February 6th, 2007 - Canes @ Canadiens: Random Musings and Observations

- At the risk of getting my hopes up a little early*, that "Fix the Canes" contest the Raleigh News and Observer started today/yesterday is going to get dated rather quickly if the Canes further extend the play they displayed in the Bell Centre tonight.

- I am more than convinced that hockey broadcasts are so much more fun when done in French. Just as long as Bobby Granger isn't doing the translating...or the announcing.

- Even seeing the commercials done in Francais was a hoot...even though it was rather interesting in an ad or two to hear French being spoken, but also the background song's lyrics being in English. The ad *really* coming to mind in that regard being for a show/concert called "Piano Men" taking place somewhere in Montreal...the background song naturally being Billy Joel's** "Piano Man".

- The way Frankie Kaberle played tonight reminds me that I need to take him off of IR in a couple of a Fantasy Leagues.

- Well, if I am to believe this, it sounds like I missed a good episode of House MD tonight, dagnabit.

Never fails...I get suckered into watching a rotten episode AND the Canes lose in the process. And then, I watch the Canes win AND miss a decent House in the process...I almost just can't win. ;)

Current Music: "First We Take Manhattan" by Leonard Cohen

* - The Canes taught me the hard way to not officially say they're back until they have won at least two-three games in a row...remember that successful Anaheim Duck hunt, AND THEN that New Year's buttkickin' by the Philly Flyboys? Um, yeah...

** - On YouTube, I recently discovered an awesome Billy Joel concert that should SO come to DVD...especially considering that it has some of the best damn songs in the pianist/keyboardist's catalogue...

"My Life"

"The Stranger"

"Movin' Out"

"Only The Good Die Young"

"Just The Way You Are"

And, saving the absolute best (IMnot-soHO) for last...

"Prelude/Angry Young Man"

"Scenes From An Italian Restaurant"

The only disappointment is that the concert doesn't feature "New York State of Mind", my new Billy Joel favorite over the past few weeks. But overall, very, VERY SWEET show...especially with "Prelude/Angry Young Man" and "Scenes...". Also, what a GREAT band Joel had then.

January 30th, 2007 - Canes vs. Leafs: Random Musings and Observations

- Except for just one thing, yesterday/last night really, REALLY sucked, despite the fact that I actually kind of like the Leafs... *dodges rotten veggies*

- Even the "grand return after three weeks of crap" episode of House MD was awful...yeah, the clinic scenes were entertaining. But then, along came some philosophical/"intelligent" discussion BS that made me constantly utter "David Shore, THE CREATOR, wrote THIS?!". I watch TV to be entertained, not be bombarded by emo stuff...if I want emo, I'll go waste twenty bucks on a Coldplay CD, thank you.

Please, PLEASE bring back the "mystery disease of the week" plots...though, for some reason, I feel like that might be asking for too much. *sighs*

Oh, and Wilson still frickin' gets on my nerves.

- Erik Cole's absence last night makes me really wonder if he could be up for a trade. Making that all the more eerie is the fact that over at 850 The Buzz's blog, a week or two ago, I predicted that if Jimmy Rutherford goes for a big gun or two, he might unload Colesey because of his weakened neck.

- Because it needs to be said, especially with the rumors I've been seeing lately: JUST. SAY. NO. TO. FORSBERG.

Current Music: "Stone Free" by Eric Clapton

January 9th, 2007 - Canes @ Leafs: Random Musings and Observations

- Whether it is CBC, Rogers Sportsnet, or TSN, the latter being received last night, I LOVE Canadian feeds. And it can never be repeated enough: I really, REALLY wish there was a way to get such feeds 24/7 instead of just during games featured via Center Ice. As entertaining and interesting as Canadian shows seem from just the (WONDERFUL) ads alone, I just don't see how a "CBC America" wouldn't work here in the States. If pulled off right, I know I'd watch such a channel more than BBC America...which, really has been going downhill the last couple of years. They need to bring back that AWESOME remake of Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased), dagummit.

- While we're on the subject, Canadian ads absolutely rock too. Particularly the Pro Line ads (this one I saw a few months ago)...unfortunately, I couldn't find the one I saw last night about the hockey team forced to wear very, VERY OLD throwback uniforms AND gear. But, when it finally gets posted to YouTube or Google, you can bet your sweet bippy it will get mentioned again here.

Another ad I saw last night AND LOVED that's not on YouTube or Google, unfortunately: Sidney Crosby's Timbits Hockey ad. Folks, it takes a lot to make me go "Awwwwwww!!" like a teenybopper...and that commercial did it. THAT is how precious the promo is. Again, like the Pro Line hockey ad, the Timbits commercial will get mentioned again here when a video is up somewhere. But, in the meantime, you can read about Cros' Timbits endorsing here, there, and in between.

- Not only did the Canes' visiting the Hockey Hall of Fame yesterday apparently pump them up enough to win over the Leafs last night, it reminded me of how much I *really* wish to be in attendance for a certain absolute favorite ever former player of mine's Hall of Fame induction, quite possibly this year, IIRC. But, thanks to passports being a royal pain to get now, among other things, one of my dream trips there is looking to be a bit out of reach. *sighs*

- Admittingly, I did not watch at least half of the game because of the "grand" return of House MD...grand being used loosely 'cause of House's going back into Limbo for three weeks because of the WAY OVERBLOWN Star Search a.k.a. American Idol a.k.a. what should have been only fifteen minutes of fame for Simon Cowell and his (former) honey. I would include Randy Jackson in there...but after reading his Wikipedia entry, I think he is way too talented to have somehow gotten involved with such a music corrupting machine, especially considering who he's done session work for.

Very needless to say, if there is anything I actually don't miss about living in Raleigh, it's how you could/can never escape the frickin' Clay Aiken hype, even after at least two years (at the time I moved) since he placed second on AI. Not helped by the fact that WRAL thinks anything involving AI is actually news. Did Star Search ever get acknowledged by news outlets during its heyday?! I could be offbase here, but I honestly don't think it did. Simply ridiculous.

Speaking of stuff being that...I *am* glad that House MD finally wrapped up the highly annoying Officer Tritter storyline. As much as I dig David Morse and his acting, that is officially the role of his I highly dislike the most. Good riddence.

- I hope the Penguins really, REALLY wear out the Kitties down in Florida tonight...not only for the Guins' chances of finally snatching a win, but also the Canes' getting to continue their win streak tomorrow night.

Current Music: "Voices" by Russ Ballard

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?

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