Just came back from the gym. Big increase in treadmill and elliptical times. Still embarassingly short over all, but big increases for us.
My legs feel like rubber and I am covered in sweat, but it's good for me and I am happy about it.
The Red Sox are playing like garbage. Six steals against in three innings? Is that what they said on the radio?
Go Bruins
(please stop sucking Red Sox!)
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Warren the Ape
I became a fan of Warren "The Ape" Demontague on Facebook today. Clearly he is the finest actor in the history of acting. His brilliance is without end.
He has a new show starting on MTV... someday. I don't know when.
In preparation I figured I'd post a Greg the Bunny episode here. This one is R rated for language, violence, and extreme puppet gore. View at your own risk. Oh and it features The Wumpus so it's extra special.
Greg The Bunny-You Know, For Kids
He has a new show starting on MTV... someday. I don't know when.
In preparation I figured I'd post a Greg the Bunny episode here. This one is R rated for language, violence, and extreme puppet gore. View at your own risk. Oh and it features The Wumpus so it's extra special.
Greg The Bunny-You Know, For Kids
You Turkey
So I'm driving up the road this morning and what do I see coming toward me in the on-coming lane?
A car?
A bicycle?
A jogger?
Nope. A turkey. Just trotting down the lane like he belonged there. As I got closer he dashed off the side of the road and I lost sight of him. I opened up my iPhone's camera though as those suckers often travel in groups.
I got this guy. He was just standing on the side of the road, hanging out. I pulled over to try and get a shot of him but as I crept closer he crept farther away. This was just before he ran off the road.
Makes me hungry for Thanksgiving. How about you?
Go Bruins!
A car?
A bicycle?
A jogger?
Nope. A turkey. Just trotting down the lane like he belonged there. As I got closer he dashed off the side of the road and I lost sight of him. I opened up my iPhone's camera though as those suckers often travel in groups.
I got this guy. He was just standing on the side of the road, hanging out. I pulled over to try and get a shot of him but as I crept closer he crept farther away. This was just before he ran off the road.
Makes me hungry for Thanksgiving. How about you?
Go Bruins!
Bruins Take the Lead
Watch the highlights and marvel:
The Bruins... the Boston Bruins... the team that sucked up a storm for most of the season... the team that I picked to beat Buffalo in the first round playoff series only because I am a Bruins fan and I could never pick against them... the team that I expected to lose four straight games by a 1-0 score...
Has a two games to one lead in the best of seven series.
I am stunned.
I am also really excited. I need to be more cautiously optimistic (it worked for me in 2004 when the Red Sox won the world series. I never had any expectations. Even in game four against St. Louis when we were up in the ninth inning, I still didn't let myself get too excited. Memories of 1986 still haunt me.) I actually found myself looking toward the second round today and that's a sure fire way to jinx my team to a six game loss.
Still, it was beautiful last night.
Jen and I were up very late on Sunday night and very early on Monday morning. She was exhausted all day long. I was in a little better shape. She had to stay at work late so I went to the gym without her. I took my iPhone, a pair of headphones, and the AOL Radio app which streams 98.5FM which carries Bruins games. I got up on the treadmill and logged in just as the game started. It was also on a television in the gym but the radio had a delay and it was out of sync. So I walked and listened.
A few minutes later Jen called and asked me if I could come and get her. She was so tired she was afraid to drive. I finished my treadmill program, left the gym, went to get gas and a soda (no caffeine, still), and headed to Lexington to get my love. During that time the first period ended and the second period was well underway. (I was pumping gas during the Wideman goal and missed it. Stupid empty gas tank.) By the time we got home it was mid way through the third period, still tied at one.
I made sandwiches for dinner for the two of us (I used the last of the marshmallow fluff, and we're running low on bread... note to self) and we sat and watched a few minutes while scarfing down our food. We had decided that as soon as the pb&f was gone we would go to bed. Just after I ate the last bite, Patrice Bergeron scored the tie breaking goal. I immediately shut off the television. If I was going to bed before the game ended, then I was going to bed on a very, very high note.
Then Jen suggested I listen to the last few minutes via my iPhone while in bed. If I fell asleep before it was over then no big deal. She is the sweetest, isn't she? I did. The Bruins won. I am shocked and awed. It was magic.
It was also only game three. It feels like a series winner... like a conference finals winner (not quite a cup winner though) but it only gives us the lead. I was so sure we were going to get blown out easily that the simple fact we are not losing in the series has me extremely excited. I can't wait for game four! (Wednesday at 7:00.)
And in closing, here is the play of the game. Johnny Boychuck ruins Matt Ellis.
Go Bruins!
The Bruins... the Boston Bruins... the team that sucked up a storm for most of the season... the team that I picked to beat Buffalo in the first round playoff series only because I am a Bruins fan and I could never pick against them... the team that I expected to lose four straight games by a 1-0 score...
Has a two games to one lead in the best of seven series.
I am stunned.
I am also really excited. I need to be more cautiously optimistic (it worked for me in 2004 when the Red Sox won the world series. I never had any expectations. Even in game four against St. Louis when we were up in the ninth inning, I still didn't let myself get too excited. Memories of 1986 still haunt me.) I actually found myself looking toward the second round today and that's a sure fire way to jinx my team to a six game loss.
Still, it was beautiful last night.
Jen and I were up very late on Sunday night and very early on Monday morning. She was exhausted all day long. I was in a little better shape. She had to stay at work late so I went to the gym without her. I took my iPhone, a pair of headphones, and the AOL Radio app which streams 98.5FM which carries Bruins games. I got up on the treadmill and logged in just as the game started. It was also on a television in the gym but the radio had a delay and it was out of sync. So I walked and listened.
