My laptop died today. The bootup screen doesn't even come up. Its a black screen and an endless cycle of 15 second automatic restarts. This is complete bull because I had this exact problem a year ago. First the wireless stops working then the whole computer just dies a quick and brutal death.
I shipped my computer in last year after having this problem and they claimed to have fixed this. The hell they did! I called support to see if they'll fix it again, but they said that my laptop is no longer under warantee. But if I wanted to I could pay $399 to fix it. $399!
HP dv6000. Pretty much just stay away from HP all together. This is a well known / documented problem. It's all over the internet even on HP's own forum. Hardware issues, that HP refuses to declare a recall despite what looks to be a laptop pandemic.
For the price of repair, I could just get a new computer. This sucks. I'm never buying another HP, and neither should you.
Monday, November 09, 2009
Thursday, November 05, 2009
Feeling Old
Been feeling old lately.
You know you're old when you stop counting how old you are.
You know you're old when you go to Starlight casino, purposely walk slower past the security, and get disappointed when they don't check your ID.
You know you're old when you start asking yourself if that's too much meat on your plate.
You know your old when you're no longer in the first bracket:
You know you're old when you notice that all of your little cousins mouse scroll with their middle fingers, while you scroll with your old and inefficient clicking finger, as they all stare at you like you're using the internet for the first time.
You know you're old when 3 lbs of wings is too much for you, even if they're Italian Roasted Pepper wings.
You know you're old when maybe punk rock was wrong, maybe authority isn't all that bad?
You know you're old when the world that was once yours for the taking, all of a sudden is no longer for you. You're now a hurdle for someone else.
So hurdle away punks, hurdle away...
You know you're old when you stop counting how old you are.
You know you're old when you go to Starlight casino, purposely walk slower past the security, and get disappointed when they don't check your ID.
You know you're old when you start asking yourself if that's too much meat on your plate.
You know your old when you're no longer in the first bracket:
You know you're old when you notice that all of your little cousins mouse scroll with their middle fingers, while you scroll with your old and inefficient clicking finger, as they all stare at you like you're using the internet for the first time.
You know you're old when 3 lbs of wings is too much for you, even if they're Italian Roasted Pepper wings.
You know you're old when maybe punk rock was wrong, maybe authority isn't all that bad?
You know you're old when the world that was once yours for the taking, all of a sudden is no longer for you. You're now a hurdle for someone else.
So hurdle away punks, hurdle away...
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Vindication
For the big fight over the weekend, we made our way to Wings on Kingsway. We tried to get there a little earlier to reserve a spot due to the 4:00pm start of the Canucks and Leafs game. The pub was packed, and putting our name on the waitlist was pointless, as there were two large groups ahead of us.
They were playing trivia inside the pub, but we were in a rush to find another location. The first question was who was the first Canuck to have their jersey retired? The whole pub roared 'Stan Smyl.'
I was anxious to leave, but then came the next question: "During the 94 playoffs..." it was about here that my eyes bulged out of my head,"...which Canuck scored the most game winning goals?" I heard loud yells of "Bure!" and "Linden!" But they were all wrong. Then one idiot yelled out "Mogilny!"
A pub of 60 plus supposed Canucks fans didn't know the answer. My sister turned to me waiting for me to yell something out. Here it was, fifteen years after that fateful playoff run, time slowed to a crawl and then came the image of number 14 streaking down the left wing and blasting a slapshot glove side corner against Mike Vernon in overtime.
Geoff Courtnall. And with that I silenced the whole pub. Well my sister silenced the whole bar. I muttered Geoff Courtnall and she yelled it out. She walked up to claim her prize an XL Bud light t-shirt to the stunned faces of 60 plus confused onlookers.
That still didn't land us a table though, but man did it feel good beating out every single fan there. Fifteen years of dwelling in the past? Redeemed and well worth it. I hate the Rangers.
A little about the fight, Machida should've lost.
They were playing trivia inside the pub, but we were in a rush to find another location. The first question was who was the first Canuck to have their jersey retired? The whole pub roared 'Stan Smyl.'
I was anxious to leave, but then came the next question: "During the 94 playoffs..." it was about here that my eyes bulged out of my head,"...which Canuck scored the most game winning goals?" I heard loud yells of "Bure!" and "Linden!" But they were all wrong. Then one idiot yelled out "Mogilny!"
A pub of 60 plus supposed Canucks fans didn't know the answer. My sister turned to me waiting for me to yell something out. Here it was, fifteen years after that fateful playoff run, time slowed to a crawl and then came the image of number 14 streaking down the left wing and blasting a slapshot glove side corner against Mike Vernon in overtime.
Geoff Courtnall. And with that I silenced the whole pub. Well my sister silenced the whole bar. I muttered Geoff Courtnall and she yelled it out. She walked up to claim her prize an XL Bud light t-shirt to the stunned faces of 60 plus confused onlookers.
That still didn't land us a table though, but man did it feel good beating out every single fan there. Fifteen years of dwelling in the past? Redeemed and well worth it. I hate the Rangers.
A little about the fight, Machida should've lost.
Thursday, October 01, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
New York
Day 1 (September 19th, 2009 midnight)
Gloria and I caught the 10:40PM red eye flight to New York.
We got to New York at 6:30AM the next day, got picked up by a Lincoln and arrived to the New Yorker hotel problem free. Desparate for some sleep, we took a nap and woke up to get some breakfast at Dunkin Doughnuts. The coffee was unbelievably sweet. We made our way towards Times Square, and passed by an international festival on 8th street.
We made our way to Times Square and were awestruck by the size of the buildings, the billboards, the lights, and the shear amount of people. Shoulder to shoulder people on the streets.
We made our way to Grand Central Station, followed by a trip past the Chrysler building.
For lunch we made our way to Soup Man, made famous from Seinfeld, where the Soup Nazi denies George of soup. Cost over $10 for crab bisque, but man was it good soup.
While wondering around we made our way to the Empire State Building. We had to go through a security check before getting in the elevators. $20 got us 86 floors high, and the view was unbelievable. The buildings in New York were humongous but atop the Empire State building we were at an unfathomable height above everyone else.
Walking back to the hotel we stopped for some light shopping.
After dropping off our bags, we went to eat at TGIF's just around the corner of the hotel. Dinner was mediocre, but that didn't dampen the day at all.
We ended the night by walking around Times Square, which is even more beautiful at night. The huge tv's and neon lights cast against the skyscrapers are a wonder to view.
Day 2
We woke up early to make it in time to Battery Park, for the Statue of Liberty tour. We took a cab there which was surprisingly cheaper than we thought.
Before we could get anywhere near the Statue we had to go through a security check, again. We made our way through the museum within the Statue before heading up to the pedestal. Flights and flights of stairs had to be climbed before getting to the feet of Lady Liberty. She really is beautiful, the amount of detail on such a huge monument is amazing. We couldn't get tickets to get up to the crown, but the view from the pedestal was still great.
Afterwards, the ship took us to Ellis Island. Site of US immigration into New York up until the 70's I think. Great history lesson complete with pictures and text describing what an immigrant would have felt coming into the US.
After docking back at Battery Park, we were in for a show in a nearby park. Calling themselves the Positive Brothers, sporting US flag spandex, they cartwheeled and flipped around drawing a huge crowd. For their finale, they pulled random people out from the crowd, including Gloria. With six of them standing shoulder to should and bent forward, one of the positive brothers ran full speed and jumped a 360 flip over all six of them.
We made our way back up to Wall Street, and just like it's portrayed, everyone was walking around with suits, powersuits, briefcases, and Blackberries.
Gloria somehow landed tickets to go watch Letterman. I had to answer the trivia questions to qualify for the tickets. Took me three tries to get it right, lucky for me the promoter guy was super patient. We lined up for the tickets close to 3PM. It was a busy day for NYPD as Bill Clinton and Barack Obama were both in town. This forced us to have to pick up our tickets on the second level of some restaurant. After grabbing the tickets we had to line up to enter the studio where they were going to film. While in line, the Letterman interns (?) were trying to get us worked up by making us yell and cheer. The taping that we were part of had Bill Clinton and LeBron James. There was no opening monologue which is a little bit confusing, Letterman must've taped it with another audience? Throughout the taping, the interns (?) kept trying to get us to yell and cheer. Overall pretty good show, LeBron was more interesting then Clinton though.
For a quick dinner we grabbed some New York style pizza, stuffed with toppings, and loaded with flavor.
Day 3
At the crack of dawn we got up and made our way down to a nearby diner just around the street.
After breakfast we made our way to Central Park via the subway system. Not the newest, nor cleanest transit system I've seen, but it had a sort of vintage appeal to it.
After Central Park we made our way to the Metropolitan Museum. The museum was unimaginably large. Inside were exhibits that stretched to pretty much every era in recorded history. Egyptian to Roman to Medieval to Renaissance to Shogun to whichever other era I've left out. There is no way a person can see the entire museum in one go. You'd pass out from exhaustion before you saw everything. There was an exhibit dedicated to grandfather clocks!
We didn't see the entire museum, but time restraints caused us to leave early. We made our way to Serendipity where we enjoyed a delicious two person chocolate ice cream sundae.
Gershwin theatre was the next stop, we had pre-purchased tickets to watch Wicked the Broadway show. I am not a fan of musicals, I've only ever seen one other musical (Amadeus), and it just doesn't tickle my fancy. Wicked though was on an entirely other level. The songs were memorable, the characters very likeable, the story conflicted with the story of Wizard of Oz, but very very entertaining. I have new found respect for those that perform on Broadway. To be able to sing and dance live is more talent then I could ever possess. Defying Gravity still gets stuck in my head from time to time.
After the show we grabbed dinner at an Irish place, and then walked back to Times Square. We sat at Times Square, half way up the steps just taking in the sights and sounds of everyone around. Something very entertaining about sitting in one of the busiest places in America just watching all the different types of people walking along all with smiles on their faces.
Day 4
The next morning after breakfast we walked to Madison Square Gardens for our All Access Tour. The tour guide seemed very knowledgeable and clearly had a New York accent. Despite strong opposition by Gloria, I insisted on wearing my Russian Rocket t-shirt, somebody had to set the balance of Rangers to Canucks. The tour took us deep into the heart of enemy territories. From the press box to ice level to the locker rooms, Madison Square Gardens oozed history. GM Place is far more modern looking then Madison Square Gardens, but you can't copy tradition and history.
The Knicks locker room was great to see, the Rangers locker room was full of hate and distaste, or maybe that was just me.
Next stop after the tour was the NHL store. They had a lot of apparel that I've never seen before, but it was mostly for american teams. I couldn't find any Canucks gear that I liked, although Gloria lucked out and found a t-shirt.
The Rockefeller Center was next on the list. There wasn't much to see inside the "Rock", but we didn't get a chance to go to the top.
St. Patrick's Cathedral was the next stop. This Cathedral was an unbelievable sight. Stained glass surrounded the Cathedral, and the amount of detail on the walls and ceilings was mind boggling.
We got a little hungry after and purchased some New York foot long hotdogs.
For dinner we went to Uncle Jack's steakhouse where Gloria had a plate of seafood, and I had their steak.
Gloria had a craving for the New York cheesecake we had the first night.
Day 5
The next morning we were walking down eight street and we passed a White Castle, so it was a no brainer. The White Castle burgers were miniature in size but you get pretty full after eating three of them.
We taxied down to Ground Zero where the World Trade Centers used to be. Construction had already began and so the are was fenced off. We couldn't get a good look at the sight from ground level.
We did some shopping at Century 21. As soon as we got through the doors, Gloria disappeared. I was left to just wonder around aimlessly in the sea of shopaholics. The stuff at Century 21 was really cheap though, no idea how they have the items that cheap. I saw fitted, iron free name brand dress shirts for $30. We spent the remainder of the day shopping, and by we I mean Gloria.
