."

I knew from the look on Colby's face when the medical/training crews were checking out Letowski during the game that he didn't mean any intention in the collision between him and Trevor. And yesterday's telephone call is just icing on that cake.

Current Music: "Detroit Rock City" by KISS

October 16th, 2006 - Canes @ Lightning: Random Musings and Observations

- I love, LOVE it when one of my favorite teams play so good that I do not have to write a ton here, nor do I have to set my DVR to record my current Monday night addiction in Heroes...damn, that show is rocking my socks!!

- Yay for Justin "Willy" Williams and his first ever career hat trick! Nay for the fact that he probably didn't know about it until after the game, thanks to the fact that one of the goals comprising the trick was first credited to Anton Babchuk.

- The only real unfortunate thing about this game is that Cam Ward had "No soup...er, shutout for you!" said to him by La Femme Nikita Alexeev. But that certainly does not marr what a fantastic goaltending game Wardo had.

- And the Canes get a much deserved break from tomorrow/later today through Friday, on the evening of which they will have to take on the, still undefeated as of my typing this, Swords in Buffalo. Joy. Well, if anything will be a true test of the Canes' good fortunes as of late, THAT certainly will. And at least I will only have to wait a little less than four days for it...unlike Heroes, for which I will have to wait almost a week. (sighs)

Current Music: "James" by the Pat Metheny Group

October 14th, 2006 - Canes @ Penguins: Random Musings and Observations

Two down on the road to .500, two more to go. Forgive me for not sounding too enthusiastic, but I am trying to be better about keeping a cool head about the Canes' win streaks, at least until they hit .500. I cannot help but feel like getting a little overexcited about a single win may have not helped matters in 2002-03 and/or 2003-04, or at least the mojo/luck thang anyway.

- The Pens' current broadcasters are not horrible, but they are not great either. It can never be said enough: Gawd, I miss Mike Lange. And to the people at The Score Boards Canes MB who kindly reminded me that Mr. Lange is now on the radio, I knew about that. But, having to put up with the five-ten second delay between the DirecTV broadcast and Internet radio is a royal pain in the butt. Sorry.

Anyway, to those of you who have never heard Mike "Elvis has left the building!" Lange in his prime, I highly recommend picking up a copy of one or both Penguins Stanley Cup runs in one form or another. If you put aside any prejudices against the Pens, if you have any that is, you will not only hear some of the finest TV hockey announcing ever, but also see some damn good hockey AND Ronnie Francis rightfully earning the Stanley Cup.

- Even though the latest reports are that he is not as bad off as originally thought, still pray for Trevor Letowski and hope for a fast recovery from his (hopefully) concussion for him. I don't know what it is about the Mellon Arena and Canes players getting injured bad there, but it is a trend that does not need to continue. It distresses me as not only a fan of the Canes, but also a fan of the Penguins too...

- A fine 5-1 victory over the Sidney Crosby, Jordan Staal (Who made this a historical game in its being the first NHL one vs. his older brother, Eric. Somewhat eerie how similar in appearance AND voice they are... o_O), and the Penguins deserves a great drink, such as...

Purple Rain

Fill glass with ice.
1 1/2 oz. Vodka
1/2 oz. Blue Curacao
Fill with Cranberry Juice.
Dash of Grenadine (Optional)
Stir.

Just like the best album by Prince (and the Revolution), this concoction will kick your A if you don't watch it. Loved the taste of this (quite similar to the Blue Kamikaze/Lemonade, actually), but I'll be damned if this drink did not make me the most snockered I have ever felt since having the Hawaii Three-O (named after its having THREE DIFFERENT RUMS) at Macado's, and the three Sex On the Beaches and Blue Hawaiian at the Cary Embassy Suites.

