The savior:



While Luongo’s ‘official’ shutout streak stands at 193:59, it’s actually been 195:34 since a puck has entered the Canuck net with Luongo in goal (the discrepancy comes from the time he’s spent on the bench for an extra attacker late in the St. Louis game and during delayed penalties in subsequent games).

A ghoul pool variation:

The jury is expected to be free tonight to begin deliberations on the fate of Robert William Pickton. I want to know how long they'll be out - and what the verdict returned will be. I'm going with next Tues. Guilty. Thoughts???

2007 Geminis Puppets Skit

"Rusty and Jerome, the two puppets from beloved CBC children's TV show The Friendly Giant, have been returned to the family of late star Bob Homme after a ruckus over their appearance in a satirical skit last month."

Dear god - get a sense of humor people.

Apparently the objected to the line 'All they do is drink and smoke and have sex.'

"Any media use of the puppets must be approved by the family, Homme said, adding that he felt the skit was "misrepresenting the puppets. They seemed like aliens to me with their different voices. It occurred to me that this is not anything we would have approved of, as far as the script goes."

Only in Canada eh?

Roberto Luongo (aka God, Him, His Holiness) can capture a new Canuck record tonight. He could pass Ken (Spider) Lockett - the backup goalie to Gary Smith in that rare divisional championship season in '74-'75 who posted two consecutive shutouts and a string of 184:20 to seemingly cement his spot in the gallery of Canucks heroes.

I suspect that he'll get it done. In other goaltender news, he won't have to face the fantastic Pascal Leclaire tonight as he's still down with an injury. But catch this quote re. the BlueJacket's latest practice:

OLD-TIME HOCKEY: With Leclaire unable to practise and Popperle not yet in Vancouver, it was up to Blue Jackets goalie coach Clint Malarchuk to put on Leclaire's pads and serve as the second goalie in practice. "First time in 12 years I've put the gear on," said the 45-year-old Malarchuk, who was looking a little flushed as he walked into the dressing room. "I feel great now, but talk to me tomorrow. "I've actually played in two alumni games where I went in for a period. But I mean that's just a bunch of old farts getting together. This is work." Leclaire had a concern, but it wasn't about Malarchuk's well-being.

"You didn't piss in my gear, did you?" Leclaire asked.

Canucks by 2.

Classic

This scene is so very Mr. Bean...

Luongo's shutout streak now sits at 182 min 37 sec. I predict he'll go another 25 min.

In other mid week ramblings:

1. Bookland rules. Over the years, I suspect I've bought 70% of my new books there. Went in this morning to pick up the Clapton autobiography and found that they are selling books and mags at the Yankee price. God bless them and the lovely old Irish lady who always makes smile. Think I might have a crush on her - she's about 70 I think!

2. Kamloops radio blows. There was a wreck on the bridge this morning. I was listening to the 'Mighty NL.' Traffic was backed up like I've never seen. Had to go downtown via the highway after some Bond like maneuvers and was subsequently late for my appointment. NL didn't mention it, but the 'Morning Mayor' had me contemplating homicide yet again as he rambled on about nothing, while ignoring the worst traffic jam I've ever seen in Kamloops.

3. Kamloops theater's blow. 'No Country for Old Men' still ain't here. Enough said.

4. Promogran rules. This wonderful product is the final step of my 'hell-hole' treatment. Looks like I'll be completely covered by Fri. or this weekend. Shameless product placement: Promogran consists of a sterile, freeze dried matrix composed of collagen and oxidised regenerated cellulose (ORC), formed into a sheet approximately 3 mm thick cut into hexagonal pieces.

5. The Mood. Sounds as though Port Moody is gonna get rocked next Fri. My lady and I are hoping to crash the Doc's joint and Mr. Brown sounds like he's gonna get some serious jig on in the burbs.

http://communities.canada.com/theprovince/blogs/kurtenblog/archive/2007/11/27/the-kb-talks-2010-olympic-mascots-vancouver-s-furry-friends.aspx

Courtesy of JFu

I suspect that this will garner some debate:



Vancouver's Olympic organizing committee has announced three creatures to represent the 2010 Games as the official mascots.