For dinner we went to Famous Dave's Bar-B-Q, where we ordered their famous feast, which was a mistake. The portion was huge, with an assortment of ribs, briskets, chopped pork, and veggies. The catch phrase at the restaurant was "Eat like a pig" but we weren't even close.
After dinner we decided to buy souvenirs. Souvenir stores aren't hard to find, there's one on every corner, but they all carried the same generic stuff, key chains, t-shirts, magnets, and cups.
Day 6
We checked out early, and left our bags with the desk. We made our way to Chinatown and it was hot. I wish I had packed more shorts and less jeans, cause New York is a walking city. Combine walking with heat, and you get deadly. By now we were both getting sick of eating out, so it was good to get some good old fashion Chinese food. We sat down with a lady and started talking to her. She told us tips on where to go in a foreign city to eat, her tip was just to go where it was packed. Sounded like she travelled a lot, and from the sounds of a phone call she had and the pass card she had on her, she was important. Something to do with medical, or department of health? Mysterious figure with hidden powers and wisdom, very Yoda like.
It's a good thing we did a lot of walking cause after lunch we grabbed some of New York's famous fried dumplings at a place identified only by a sign labelled Fried Dumpling. We followed that up with ice cream from The Original Chinatown Ice Cream Factory, which is apparently quite popular according to Gloria.
Back in the shopping district we passed by Chase Bank, where armed guards were standing outside the doors. One of the guards told me I had a nice shirt, I was sporting my Jack Bauer t-shirt, I should've asked for a picture with the guard.
We also stopped by the NBA store, which much like the NHL store was a little disappointing, except it was two levels of disappointment.
We went to Red Lobster's for dinner, cause I craved there biscuits.
After dinner we shared an airporter with another couple from our hotel. I wanted to make conversation but I fell asleep as soon as the car door closed. I could've been mugged and I wouldn't have known.
The flight back, I contemplated sleeping as we would've arrived back in Vancouver around midnight and I had work the next morning. My ideas of sleeping quickly faded when I found out the onboard entertainment system allowed me to make a music playlist.
We got back on time, went through customs without a hitch and Amanda picked us up from the airport. All was well and it was great to be back in Vancouver.
Reflection
I have a soul crushing hatred for the New York Rangers. After spending a week in New York, I still hate the Rangers, but New York as a city I can very much see myself living there. The city moves too fast for my laid back Vancouver attitude, and maybe it's just a phase, but there's a lot of New York I have yet to see, and would very much like to go back. It'll be great to go back in a few years to see if that diner is still there, to sit on the steps in Times Square, maybe to catch another Broadway show. For the time being, New York you've accomplished in cracking this wall of Vancouver patriotism.
Gloria and I caught the 10:40PM red eye flight to New York.
We got to New York at 6:30AM the next day, got picked up by a Lincoln and arrived to the New Yorker hotel problem free. Desparate for some sleep, we took a nap and woke up to get some breakfast at Dunkin Doughnuts. The coffee was unbelievably sweet. We made our way towards Times Square, and passed by an international festival on 8th street.
We made our way to Times Square and were awestruck by the size of the buildings, the billboards, the lights, and the shear amount of people. Shoulder to shoulder people on the streets.
We made our way to Grand Central Station, followed by a trip past the Chrysler building.
For lunch we made our way to Soup Man, made famous from Seinfeld, where the Soup Nazi denies George of soup. Cost over $10 for crab bisque, but man was it good soup.
While wondering around we made our way to the Empire State Building. We had to go through a security check before getting in the elevators. $20 got us 86 floors high, and the view was unbelievable. The buildings in New York were humongous but atop the Empire State building we were at an unfathomable height above everyone else.
Walking back to the hotel we stopped for some light shopping.
After dropping off our bags, we went to eat at TGIF's just around the corner of the hotel. Dinner was mediocre, but that didn't dampen the day at all.
We ended the night by walking around Times Square, which is even more beautiful at night. The huge tv's and neon lights cast against the skyscrapers are a wonder to view.
Day 2
We woke up early to make it in time to Battery Park, for the Statue of Liberty tour. We took a cab there which was surprisingly cheaper than we thought.
Before we could get anywhere near the Statue we had to go through a security check, again. We made our way through the museum within the Statue before heading up to the pedestal. Flights and flights of stairs had to be climbed before getting to the feet of Lady Liberty. She really is beautiful, the amount of detail on such a huge monument is amazing. We couldn't get tickets to get up to the crown, but the view from the pedestal was still great.
Afterwards, the ship took us to Ellis Island. Site of US immigration into New York up until the 70's I think. Great history lesson complete with pictures and text describing what an immigrant would have felt coming into the US.
After docking back at Battery Park, we were in for a show in a nearby park. Calling themselves the Positive Brothers, sporting US flag spandex, they cartwheeled and flipped around drawing a huge crowd. For their finale, they pulled random people out from the crowd, including Gloria. With six of them standing shoulder to should and bent forward, one of the positive brothers ran full speed and jumped a 360 flip over all six of them.
We made our way back up to Wall Street, and just like it's portrayed, everyone was walking around with suits, powersuits, briefcases, and Blackberries.
Gloria somehow landed tickets to go watch Letterman. I had to answer the trivia questions to qualify for the tickets. Took me three tries to get it right, lucky for me the promoter guy was super patient. We lined up for the tickets close to 3PM. It was a busy day for NYPD as Bill Clinton and Barack Obama were both in town. This forced us to have to pick up our tickets on the second level of some restaurant. After grabbing the tickets we had to line up to enter the studio where they were going to film. While in line, the Letterman interns (?) were trying to get us worked up by making us yell and cheer. The taping that we were part of had Bill Clinton and LeBron James. There was no opening monologue which is a little bit confusing, Letterman must've taped it with another audience? Throughout the taping, the interns (?) kept trying to get us to yell and cheer. Overall pretty good show, LeBron was more interesting then Clinton though.
For a quick dinner we grabbed some New York style pizza, stuffed with toppings, and loaded with flavor.
Day 3
At the crack of dawn we got up and made our way down to a nearby diner just around the street.
After breakfast we made our way to Central Park via the subway system. Not the newest, nor cleanest transit system I've seen, but it had a sort of vintage appeal to it.
After Central Park we made our way to the Metropolitan Museum. The museum was unimaginably large. Inside were exhibits that stretched to pretty much every era in recorded history. Egyptian to Roman to Medieval to Renaissance to Shogun to whichever other era I've left out. There is no way a person can see the entire museum in one go. You'd pass out from exhaustion before you saw everything. There was an exhibit dedicated to grandfather clocks!
We didn't see the entire museum, but time restraints caused us to leave early. We made our way to Serendipity where we enjoyed a delicious two person chocolate ice cream sundae.
Gershwin theatre was the next stop, we had pre-purchased tickets to watch Wicked the Broadway show. I am not a fan of musicals, I've only ever seen one other musical (Amadeus), and it just doesn't tickle my fancy. Wicked though was on an entirely other level. The songs were memorable, the characters very likeable, the story conflicted with the story of Wizard of Oz, but very very entertaining. I have new found respect for those that perform on Broadway. To be able to sing and dance live is more talent then I could ever possess. Defying Gravity still gets stuck in my head from time to time.
After the show we grabbed dinner at an Irish place, and then walked back to Times Square. We sat at Times Square, half way up the steps just taking in the sights and sounds of everyone around. Something very entertaining about sitting in one of the busiest places in America just watching all the different types of people walking along all with smiles on their faces.
Day 4
The next morning after breakfast we walked to Madison Square Gardens for our All Access Tour. The tour guide seemed very knowledgeable and clearly had a New York accent. Despite strong opposition by Gloria, I insisted on wearing my Russian Rocket t-shirt, somebody had to set the balance of Rangers to Canucks. The tour took us deep into the heart of enemy territories. From the press box to ice level to the locker rooms, Madison Square Gardens oozed history. GM Place is far more modern looking then Madison Square Gardens, but you can't copy tradition and history.
The Knicks locker room was great to see, the Rangers locker room was full of hate and distaste, or maybe that was just me.
Next stop after the tour was the NHL store. They had a lot of apparel that I've never seen before, but it was mostly for american teams. I couldn't find any Canucks gear that I liked, although Gloria lucked out and found a t-shirt.
The Rockefeller Center was next on the list. There wasn't much to see inside the "Rock", but we didn't get a chance to go to the top.
St. Patrick's Cathedral was the next stop. This Cathedral was an unbelievable sight. Stained glass surrounded the Cathedral, and the amount of detail on the walls and ceilings was mind boggling.
We got a little hungry after and purchased some New York foot long hotdogs.
For dinner we went to Uncle Jack's steakhouse where Gloria had a plate of seafood, and I had their steak.
Gloria had a craving for the New York cheesecake we had the first night.
Day 5
The next morning we were walking down eight street and we passed a White Castle, so it was a no brainer. The White Castle burgers were miniature in size but you get pretty full after eating three of them.
We taxied down to Ground Zero where the World Trade Centers used to be. Construction had already began and so the are was fenced off. We couldn't get a good look at the sight from ground level.
We did some shopping at Century 21. As soon as we got through the doors, Gloria disappeared. I was left to just wonder around aimlessly in the sea of shopaholics. The stuff at Century 21 was really cheap though, no idea how they have the items that cheap. I saw fitted, iron free name brand dress shirts for $30. We spent the remainder of the day shopping, and by we I mean Gloria.
For dinner we went to Famous Dave's Bar-B-Q, where we ordered their famous feast, which was a mistake. The portion was huge, with an assortment of ribs, briskets, chopped pork, and veggies. The catch phrase at the restaurant was "Eat like a pig" but we weren't even close.
After dinner we decided to buy souvenirs. Souvenir stores aren't hard to find, there's one on every corner, but they all carried the same generic stuff, key chains, t-shirts, magnets, and cups.
Day 6
We checked out early, and left our bags with the desk. We made our way to Chinatown and it was hot. I wish I had packed more shorts and less jeans, cause New York is a walking city. Combine walking with heat, and you get deadly. By now we were both getting sick of eating out, so it was good to get some good old fashion Chinese food. We sat down with a lady and started talking to her. She told us tips on where to go in a foreign city to eat, her tip was just to go where it was packed. Sounded like she travelled a lot, and from the sounds of a phone call she had and the pass card she had on her, she was important. Something to do with medical, or department of health? Mysterious figure with hidden powers and wisdom, very Yoda like.
It's a good thing we did a lot of walking cause after lunch we grabbed some of New York's famous fried dumplings at a place identified only by a sign labelled Fried Dumpling. We followed that up with ice cream from The Original Chinatown Ice Cream Factory, which is apparently quite popular according to Gloria.
Back in the shopping district we passed by Chase Bank, where armed guards were standing outside the doors. One of the guards told me I had a nice shirt, I was sporting my Jack Bauer t-shirt, I should've asked for a picture with the guard.
We also stopped by the NBA store, which much like the NHL store was a little disappointing, except it was two levels of disappointment.
We went to Red Lobster's for dinner, cause I craved there biscuits.
After dinner we shared an airporter with another couple from our hotel. I wanted to make conversation but I fell asleep as soon as the car door closed. I could've been mugged and I wouldn't have known.
The flight back, I contemplated sleeping as we would've arrived back in Vancouver around midnight and I had work the next morning. My ideas of sleeping quickly faded when I found out the onboard entertainment system allowed me to make a music playlist.
We got back on time, went through customs without a hitch and Amanda picked us up from the airport. All was well and it was great to be back in Vancouver.