Despite that, Purple Rain is a nice drink, and one going on my list of faves...particularly when I do feel like getting high. ;) BTW, thanks to Jes Golbez for recommending it. :D

Current Music: "Bring the Pain" by Hubert Laws and Kevin Toney

October 13th, 2006 - Canes @ Thrashers: Random Musings and Observations

- At last, the Canes *finally* get a win. (whew!) Was not exactly an exclaimation point, but it was a win, and that's practically what matters most right now. As the saying goes: Win pretty, win ugly, just win baby.

- SportsSouth's Thrash broadcasting crew are not nearly as nerve-grating as Turner South's punks. But, they are still pretty annoying...

- Whenever I think about how bad the Canes' "Be A Champion" slogan is, I am then reminded that it could have been worst, like "Redland".

- Going back to what I said about the game not being an exclaimation point...it certainly started out good, with the Canes immediately getting a 3-0 lead (thanks Craig Adams and, FINALLY, Eric Staal) in the first period. But then, the second period starts to look downright familiar...Andrew Ladd and Staal get hurt (unfortunately, Ladd stayed out, but fortunately, Staal returned) and the brown birds get back into the game thanks to Sims and his pair of goals.

The third *almost* made things worst, with the birds tying it, and the chances of an OT/shootout then looking more possible. But then...

- ...Ray "The Wizard"* Whitney gets the GWG with about four-five seconds of the game remaining. Didn't read Ray's lips to see if he gave out a "F*** YEAH!" after he scored...but, that's what video tape is for. ;)

And for those of you who do not get what I am referencing there...shame on you.

- Speaking of that moment, a freaky coincidence:

Ray Whitney's number - #13, today's date - (Friday) the 13th.

Wow. And I have to admit that I kept glancing at the crowd to make sure Rod Serling's suit and tie wearing, cigarette toting ghost was not among the spectators. o_O

- Well, it's on to Pittsburgh, the Penguins, and one of eight games a season, not counting playoffs depending upon how those pan out, where I'm happy with the Canes OR the opposing team winning. Yes, I like the Penguins (AND Leafs), shut up. Anyway, I realize the Canes need the win more-so than the Pens. But, if the Pens win, I cannot complain...they're off to one of the better starts they have had in a couple of years, shutting out the Flyers and beating the Rangers in a close, high-scoring affair. So, go Canes and Pens!

- Speaking of the Pengies, my "realistic" Penguin logo shirt arrived today from NHL.com! :D And accompanying that was a McFarland figure of Don Cherry and his beloved pooch, Blue.

And as you can see in the above photo, Don and Blue are now proudly perched on my desk, with (Full-Demon) Inuyasha serving as their body guard.

And yes, it *does* look like Mr. Cherry is staring at Inu's tush. Something I just noticed myself... o_O

Current Music: "Only Tomorrow Knows" by Dave Koz and Evan Rogers

HEY LADIES!!

Mike Commodore is getting funky and has taken over the blogging reins for the Canes players at Canes Blog Central...

http://www.carolinahurricanes.com/custom/radFA799.asp

http://www.thescoreboards.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4652

In the above linked Score Boards thread, I cannot help but agree with a poster or two that Tripp Tracy should start a blog. Me thinks that if the "Road Trippin'" column he did from 2001-04 was any indication, Tripp would be a bit better at updating his blog than his TV broadcasting partner.
_______________________________

In more serious Canes news, Peter Laviolette has revealed in a very recent interview that he is not exactly thrilled with David Tanabe's performance...

"Sounded like Lavi is not happy with Tanabe. (He said) "He was brought in to be a top 6 defenseman and needs to start playing like one."

Not that you really read this thing Pete, but if you do for some reason: I *still* wonder what kind of snow job Nobber did to really enthuse you and Jim Rutherford to the point that he was signed. I still say THAT, not letting Martin Gerber go, nor letting Aaron Ward and Matt Cullen walk, was the worst move of the off-season.

Face it, even if it may be too late (at least in terms of getting rid of Davey-Boy), Tanabe is just flat-out bad news. But hey, if he ends up having a GREAT game tonight AND gets the game-winning goal, I'll happily have my crow and eat it too.