A few minutes later Jen called and asked me if I could come and get her. She was so tired she was afraid to drive. I finished my treadmill program, left the gym, went to get gas and a soda (no caffeine, still), and headed to Lexington to get my love. During that time the first period ended and the second period was well underway. (I was pumping gas during the Wideman goal and missed it. Stupid empty gas tank.) By the time we got home it was mid way through the third period, still tied at one.
I made sandwiches for dinner for the two of us (I used the last of the marshmallow fluff, and we're running low on bread... note to self) and we sat and watched a few minutes while scarfing down our food. We had decided that as soon as the pb&f was gone we would go to bed. Just after I ate the last bite, Patrice Bergeron scored the tie breaking goal. I immediately shut off the television. If I was going to bed before the game ended, then I was going to bed on a very, very high note.
Then Jen suggested I listen to the last few minutes via my iPhone while in bed. If I fell asleep before it was over then no big deal. She is the sweetest, isn't she? I did. The Bruins won. I am shocked and awed. It was magic.
It was also only game three. It feels like a series winner... like a conference finals winner (not quite a cup winner though) but it only gives us the lead. I was so sure we were going to get blown out easily that the simple fact we are not losing in the series has me extremely excited. I can't wait for game four! (Wednesday at 7:00.)
And in closing, here is the play of the game. Johnny Boychuck ruins Matt Ellis.
Go Bruins!
Monday, April 19, 2010
Dealing With the Guy Who's Clearly Hiding a Zombie Bite
From Cracked... Dealing With The Guy Who's Clearly Hiding a Zombie Bite.
Dealing With The Guy Who's Clearly Hiding a Zombie Bite -- powered by Cracked.com
Dealing With The Guy Who's Clearly Hiding a Zombie Bite -- powered by Cracked.com
Dan "Buckner" Boyle
I picked the Colorado Avalanche to upset the San Jose Sharks in round one of the NHL Playoffs because San Jose has cemented their reputation as Kings-of-all-Choke over the last few years.
Last night Shark Dan Boyle made me look good with a play worthy of mention along side the great Bill Buckner.
Avs fans, enjoy...
Last night Shark Dan Boyle made me look good with a play worthy of mention along side the great Bill Buckner.
Avs fans, enjoy...
Happy Patriots Day!
Today is Patriots Day in Massachusetts. The day we remember the start of the war for independence. 235 years ago today the battle of Lexington and Concord was fought between Colonial militiamen and British army regulars. As Ralph Waldo Emerson put it, it was the "shot heard 'round the world."
The state celebrates today as a holiday, but since the rest of the country does not many of us don't get the day off. I'm not complaining. My company gives us a ton of holidays... just not this one.
It is also Marathon Monday, as the Boston Marathon is run today. In fact, the race is about to begin. It's 9:06 by my clock, which means the wheel chair racers will be starting in about 11 minutes. (wheel chairs at 9:17, elite women at 9:32, and elite men at 10:00) 26.2 miles from Hopkington to Boston. Frankly, I think you have to be nuts to run that far without having a tiger chasing you, or something like that... but folks do it.
A high school classmate of mine is running the marathon to raise money for Dana Farber. Among those whose memory he is running for is my friend Jeff's son Justin who passed away nearly three years ago and remains the bravest, strongest human I have ever had the pleasure of meeting.
It is also the annual marathon Monday Red Sox game at 11:00. They start at that time so the game lets out at about the same time the leaders are hitting Kenmore Square. I've done it once, it was a blast.
More importantly, game three of the Bruins playoff series with Buffalo is tonight and the B's are riding the momentum. I am actually excited to watch tonight. I might be at the gym for the start of it, but I will be watching it there. I'll bring my iPhone with the radio app that gets 98.5 FM so I can listen. It should be a lot of fun.
This weekend was pretty quiet. On Saturday we had a steak and cake to celebrate my father's birthday. My step kids weren't there (it was a dad weekend) but the rest of the family was. Both not-quite-babies-anymore were in fine form. They both said my name, and they both let me play with them. Who is the happiest Uncle in all the land? I am.
Of course I had the whole evening with my niece and nephew and I failed to take a single picture. I must be slippin'!
Sunday was spent at home recovering from the trip to the gym Saturday morning. We had done our regular treadmill/elliptical 15 minutes or so, and then Jen wanted to check out some of the weight machines. We did a few seconds on maybe four or five different machines and it totally ruined both of us. Pain, agony, suffering, the works. Sunday we had planned to go back but decided to error on the side of injury prevention and wait until Monday. We went three days this week. That seems like a decent amount for starters. Maybe after another week or two we'll up it to four days and see how it goes.
The rest of Sunday was spent doing chores. Jen spent the day on the couch with her work computer working like a demon. She has a release coming up in the not too distant future and she cranked out the code last night as if she were on fire. It was something to see.
Robbie did laundry. Lots of it. I also did some cleaning upstairs and took care of a very simple lunch and dinner. I felt like John Lennon during his house husband days. To be honest, I kinda like taking care of my wife. It makes me happy. She makes me happy.
Today we car pooled to work. Jen wanted to get to her office as early as possible so we left the house at about 6:50am. Yup, before 7:00! We were able to take advantage of the Patriots Day traffic and make the hour drive to her building in 30 minutes. All highway, no traffic at all. It was glorious.