Reflection
I have a soul crushing hatred for the New York Rangers. After spending a week in New York, I still hate the Rangers, but New York as a city I can very much see myself living there. The city moves too fast for my laid back Vancouver attitude, and maybe it's just a phase, but there's a lot of New York I have yet to see, and would very much like to go back. It'll be great to go back in a few years to see if that diner is still there, to sit on the steps in Times Square, maybe to catch another Broadway show. For the time being, New York you've accomplished in cracking this wall of Vancouver patriotism.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Clicking
It took us two full seasons. Partially due to skill, partially due to scheduling, mostly due to my lack of skill and scheduling, and the fact that Chow refuses to teach me to hockey stop. But after two seasons, the Chow Dang Chen line finally clicked, well kind of.
In the do or die game to make it to the playoffs, the reunited Chow Dang Chen line finally played like an actual line. In Gretzky-ian fashion there was a lot of behind the net play making and magic happening. Chow ended up getting a goal (I think).
As long as it took us to click though, it took a fraction of that time for it to click off. Two games later the Sharks were ousted in the first round of the play-offs. After finally clicking, we've ran out of games to play.
I hoped for a Selanne like Rookie season, and missed that by a bit. Anticipating a bounce-back Sophomore season, and that didn't play out the way I was hoping.
I need to find this Zone that athletes keep talking about, or I need to keep sucking to build up my Super Bar, and then Bam! Raging Demon!
In the do or die game to make it to the playoffs, the reunited Chow Dang Chen line finally played like an actual line. In Gretzky-ian fashion there was a lot of behind the net play making and magic happening. Chow ended up getting a goal (I think).
As long as it took us to click though, it took a fraction of that time for it to click off. Two games later the Sharks were ousted in the first round of the play-offs. After finally clicking, we've ran out of games to play.
I hoped for a Selanne like Rookie season, and missed that by a bit. Anticipating a bounce-back Sophomore season, and that didn't play out the way I was hoping.
I need to find this Zone that athletes keep talking about, or I need to keep sucking to build up my Super Bar, and then Bam! Raging Demon!
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Leetch Over Bure for the HoF?
Oh come on now. Brian Leetch gets inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame before Bure?!?!?
That's twice he's screwed a Canuck out of a deserving reward. Twice!
That's twice he's screwed a Canuck out of a deserving reward. Twice!
The Whole World Has To Answer Right Now Just To Tell You Once Again
Who's Bad.
Michael Jackson, the greatest entertainer ever:
From start to finish the video shows why he's the King of Pop.
Michael Jackson, the greatest entertainer ever:
From start to finish the video shows why he's the King of Pop.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Credit Where It's Due
Over the past few years I may, or may not, have been calling a certain player over rated. I might've called him Crosbaby a few times, or never. Some might recall me recommending him for the Canadian diving team. There may have been one or two times where to save water I recommended collecting Crosby's tears to re-ice the rink after each game. I faintly remember a conversation where I questioned the relationship between NHL commissioner Bettman and Crosby. I might've used the words: Cindy Crosby, over rated, over hyped, failure, first place marketing last place captain, skill-less wonder, Mr. Second assist. There were a few times where I chose Powerade instead of Gatorade because a certain person's picture was on the label. There may have been some choice words during those Timbit commercials. Those of you with really really good memories might recall me saying how Lord Stanley's Cup will never be tainted with the name of a whiny captain.
But the Penguins did beat the Red Wings to win the cup, and so I'll give credit where credit is due:
Evgeni Malkin carried the Pittsburgh Penguins to the Stanley Cup finals, where he single-handedly won it for the city, the fans, and for Mario Lemieux because he's his favorite son.
But the Penguins did beat the Red Wings to win the cup, and so I'll give credit where credit is due:
Evgeni Malkin carried the Pittsburgh Penguins to the Stanley Cup finals, where he single-handedly won it for the city, the fans, and for Mario Lemieux because he's his favorite son.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Sun Sets At The Coast
Saturday will be my last day at Coast. With the anniversary staring me in the face, I leave a few days shy of being at Coast for three years. The company has been nothing but kind to me, giving me flexible hours (either that or no one wanted the opening shifts on the weekends).
Having my weekends back is going to be great, but it's sad to know that for many of the people I've worked with, Saturday will be the last time I'll see them. I've only got good things to say about everyone that works at Coast.
Saturday will be the last time I'll use that dated reservation software, the last time I'll respond to e-mails about the hotel's pet policy, the last time I'll try to upsell a room, the last time I'll take flack for a reservation mistake I didn't make, the last time I'll enter in 10 different logins to log into 10 different reservation programs phones and websites, the last time I'll go searching for a non-existent company to look for a non-existent lower rate, the last time I'll tell someone they have a chance of getting a room for a sold out night when they have no chance at all, the last time I'll pretend like I'm at the hotel in Prince Rupert, the last time I'll give directions to Rexall place even though it's a crappy arena housing a crappy team, and it'll be the last time I'll walk through the Coast glass doors. The same doors I walked through three years ago for my interview with Danny (who gave a totally unbiased interview).
Those glass doors are surprisingly heavy, and I can't imagine them getting any lighter to open on Saturday.
Having my weekends back is going to be great, but it's sad to know that for many of the people I've worked with, Saturday will be the last time I'll see them. I've only got good things to say about everyone that works at Coast.
Saturday will be the last time I'll use that dated reservation software, the last time I'll respond to e-mails about the hotel's pet policy, the last time I'll try to upsell a room, the last time I'll take flack for a reservation mistake I didn't make, the last time I'll enter in 10 different logins to log into 10 different reservation programs phones and websites, the last time I'll go searching for a non-existent company to look for a non-existent lower rate, the last time I'll tell someone they have a chance of getting a room for a sold out night when they have no chance at all, the last time I'll pretend like I'm at the hotel in Prince Rupert, the last time I'll give directions to Rexall place even though it's a crappy arena housing a crappy team, and it'll be the last time I'll walk through the Coast glass doors. The same doors I walked through three years ago for my interview with Danny (who gave a totally unbiased interview).
Those glass doors are surprisingly heavy, and I can't imagine them getting any lighter to open on Saturday.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Better Team Won
I've been trash talking every team all season, but tonight, the better team won. I was thinking to myself how it must be great to be a Blackhawks fan to see their team come back time after time in the playoffs. Although I am admitting that the Blackhawks were the better team tonight, I am not changing the fact that:
1) There is no A or V in Toews, and no way should it be pronounced Taves, it's Toes.
2) No matter how you break it apart there is no way that Byfuglien is pronounced Buflin: Byf-ug-lien, Byf-u-glien, there's no damn way.
3) In Luongo I still trust.
4) We really really need to go back to the Skates logo.
5) It's easy to cheer for 29 other teams, but my loyalty is worth far more then the satisfactory of seeing 29 other teams win.
1) There is no A or V in Toews, and no way should it be pronounced Taves, it's Toes.
2) No matter how you break it apart there is no way that Byfuglien is pronounced Buflin: Byf-ug-lien, Byf-u-glien, there's no damn way.
3) In Luongo I still trust.
4) We really really need to go back to the Skates logo.
5) It's easy to cheer for 29 other teams, but my loyalty is worth far more then the satisfactory of seeing 29 other teams win.
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
Monday, April 20, 2009
Hungry Hungry Wellwood
Stick to your salad diet Wellwood, no matter how good that pasta looks. It's the playoffs!
Bluuuuuuuing the Anthem
During the Canadian anthem last night, the Blues fans were booing. Then the US anthem came on and I was hearing Bluuuuuuues. Were they Booooooing, or Bluuuuuing during our anthem? If they were booing our National anthem then this is classless, almost as classless as blogging to rub in a win.
I pity your classlessness St. Louis, pity.
Here's the whole bench laughing at you:
I pity your classlessness St. Louis, pity.
Here's the whole bench laughing at you:
Odds Of
Vancouver is up 3-0, Calgary is down 0-2, Minnesota, Edmonton, and Colorado are all shaking up their upper management. It's a good time to be a Canucks fan.
In NHL, NBA, and MLB history, there have been 272 playoff series where a team was down 0-3, and only 3 of those teams have ever come back to win. That's a 1.10294% chance of winning!
The Blues would have to play the scenario out 100 times to be able to come back once!
Here's a list of things that the St. Louis Blues have a better shot at then to come back being 3 games down:
2% chance of living to 100. Then they can suffer 100 years of futility.
3% chance of having twins. Then maybe you can double your chances of being robbed by Luongo.
7-10% chance of being left handed. Try switching hands then maybe you wouldn't take so many penalties.
2.63% chance of picking the right number in Roulette. Sell the whole team and just bet on 4, cause you ain't winning 4 straight.
In NHL, NBA, and MLB history, there have been 272 playoff series where a team was down 0-3, and only 3 of those teams have ever come back to win. That's a 1.10294% chance of winning!
The Blues would have to play the scenario out 100 times to be able to come back once!
Here's a list of things that the St. Louis Blues have a better shot at then to come back being 3 games down:
2% chance of living to 100. Then they can suffer 100 years of futility.
3% chance of having twins. Then maybe you can double your chances of being robbed by Luongo.
7-10% chance of being left handed. Try switching hands then maybe you wouldn't take so many penalties.
2.63% chance of picking the right number in Roulette. Sell the whole team and just bet on 4, cause you ain't winning 4 straight.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
War of Attrition
I've ben battling a nasty cold all day that's robbed me of my voice. I've had, two cups of coffee, three cups of orange juice, and around ten cups of water. Then it hits me. What does phlegm consist of? Green vile disgusting bacteria, and water. In a war of attrition, I've been feeding the enemy the whole day!
Well this stops here and now. Try to replicate your vile disgusting existence when I starve you of food and water. Out last me now!
Well this stops here and now. Try to replicate your vile disgusting existence when I starve you of food and water. Out last me now!
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
16 Wins to Lord Stanley's Cup
Sixteen wins is all it takes to win Lord Stanley's Cup, yet greats have come and gone without ever hoisting it. Two months to win sixteen games, and with the Canucks once again in their rightful place at the top of the North West division, everyone's jumping on the bandwagon. It's in the air, it's in the news, it's everywhere you look. It's the Playoffs.
Friday, April 03, 2009
Worse Feeling
Worse feeling in life, is the feeling of hopelessness. Being unable to change the inevitable.
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
Roll Up
Rolling up the rim on a Tim Horton's cup is damn near impossible with fingers alone. It's not like the commercials where the actors roll up the rim effortlessly with their thumbs. I've resulted to using my teeth to mangle the rim enough so that it can be lifted.
I knaw away at the left side, then do the same on the right side, all the while trying to determine if that's enough room too see the hidden words underneath. Residual coffee is dripping off the side of the cup as I'm fumbling around with the stupid rim, it's not a pretty sight.
I get the right side partially up, it's got the copyright symbol on it, I jimmy it up a little more and see that it's in French "...Reessayez"
I took four years of French in highschool, I don't remember ever seeing reessayez, hopefully it's French for "Winner!"
I kind of get the left side up "Please..." Please what? Please win again?! Lifting up a little more I see: "Please Play Ag..." It's about this time that I throw the cup in the garbage can. I've figured out what reessayez is, it's French for sucker.
I knaw away at the left side, then do the same on the right side, all the while trying to determine if that's enough room too see the hidden words underneath. Residual coffee is dripping off the side of the cup as I'm fumbling around with the stupid rim, it's not a pretty sight.
I get the right side partially up, it's got the copyright symbol on it, I jimmy it up a little more and see that it's in French "...Reessayez"
I took four years of French in highschool, I don't remember ever seeing reessayez, hopefully it's French for "Winner!"
I kind of get the left side up "Please..." Please what? Please win again?! Lifting up a little more I see: "Please Play Ag..." It's about this time that I throw the cup in the garbage can. I've figured out what reessayez is, it's French for sucker.