Current Music: "Big Electric Cat" by Adrian Belew

A Brief Review of...Elton John: One Night Only

Apparently, Elton or his manager never got the memo about the BeeGees' concert DVD title.

Anyhoo, I did not watch all of the DVD (which came yesterday from Amazon via UPS). But, what little I have viewed is quite awesome. Particularly the "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road Suite", which I will always lovingly call the very first four tracks of the concert. Those tracks being "Funeral For A Friend/Love Lies Bleeding" (quite possibly my absolute most favorite track out of the ENTIRE Elton John catalogue...its inclusion as the concert intro scoring BIG TIME brownie points with me), "Candle In the Wind", "Bennie and the Jets", and "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road". The very latter song is especially worth mentioning in its giving one a taste of the "Elton John/Billy Joel: Face To Face" experience, thanks to Long Island's ivory tickling pride and joy making a guest appearance. And, being one who *really* wanted to see the "Face To Face" concert a few years ago AND am just as much a fan of Billy* as I am of Elton, I keeping hoping for a DVD release of some kind eventually.

After the "Yellow Brick Suite"...Elton goes into "Someone Saved My Life Tonight", the one classic of his of which I have never been all that fond. "Someone" suffers heavily from what I like to call the ""Down By the River" Syndrome". Just like the namesake song by Neil Young, despite being done by an very well liked artist of mine, "Someone" gets overplayed way too much, tends to drag, AND is just simply not the best song from that artist. Not to mention how I've always thought Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy is one of the most overrated of Sir Elton's classic albums. Give me his self-titled, Tumbleweed Connection, Madman Across the Water, Honky Chateau, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, and/or, heck, even Don't Shoot Me, I'm Only the Piano Player 24-7.

Which leads me to what I feel could have been left off AND added on to the concert line-up...

OFF: "Can You Feel the Love Tonight", "The One", "Sacrifice", and "Come Together".

ON: "Take Me To the Pilot", "Madman Across the Water", "Harmony", and "I Feel Like A Bullet (In the Gun of Robert Ford)". (Hey, with Elton John, you gotta have a guilty pleasure song or two in there...and "Robert Ford" is one of mine.)

Other than those four "OFF" songs, the majority of the concert was/is a GREAT mix of EJ's best 70's and 80's songs. Highly recommended for lovers of classic rock/80's and/or just plain wonderful music in general.

Current Music: "Dan's Ice Cream Truck" - Street Fighter Alpha 2 OverClocked Remix

* - You cannot call yourself a classic rock fan until you have heard Billy Joel's "Scenes From An Italian Restaurant"...EASILY my most favorite work of his, among others.

October 11th, 2006 - Canes @ Panthers: Random Musings and Observations

- Well, as crazy as it will sound, I'll go ahead and let it out...I knew the Canes were doomed right after Gary Roberts scored the very first goal of the game. Why? 'Cause the Kitties' FSN Florida crew went straight to Roberts' player profile AND its accompanying "rap music". I'm telling y'all, EVERYTIME rap music gets played in one form or another on a team's broadcasting affiliate, be it FSN or something else, that team wins.

I never thought I'd say this...but then again, when your favorite team is the first ever in NHL history to be 0-4 defending Stanley Cup champs, you'll say anything: The Canes need to get some rap music of their own. Something, anything...hell, play a game of "Capture the Flag" with the Atlanta Thrashers, making L'il John the flag.

Not that I'm all that fond of L'il John, but if there's any team that makes one want to get "crunk" currently, it's the Canes, DEFINITELY NOT the Thrashers, I'm sad to say.

- *Very needless* to say, I kept clamoring for FSN South to miraculously replace FSN Florida mid-broadcast. Not just because of the *still stupid* player profiles, BUT ALSO because of an *even more stupid* "feel-good story" about Todd Bertuzzi. You can paint Todd as a great, Florida-lovin' dude all you want FSN Florida, but the truth of the matter is that nobody is going to forget what Bert did in a certain Canucks/Avs game two and half years ago and counting. And because of that, I hope the Canes keep their baby blues fixated on Toddy in the remaining games vs. the Puddytats.