Had I gone straight to my office from hers I would have been in the parking lot before 8:00am. I decided to use some of that extra time to make a little celebratory detour. I drove down route 225 to River Street in Carlisle, which turns into Monument Street in Concord, and I drove past the Old North Bridge in Minuteman National Park. The site of the first real engagement between Colonists and British troops. Every year on Patriots Day the battle is re-enacted. I think there is a parade too. Concord Center is decked out with souvenir vendors and all sorts of good stuff. It's one of those things that every year on this day I think to myself, I should have taken the day off and gone to this... next year I will.
Half the fun of driving through the area is the random sighting of a re-enactor in full period specific (I think) costume. Last year I saw a couple of small groups of "soldiers" casually walking down a couple of different roads heading toward the "battle". This year I saw a good sized group of them lining up outside of the Colonial Inn, in Concord Center. I wonder if they stayed there, or were they going to breakfast or something.
So in summation: Happy Patriots Day, Happy Marathon Monday, Happy Red Sox Patriots Day Celebration, Happy Bruins Hopefully Taking a 2 Games to 1 Series Lead Over Buffalo Day!
Go Bruins!
The state celebrates today as a holiday, but since the rest of the country does not many of us don't get the day off. I'm not complaining. My company gives us a ton of holidays... just not this one.
It is also Marathon Monday, as the Boston Marathon is run today. In fact, the race is about to begin. It's 9:06 by my clock, which means the wheel chair racers will be starting in about 11 minutes. (wheel chairs at 9:17, elite women at 9:32, and elite men at 10:00) 26.2 miles from Hopkington to Boston. Frankly, I think you have to be nuts to run that far without having a tiger chasing you, or something like that... but folks do it.
A high school classmate of mine is running the marathon to raise money for Dana Farber. Among those whose memory he is running for is my friend Jeff's son Justin who passed away nearly three years ago and remains the bravest, strongest human I have ever had the pleasure of meeting.
It is also the annual marathon Monday Red Sox game at 11:00. They start at that time so the game lets out at about the same time the leaders are hitting Kenmore Square. I've done it once, it was a blast.
More importantly, game three of the Bruins playoff series with Buffalo is tonight and the B's are riding the momentum. I am actually excited to watch tonight. I might be at the gym for the start of it, but I will be watching it there. I'll bring my iPhone with the radio app that gets 98.5 FM so I can listen. It should be a lot of fun.
This weekend was pretty quiet. On Saturday we had a steak and cake to celebrate my father's birthday. My step kids weren't there (it was a dad weekend) but the rest of the family was. Both not-quite-babies-anymore were in fine form. They both said my name, and they both let me play with them. Who is the happiest Uncle in all the land? I am.
Of course I had the whole evening with my niece and nephew and I failed to take a single picture. I must be slippin'!
Sunday was spent at home recovering from the trip to the gym Saturday morning. We had done our regular treadmill/elliptical 15 minutes or so, and then Jen wanted to check out some of the weight machines. We did a few seconds on maybe four or five different machines and it totally ruined both of us. Pain, agony, suffering, the works. Sunday we had planned to go back but decided to error on the side of injury prevention and wait until Monday. We went three days this week. That seems like a decent amount for starters. Maybe after another week or two we'll up it to four days and see how it goes.
The rest of Sunday was spent doing chores. Jen spent the day on the couch with her work computer working like a demon. She has a release coming up in the not too distant future and she cranked out the code last night as if she were on fire. It was something to see.
Robbie did laundry. Lots of it. I also did some cleaning upstairs and took care of a very simple lunch and dinner. I felt like John Lennon during his house husband days. To be honest, I kinda like taking care of my wife. It makes me happy. She makes me happy.
Today we car pooled to work. Jen wanted to get to her office as early as possible so we left the house at about 6:50am. Yup, before 7:00! We were able to take advantage of the Patriots Day traffic and make the hour drive to her building in 30 minutes. All highway, no traffic at all. It was glorious.
Had I gone straight to my office from hers I would have been in the parking lot before 8:00am. I decided to use some of that extra time to make a little celebratory detour. I drove down route 225 to River Street in Carlisle, which turns into Monument Street in Concord, and I drove past the Old North Bridge in Minuteman National Park. The site of the first real engagement between Colonists and British troops. Every year on Patriots Day the battle is re-enacted. I think there is a parade too. Concord Center is decked out with souvenir vendors and all sorts of good stuff. It's one of those things that every year on this day I think to myself, I should have taken the day off and gone to this... next year I will.
Half the fun of driving through the area is the random sighting of a re-enactor in full period specific (I think) costume. Last year I saw a couple of small groups of "soldiers" casually walking down a couple of different roads heading toward the "battle". This year I saw a good sized group of them lining up outside of the Colonial Inn, in Concord Center. I wonder if they stayed there, or were they going to breakfast or something.
So in summation: Happy Patriots Day, Happy Marathon Monday, Happy Red Sox Patriots Day Celebration, Happy Bruins Hopefully Taking a 2 Games to 1 Series Lead Over Buffalo Day!
Go Bruins!
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Shocked
Here we are, nearly 5:00pm and still no post? My legion of loyal readers must be wondering what's going on.
I'll tell you. I am too shocked to write anything.
The Bruins won a game. They beat Buffalo in game two of their best of seven yesterday by a score of 5-3. The series is now tied at one game a piece. In fact, with the exception of the one NHL series that hasn't played it's second game yet, they are all tied at one a piece.
Buffalo had a two nothing lead at one point. They also lead after two periods. Their record this year when leading after two (including game one of the series) was 31-0. THIRTY-ONE and ZERO. The Bruins scored three times in the third to win the game. That record for Buffalo is now 31-1 babie!