Look Who's Back?
Back on the bandwagon everyone!
Finding a plain unmarked map of Vancouver is harder then you think.
Finding a plain unmarked map of Vancouver is harder then you think.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Difference Between Fans
The Vancouver Sun had an article about a Calgary Flames fan that threatened Steve Mason, goalie of the Columbus Blue Jackets. He called the Blue Jackets three times to make threats. The Flames ended up getting shut out that night by Steve Mason. The fan didn't block his number and ended up getting tracked and arrested.
Here's the difference between Flames fans and Canucks fans. When the Flames lose their fans make stupid threats. When the Canucks lose, we riot. Flames fans are all talk, Nuckleheads take action!
(not my picture)
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Playoffs Baby - Series 2 Game 3 - Do or Die
Game three between the Sharks and the Red Devils, where the winner moves on to play in the championship series, and the loser is left to bathe in their own sorrow; never knowing, but forever questioning what could've been...
As expected the game started out fast paced. The Devils in red found their legs first as they struck twice within five minutes to go up by two goals. The Sharks were able to hold off other advances in the first period to go into the second down by two.
The second gave the Sharks some hope as the top line managed to score on the powerplay to pull the Sharks within one goal. Only to have the Devils regain a two goal advantage before the end of the second. Highlight of the period was when our captain took the puck while on a penalty kill, skated it into the Devils' zone and circled around three times killing off precious penalty time, the old Bobby Orr trick. The game was far from over with twenty minutes left to play, a two goal deficit wasn't insurmountable, but against a hungry confident team two goals was huge.
The third period saw both sides with chances early on, but neither were able to capitalize. The Devils continued to take penalties (five in the whole game), but the Sharks managed very few shots on goal.
Well under ten minutes to go, the pressure was mounting. Then with less then five minutes remaining, the Devils managed to squeak by the defense to put in the dagger in our hopes. #18 the goal scorer in a showing of sportsmanship skated by the Sharks bench calling out "Bitches." Classy player playing for a classy team.
Up 4-1, with under five minutes left, the Devils already had their minds on the championship game. The last few minutes was filled with frustration that was furthered by the constant "Whooooo!" from the Red Devils' bench.
The game ended 4-1. Seeing the whole team deflated reminded me of the Nucks in 2004, losing to Calgary in OT of game 7. So close.
After playing through most of the regular season, and two playoff rounds, I can say that street hockey and organized hockey are two totally different things. Most of the things I learned playing street hockey, I pretty much had to relearn playing on the ice. The old saying 'It doesn't matter whether you win or lose it's how you play the game' doesn't apply to competitive hockey. When you lose you're not smiling, the team's not smiling.
I have new found appreciation for the talent it takes to play the game of hockey, and from the looks of it, I'll forever be a student of the game. I'm looking forward to the next season.
As expected the game started out fast paced. The Devils in red found their legs first as they struck twice within five minutes to go up by two goals. The Sharks were able to hold off other advances in the first period to go into the second down by two.
The second gave the Sharks some hope as the top line managed to score on the powerplay to pull the Sharks within one goal. Only to have the Devils regain a two goal advantage before the end of the second. Highlight of the period was when our captain took the puck while on a penalty kill, skated it into the Devils' zone and circled around three times killing off precious penalty time, the old Bobby Orr trick. The game was far from over with twenty minutes left to play, a two goal deficit wasn't insurmountable, but against a hungry confident team two goals was huge.
The third period saw both sides with chances early on, but neither were able to capitalize. The Devils continued to take penalties (five in the whole game), but the Sharks managed very few shots on goal.
Well under ten minutes to go, the pressure was mounting. Then with less then five minutes remaining, the Devils managed to squeak by the defense to put in the dagger in our hopes. #18 the goal scorer in a showing of sportsmanship skated by the Sharks bench calling out "Bitches." Classy player playing for a classy team.
Up 4-1, with under five minutes left, the Devils already had their minds on the championship game. The last few minutes was filled with frustration that was furthered by the constant "Whooooo!" from the Red Devils' bench.
The game ended 4-1. Seeing the whole team deflated reminded me of the Nucks in 2004, losing to Calgary in OT of game 7. So close.
After playing through most of the regular season, and two playoff rounds, I can say that street hockey and organized hockey are two totally different things. Most of the things I learned playing street hockey, I pretty much had to relearn playing on the ice. The old saying 'It doesn't matter whether you win or lose it's how you play the game' doesn't apply to competitive hockey. When you lose you're not smiling, the team's not smiling.
I have new found appreciation for the talent it takes to play the game of hockey, and from the looks of it, I'll forever be a student of the game. I'm looking forward to the next season.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Playoffs Baby - Series 2 Game 2 - Ground Zero
Past few days I kept checking the Ice604 website to see who won the Fighting Irish and Cubz series. You know, to see who we'd play in the finals. Yes, I was already looking past the Red Devils. You always hear athletes say to never look past the game at hand, but curiosity got the better of me.
In front of a packed crowd of 15 strong, the Sharks faced off against the Red Devils where they faced elimination. The game started with the Red Devils going full force, with most of the first period played on our end. I still could not point out one player that looked like he belonged in the lowest tier, maybe I'm just bitter. With shots raining down from all sides, Randy the goalie stood strong flashing the leather, and kicking out the pads throughout the night. Randy kept us in the game as we ended the first period in a scoreless tie.
The second period would be more of the same with a bit of angst. Neither team was able to score, but the Red Devils showed why they were the most penalized team in the league as they hooked and cross checked throughout the rest of the game. Things got a little bit chippy when one of the Devils blew a tire and crashed into Randy the goalie, Chris stood up for the goalie and got a face full of glove for his trouble. This drew a major penalties, but resulted in no goals. Zeroes across the scoreboard to end the second.
The third period brought in an air of tension as we were trying to avoid the third game that the Red Devils so desparately wanted. Past the midway mark of the third, the Sharks were on a power play but forked the puck over resulting in a partial breakaway. With Sharks tailing close behind, the Devils player didn't get his A shot off but Randy the goalie came up big to keep the game scoreless. With both teams playing very responsibly on defense the third period ended 0 - 0 leading us to overtime. Four on four overtime, we stacked the lines with our top players to try to end the game early. Unfortunately this didn't work. Overtime settled nothing, and the game went to a shootout.
As a kid playing street hockey, the two things I practiced the most was the breakaway shootout, and the goal celebration after the breakaway shootout. But being in an actual shootout with the game on the line, was nerve racking.
Here it was, the biggest game of the season and it would be settled via mono a mono, player vs goalie shootout. We opted to shoot first, sending out the Sharks' leading scorer Wes. Wes moved from right to left then shot high blocker side but missed the net. For the Red Devils, they sent their captain, who flew in and went forehand backhand, and managed to deke out Randy the goalie. The Sharks captain was up next. He swung out wide and cut back in to shoot five hole, but couldn't squeeze it by the goalie in red. The second shooter for the Red Devils skated in, made some sort of deke and looked like he fumbled the puck but by some fluke of the century, slid past Randy the goalie. The Red Devils win the shootout with two goals, to win the game 0-1, forcing a do or die game three next Wednesday.
The best player was no doubt Randy the goalie, who kept us in the game all night. One goal was all it took to win it, and we let Randy down. Maybe I should've spent less time practicing the goal celebration as a kid.
In front of a packed crowd of 15 strong, the Sharks faced off against the Red Devils where they faced elimination. The game started with the Red Devils going full force, with most of the first period played on our end. I still could not point out one player that looked like he belonged in the lowest tier, maybe I'm just bitter. With shots raining down from all sides, Randy the goalie stood strong flashing the leather, and kicking out the pads throughout the night. Randy kept us in the game as we ended the first period in a scoreless tie.
The second period would be more of the same with a bit of angst. Neither team was able to score, but the Red Devils showed why they were the most penalized team in the league as they hooked and cross checked throughout the rest of the game. Things got a little bit chippy when one of the Devils blew a tire and crashed into Randy the goalie, Chris stood up for the goalie and got a face full of glove for his trouble. This drew a major penalties, but resulted in no goals. Zeroes across the scoreboard to end the second.
The third period brought in an air of tension as we were trying to avoid the third game that the Red Devils so desparately wanted. Past the midway mark of the third, the Sharks were on a power play but forked the puck over resulting in a partial breakaway. With Sharks tailing close behind, the Devils player didn't get his A shot off but Randy the goalie came up big to keep the game scoreless. With both teams playing very responsibly on defense the third period ended 0 - 0 leading us to overtime. Four on four overtime, we stacked the lines with our top players to try to end the game early. Unfortunately this didn't work. Overtime settled nothing, and the game went to a shootout.
As a kid playing street hockey, the two things I practiced the most was the breakaway shootout, and the goal celebration after the breakaway shootout. But being in an actual shootout with the game on the line, was nerve racking.
Here it was, the biggest game of the season and it would be settled via mono a mono, player vs goalie shootout. We opted to shoot first, sending out the Sharks' leading scorer Wes. Wes moved from right to left then shot high blocker side but missed the net. For the Red Devils, they sent their captain, who flew in and went forehand backhand, and managed to deke out Randy the goalie. The Sharks captain was up next. He swung out wide and cut back in to shoot five hole, but couldn't squeeze it by the goalie in red. The second shooter for the Red Devils skated in, made some sort of deke and looked like he fumbled the puck but by some fluke of the century, slid past Randy the goalie. The Red Devils win the shootout with two goals, to win the game 0-1, forcing a do or die game three next Wednesday.
The best player was no doubt Randy the goalie, who kept us in the game all night. One goal was all it took to win it, and we let Randy down. Maybe I should've spent less time practicing the goal celebration as a kid.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Playoffs Baby - Series 2 Game 1
Game one in the best of three between the Sharks and the Red Devils. Winner moves on to the championship round.
The Devils in Red were serious business, running pre-skate drills before the game. The game started and it was clear why this team was ranked 2nd overall in the standings. Some of the players they had were fast, really really fast. I could not point out one player on their team that looked like they belonged in the lowest tier.
The game started off with the Devils drawing first blood scoring minutes into the period. The Sharks battled hard and managed to pull even to one a piece. The action went back and forth, but Randy the goalie stood tall as he was tested time after time. With the return of Randy the goalie, the dreaded CDC line was broken up, as Chow moved back to play defense, while Dang and I lined with Stu.
With the first period belonging to the Devils, the Sharks tightened up their game and managed to pull ahead scoring two go ahead goals in the second period. Despite falling back two goals, the Devils had players that blazed down the ice. If it wasn't for our defense they could've no doubt pulled even. We squandered a goal to let them back into the game 3-2 going into the third.
Looking to tie the game up, the Devils went all out. With the game on the line, tempers flared, and one of the Devils was knocked down. He would stay down for a while, but managed to get back up and skate to the bench on his own.
On the offensive, Dang, positioned right in his office almost added an insurance marker as he had two swipes at the puck, that somehow managed to stay out. That same play resulted in Dang going down hard, where he ended up pulling something. Down and in obvious pain, one of the Devils' players made a snide remark about Dang faking the injury to run down the clock.
Dang would be helped off the ice, but would be ok, I think (find out tomorrow). With minutes remaining in the third, utilizing their speed, the Devils drove the Sharks back into their zone, and somehow managed to squeeze one by Randy the goalie.
With the Devils pulling close 4-3, they decided to pull their goalie, as they could almost taste the tying goal. The pressure kept coming, while the clock continued to tick ever so slowly, and with a final push the Devils rushed in three on two...... only to come in offside with 3 seconds left. Their last chance taken away by their own blinding speed.
The Sharks win 4-3, with the whole team standing strong against a very strong, very fast team of Red Devils. On our way back to the car, the same player that made the jerkish remark to Dang saw him limping out and apologized. It takes a big man to apologize, especially after a loss.