- Apart from there being one more goal scored and the opposition/location, this game was not one bit different from the "game" that took place in DC this past Saturday evening. It's like the Canes somehow snuck out of Laviolette's watch and got up with Peabody and Sherman. Then, they hopped into the Way Back Machine and used it to go way forward to tonight, bypassing the bag skates and the Hedican/K. Adams fisticuffs.

You know, that would make for one trippy-a** movie. I hope someone doesn't get any ideas... o_O

- Speaking of those fisticuffs a couple of sentences ago...I can only pray that tonight's loss does not make tempers flare up any worst than they already are. But I also cannot help worrying, knowing that it only took three losses for Kevyn and Bret to unnaturally lose it in practice like they did.

- As much as I have liked Eric Staal, it needs to be said right now: God, what a lazy-butt he's being right now. I saw at least one or two would-be goals he could have had tonight. Not to mention the absolute lack of emotion he was showing, especially after Olli "Captain Peachfuzz" Jokinen scored a goal, and all Eric could do was stare at him with seemingly glazed-over eyes. We are talking in such a way, I kept checking to make sure there was no drool emerging from Staalsy's mouth. o_O

BTW, the more I see of that EA ad Eric did, the more I not only realize how robotic he sounds there, but also that the ad could be just as much a curse as being on the cover for EA's NHL game. Eric has done PRACTICALLY NOTHING these past four games, other than being lazy and bickering off his red nylon covered tush to the refs (despite not bearing an A or C, which would somewhat allow him to do so...it cannot be said enough, without either of those letters, Staalsy's treading on a tightrope when he chews out the refs).

- If I had known about John Grahame's record against Florida, I would not have put him in play on one of my Fantasy teams tonight.

- Is there any way to bench an entire team for a game? That's what this Canes squad needs, in addition to what Calvin's selling. So what if they lose because of there being no men available? What's one more in the L column? Something's gotta be done to make the Canes realize that wins do not come on a silver platter, as they've been playing like lately.

Except for the newbies in Eric Belanger and Scott Walker...they certainly played like they knew what was going on around them. Perhaps the remainder of your teammates could learn a thing or two or three from you, guys.

Current Music: "The Nature Anthem" by Grandaddy

Not A Lot Going On In Canes Country...

...at least not since Kevyn and Heddy's reenactment of Fight Club. But anyway, that doesn't mean other things aren't going on...such as this:

A Michigan county is having to reprint $40,000 worth of ballots due to the 'L' missing in 'public'.

Y'know, they should have kept the typo. Not only would it have obviously saved some taxpayer money, but would have also brought some much needed (bathroom) humor to a few political-heads on Election Day.

Current Music: "Fly United" by Amon Duul II

FIGHT! FIGHT!

In the heat of yesterday's (much expected) bag skate, Bret Hedican and Kevyn Adams put up their dukes and exchanged blows.

http://www.thescoreboards.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4337

http://www.850thebuzz.com/blog/?p=1868

I hafta admit that I am on the fence regarding there being fighting at the practice(s). On one hand, it will hopefully get the guys fired up and ready to FINALLY win some games. On the other hand, it kind of tells me that there may be chemistry problems. Contrary to what some of the players are saying, (emotional) fights at practices are really not all that common.

But for now...I'm just glad that all Heddy and K-Adams suffered were a couple of cuts and/or bruises. Things are already rocky enough with Frankie and Cory on IR.

The only way we'll know where this goes is to be patient and await the result of Wednesday night's game.

Current Music: "Spittin' Narcissism" - Super Street Fighter 2 OverClocked Remix

October 7th, 2006 - Canes @ Capitals: Random Musings and Observations

After witnessing the Canes being shutout in their home last night, I never thought it would be possible to be even more disappointed in a game where the Canes score. But, boys and girls, it is possible...Lavy's gotta do something, and thank god he has four days to "GIT R DONE!!"...at least I hope he somehow does.