I am in a total state of shock.
Of course the Red Sox lost twice yesterday and they're losing right now. Maybe that's the price we pay?
Probably not.
Who cares.
GO BRUINS!
I'll tell you. I am too shocked to write anything.
The Bruins won a game. They beat Buffalo in game two of their best of seven yesterday by a score of 5-3. The series is now tied at one game a piece. In fact, with the exception of the one NHL series that hasn't played it's second game yet, they are all tied at one a piece.
Buffalo had a two nothing lead at one point. They also lead after two periods. Their record this year when leading after two (including game one of the series) was 31-0. THIRTY-ONE and ZERO. The Bruins scored three times in the third to win the game. That record for Buffalo is now 31-1 babie!
I am in a total state of shock.
Of course the Red Sox lost twice yesterday and they're losing right now. Maybe that's the price we pay?
Probably not.
Who cares.
GO BRUINS!
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Saturday Pain
We went to the gym a little after 8:00 this morning. We did the same machines we'd done during the week.
Then we did a bunch of weight machines.
Aye Caramba!
My arms/legs/back/shoulders/entire-body hurts!!
But it feels pretty good too.
Then we did a bunch of weight machines.
Aye Caramba!
My arms/legs/back/shoulders/entire-body hurts!!
But it feels pretty good too.
Friday, April 16, 2010
93 Minutes to the Weekend
93 minutes to go before the end of the work week and the start of the weekend. It's been a decent week, but a really slow Friday.
Another example of Rob Slowly Losing His Mind: Spelling.
I have never been a good speller. When I was in elementary school I used to forget to use vowels all the time. wht's p wth tht? (*)
Over the last couple of weeks though I have been making more spelling errors than ever. Just finding them everywhere. I looked on this page and the private version of this page and saw, without even looking, two misspelled titles. TWO!
I think going to college 136850 times packed so much information into my little pea brain that a lot of stuff is starting to leak out. We were quizzing one of the kids on multiplication tables last night and the answers were flying back at me faster than I could figure them out myself.
whn dd rb frgt mth? (**)
Oh well... at least I'll have the wknd t rcvr... or should I say at least I'll have the weekend to recover.
Go Bruins.
Translations:
* What's up with that?
** When did Rob forget math?
Another example of Rob Slowly Losing His Mind: Spelling.
I have never been a good speller. When I was in elementary school I used to forget to use vowels all the time. wht's p wth tht? (*)
Over the last couple of weeks though I have been making more spelling errors than ever. Just finding them everywhere. I looked on this page and the private version of this page and saw, without even looking, two misspelled titles. TWO!
I think going to college 136850 times packed so much information into my little pea brain that a lot of stuff is starting to leak out. We were quizzing one of the kids on multiplication tables last night and the answers were flying back at me faster than I could figure them out myself.
whn dd rb frgt mth? (**)
Oh well... at least I'll have the wknd t rcvr... or should I say at least I'll have the weekend to recover.
Go Bruins.
Translations:
* What's up with that?
** When did Rob forget math?
Game One: Buffalo 2 Boston 1
It wasn't the 1-0 loss I expected... it was a 2-1 loss instead.
Honestly, I missed the game. We ended up having a lot to do last night and I only saw a few seconds here and there.
Here is the nhl.com video recap:
Somehow Washington lost to Montreal in overtime and the Kings lost to the Canucks... that's three teams I picked to win the first round that lost their first game. All in one night.
Nice!
Bruins/Sabers game two is Saturday at 1:00pm Eastern time. I think I might be missing that one as well. Maybe I'll set the DVR.
Go Bruins!
(oh, and in AHL news, somehow... miraculously... the Lowell Devils opening round series against the Worcester Sharks is tied 1-1. There will be two playoff games in the Tsongas Arena. Amazing! Go Devils!)
Honestly, I missed the game. We ended up having a lot to do last night and I only saw a few seconds here and there.
Here is the nhl.com video recap:
Somehow Washington lost to Montreal in overtime and the Kings lost to the Canucks... that's three teams I picked to win the first round that lost their first game. All in one night.
Nice!
Bruins/Sabers game two is Saturday at 1:00pm Eastern time. I think I might be missing that one as well. Maybe I'll set the DVR.
Go Bruins!
(oh, and in AHL news, somehow... miraculously... the Lowell Devils opening round series against the Worcester Sharks is tied 1-1. There will be two playoff games in the Tsongas Arena. Amazing! Go Devils!)
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Wisconsin Meteor
A large meteor lit up the midwestern sky last night. Here is a gif and a video. The video is 43 seconds long and nothing happens until the end, so be patient... as if 43 seconds were an eternity that required lots of patients...
I found these on Mashable.
I found these on Mashable.
Playoffs
I'm getting excited about the start of the Boston/Buffalo playoff series tonight. I don't know how much of it I'm going to get to watch, but I will see at least some of it and I will be rooting for my Bruins even though I really doubt they have any chance.
Last night there were some game one surprises. Ottawa beat Pittsburgh and Philadelphia beat New Jersey. Both are contrary to my picks for the series. I don't think either will make it to round two, but a game one win does put a little fear into my pick.
Out West, Phoenix beat Detroit and Colorado beat San Jose. Both go right along with my picks. Phoenix is the higher seed but definitely look like the underdogs. San Jose is the top seed in the conference, but they are the undisputed kings of choke so Colorado's win is an upset, but not really a surprise. Go Avs!