Next game on Saturday, where the Devils face elimination.
The Devils in Red were serious business, running pre-skate drills before the game. The game started and it was clear why this team was ranked 2nd overall in the standings. Some of the players they had were fast, really really fast. I could not point out one player on their team that looked like they belonged in the lowest tier.
The game started off with the Devils drawing first blood scoring minutes into the period. The Sharks battled hard and managed to pull even to one a piece. The action went back and forth, but Randy the goalie stood tall as he was tested time after time. With the return of Randy the goalie, the dreaded CDC line was broken up, as Chow moved back to play defense, while Dang and I lined with Stu.
With the first period belonging to the Devils, the Sharks tightened up their game and managed to pull ahead scoring two go ahead goals in the second period. Despite falling back two goals, the Devils had players that blazed down the ice. If it wasn't for our defense they could've no doubt pulled even. We squandered a goal to let them back into the game 3-2 going into the third.
Looking to tie the game up, the Devils went all out. With the game on the line, tempers flared, and one of the Devils was knocked down. He would stay down for a while, but managed to get back up and skate to the bench on his own.
On the offensive, Dang, positioned right in his office almost added an insurance marker as he had two swipes at the puck, that somehow managed to stay out. That same play resulted in Dang going down hard, where he ended up pulling something. Down and in obvious pain, one of the Devils' players made a snide remark about Dang faking the injury to run down the clock.
Dang would be helped off the ice, but would be ok, I think (find out tomorrow). With minutes remaining in the third, utilizing their speed, the Devils drove the Sharks back into their zone, and somehow managed to squeeze one by Randy the goalie.
With the Devils pulling close 4-3, they decided to pull their goalie, as they could almost taste the tying goal. The pressure kept coming, while the clock continued to tick ever so slowly, and with a final push the Devils rushed in three on two...... only to come in offside with 3 seconds left. Their last chance taken away by their own blinding speed.
The Sharks win 4-3, with the whole team standing strong against a very strong, very fast team of Red Devils. On our way back to the car, the same player that made the jerkish remark to Dang saw him limping out and apologized. It takes a big man to apologize, especially after a loss.
Next game on Saturday, where the Devils face elimination.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Number Seventeen
I found out that some of the Canucks players were signing autographs today throughout the lower mainland. Kesler was in downtown, Ohlund was at Metropolis, and Burrows was at Guildford.
Sadly they were signing autographs from 2:00PM to 3:30PM. My shift was supposed to end at 3:30, but I asked my co-workers and they were nice enough to let me leave early. I booked it to the Bell Mobility store on Georgia and Burrard and got there at 3:15. No line-up, so I walked right up to Kesler and asked for his autograph.
I told him he had a nice pass yesterday, and he said thanks. Hope I didn't slur the word pass too much, cause if he heard something else then...
I told him I came on short notice and didn't have anything for him to sign. Before I left the office I looked for something for him to sign, but couldn't find anything, so I ended grabbing the sports section of the Vancouver Sun. Kelser had a stack of Blackberry Storm cards to sign, rendering my newspaper worthless.
He signed the card, passed it to me and then asked if I wanted my newspaper signed. I laughed it off and said no, but secretly kind of wanted him to. Wished him good luck for tomorrows game and left.
On my way back to the car, it was raining so I wrapped the card in the newspaper (score one for Steven). It wasn't till I was in my car driving home that I realized that I totally forgot to get a picture, and it was too late to go back.
Nice guy, didn't have much to say. I was going to start drawing up plays for him on my newspaper, but I wussed out. His autograph kind of looks like Brian Ok 17:
Sadly they were signing autographs from 2:00PM to 3:30PM. My shift was supposed to end at 3:30, but I asked my co-workers and they were nice enough to let me leave early. I booked it to the Bell Mobility store on Georgia and Burrard and got there at 3:15. No line-up, so I walked right up to Kesler and asked for his autograph.
I told him he had a nice pass yesterday, and he said thanks. Hope I didn't slur the word pass too much, cause if he heard something else then...
I told him I came on short notice and didn't have anything for him to sign. Before I left the office I looked for something for him to sign, but couldn't find anything, so I ended grabbing the sports section of the Vancouver Sun. Kelser had a stack of Blackberry Storm cards to sign, rendering my newspaper worthless.
He signed the card, passed it to me and then asked if I wanted my newspaper signed. I laughed it off and said no, but secretly kind of wanted him to. Wished him good luck for tomorrows game and left.
On my way back to the car, it was raining so I wrapped the card in the newspaper (score one for Steven). It wasn't till I was in my car driving home that I realized that I totally forgot to get a picture, and it was too late to go back.
Nice guy, didn't have much to say. I was going to start drawing up plays for him on my newspaper, but I wussed out. His autograph kind of looks like Brian Ok 17:
Friday, March 13, 2009
Playoffs Baby - Game 2 - Fight For Our Worth
Thursday was game 2 of the best of three series between the Sharks and the Ghetto Superstars. Should the Ghettonian ones win they would force an immediate 20 minute tie break to determine the winner. Wanting to end all hopes of any chance of a win for the Ghetto Superstars, the Sharks elected to send out the Chow Dang Chen line to start the game. Five minutes later we were down 0-2, ugh...
This was a totally different beast from the team that we steam rolled just a week earlier. They had a new goalie, I think, and everyone seemed to be skating faster.
The opposing goals kept on coming, and with little to no resistance, the Sharks fell behind 4-1 early in the second. Speedy Kevin would later admit to contemplating to throw the second game so that everyone had energy for the all important tie break game.
Midway through the second, the Sharks found their legs and started mounting back an offense. With the top line pouring in goals, the re-energized Sharks tied the game at four a piece early in the third.
Trying to fight back from letting in the first goal, the Chow Dang Chen line grinded out the third period, with the best chances going to Dang. Parked in his office, Dang was the recipient of some nasty cross checks and two great chances, that somehow stayed out of the net.
Speaking of the net, it was made of titanium or some other really light metal, maybe aluminum. The net came loose twenty times, no exaggeration. The Ghetto Superstars' goalie would skate out to cut down the angle, slowly skate backwards into the net, bump into the net, move it off its designated crease area and the ref would blow the play dead.
The Sharks would get the tying goal with the third half gone, and with momentum clearly shifted to our end, the Sharks overloaded the opposing goalie to get the go ahead goal. Excitement and anxiety built up with minutes remaining in the third. Down a goal the Ghettonian ones pulled their goalie to try to tie it up.
With the pressure mounting on the Sharks end of the ice, a penalty was called on one of our players, leading to a deadly looking six on four man advantage for the Ghetto Superstars. Time ticked away but the play was still in the Sharks' zone, until speedy Kevin got hold of the puck and slapped it out of our zone and down the ice. The whole bench stood to watch as the puck slid slowly past the blue line and into the Ghetto Sueprstars' net, triggering an eruption of cheers on the Sharks bench, and a shattering of hope on the other.
There was half a minute to go, but for all intensive purposes, the game was over. Having let in four goals early, Mike the giant goalie shut out the Ghetto Superstars for the rest of the game, as we clawed our way back to take it 6-4.
Second round baby! Here we come!
This was a totally different beast from the team that we steam rolled just a week earlier. They had a new goalie, I think, and everyone seemed to be skating faster.
The opposing goals kept on coming, and with little to no resistance, the Sharks fell behind 4-1 early in the second. Speedy Kevin would later admit to contemplating to throw the second game so that everyone had energy for the all important tie break game.
Midway through the second, the Sharks found their legs and started mounting back an offense. With the top line pouring in goals, the re-energized Sharks tied the game at four a piece early in the third.
Trying to fight back from letting in the first goal, the Chow Dang Chen line grinded out the third period, with the best chances going to Dang. Parked in his office, Dang was the recipient of some nasty cross checks and two great chances, that somehow stayed out of the net.
Speaking of the net, it was made of titanium or some other really light metal, maybe aluminum. The net came loose twenty times, no exaggeration. The Ghetto Superstars' goalie would skate out to cut down the angle, slowly skate backwards into the net, bump into the net, move it off its designated crease area and the ref would blow the play dead.
The Sharks would get the tying goal with the third half gone, and with momentum clearly shifted to our end, the Sharks overloaded the opposing goalie to get the go ahead goal. Excitement and anxiety built up with minutes remaining in the third. Down a goal the Ghettonian ones pulled their goalie to try to tie it up.
With the pressure mounting on the Sharks end of the ice, a penalty was called on one of our players, leading to a deadly looking six on four man advantage for the Ghetto Superstars. Time ticked away but the play was still in the Sharks' zone, until speedy Kevin got hold of the puck and slapped it out of our zone and down the ice. The whole bench stood to watch as the puck slid slowly past the blue line and into the Ghetto Sueprstars' net, triggering an eruption of cheers on the Sharks bench, and a shattering of hope on the other.
There was half a minute to go, but for all intensive purposes, the game was over. Having let in four goals early, Mike the giant goalie shut out the Ghetto Superstars for the rest of the game, as we clawed our way back to take it 6-4.
Second round baby! Here we come!
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Emperor VanOC
Vancouver Sun had an article about street closures for 2010. VanOC has chosen to close down nine major downtown Vancouver routes during the Olympics. Here's a map from Vanoucouver Sun:
Closing any routes they want, bullying small businesses, what looks like an infinite well of cash to tap into, forcing GM Place to change names during the Olympics, enforcing air travel restrictions. VanOC is mighty powerful.
Thank goodness the VanOC board elected themselves in, I wanted no part in deciding who would be part of the board, especially since they're as powerful as they are. I'm not a very big fan of democracy, which is why I like Napoleon so much.
Napoleon wasn't voted in as leader, he marched into the city and crowned himself. Then he went and did whatever the hell he wanted to, and no one else had the cahones to stand up to him. Now replace Napoleon with VanOC.
Closing any routes they want, bullying small businesses, what looks like an infinite well of cash to tap into, forcing GM Place to change names during the Olympics, enforcing air travel restrictions. VanOC is mighty powerful.
Thank goodness the VanOC board elected themselves in, I wanted no part in deciding who would be part of the board, especially since they're as powerful as they are. I'm not a very big fan of democracy, which is why I like Napoleon so much.
Napoleon wasn't voted in as leader, he marched into the city and crowned himself. Then he went and did whatever the hell he wanted to, and no one else had the cahones to stand up to him. Now replace Napoleon with VanOC.
Thursday, March 05, 2009
Playoffs Baby - Game 1
Having solidified a third place birth, the Sharks squared off against the Ghetto Superstars in game 1 of the best of three series. Stepping onto the ice, it was clear that the Ghettonian ones were ready, as they had more then fifteen people in the pre-skate.
The game started out a little rough with our captain taken out into the boards. Despite the rough stuff, the Sharks jumped out to an early 2-0 lead to end the period.
In the second, the Sharks were able to add some distance as the goals kept on coming. Eight foot tall Mike the goalie made some key saves to add to the frustration that the Ghettonian ones must have felt by that point as the game was becoming a blow out.
The third came and went in a blur. The Ghetto Superstars slowed down quite a bit, and the Sharks cruised to a 5-0 slaughter to lead the series 1-0.
The always serious never dangerous Chow Dang Chen line, had some good chances, with the best one coming from a behind the net pass from Chow to Dang. Somehow the Ghetto Superstars goalie managed to stack the pads to stop what was a sure goal. Their goalie made a lot of great saves, but he did do the Hasek flounder a lot.
Next game is Thursday, and with it being an elimination game, the Ghetto Superstars are expected to go all out to try to even the series. But that's not going to happen. I predict a six point performance from the CDC line.
The game started out a little rough with our captain taken out into the boards. Despite the rough stuff, the Sharks jumped out to an early 2-0 lead to end the period.