VANOC describes "Sumi" as "an animal spirit who lives in the mountains of British Columbia."

"He wears the hat of the orca whale, flies with the wings of the mighty thunderbird and runs on the strong furry legs of the black bear," according to the VANOC press release.

"Quatchi" is a "young sasquatch who comes from the mysterious forests of Canada."

"Miga" is described as "a young sea bear who lives in the ocean with her family pod, beyond Vancouver Island, near Tofino, British Columbia.

What the fuck is a 'young sea bear?' I think he's an attempt lure Japanese tourists here - doesn't he look an awful lot like all those Asian characters that were so popular on handbags and the like a while back? And why is he winking? Man oh man - the ink on 'Quatchi's' arm is very West Coast chic though! Welcome Sumi, Quatchi and Miga - you freaky conceptual artist's nightmare. Looks as though they saved some dollars however - really, what could the grade 4 class who came up with this crap have charged?


Hello Kitty, Goodbye dignity

This is some Messed up Shit:



AN INDONESIAN known as "Tree Man" - because of incredibly long warts on his hands and feet that resemble tree roots - is still baffling many experts about the cause of his condition.

After cutting his knee as a teenager, 35-year-old Dede now has “warty roots” coming out of his arms and legs in what was believed to be a life-threatening condition.



Makes you realize just how lucky we are to have our health eh?

Go see it - Denzel is amazing as usual. Pacing was good - didn't feel like it was 2.5 hrs. long! Very horrific and brutal at times. The insight into the destruction heroin wreaks in peoples lives was spooky. If ya don't like needles - prepare to cringe, this film holds little back. Geo - you'll like it, guaranteed! My Goddess and I are going to see The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford this week hopefully - another long one that I'm looking forward to. On another note - it's one that never made it to the big theater up the hill, gotta watch it in the (how the fuck is this place still open!?) Paramount. Kamloops - Ughh...you almost need a nerve block to ease the pain of watching a film in those horrific seats! How spoiled we become, huh?

Having posted re. the film - it's now time to mention the book. I enjoyed it very much and recommend it. He compares McCandles ill fated walk into the bush to others who took similar risks, and fared equally poorly. His insights into the young man's family life and upbringing are insightful and lend understanding to what possibly led him to take such risks. A section in the middle of the book describing the author's attempt at a seeming unattainable peak (also in Alaska) as a young man drew interesting comparisons to how two completely different people can risk all for entirely unalike reasons. A lovely and harrowing read.

Crazy

Ok Geo - how does this work?

Snazzy Nazzy. There is a reason his jersey hangs framed and signed above my mantle. God I love that fella.

Boogaard Going Through Glass

Hopefully the Cro-Magnon man that is Derek Boogard misses his hits again tonight. I suspect this game will not be as exciting as the press is reporting. That said, I hope it's a gong show. Sanford gets the start and I find myself predicting the Canucks by two. They will be beat (arriving in Minny @ 4am), that said - it could go crazy in the first; setting a nasty note for the rest of the game. Looking forward to it, although I wish the twits @ PPV ahd the god damned games (and I hope he does Damn them) were in HD. Hockey without HD is kinda like Ron without sarcasm. Sad. Love ya Mr Brown! Stop reading this and get writing you bus driving maniac!

I haven't seen this get a lot of press yet, but after his goal and assist performance last night, Markus Naslund has quietly - does he do it any other way? - moved to within nine points of Trevor Linden's franchise scoring record.

Sometime in the near future, I'm sure we'll start debating about who the better Canucks captain was. Last season, Naslund passed Linden as the Canucks' goal scoring leader. Earlier this season, Linden passed Stan Smyl as the Canucks' assist leader; Naslund is now also within 24 assists of Trevor's mark. Both have so far served as Canucks captain for seven seasons each.