Tonight though, the Bruins take on the Sabers. Tuuka Rask vs Ryan Miller. I enjoyed rooting for Miller in the Olympics, but that was ages ago. Now it's Tuuka time.
Go Bruins!
Last night there were some game one surprises. Ottawa beat Pittsburgh and Philadelphia beat New Jersey. Both are contrary to my picks for the series. I don't think either will make it to round two, but a game one win does put a little fear into my pick.
Out West, Phoenix beat Detroit and Colorado beat San Jose. Both go right along with my picks. Phoenix is the higher seed but definitely look like the underdogs. San Jose is the top seed in the conference, but they are the undisputed kings of choke so Colorado's win is an upset, but not really a surprise. Go Avs!
Tonight though, the Bruins take on the Sabers. Tuuka Rask vs Ryan Miller. I enjoyed rooting for Miller in the Olympics, but that was ages ago. Now it's Tuuka time.
Go Bruins!
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Floyd Revisited - Recap
I came home and the first thing I heard was my step daughter asking, "did you hear about Floyd?" Tears were admitted to and I gave hugs where hugs were due. My step son said, "I want to cuddle with him."
Poor Floyd, but they are handling it well.
I really love these two kids.
Poor Floyd, but they are handling it well.
I really love these two kids.
Floyd Revisited
I hope the kids are okay today. We are only about 24 hours removed from their finding out that their cat Floyd was put down. I am unsure of how to handle it. If I get home and they are their usual energetic happy selves then should I mention it or should I let it slide? If they are bumbed out when I get home then I will totally know what to do. Hugging is something I am very good at. If any little person needs a hug then I am there for them.
I had a cat when I was little... too little to actually remember it. My brother had a hamster when I was in high school (I think) and we were sad when he died, but that isn't quite the same. Granted Floyd hadn't been living at the kids' dad's house for a year so maybe it won't affect them as much as it would have if it were one of their currently residing cats.
I'll just play it by ear I guess.
I had a cat when I was little... too little to actually remember it. My brother had a hamster when I was in high school (I think) and we were sad when he died, but that isn't quite the same. Granted Floyd hadn't been living at the kids' dad's house for a year so maybe it won't affect them as much as it would have if it were one of their currently residing cats.
I'll just play it by ear I guess.
Quick Entry
I am busy but I am starting to go through posting withdrawals, so here's a quick one.
Jen and I went to the gym again. Two days in a row. That's a record. Considering that one day at all was a record, I am pretty impressed with myself. We only stayed about 15 minutes before we were fried, but considering that 15 minutes is a massive upgrade over no minutes, I am feeling good about myself. So is Jen. We are both feeling weak legged, but it will get better as we go.
The NHL draft lottery was held yesterday. The Bruins hold Toronto's first round pick, and they finished 29/30, which means we should expect a second overall pick. The lottery agreed. Edmonton gets the first pick, Boston second, and Florida third. Prepare to welcome either Tyler Seguin or Taylor Hall to the Hub of Hockey. Both are forwards who are scouted to have great offensive skills. We could sure use them right now. The playoffs start tonight. The Boston/Buffalo series starts tomorrow.
Go Bruins!
Jen and I went to the gym again. Two days in a row. That's a record. Considering that one day at all was a record, I am pretty impressed with myself. We only stayed about 15 minutes before we were fried, but considering that 15 minutes is a massive upgrade over no minutes, I am feeling good about myself. So is Jen. We are both feeling weak legged, but it will get better as we go.
The NHL draft lottery was held yesterday. The Bruins hold Toronto's first round pick, and they finished 29/30, which means we should expect a second overall pick. The lottery agreed. Edmonton gets the first pick, Boston second, and Florida third. Prepare to welcome either Tyler Seguin or Taylor Hall to the Hub of Hockey. Both are forwards who are scouted to have great offensive skills. We could sure use them right now. The playoffs start tonight. The Boston/Buffalo series starts tomorrow.
Go Bruins!
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
RIP Mr Floyd
I just got some sad news about a member of our extended/blended family. Mr Floyd was a cat that lived at the kids' father's house when I first came into the picture. He was old and a little temperamental, but I liked him and he seemed to think I was okay. I used to ask him if he was ticking away the moments that make up a dull day, or if he would fritter and waste the hours in an off hand way, in the hopes of finding out if his first name was Pink or not.
Last year some new animals moved into Floyd's house and he had a tough time adapting. We are not allowed to have pets in our rental so we couldn't take him. Jen's mother and step father very heroically decided to take him in. He got sick and went to the Vet today. They did all they could for him but in the end he had to be put down.
So take a moment and remember Mr Floyd. One very cool cat. We will all miss you.
Last year some new animals moved into Floyd's house and he had a tough time adapting. We are not allowed to have pets in our rental so we couldn't take him. Jen's mother and step father very heroically decided to take him in. He got sick and went to the Vet today. They did all they could for him but in the end he had to be put down.
So take a moment and remember Mr Floyd. One very cool cat. We will all miss you.
Gym
I never imagined it would happen to me. I thought I could escape it, and for almost 39 years I did.
But last night...
I joined a gym.
Jen and I did it together. We joined a gym in Salem. We then worked out for about 15 minutes before calling it a night. When I say that I am out of shape, I mean that I am out of shape!. Do not underestimate the meaning of that statement. We did about 12 minutes on a treadmill and that was all right. Then we did a couple of minutes on another machine... I don't remember what it was called... elliptical machine? After that we were toast. Burned toast. It was clearly time to go home.
We're going back tonight.