In the second, the Sharks were able to add some distance as the goals kept on coming. Eight foot tall Mike the goalie made some key saves to add to the frustration that the Ghettonian ones must have felt by that point as the game was becoming a blow out.
The third came and went in a blur. The Ghetto Superstars slowed down quite a bit, and the Sharks cruised to a 5-0 slaughter to lead the series 1-0.
The always serious never dangerous Chow Dang Chen line, had some good chances, with the best one coming from a behind the net pass from Chow to Dang. Somehow the Ghetto Superstars goalie managed to stack the pads to stop what was a sure goal. Their goalie made a lot of great saves, but he did do the Hasek flounder a lot.
Next game is Thursday, and with it being an elimination game, the Ghetto Superstars are expected to go all out to try to even the series. But that's not going to happen. I predict a six point performance from the CDC line.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Next Step In The Evolutionary Ladder
A new study has found that all residents of Richmond have increased brain activity which could lead to telepathic powers.
This telepathic link that all Richmond residents seem to share results in the ability to anticipate each others moves before it even happens. The most obvious display of this telepathic connection comes when they drive automobiles. Needless to visually display their intentions to change lanes by using car signals, Richmond residents simply change lanes without notice. At least it's without notice to those lacking in the telepathic skills.
This new step in the evolution ladder does come at a cost though. With the increased activity in the brain to sustain the telepathic powers, it is believed that visual skills such as peripheral vision is next to non-existent. As is common sense.
This telepathic link that all Richmond residents seem to share results in the ability to anticipate each others moves before it even happens. The most obvious display of this telepathic connection comes when they drive automobiles. Needless to visually display their intentions to change lanes by using car signals, Richmond residents simply change lanes without notice. At least it's without notice to those lacking in the telepathic skills.
This new step in the evolution ladder does come at a cost though. With the increased activity in the brain to sustain the telepathic powers, it is believed that visual skills such as peripheral vision is next to non-existent. As is common sense.
Stakeout Not Going So Well
The longer I wait here, the more pissed I'm getting. This is what Hulk feels like when he's stood up. He sits at the restaurant, waiting for his date, and she doesn't show up. And the stupid waiter keeps coming by asking if he wants more bread. Hulk doesn't want more bread, Hulk wants to rear naked choke this son of a bitch.
Adrenaline is gone, I think it was gone half an hour ago. Fatigue is consuming me. Staring out into the dimly lit streets is not helping at all. Why are street lights a boring yellowy orange. We need bright white lights. Maybe crime would be reduced if the streets were better lit.
I'm not going to last to 4AM, who robs at 4AM? By 4AM I'd be way too tired to rob someone. This is probably why I'm not a criminal. I'd be a horrible cop too, with me wearing down after 2 and a half hours of stake out.
If this guy doesn't show up soon I might have to stake out tomorrow too. Being a vigilante is tough, how does Casey Jones do it? Any chance I get to reference TMNT, I'll take it!
Adrenaline is gone, I think it was gone half an hour ago. Fatigue is consuming me. Staring out into the dimly lit streets is not helping at all. Why are street lights a boring yellowy orange. We need bright white lights. Maybe crime would be reduced if the streets were better lit.
I'm not going to last to 4AM, who robs at 4AM? By 4AM I'd be way too tired to rob someone. This is probably why I'm not a criminal. I'd be a horrible cop too, with me wearing down after 2 and a half hours of stake out.
If this guy doesn't show up soon I might have to stake out tomorrow too. Being a vigilante is tough, how does Casey Jones do it? Any chance I get to reference TMNT, I'll take it!
Attack Strategy
2AM, and this is no fun. I started thinking about what I'm going to do to this guy when he shows up. First off I'm going to club him in the face with these metal rods. Then I'm going to rear naked choke him, cause I've always wanted to rear naked choke someone. I'm going to kimura both his arms until he taps. Then I'm going to figure four leg lock this son of a bitch, and repeatedly "Wooooooo" in his face. And to finish it off I'm going to pull out a q-tip from my pocket and jam it in his ear.
That's a little harsh, kind of overkill. No one deserves to be put in a figure four leg lock. Even if he is going around trying to rob good honest people. By good I mean good intentions when I say I'm going to rear naked choke him. And by honest I mean I'm honestly going to club him in the face.
That's a little harsh, kind of overkill. No one deserves to be put in a figure four leg lock. Even if he is going around trying to rob good honest people. By good I mean good intentions when I say I'm going to rear naked choke him. And by honest I mean I'm honestly going to club him in the face.
Stake Outs Work Alot Better With Two People
So here I am sitting in front of my living room window, staking out waiting for this low life to show up again. I just got back from hockey, so I'm not really tired physically, but mentally, there's not much to do.
I've heard that the best time to rob someone is at 4AM, because that's the time most people are in deep sleep. Right now it's 1AM...
Amanda's provided me with two metal rods as weapons. On my way home from hockey, I usually lay my gear out in the garage, but I saw a skunk on my way there so I just put my gear in the house. I wonder how freaked out this guy will be if I go out there in full gear?
Staking out alone sucks, I'm lacking doughnuts, drinks, and a stake out partner. If I had a stakeout partner, now would be the time when I'd ask him, would you rather sleep with an obese girl or a really hot tranny. I'm gonna be dead tired tomorrow. This would work a lot better if I twittered rather then blogged.
I've heard that the best time to rob someone is at 4AM, because that's the time most people are in deep sleep. Right now it's 1AM...
Amanda's provided me with two metal rods as weapons. On my way home from hockey, I usually lay my gear out in the garage, but I saw a skunk on my way there so I just put my gear in the house. I wonder how freaked out this guy will be if I go out there in full gear?
Staking out alone sucks, I'm lacking doughnuts, drinks, and a stake out partner. If I had a stakeout partner, now would be the time when I'd ask him, would you rather sleep with an obese girl or a really hot tranny. I'm gonna be dead tired tomorrow. This would work a lot better if I twittered rather then blogged.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
You're Dead
Glo noticed yesterday that something was wrong with the car's passenger's side door handle. The paint underneath the handle was chipped, and the whole handle was a little loose. Upon further inspection it's pretty clear that someone tried to break into my car.
I work seven days a weak to make ends meet, and this worthless piece of shit who instead of working for money, decides to break into my car. Now I have to go and get my car fixed because of this asshole.
He didn't get into my car, but he did a number on the handle, probably not worthwhile to pay the deductible for my insurance either. Being halfway in already, I can only assume that he's going to come back.
He's dead, I have hockey tonight, and I usually can't sleep cause I'm chalked up on adrenaline anyways. I'm going to put my old cell phone in the car, and if he comes back, I'm going to do society a favour.
I work seven days a weak to make ends meet, and this worthless piece of shit who instead of working for money, decides to break into my car. Now I have to go and get my car fixed because of this asshole.
He didn't get into my car, but he did a number on the handle, probably not worthwhile to pay the deductible for my insurance either. Being halfway in already, I can only assume that he's going to come back.
He's dead, I have hockey tonight, and I usually can't sleep cause I'm chalked up on adrenaline anyways. I'm going to put my old cell phone in the car, and if he comes back, I'm going to do society a favour.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Worthless Review
Falling sick from some mysterious virus, I managed to get through a week of working in Langley. With it being Valentine's Day, Glo and I went to Shore Club for dinner. I have a horrible palate, I can't taste out ingredients. My memory of food is awful, ask me to compare two dishes, and I'll draw a blank. Combine this with my stuffed nose and you have the worse food critic in the world...
Upon entering Shore Club, we were greeted by the hostess who offered to take my jacket. She then led us up a flight of spiraling stairs to the second level. The restaurant / lounge had a romantic atmosphere with dark candle lighting and a piano on the first floor.
Looking at the menu we chose to start with the Clam Casino appetizer. Our waiter told us the clams this time of the year were really small, so we chose the Popcorn fried shrimp. The penny sized shrimps had what looked like ramen seasoning on it. Dipped in an orange mayo sauce I started to eat the shrimp. Texture wise it felt like popcorn chicken, taste wise it was kind of tasteless. Maybe it was the sauce? Maybe it was the seasoning? Maybe it was the fact that my nose was completely clogged. Whatever the reason was I was far from impressed.
Then came the entrees. I had the rib steak, and Glo had the buttermilk fried chicken. My steak felt a little more cooked then medium rare, and tasted a little tasteless. Glo's chicken was surprisingly tasteless, despite the buttermilk chicken skin.
We ordered scallop potatoes and salt and vinegar string fries to compliment our entrees. The salt and vinegar fries could've used some more salt and vinegar, and the potatoes could've used some more taste.
Glo seemed to really like the dinner, she tried to describe the taste to me, but it just wasn't the same. Looks like I'll have to go back.
Upon entering Shore Club, we were greeted by the hostess who offered to take my jacket. She then led us up a flight of spiraling stairs to the second level. The restaurant / lounge had a romantic atmosphere with dark candle lighting and a piano on the first floor.
Looking at the menu we chose to start with the Clam Casino appetizer. Our waiter told us the clams this time of the year were really small, so we chose the Popcorn fried shrimp. The penny sized shrimps had what looked like ramen seasoning on it. Dipped in an orange mayo sauce I started to eat the shrimp. Texture wise it felt like popcorn chicken, taste wise it was kind of tasteless. Maybe it was the sauce? Maybe it was the seasoning? Maybe it was the fact that my nose was completely clogged. Whatever the reason was I was far from impressed.
Then came the entrees. I had the rib steak, and Glo had the buttermilk fried chicken. My steak felt a little more cooked then medium rare, and tasted a little tasteless. Glo's chicken was surprisingly tasteless, despite the buttermilk chicken skin.
We ordered scallop potatoes and salt and vinegar string fries to compliment our entrees. The salt and vinegar fries could've used some more salt and vinegar, and the potatoes could've used some more taste.
Glo seemed to really like the dinner, she tried to describe the taste to me, but it just wasn't the same. Looks like I'll have to go back.
Ultimate Showdown
I started watching 24 during the summer and seeing Jack Bauer completely dominate terrorists, it was inevitable that he'd be compared to the greatest assassin of all time: Leon the Professional.
Leon the Professional vs Jack Bauer
What Kind Of Credentials
Leon:
We don't know much about Leon's past, as far as we know he's always been a "cleaner."
Bauer:
US Army Delta Force, LAPD SWAT, CIA, and Counter Terrorist Unit
Winner: Bauer; you can't beat those credentials.
Willingness To Kill
Leon:
Leon wouldn't hesitate to shoot you between the eyes if you're on his hit list. But only if you're not a woman or a child. His mantra: "No women or children."
Bauer:
Jack Bauer would scrape your eyes out with a knife. And if you still didn't talk he'd threaten your family, be it your wife or kids.
Winner: Bauer; Bauer is a cold cold man.
Successor
Leon:
Leon trains Mathilda to use the sniper rifle, as well as other firearms. He also teaches her the proper way to be a "cleaner."
Bauer:
Kim Bauer is damn annoying. That is all.
Winner: Leon; There needs to be a Leon the Professional 2. They need to sign Natalie Portman on ASAP.
One Man Wrecking Crew
Leon:
Leon goes through half the movie on his own, then half way though he takes on the burden of taking care of Mathilda.
Bauer:
Even though he's saved the world six times and counting, he's always had someone there to help him. Seldom doing it all on his own.
Winner: Leon; Bauer's feats are far greater in worth, but doesn't ever do it all by himself.
Gun Slinging Showdown
Leon:
In the final action scene of Leon the Professional, we see Leon take on an entire NYPD Emergency Service Unit. All the while rescuing Mathilda and seeing her to safety.
Bauer:
Bauer fought off an entire Coral Snake Commando unit.