It's really amazing how a lot of their career numbers are similar; however, there is one glaring difference. Trevor has appeared in 124 playoff games (all but six with Vancouver) and has 99 postseason points (all but four assists in a Canucks uniform). Markus has only played in 45 postseason games and has 33 points in them (all with Vancouver). In his time as captain, Trevor led the Canucks to six playoff series wins. Markus has so far led the Canucks to only two, though a long playoff run this season can bump that number up pretty quick.

And in what could be the final year for two of the best players to ever lace up for this team, a long playoff run is kinda what we're all hoping for.

Leg update: The hole is filling in nicely - another week or so; and hopefully these updates won't include flesh! This probably doesn't look much different to the masses - but the lower half (ie: where I used to see bone) is completely filled in, and it;s growing up nicely. And you all though my skinny leg couldn't get skinnier - HA!

Dad's BD Party @ Y&K Sushi - Scots eating sushi - madness!

Canuck Place - Roberto Luongo

Very cute.

Gotta love Louie:



Some recent stats:

* 5-0-1 record in six games
* 11 points out of a possible 12
* 9 goals allowed in six games
* +7 in even-strength goals
* Louie's 1.47 GAA and .946 save percentage

Seems this club faces adversity well eh? Ohlund's suspension certainly won't help things - I've never seen him lose it like that. Such an emotional, violent game this hockey. That said, it appears the defence are able to weather the storm, and it's nice to see young Edler and Bourdon really take advantage of this opportunity they've been given. All this said, I look forward to the back to backs on Tues/Wed; and will be firmly rooted on my couch for the Wed. night Min. game. That's going to be nuts. Hope we make it out unscathed. It'll be an interesting one for sure.

Seems I can't sleep just yet - so a wee blog update for the faithful:

Jaime and I went to see Sean Penn's new film 'Into the Wild' tonight. While my lady wasn't sold on it, I was blown away.

George, some advice - you will hate this film.

To the few who may still be reading, here goes. Mr. Penn continues to prove he is one of the premier talents working in Hollywood today. Penn, working alongside cinematographer Eric Gautier (The Motorcycle Diaries), captures the majesty of Alaska's wilderness and bring beauty to the everyday sights our protagonist encounters. As usual - I found myself compelled by the lighting, framing and vastness of the shots; I like nothing more than being awed by the glory that is our world beamed back at us in a darkened room. The performances are also out of this word. Emile Hirsch loses weight like Tom Hanks in that FedEx sponsored film, (remember the tooth ache scene?) yet remains true and believable in what amounts to a truly haunting performance. The three relationships he forges on his journey (shown in flashback sequences) are at times funny, comical and yet insightful about the way the relationships we choose to forge bond and develop up as Humans. The narration by his beloved sister keeps things moving nicely. And this film was nearly 3 hrs. long.

!!!Alex alert!!! You ain't gonna like the following: Eddie Vedder's remarkable songs, notably a cover of "Hard Sun," sound like the voice of Chris' unconscious. I stole that last line by the way. Watch for Vedder to take home and Oscar this year!

In other news:

Seems the Canucks can score eh Doc?

Tommorow's game: Nucks over the Flamers by two.

Oh yeah: Go Lions! Any of you buggers going to the game?

Hmm - the 'Boogie Man' might be in a bit of trouble from the league as well. Seems this game may take a bit of Colin Cambell's time up after all.

The Minnesota Wild were lost in the hockey jungle Friday night.

Down 4-0 to the Vancouver Canucks before the night was 17 minutes old, the Wild left GM Place 6-2 losers and with more than just sore feelings.

Wild centre Mikko Koivu received a two-handed baseball style slash from Canuck defenceman Mattias Ohlund with 4:54 remaining, the slash a retaliation after Koivu elbowed Ohlund in the face. Koivu took the blow behind his left knee but had little to say after the contest.

"No comment, buddy, no comment," a furious Koivu told reporters before limping to the shower.

Wild enforcer Derek Boogaard had no problem expressing his feelings on the matter. The Canucks and Wild meet again Wednesday in St. Paul.