- Regarding Staal's terrible play as of late, I'll spill the beans...the real reason Staal sucks right now? 'Cause he's on one of my Fantasy teams. And trust me, I sure as heck hope he improves ASAP. If there's anything that has gotta go, it's Eric's bickering with the refs. Last time I checked, you don't have a "C" or "A" on your jersey, #12. And if you are not careful, that crap's gonna get you into some deep doo-doo.

- Even though I have not mentioned him much, I *was* impressed with Tim Gleason...until he deliberately took out Ovechkin below the belt. That is way more than a rookie mistake...THAT is grounds for not being able to play for quite awhile. Timbo better be counting his lucky stars that Alex was able to play after that incident...if Ovey had been injured, the NHL would have gotten on Gleason like a ton of bricks. And they *still* might do that, especially with Ovey still being pushed as the next Gretzky/Lemieux/etcetera.

- Why was Cam Ward in net tonight? At the risk of paraphrasing Mickey D's, he deserved a break tonight. What was wrong with putting Grahame in net? Lavy wasn't afraid to get Gerber out there when Ward started faltering (no sooner than the very first game of last season, if memory serves me well), so why is he afraid of putting Grahame out there? For cripes' sake, Grahame *was* the best goalie Team USA had to offer during this past winter's Olympics.

- I am about convinced that as much as I despise it, the use of rap music during hockey broadcasts must be beneficial for the teams who implement it. First, the Florida Panthers, and now the Washington Capitals, who, on Comcast Sportsnet, had a bit of rap playing throughout a clip montage near the beginning of the third period.

- I honestly cannot believe I stopped watching a wonderful BeeGees concert DVD I got today to watch this sixty minute (hockey time, two and a half hours regular time) crapfest. Oh well...at least I got to see/hear "You Should Be Dancin'", "Massachusetts", "To Love Somebody", and "Islands In the Stream" (the BeeGees' original is GOOD unlike the later crap cover by Dolly Parton and Kenny "facelift gone *very wrong*" Rogers...seriously, have you seen him lately? eeeeeek!).

That's right Canes, I just said the BeeGees are freakin' better than you right now. Put THAT in your bubblegum and chug on it! Again, your head coach better make you skate your brains out, among other things, to get over what is already getting to be a very bad hangover.

Speaking of hangovers, yours truly finally tried a new, NEW alcoholic concoction tonight...

Peach Fuzz (Juicy Version)

Fill shaker with ice.
2 oz. Peach Schnapps
Fill with equal parts Orange Juice and Cranberry (Cocktail) Juice.
Shake.
Fill glass with ice and pour from the shaker.

Why "Juicy Version"? Well, I found out a few minutes ago that I messed up, and put in Orange Juice instead of Milk. *blushes* But, I suspect that Milk would make the drink creamy...so if you want that instead of a more juicy drink, subsitute Milk for the OJ.

Anyway, I found the drink to be awesome overall. Perfect for those who want more than a Fuzzy Navel, but not a Sex On the Beach. Heck, it tasted much more like a peach than a Fuzzy Navel...definitely a keeper, at least this version.

Also, I didn't get to visit the Oktoberfest in Bramwell, WV due to the rainy weather. But, I did get to do the Italian Festival in Bluefield. Wasn't a whole lot to it, but it was enough...I did some damage to my wallet in the form of purchasing a new silver chain from one booth, and a silver Italian charm bracelet and some charms from another booth. I then proceeded to dine on an Italian sausage sandwich and a piece of Red Velvet Cake.