Winner: Bauer; an entire commando unit is far better trained then the NYPD ESU.
Winner:
Jack Bauer
The man's a beast. He's got strings linking him all the way to the President. His pistol can shoot down helicopters. He has a healing factor that rivals Wolverine. And he's as righteous as a boy scout. Sorry Leon, but Bauer's got your number in this one. But I'd still like to see the Professional 2.
What Kind Of Credentials
Leon:
We don't know much about Leon's past, as far as we know he's always been a "cleaner."
Bauer:
US Army Delta Force, LAPD SWAT, CIA, and Counter Terrorist Unit
Winner: Bauer; you can't beat those credentials.
Willingness To Kill
Leon:
Leon wouldn't hesitate to shoot you between the eyes if you're on his hit list. But only if you're not a woman or a child. His mantra: "No women or children."
Bauer:
Jack Bauer would scrape your eyes out with a knife. And if you still didn't talk he'd threaten your family, be it your wife or kids.
Winner: Bauer; Bauer is a cold cold man.
Successor
Leon:
Leon trains Mathilda to use the sniper rifle, as well as other firearms. He also teaches her the proper way to be a "cleaner."
Bauer:
Kim Bauer is damn annoying. That is all.
Winner: Leon; There needs to be a Leon the Professional 2. They need to sign Natalie Portman on ASAP.
One Man Wrecking Crew
Leon:
Leon goes through half the movie on his own, then half way though he takes on the burden of taking care of Mathilda.
Bauer:
Even though he's saved the world six times and counting, he's always had someone there to help him. Seldom doing it all on his own.
Winner: Leon; Bauer's feats are far greater in worth, but doesn't ever do it all by himself.
Gun Slinging Showdown
Leon:
In the final action scene of Leon the Professional, we see Leon take on an entire NYPD Emergency Service Unit. All the while rescuing Mathilda and seeing her to safety.
Bauer:
Bauer fought off an entire Coral Snake Commando unit.
Winner: Bauer; an entire commando unit is far better trained then the NYPD ESU.
Winner:
Jack Bauer
The man's a beast. He's got strings linking him all the way to the President. His pistol can shoot down helicopters. He has a healing factor that rivals Wolverine. And he's as righteous as a boy scout. Sorry Leon, but Bauer's got your number in this one. But I'd still like to see the Professional 2.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
2010 Expectations
TSN has a picture up in light of it being 365 more days till the 2010 Olympics. On the collage are some prominent Canadian athletes. With so many Canadian superstars to choose from for the 2010 Men's Hockey team: Crosby, Thornton, Iginla, Toews, the Staals, Nash, TSN has chosen:
ROBERTO LUONGO! Move over Crosbaby, Louie's the 2010 poster boy now.
ROBERTO LUONGO! Move over Crosbaby, Louie's the 2010 poster boy now.
Monday, February 09, 2009
Willowbrook Woes
Today was the first day at Willowbrook mall. There on Booth duties again, I expected everything to go smoothly, having done this twice before. Despite the best efforts of the team the week before, we still made some avoidable mistakes.
I spent the whole day talking about the Tax Free Savings Account. Not as much interest as I had hoped, but those that were interested, the TFSA practically sold itself.
Nine hours from when we setup, the team was exhausted. Knees were hurting, and the lower back was strained. One day down, and six days to go, this could be a long week for me.
I spent the whole day talking about the Tax Free Savings Account. Not as much interest as I had hoped, but those that were interested, the TFSA practically sold itself.
Nine hours from when we setup, the team was exhausted. Knees were hurting, and the lower back was strained. One day down, and six days to go, this could be a long week for me.
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
Overtime Heartbreak
With the last game between the Sharks and the Killer Ice Bunnies ending in a 7-1 win for the Sharks, the Bunnies called up their "ringers" to play.
The game started with the Bunnies jumping up to a 1-0 lead, with the Sharks tying it up a few minutes later. A highlight reel goal from the Sharks when one of the players did a spin-o-rama pass. With the goalie caught admiring the move, Wes had a wide open net to shoot at.
During the second, the Bunnies put in another past our net minder, and carried a 2-1 lead to the third.
The third period started out physical with both sides landing hits, even though it's a no-contact league. Hooks, holds, and slashes came from both sides, as the Sharks were trying to tie up the game to force overtime.
With the clock ticking down, the Sharks managed to get one past the Bunnies' goalie with a well placed shot, blocker side to tie up the game. With the minutes counting down, both teams looked content on gaining the loser point and going into overtime.
Overtime came and went by in a blur as one of the Bunnies' ringers stole the puck and put it up and over the shoulder of the Sharks goalie to take the game in overtime 3-2.
Mental note: the Bunnies goalie had a real confident glove hand, I counted 4 glove saves.
The game started with the Bunnies jumping up to a 1-0 lead, with the Sharks tying it up a few minutes later. A highlight reel goal from the Sharks when one of the players did a spin-o-rama pass. With the goalie caught admiring the move, Wes had a wide open net to shoot at.
During the second, the Bunnies put in another past our net minder, and carried a 2-1 lead to the third.
The third period started out physical with both sides landing hits, even though it's a no-contact league. Hooks, holds, and slashes came from both sides, as the Sharks were trying to tie up the game to force overtime.
With the clock ticking down, the Sharks managed to get one past the Bunnies' goalie with a well placed shot, blocker side to tie up the game. With the minutes counting down, both teams looked content on gaining the loser point and going into overtime.
Overtime came and went by in a blur as one of the Bunnies' ringers stole the puck and put it up and over the shoulder of the Sharks goalie to take the game in overtime 3-2.
Mental note: the Bunnies goalie had a real confident glove hand, I counted 4 glove saves.
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
Tracing My Roots
I ran into this site called Public Profiler (http://www.publicprofiler.org/worldnames). You type in a surname and it shows you where in the world your last name is most popular. And so I did the only logical thing, I typed in Skywalker.
I expected the site to show a promp telling me to get a life, but to my surprise:
There's was a high concentration of Skywalkers in Canada! Clicking further I found that Ontario had the most Skywalkers.
New Zealand had the highest concentration of Skywalkers, so this leads me to the conclusion that I have been living in the wrong part of the world all my life. If I have any hope of meeting anyone carrying the Skywalker lineage I need to move to Ottawa, or New Zealand.
I expected the site to show a promp telling me to get a life, but to my surprise:
There's was a high concentration of Skywalkers in Canada! Clicking further I found that Ontario had the most Skywalkers.
New Zealand had the highest concentration of Skywalkers, so this leads me to the conclusion that I have been living in the wrong part of the world all my life. If I have any hope of meeting anyone carrying the Skywalker lineage I need to move to Ottawa, or New Zealand.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Points For All
With five games remaining in the season, the SPH Sharks squared off against the Polar Bears.
Dressed to impress with their baby blue jersey with bright yellow stripes, the Cubz bolstered a lineup of speedy skaters, a ten foot tall defenseman, and a girl who unexpectedly popped up into our dressing room asking for our player list.
I was on a line with Dang and Stu, as Chow was MIA. The Sharks managed to score the first goal of the game, as we went into intermission with a 1-0 lead.
Had the rest of the game went as it had in the first, the game would've been much closer. Luckily for us, our team kicked it to another gear. The goals piled on, as the whole team was on fire. Dang pointed out that the Cubz didn't get many, if any, shots on goal in the second period.
Two periods gone, and the Sharks were up by a large margin. We expected them to go all out in the third to at least break the shut out, but their best efforts were in vain.
Points after points piled on, and the Sharks ended up winning 7-0 or 8-0 I think. Dang the scoring phenom added to his goal totals, and everyone on the team ended up with at least a point each. Games don't come easier then this, if only every game was like this.
Dressed to impress with their baby blue jersey with bright yellow stripes, the Cubz bolstered a lineup of speedy skaters, a ten foot tall defenseman, and a girl who unexpectedly popped up into our dressing room asking for our player list.
I was on a line with Dang and Stu, as Chow was MIA. The Sharks managed to score the first goal of the game, as we went into intermission with a 1-0 lead.
Had the rest of the game went as it had in the first, the game would've been much closer. Luckily for us, our team kicked it to another gear. The goals piled on, as the whole team was on fire. Dang pointed out that the Cubz didn't get many, if any, shots on goal in the second period.
Two periods gone, and the Sharks were up by a large margin. We expected them to go all out in the third to at least break the shut out, but their best efforts were in vain.
Points after points piled on, and the Sharks ended up winning 7-0 or 8-0 I think. Dang the scoring phenom added to his goal totals, and everyone on the team ended up with at least a point each. Games don't come easier then this, if only every game was like this.
Monday, January 26, 2009
St. Pierre vs BJ Penn - 2
I was watching the promo show for UFC 94 on Spike, where they show GSP and BJ Penn training in Montreal and Hawaii respectively. It's funny listening to the comments.
GSP: I think he underestimate me.
BJ Penn: I'm going to kick his ass.
GSP: I train hard every day.
BJ Penn: I'm going to beat his ass in.
GSP: I have good conditioning.
BJ Penn: I can't wait to kick his ass.
This is going to be a great fight. GSP wins via decision. You heard it here first.
GSP: I think he underestimate me.
BJ Penn: I'm going to kick his ass.
GSP: I train hard every day.
BJ Penn: I'm going to beat his ass in.
GSP: I have good conditioning.
BJ Penn: I can't wait to kick his ass.
This is going to be a great fight. GSP wins via decision. You heard it here first.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Third And Long
Saturday night was the Annual Coast Ambassador dinner. My third annual dinner in two years. The math doesn't really work out, just trust me.
Took me a while to get to the Plaza in downtown. An accident and increased traffic due to the Lil Wayne concert made the commute a little brutal. The gala was being held on the 35th floor of the hotel, and although the seating arrangement was awkward (pretty much 8 tables in a straight line), the view was amazing.
This year the social committee opted to go with a buffet rather than set dishes. Great choice, the food was delicious and filling.
During dinner, they had a drawing for 50/50. As a last minute decision, Glo convinced me to buy some tickets. After purchasing $10 worth of tickets, when I returned to my seat, Norm offered to chip in for the tickets, what a pal.
Dawn read out the winning ticket, to my surprise I actually had the winning ticket! Score one for lady luck. The prize was 200 smackaroos, with the other $200 going to the CAAP charity.
Throughout the night, they called ambassador's names to claim their prizes. I wanted the Whistler / Interior / Island packages, but all three were taken by the time my name was called. I ended up taking the $100 Shore Club gift certificate. My Valentines day is now planned.
The annual dinner, as always was loads of fun. It was great to see some co-workers which I haven't seen in months since I only work weekends at Coast. There wasn't enough time to talk to everyone, and doesn't look like I'll have another chance for a long time, if even that.
Thanks Coast, for planning out my Valentines day, and for the memory filled night.
Took me a while to get to the Plaza in downtown. An accident and increased traffic due to the Lil Wayne concert made the commute a little brutal. The gala was being held on the 35th floor of the hotel, and although the seating arrangement was awkward (pretty much 8 tables in a straight line), the view was amazing.
This year the social committee opted to go with a buffet rather than set dishes. Great choice, the food was delicious and filling.
During dinner, they had a drawing for 50/50. As a last minute decision, Glo convinced me to buy some tickets. After purchasing $10 worth of tickets, when I returned to my seat, Norm offered to chip in for the tickets, what a pal.
Dawn read out the winning ticket, to my surprise I actually had the winning ticket! Score one for lady luck. The prize was 200 smackaroos, with the other $200 going to the CAAP charity.
Throughout the night, they called ambassador's names to claim their prizes. I wanted the Whistler / Interior / Island packages, but all three were taken by the time my name was called. I ended up taking the $100 Shore Club gift certificate. My Valentines day is now planned.