If we are going to go to Florida with two extremely energetic little people, we are going to have to do something to prepare ourselves for the amount of time we will be spending on our feet. A little torture today will make the trip more enjoyable in a couple of months. It could also help us lose weight, and it could also make us feel healthier, and it could also make us feel better about ourselves. But primarily, it will make Florida more fun. (not really, I am just so psyched to go to Florida that all things sort of revolve around it.)
Oh I almost forgot, Go Bruins.
But last night...
I joined a gym.
Jen and I did it together. We joined a gym in Salem. We then worked out for about 15 minutes before calling it a night. When I say that I am out of shape, I mean that I am out of shape!. Do not underestimate the meaning of that statement. We did about 12 minutes on a treadmill and that was all right. Then we did a couple of minutes on another machine... I don't remember what it was called... elliptical machine? After that we were toast. Burned toast. It was clearly time to go home.
We're going back tonight.
If we are going to go to Florida with two extremely energetic little people, we are going to have to do something to prepare ourselves for the amount of time we will be spending on our feet. A little torture today will make the trip more enjoyable in a couple of months. It could also help us lose weight, and it could also make us feel healthier, and it could also make us feel better about ourselves. But primarily, it will make Florida more fun. (not really, I am just so psyched to go to Florida that all things sort of revolve around it.)
Oh I almost forgot, Go Bruins.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Geddy Lee's Mom!
Two clips from the forthcoming Rush documentary...
rush clip 2
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rush clip 1
Uploaded by azmovies. - Full seasons and entire episodes online.
rush clip 2
Uploaded by azmovies. - See the latest featured music videos.
rush clip 1
Uploaded by azmovies. - Full seasons and entire episodes online.
NHL Playoffs
The NHL regular season is over. It's time for the playoffs! The second season! The important stuff! Whatever, bring it on... on Wednesday. It is now time for my annual pointless first round predictions post that is based on gut and my tiny knowledge of hockey... and my outspoken Bruins fanboy nature.
Here are the match ups and the television schedules:
In Series A we have the Washington Capitals and the Montreal Canadiens. Washington scored 23586235235 goals this year (approximate) and the Canadiens more or less limped into the playoffs. The teams in 6th through 8th in the East (sadly, including Boston) are cannon fodder this year. None of them are any good. I don't know if Washington has what it takes to win the cup (see San Jose over the last 2465426 years) but I do know they have what it takes to utterly destroy Montreal. I pick Washington, easily... and so does everyone else on Earth.
In Series B it's the New Jersey Devils and the Philadelphia Flyers. The Devils have been awesome this year, but their recent past (including the Olympics) shows that they (meaning Martin Brodeur) have been a bit shaky in the big games. Philly has been fighting for it's life over the last couple of weeks. They needed to win yesterday to clinch their spot and they did. I don't think the Flyers are that good, and on top of that I think they might have used themselves up just getting into the playoffs. I don't see New Jersey getting past the second round, but I do see them getting past the first round. I pick the Devils, but it might be a fun series to watch.
Series C is a match up between the evil, vile, hated Buffalo Sabers and the majestically awesome, heroic Boston Bruins. Of all the first round match ups for my Bruins, this is the one I wanted. I don't think we have what it takes to win a single game in this year's playoffs, but I would say Buffalo is the team we have the best chance of not getting swept. Ryan Miller is the King of All American Hockey after his incredible run at the Olympics, but he's been showing some cracks in his armor lately. It might be fatigue. It might be boredom caused by clinching the division and at worst the third seed quite a while ago. Who knows, but if it continues into the playoffs (it won't) the Bruins might just have a fighting chance. I am going to pick this series as my upset because I think the Bruins might make a series out of it, but also because I will never, ever, for all eternity pick against my team. I pick Boston in seven grueling 2-1 games.
Series D: the Pittsburgh Penguins against the Ottawa Senators. Sorry Ottawa, been nice knowing you and all, but you are done. There are three teams that have a shot against the Penguins. Washington, because they dominated everyone this year, and New Jersey, because they actually dominated Pittsburgh this year. No one else has a prayer... and really... I don't thin Jersey and Washington do either. It's too soon to call them as the finalist from the East, but I think they will probably be the finalist from the East for the third year in a row. Pittsburgh wins this one.
Over in the West we have series E featuring the San Jose Sharks and the Colorado Avalanche. The Avs were picked to finish lower than the East Coast League this year. No one expected anything out of them. Over the last few weeks it looks like they might have run out of gas, but it was enough to get them to the post season. San Jose is the first seed in the West yet again. As usual they dominated everyone in the regular season. They should rip the Avalanche to shreds. That's why I'm picking the Avalanche. I will not pick San Jose for anything again until they win a Stanley Cup. They have cemented themselves as the masters of choke. They rule in the regular season and then die immediately in the playoffs. I don't see any reason to believe it will be different in 2010. The Avs win this.
In series F we have the Chicago Blackhawks and the Nashville Predators. I have to admit I know almost nothing about the Predators this year... okay I know nothing at all about the Predators this year. I know Chicago is having some questions in goal that might be enough to keep them from making a deep run, but they are a whale of a team. I don't think anyone will be able to take them in the first round. No offense to Nashville, I just think Chicago is too good for anyone.
Series G: The Vancouver Canucks and the Los Angeles Kings. The Kings have been door mats for years and here they are with the sixth seed. The Canucks are a great team. The league leading scorer, the Olympic gold medal winning goalie. They really should win this easily... but what can I say, I am a Kings fan. Here is an upset pick for me. the Kings win this in a long, painful, drawn out seven games.