After that, I headed over to nearby Mercer Mall, where I went into Bath and Body Works. There, I took advantage of the Wallflower (a much fancier "Plug-In" room fragrancer) special, and got four scents...Spiced Cider, Moonlight Path, Japanese Cherry Blossom, and Mango Mandarin. Then I went into FYE, where I got the aforementioned BeeGees DVD, One Night Only. And from what little I viewed, it is AWESOME. Amazing, simply, breathtakingly amazing how they still sounded so GREAT vocally in 1997. Seriously, they could even still hit those falsettos on the disco tunes!! Wow.

So, anyway...thanks a lot Canes for being a dull spot on an otherwise great day. ;P

Current Music: "Bodhisattva" by Steely Dan

October 6th, 2006 - Canes vs. Devils: Random Musing/Observation

Well, I recorded the game due to my going out to dinner. And I come home to see that there's really no point in watching the game. 4-0?! Damn.

At the risk of making light of a serious situation in the chemical fire AND possibly p***ing off a few New Joysey natives, past and present...I think it's *very safe* to say that the Devils felt at home in Raleigh tonight.

I have no other words about the Canes "game", other than they better shape up for tomorrow night's shipping out to DC.

A couple of other musings...

- I am totally digging the Eric Staal EA NHL '07 ad...but I swear, with multiple viewings/listenings, Eric sounds like a robot in parts of the ad. Which is made even more amusing by how my brother and I often joke about how even with realistic facial features, the players in the EA and 2k NHL games look and act like robots on ice.

- As I type this, I am watching the Bruins/Panthers game, and FSN Florida keeps doing these STUPID player intros for the Panthers with...are you ready for this...RAP MUSIC. Uh, HELLO!! This is HOCKEY, NOT BASKETBALL OR FOOTBALL. Hockey and rap music do not mix, I repeat, THEY DO NOT MIX. And I say that as someone who digs the Beastie Boys and the occasional tune like "I Left My Wallet In El Segundo" and "The Message" (Y'know, the one that goes "It's like a jungle sometimes..." and "Don't push me 'cause I'm close to the edge, I'm tryin' not to lose my head. Hah hah hah hah!").

Then again, maybe I'm being off-base...'cause whether it's the rap music, or the simple fact that they ate their Wheaties, the Panthers are kicking the Bruins' ever-lovin' butts, 8-3. o_O

Current "Music": Boston Bruins @ the Florida Panthers on FSN Florida c/o Center Ice

Why Let Bands Battle When Their Album Covers Can Do It?

PG-13/Work Safe Warning for some language and naughty bits.

http://www.collegehumor.com/video:1712031

THIS has got to be the funniest thing EVAH posted at College Humor.

Current Music: "Pass the Dutchie" by Musical Youth

...It's Easy To Get Burned.

My god, what a mess.

Well...so much for attending my friend's wedding. I tried to sound optimistic last night, but to be honest, I was afraid that my folks and I would not go because of the chemical plant inferno. And unfortunately, my gut feeling was dead on...we have cancelled our reservations at Embassy Suites, making it absolutely official that we are not going to Cary today. And there are evacuees who could use our rooms more than us.

Maybe we are being a little too over-cautious, especially with the news sources acting like the rain is clearing the air. But I feel it is for the better that we are not going...I know I don't feel like putting my body at potential risk for respiratory system damage or cancer. While they still do not know the specific chemicals involved in the fire, apart from chlorine gas, it is known that a lot of the chemicals are carcinogens. And I don't know about a lot of people, but I sure as hell do not want to breathe in even just 5-10% of that crap.

That said, I'm praying for my friend, her future husband, and their wedding guests if they go through with the wedding; along with the Canes, their fans and any of my fan-friends thinking about attending tonight's game vs. the Devils, and just most people in the Apex/Cary area in general. It cannot be said enough: My god, what a mess...and I hope it does not affect "Opening Night 2". The RBC Center may be said to be in Raleigh, but it's practically in Apex/Cary...right there at the evacuation area, as a matter of fact. Obviously, if the game is called off, there will be no need for me to do my Random Musings tonight.