The annual dinner, as always was loads of fun. It was great to see some co-workers which I haven't seen in months since I only work weekends at Coast. There wasn't enough time to talk to everyone, and doesn't look like I'll have another chance for a long time, if even that.
Thanks Coast, for planning out my Valentines day, and for the memory filled night.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Superstars of Ghettonian Descent
1:00AM and I can't sleep. Here's the recap of the rematch between SPH Sharks and Ghetto Superstars:
Last time we faced off, the Ghetto Superstars jumped ahead early and cruised their way to a 5-1 win (I think it was 5-1, I'm too lazy to check). Having dropped down a tier, beating the once tier 4 Ghetto Superstars would be a huge morale booster.
Mike the 10 foot tall behemoth of a man was in net, I'm not sure where Randy was, and didn't bother asking. This game was plastered with goals, as we jumped out to an early lead in the first. Throughout the game everytime the Sharks were ahead a goal, the Ghettonian ones would tie it up. Off of my shotty memory I'd say they tied it up three times.
Dressed all in black it was hard to see, but I'm pretty sure the Ghetto Superstars were shaking in their skates, knowing they had to play against the once again united Chow Dang Chen line. Our first shift was arguably our best as we played most of the shift in the opponents zone. Chow would end up with an assist for the night, Dang an elbow for his troubles, me a continuation of my streak.
Jumping ahead to the third, we were up 5-4 when Chow sprang speedy Kevin for a breakout past. With a clear breakaway from the blue line, he made no mistake in putting it top shelf blocker side where Crosby hides his stubbles. With the insurance goal up 6-4 we were riding confident with minutes left in the third.
Showing their resiliency the Ghetto Superstars managed to get a goal with around two minutes left in the third to bring it to 6-5. Pulling their goalie they put tremendous pressure, and with not being able to clear the puck the Sharks took a needless penalty resulting in a 6 on 4 for around a minute left in the third.
With seconds ticking down, the Ghetto Superstars could not would not manage control of the puck and the puck trickled out of the zone as the seconds ticked to zero.
Sharks win 6-5.
Great win by the team, Ghetto Superstars counted on breakout passes early on, and then transitioned more to carrying the puck in as the game progressed. The score is deceiving as I believe that we played pretty well defensively. But all that matters is that we won.
Last time we faced off, the Ghetto Superstars jumped ahead early and cruised their way to a 5-1 win (I think it was 5-1, I'm too lazy to check). Having dropped down a tier, beating the once tier 4 Ghetto Superstars would be a huge morale booster.
Mike the 10 foot tall behemoth of a man was in net, I'm not sure where Randy was, and didn't bother asking. This game was plastered with goals, as we jumped out to an early lead in the first. Throughout the game everytime the Sharks were ahead a goal, the Ghettonian ones would tie it up. Off of my shotty memory I'd say they tied it up three times.
Dressed all in black it was hard to see, but I'm pretty sure the Ghetto Superstars were shaking in their skates, knowing they had to play against the once again united Chow Dang Chen line. Our first shift was arguably our best as we played most of the shift in the opponents zone. Chow would end up with an assist for the night, Dang an elbow for his troubles, me a continuation of my streak.
Jumping ahead to the third, we were up 5-4 when Chow sprang speedy Kevin for a breakout past. With a clear breakaway from the blue line, he made no mistake in putting it top shelf blocker side where Crosby hides his stubbles. With the insurance goal up 6-4 we were riding confident with minutes left in the third.
Showing their resiliency the Ghetto Superstars managed to get a goal with around two minutes left in the third to bring it to 6-5. Pulling their goalie they put tremendous pressure, and with not being able to clear the puck the Sharks took a needless penalty resulting in a 6 on 4 for around a minute left in the third.
With seconds ticking down, the Ghetto Superstars could not would not manage control of the puck and the puck trickled out of the zone as the seconds ticked to zero.
Sharks win 6-5.
Great win by the team, Ghetto Superstars counted on breakout passes early on, and then transitioned more to carrying the puck in as the game progressed. The score is deceiving as I believe that we played pretty well defensively. But all that matters is that we won.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Steelers vs Cardinals
It would've been a better Superbowl if it was Steelers vs Eagles, but now I have a clear cut team to cheer for. I'm no football analyst, but I watch enough to know what's going on.
It's the classic Defensive team meets Offensive team.
The Steelers pride themselves on a defense minded game, and count on Roethlisberger to clutch it out in the 4th. The Cardinals, with Kurt Warner, have a throw first mentality. With Larry Fitzgerald as their wide receiver, Warner can pretty much throw it all game long.
If Tom Brady wasn't injured, these two teams would be playing for second place. He'd break your defense, break your scoreboards, break your records, win the MVP, win the Superbowl, then go home to Giselle Bundchen and make the rest of us hate our lives.
I'm going to have to say Steelers take this one. Fitzgerald can only catch what Warner throws up, while Roethlisberger is a decent scrambler when he's chased out of the pocket. Polamalu is going to tear Warner a new one.
23-16 Steelers
It's the classic Defensive team meets Offensive team.
The Steelers pride themselves on a defense minded game, and count on Roethlisberger to clutch it out in the 4th. The Cardinals, with Kurt Warner, have a throw first mentality. With Larry Fitzgerald as their wide receiver, Warner can pretty much throw it all game long.If Tom Brady wasn't injured, these two teams would be playing for second place. He'd break your defense, break your scoreboards, break your records, win the MVP, win the Superbowl, then go home to Giselle Bundchen and make the rest of us hate our lives.
I'm going to have to say Steelers take this one. Fitzgerald can only catch what Warner throws up, while Roethlisberger is a decent scrambler when he's chased out of the pocket. Polamalu is going to tear Warner a new one.
23-16 Steelers
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Cuts > Ginger
Why was Labarbera chosen over Schneider?
Here's the reason why we didn't want Schneider:
"What is the story behind your number?
Well I actually wore #1 for a while, all through college and when I came here last year Drew McIntyre [former Moose goalie] had it. And then obviously Roberto Luongo had it so I had to wait my turn. So, I went with #35, because Mike Richter wore that and he was my favourite goalie growing up."
Blasphemy!
Here's why Labarbera was chosen:
"As for the Canuck Fan in him, Kirk McLean was his favourite player and after the 1994 Playoff run to the Finals, he “hated the Rangers.”
“1994 was one of the best and one of the worst times of my young life,” he said."
I don't have many man crushes, but put in the fact that Labarbera's favorite band is Metallica, and he gets propelled to Tom Brady status.
Here's the reason why we didn't want Schneider:
"What is the story behind your number?
Well I actually wore #1 for a while, all through college and when I came here last year Drew McIntyre [former Moose goalie] had it. And then obviously Roberto Luongo had it so I had to wait my turn. So, I went with #35, because Mike Richter wore that and he was my favourite goalie growing up."
Blasphemy!
Here's why Labarbera was chosen:
"As for the Canuck Fan in him, Kirk McLean was his favourite player and after the 1994 Playoff run to the Finals, he “hated the Rangers.”
“1994 was one of the best and one of the worst times of my young life,” he said."
I don't have many man crushes, but put in the fact that Labarbera's favorite band is Metallica, and he gets propelled to Tom Brady status.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Comic - Toronto Girlfriend
I recently watched The Breakup, because I'm a sap like that, so here's a comic I made that relates back to the movie (click to enlarge):
That's to all the Leafs fans who complain about how Sundin sold out. Ya he sold out, but keep crying and maybe your collective tears can turn back time.
That's to all the Leafs fans who complain about how Sundin sold out. Ya he sold out, but keep crying and maybe your collective tears can turn back time.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Zombie Survival
Step by step on how to survive a zombie outbreak.
Step 1:
Make sure you're not bitten.
Step 2:
Secure your immediate surroundings as you gather your thoughts and plan out your survival.
Step 3:
Break open Zombie Survival Kit. If you're wondering what a Zombie Survival Kit consists of then you obviously didn't plan so you deserve to get bitten.
Step 4:
Grab any other weapons and supplies in preparation to leave populated area. Ensure that the weapons you choose are durable and can easily pierce for a quick kill. My weapon of choice: wrecking bar.
Step 5:
Form a small maintainable party consisting of predetermined trustworthy friends. Avoid anyone who is slow, stupid, or sympathetic.
Step 6:
Hijack a durable AWD non gas guzzling form of transportation. May I suggest the Gadgetmobile.
Step 7:
Find the quickest route north towards the North Pole. The cold would slow and possibly immobilize any zombies. Remember to dress appropriately.
Step 8:
Remember to kill/abandon all wounded members in your party along the way: be it zombie bites or twisted ankles.
Step 9:
Head north until you arrive at your fortress in the North Pole
Step 10:
Secure said fortress that you have in the North Pole, and wait out for the rest of the human population to be devoured by zombies. This will lead to a food shortage, and within a few short years/decades, all remaining zombies will have rotted and deteriorated to nothing due to the elements and natural decay.
But how did you afford the fortress? Easy, you started investing today, and Steven can help you by starting you off on a monthly savings plan, to help you save for your fortress of solitude. Remember you're not saving up for real estate, you're saving up for your very existence.
Step 1:
Make sure you're not bitten.
Step 2:
Secure your immediate surroundings as you gather your thoughts and plan out your survival.
Step 3:
Break open Zombie Survival Kit. If you're wondering what a Zombie Survival Kit consists of then you obviously didn't plan so you deserve to get bitten.Step 4:
Grab any other weapons and supplies in preparation to leave populated area. Ensure that the weapons you choose are durable and can easily pierce for a quick kill. My weapon of choice: wrecking bar.
Step 5:
Form a small maintainable party consisting of predetermined trustworthy friends. Avoid anyone who is slow, stupid, or sympathetic.
Step 6:
Hijack a durable AWD non gas guzzling form of transportation. May I suggest the Gadgetmobile.
Step 7:
Find the quickest route north towards the North Pole. The cold would slow and possibly immobilize any zombies. Remember to dress appropriately.
Step 8:
Remember to kill/abandon all wounded members in your party along the way: be it zombie bites or twisted ankles.
Step 9:Head north until you arrive at your fortress in the North Pole
Step 10:
Secure said fortress that you have in the North Pole, and wait out for the rest of the human population to be devoured by zombies. This will lead to a food shortage, and within a few short years/decades, all remaining zombies will have rotted and deteriorated to nothing due to the elements and natural decay.
But how did you afford the fortress? Easy, you started investing today, and Steven can help you by starting you off on a monthly savings plan, to help you save for your fortress of solitude. Remember you're not saving up for real estate, you're saving up for your very existence.
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
The Best Pound For Pound
Anderson Silva, George St. Pierre, Fedor Emelianenko watch out! Alexander Semin of the Washington Capitals is quite possibly the best pound for pound fighter of all time. He has complete mastery of the open handed palm strikes (commonly known as the slap) which he unleashes to a flurry of death and destruction upon all who oppose:
Take note all NHL enforcers, there's a new top dog fighter in town.
Sunday, January 04, 2009
PPV
Here is the thought process behind putting Canucks games on PPV:
You do not deserve to watch your HOMETOWN team play at HOME, for free.
So go buy a ticket and watch at GM place, or fork over money and watch this PPV game which won't be in HD because we're technologically dated like that.
Another reason to pay for tonight's game? Tonight is Fan Appreciation Night where the players give their jerseys to fans, see how much we care about you guys?
You do not deserve to watch your HOMETOWN team play at HOME, for free.
So go buy a ticket and watch at GM place, or fork over money and watch this PPV game which won't be in HD because we're technologically dated like that.
Another reason to pay for tonight's game? Tonight is Fan Appreciation Night where the players give their jerseys to fans, see how much we care about you guys?
Thursday, January 01, 2009
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