Last but not least, series H. The Phoenix Coyotes and the Detroit Red Wings. The Wings should own this series. It shouldn't even be close. But I am going with the feel good story of the year and picking the Coyotes. Like Colorado they were destined to spend the season in the basement. The organization spent the off season in court trying to decide who the real owner is and whether they were going to move to Hamilton Ontario, or Kansas City, or Las Vegas, or wherever. Now here we are after the regular season and Phoenix is not only in the playoffs, but they are the fourth seed. Detroit is as low as they are in the standings due in large part to injuries and questionable goal tending. Neither of which are a question now. So they should slaughter Phoenix. But I am picking Phoenix anyway. Sure, they might move to the other end of the continent after the season is over, but for now I think they make it to round two.
So there you have it. Eight predictions, most of which are probably dead wrong. I don't care. That's how I see it.
Go Bruins!
Here are the match ups and the television schedules:
| 2010 EASTERN CONFERENCE QUARTERFINALS | ||||||||
| SERIES A |
| Network | ||||||
| Thursday, April 15 | at Washington, 7:00 p.m. | TSN, VERSUS | ||||||
| Saturday, April 17 | at Washington, 7:00 p.m. | TSN, VERSUS | ||||||
| Monday, April 19 | at Montreal, 7:00 p.m. | TSN | ||||||
| Wednesday, April 21 | at Montreal, 7:00 p.m. | TSN | ||||||
| *Friday, April 23 | at Washington, 7:00 p.m. | TSN, VERSUS | ||||||
| *Monday, April 26 | at Montreal, 7:00 p.m. | TSN, VERSUS | ||||||
| *Wednesday, April 28 | at Washington, TBD | TSN | ||||||
| SERIES B |
| Network | ||||||
| Wednesday, April 14 | at New Jersey, 7:30 p.m. | TSN | ||||||
| Friday, April 16 | at New Jersey, 7:30 p.m. | TSN | ||||||
| Sunday, April 18 | at Philadelphia, 6:00 p.m. | TSN | ||||||
| Tuesday, April 20 | at Philadelphia, 7:30 p.m. | TSN2 | ||||||
| *Thursday, April 22 | at New Jersey, 7:00 p.m. | TSN | ||||||
| *Sunday, April 25 | at Philadelphia, TBD | TSN | ||||||
| *Tuesday, April 27 | at New Jersey, 7:30 p.m. | TSN | ||||||
| SERIES C |
| Network | ||||||
| Thursday, April 15 | at Buffalo, 7:00 p.m. | CBC | ||||||
| Saturday, April 17 | at Buffalo, 1:00 p.m. | NBC, CBC | ||||||
| Monday, April 19 | at Boston, 7:00 p.m. | VERSUS, CBC | ||||||
| Wednesday, April 21 | at Boston, 7:00 p.m. | VERSUS, CBC | ||||||
| *Friday, April 23 | at Buffalo, 7:00 p.m. | CBC | ||||||
| *Monday, April 26 | at Boston, 7:00 p.m. | CBC | ||||||
| *Wednesday, April 28 | at Buffalo, 7:00 p.m. | CBC | ||||||
| SERIES D |
| Network | ||||||
| Wednesday, April 14 | at Pittsburgh, 7:00 p.m. | CBC, VERSUS | ||||||
| Friday, April 16 | at Pittsburgh, 7:00 p.m. | CBC, VERSUS | ||||||
| Sunday, April 18 | at Ottawa, 6:30 p.m. | CBC, VERSUS | ||||||
| Tuesday, April 20 | at Ottawa, 7:00 p.m. | CBC, VERSUS | ||||||
| *Thursday, April 22 | at Pittsburgh, 7:00 p.m. | CBC, VERSUS | ||||||
| *Saturday, April 24 | at Ottawa, 7:00 p.m. | CBC, VERSUS | ||||||
| *Tuesday, April 27 | at Pittsburgh, 7:00 p.m. | CBC | ||||||
| 2010 WESTERN CONFERENCE QUARTERFINALS | ||||||||
| SERIES E |
| Network | ||||||
| Wednesday, April 14 | at San Jose, 10:30 p.m. | CBC, VERSUS (JIP) | ||||||
| Friday, April 16 | at San Jose, 10:30 p.m. | CBC, VERSUS (JIP) | ||||||
| Sunday, April 18 | at Colorado, 9:30 p.m. | CBC, VERSUS (JIP) | ||||||
| Tuesday, April 20 | at Colorado, 10:00 p.m. | CBC, VERSUS (JIP) | ||||||
| *Thursday, April 22 | at San Jose, 10:30 p.m. | CBC, VERSUS (JIP) | ||||||
| *Saturday, April 24 | at Colorado, TBD | CBC | ||||||
| *Monday, April 26 | at San Jose, TBD | CBC | ||||||
| SERIES F |
| Network | ||||||
| Friday, April 16 | at Chicago, 8:30 p.m. | TSN2, VERSUS (JIP) | ||||||
| Sunday, April 18 | at Chicago, 8:30 p.m. | TSN, VERSUS (JIP) | ||||||
| Tuesday, April 20 | at Nashville, 9:00 p.m. | TSN, VERSUS (JIP) | ||||||
| Thursday, April 22 | at Nashville, 8:30 p.m. | TSN2, VERSUS (JIP) | ||||||
| *Saturday, April 24 | at Chicago, 3:00 p.m. | NBC, TSN | ||||||
| *Monday, April 26 | at Nashville, TBD | TSN | ||||||
| *Wednesday, April 28 | at Chicago, TBD | TSN | ||||||
| SERIES G |
| Network | ||||||
| Thursday, April 15 | at Vancouver, 10:00 p.m. | CBC, VERSUS | ||||||
| Saturday, April 17 | at Vancouver, 10:00 p.m. | CBC, VERSUS | ||||||
| Monday, April 19 | at Los Angeles, 10:00 p.m. | CBC, VERSUS | ||||||
| Wednesday, April 21 | at Los Angeles, 10:00 p.m. | CBC, VERSUS | ||||||
| *Friday, April 23 | at Vancouver, 10:00 p.m. | CBC | ||||||
| *Sunday, April 25 | at Los Angeles, TBD | CBC, VERSUS | ||||||
| *Tuesday, April 27 | at Vancouver, TBD | CBC | ||||||
| SERIES H |
| Network | ||||||
| Wednesday, April 14 | at Phoenix, 10:00 p.m. | TSN, VERSUS | ||||||
| Friday, April 16 | at Phoenix, 10:00 p.m. | TSN, VERSUS | ||||||
| Sunday, April 18 | at Detroit, 3:00 p.m. | NBC, TSN | ||||||
| Tuesday, April 20 | at Detroit, 6:30 p.m. | TSN | ||||||
| *Friday, April 23 | at Phoenix, 10:00 p.m. | TSN, VERSUS | ||||||
| *Sunday, April 25 | at Detroit, 2:00 p.m. | NBC, TSN | ||||||