On a somewhat more positive note, at least I won't have to rush my butt around the Italian Festival and Oktoberfest trying to snack on the foods AND admire the crafts (and pondering buying one or two if I see something I *really* like).

Current Music: "100,000 Years" by Kiss

Just A Song Before I Go...

...well, maybe not a song.

But anyway, this will be my last post before either tomorrow night or Sunday, depending upon how I feel when I return from attending a friend's wedding in Cary, NC later this evening AND going straight from Raleigh/Cary to the Bluefield Italian Festival and Bramwell Oktoberfest tomorrow afternoon. Due to being gone for less than a day and the Internet fees at Embassy Suites, I will be laptop PC-less.

Will be sure to write about any interesting experiences and happenings...that is, if my folks and I's Cary-bound plans aren't brought to a grinding halt thanks to this.

So far, the chemical plant fire is limited to Apex, but I'm hoping that the smoke and fumes don't make their way to *very nearby* Cary...they sound as vicious as the fire that's spawning them.

*Very needless* to say, I'm praying and hoping that my friend's wedding can go on as planned.

Current Music: "Dragonscale and Lace" - Street Fighter Alpha VGMix Remix

October 4th, 2006 - Canes vs. Sabres: Random Musings and Observations

- I was *very delighted* to see Versus show the entire Stanley Cup banner-raising ceremony...hard to believe that that was almost the same crew who showed barely five minutes of the Canes celebrating winning Lord Stanley over three months ago.

Speaking of Versus...their coverage was, *gasp*, Canes-centric tonight!! As Ali G would utter, respect!!

- Considering it was the very first game of the regular season AND it came with very high anticipation thanks to the said banner-raising, I thought the Canes played well.

- But, at the same time, they do have a couple of kinks to work out...most notably, the shootout line(s). I could not help but think to myself when it went into shootout time: "God, I wish Matt Cullen was still wearing the red, black, and white."

One switch-up that needs to be made: Staal. I don't know what it is about him and shootouts, but they're like windows to him...he does not do them. Well, he should not anyway.

- Regarding Tanabe, despite how much I've been ragging on him in my blog for the last couple of weeks...I did not think he played horribly. But, I didn't think he played super-awesome either. It is only one game though, so I find it best to reserve judgement.

- Overall, I am happy with the effort, outside of the shootout...where the guys looked tired. Much rather lose 3-2 AND still earn a point than lose 5-2 with no points like the Canes did in Tampa to kick off last season.

- Last, but certainly not least, that "Silly Little Fairy" Dodge ad needs to go. I cannot believe that Dodge and their ad execs did not take their three and a half months and come up with something else with which to torture us hockey nuts. Then again, it could be worst...like the Ford ads with that insipid "Beep! Beep!" song.

At least the brilliant(!) Pythonesque Guiness ads are back too.

Ok, and so those of you who may have come over from a certain post at 850 The Buzz's blog do not feel like you are experiencing deja vu, I have this to say to the Buffalites:

I promise to stop calling the Sabres the "banana slugs" if they would switch to the *much better looking* logo here for the regular logo INSTEAD of merely the third:

Why the ABSOLUTE HELL did they go with the slug-like "buffalo comet"? I sure as frick hope all teams' logos aren't going the direction of Buffalo and Anaheim's logos...especially with the new uniforms coming after this season...

Also, there will be no musings and observations for both Friday and Saturday nights' games, due to my going to be in Cary, NC for a friend's wedding Friday night AND trying to make it back for both the Italian Festival and the Oktoberfest in Bluefield and Bramwell (respectively) Saturday afternoon/evening.

Current Music: "No More Tears" by Ozzy Osbourne

Somebody Is Full of Banana Slug Excrement

http://bfloblog.com/?p=1722

Somehow, the following words coming from one of Buffalo's finest regarding tonight's opener does not surprise me the least bit...

"...I heard on the radio this morning that the Carolina Hurricanes home opener is not sold out. Why is that surprising? Half the fans won’t be able to read what the Stanley Cup Champions banner says when it gets raised so why spend the money to go see it?"

My response?

If the Canes were playing someone other than the Swords in their opener tonight, I don’t think any of the italized words would have been said.

I sincerely hope that the ceremony involves champagne…particularly for Lindy Ruff’s sake.

Cheers, Banana Sluggers.

[reverse-mojo]Unfortunately, knowing my damn luck after saying that, the Canes will probably go on to be mauled by the Sabres...being capped off by Tanabe scoring a goal in his own net.[/reverse-mojo]

For once after the past two (actual) seasons, I will not be at the home opener in person, but I'll be there in spirit.

LET'S GO CANES!!

Current "Music": Jeopardy! on GSN

Canes Finish Out Pre-Season With A Win...

...4-2 over the Capitals, going undefeated against the Eastern Conference AND Southeast Division.

That's the good news...the bad news? The Canes went 1-4 for the pre-season AND David "Snuggles" Tanabe had the best +/- on the entire squad with a +3.

I think I'll stop there...oh, one more thing, the Canes better bring their A game Wednesday night. I *really* don't feel like losing to a bunch of banana slugs...

Current Music: "Cult of Personality" by Living Colour

Happy October!

It's my most favorite month of the year...'cause of its not only being when my birthday/Halloween (my most favorite holiday! ;D) occurs, but also the beginnings of my absolute most favorite season in Autumn/Fall AND when the NHL season officially starts.

Regarding my birthday coming up...if anyone of you dear readers, AND I mean anyone, want to get yours truly a gift, feel *very free* to peruse my (greedily huge...no thanks to at least a couple of my favorite animes not coming in box sets) Amazon Wish List.

Simply put, I probably love Halloween too much...right down to my playlist AND my latest holiday decoration:

Click here for the playlist.

Told y'all I would model one of those new shirts I mentioned earlier... :D

Speaking of Halloween...I'm already considering doing something different from the past few years, and might be a member of Kiss for this year. Something I've been entertaining for almost ten years, being a huge music/retro nut and all. If I go through with such an idea, I'll be either Peter "Catman" Criss or Ace "Space-Man" Frehley. Leaning towards Catman with my having a cross pendant that would be a nice touch, especially since the dude always wore medieval/gothic-style crosses when playing the skins. Not to mention the obvious association of cats with Halloween. :D

A couple of other things...

- I cannot believe I'm getting ready to type the following: I rented a Mortal Kombat(: Deception) game yesterday, and I ACTUALLY LIKE IT. Then again, it *really* helps that the puzzle game on that sucker is every bit as good, fun, and challenging as it looked on those YouTube videos. It's quite good to have something else besides Super Puzzle Fighter to play whenever I'm in a puzzle fighting mood...not to mention how being a fighting game nut in general, I figured I would to have to eventually own Mortal Kombat in one form or another...

- Guess what I found at Sam's yesterday? THE POLICE SYNCHRONICITY CONCERT ON DVD!!! Forgive me for yelling like that, but after watching the DVD last night, it still excites me to have finally found what is the very first concert I ever, EVER saw in my life thanks to a tape my folks had. God, I must have watched that thing 500 bajillion times, especially the "Synchronicity I" part. The only thing that *still* disappoints me about that concert? No "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic". But that is almost made up for with "Synchronicity II" (a.k.a. the "kick in the crotch" song), "Roxanne", "Invisible Sun", and "Don't Stand So Close To Me" featured as bonus tracks/clips.

Y'know, I've never really thought about it until now, but between my playing "Synchonicity I" on the tape AND "Every Little Thing..." on my folks' Ghost In the Machine vinyl, and watching Duran Duran's "Rio" just as much as "Synchonicity I", it's quite safe to say that my very first favorite bands ever were The Police and Duran Duran. I had amazingly damn good taste for a (at least) three-seven year old.

Current Music: "Just One Fix" by Ministry