| *Tuesday, April 27 | at Phoenix, TBD | TSN | ||||||
| | ||||||||
In Series B it's the New Jersey Devils and the Philadelphia Flyers. The Devils have been awesome this year, but their recent past (including the Olympics) shows that they (meaning Martin Brodeur) have been a bit shaky in the big games. Philly has been fighting for it's life over the last couple of weeks. They needed to win yesterday to clinch their spot and they did. I don't think the Flyers are that good, and on top of that I think they might have used themselves up just getting into the playoffs. I don't see New Jersey getting past the second round, but I do see them getting past the first round. I pick the Devils, but it might be a fun series to watch.
Series C is a match up between the evil, vile, hated Buffalo Sabers and the majestically awesome, heroic Boston Bruins. Of all the first round match ups for my Bruins, this is the one I wanted. I don't think we have what it takes to win a single game in this year's playoffs, but I would say Buffalo is the team we have the best chance of not getting swept. Ryan Miller is the King of All American Hockey after his incredible run at the Olympics, but he's been showing some cracks in his armor lately. It might be fatigue. It might be boredom caused by clinching the division and at worst the third seed quite a while ago. Who knows, but if it continues into the playoffs (it won't) the Bruins might just have a fighting chance. I am going to pick this series as my upset because I think the Bruins might make a series out of it, but also because I will never, ever, for all eternity pick against my team. I pick Boston in seven grueling 2-1 games.
Series D: the Pittsburgh Penguins against the Ottawa Senators. Sorry Ottawa, been nice knowing you and all, but you are done. There are three teams that have a shot against the Penguins. Washington, because they dominated everyone this year, and New Jersey, because they actually dominated Pittsburgh this year. No one else has a prayer... and really... I don't thin Jersey and Washington do either. It's too soon to call them as the finalist from the East, but I think they will probably be the finalist from the East for the third year in a row. Pittsburgh wins this one.
Over in the West we have series E featuring the San Jose Sharks and the Colorado Avalanche. The Avs were picked to finish lower than the East Coast League this year. No one expected anything out of them. Over the last few weeks it looks like they might have run out of gas, but it was enough to get them to the post season. San Jose is the first seed in the West yet again. As usual they dominated everyone in the regular season. They should rip the Avalanche to shreds. That's why I'm picking the Avalanche. I will not pick San Jose for anything again until they win a Stanley Cup. They have cemented themselves as the masters of choke. They rule in the regular season and then die immediately in the playoffs. I don't see any reason to believe it will be different in 2010. The Avs win this.
In series F we have the Chicago Blackhawks and the Nashville Predators. I have to admit I know almost nothing about the Predators this year... okay I know nothing at all about the Predators this year. I know Chicago is having some questions in goal that might be enough to keep them from making a deep run, but they are a whale of a team. I don't think anyone will be able to take them in the first round. No offense to Nashville, I just think Chicago is too good for anyone.
Series G: The Vancouver Canucks and the Los Angeles Kings. The Kings have been door mats for years and here they are with the sixth seed. The Canucks are a great team. The league leading scorer, the Olympic gold medal winning goalie. They really should win this easily... but what can I say, I am a Kings fan. Here is an upset pick for me. the Kings win this in a long, painful, drawn out seven games.
Last but not least, series H. The Phoenix Coyotes and the Detroit Red Wings. The Wings should own this series. It shouldn't even be close. But I am going with the feel good story of the year and picking the Coyotes. Like Colorado they were destined to spend the season in the basement. The organization spent the off season in court trying to decide who the real owner is and whether they were going to move to Hamilton Ontario, or Kansas City, or Las Vegas, or wherever. Now here we are after the regular season and Phoenix is not only in the playoffs, but they are the fourth seed. Detroit is as low as they are in the standings due in large part to injuries and questionable goal tending. Neither of which are a question now. So they should slaughter Phoenix. But I am picking Phoenix anyway. Sure, they might move to the other end of the continent after the season is over, but for now I think they make it to round two.
So there you have it. Eight predictions, most of which are probably dead wrong. I don't care. That's how I see it.
Go Bruins!
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