"Obviously a slash like that, you expect to see at least a five-game suspension," said the 6-7 Boogie Man. "We'll see how things play out on Wednesday. Their so-called agitators were taking liberties, but as soon as I step on the ice, they scatter to their holes. I'm not going to stand for it.

"Maybe I go out and slash [Markus] Naslund or Pinky and the Brain twins."

Stephane Veilleux, who appeared to fire the puck at Canuck Mike Weaver as time expired, claimed he was just trying to "dump" it in.

"I expect some hard play on Wednesday," said Veilleux. "We've always been a team that plays with skill. We never do a cheap shot. That two-handed slash, that's crossing the line."

Wild coach Jacques Lemaire was far more diplomatic than his irate players and praised the Canucks for their comprehensive performance.

"Vancouver was good with the puck, they were skating well, every line was controlling play, which you don't have too often," said a surprisingly calm Lemaire. "They deserved the game better than we did. The slash? It was a slash, there's no doubt. He could have broken his leg.

"I just saw it quickly and I would have to review it to make a better comment. I'll leave it with the league. I have enough of my own problems to deal with."

The Wild, who began the season at 7-0-1, have won just three times in their last 11 games (3-7-1).

n Injured Canuck defencemen Sami Salo (broken nose) and Lukas Krajicek (broken ankle) both skated again Friday with Krajicek announcing he could play by the middle of next week. The Canucks are in Edmonton Tuesday and, of course, Minny Wednesday.

"The ankle is fine, I just need to get my legs back," Krajicek said. "I won't play Sunday [against Calgary] but if not Tuesday, then Wednesday."

Salo, meanwhile, experimented with both a full shield and a cage Friday and said he felt more comfortable with the cage.

Koivu Ohlund Incident 11/16/07

Hmm - nice game last night apart from this ugly incident from the otherwise alm, cool and collected M. Ohlund. I'm thinking it'll carry a two game suspension, with perhaps a game going against M. Gaboric for his earlier elbow to the head of Ryan Kesler. Thoughts?

Bear with this - Pretty cute.

Please take the time and watch this link...it shows the RCMP murdering a man. This story has caught my attention since it went public. Wow, I'm completely stunned. This man was agitated obviously. He was also behind glass and completely alone. NO THREAT! His only weapon appeared to be a tv dinner type end table. Holy shit, to finally see four fucking full grown men in body armor opt to taser a man/then kneel on his throat as opposed to simply taking him to the ground physically makes my tummy turn. Interesting to see that after the 'code red' has been announced in the airport; the officer who fired is calmly winding up the taser cable. The last man in appears to 'get tough' in the mayhem - and the redheaded kid makes quite the show of closing his baton by smashing it near the victims head! All the while, these 'emergency responders' do little other than fidget and look freaked out. There appears to be no attempt at first aid. Do they not carry pocket shields? Are they not trained in CPR? I know I am - however I'm not licensed to kill: only educated in an attempt to save. I'm absolutely appalled and would love nothing more than to see these 'insert nauseous adjective here' federal police officers sentenced to life. I hope the Polish Embassy makes a load of stink, and refuses to let this go away. I want to read the story of these cops trials and subsequent convictions. Why do I know it won't happen? Keep an eye out in the boonies if you're pulled over - that's where these fuck-ups will end up; the RCMP has a way of looking after their own. I've never been as ashamed to call this country home as I am now. Truly people, this is a national disgrace. Lordy.

http://www.cbc.ca/mrl3/8752/bc/ondemand/video/YVRTASERVIDEO.wmv

Sorry you'll have to paste - but I can't figure it out, and am truly too disturbed to learn/and or find an image to accompany. Wow.

Also a hearty 'fuck you' to the twits who attempted to keep this tape from the public. Thinking of recent events, I wonder if the RCMP has fallen to bits and needs disbanded or gutted from the top down...

I'm honestly ill right now...a pox on those cops. Alas, I'll assume it fair in thinking they are resting their wee 89 IQ filled skulls on pillows you and I paid for. I for one will be contacting my federal representatives tomorrow demanding an inquiry. This is as ghastly as anything I've ever seen.

You Are A Vampire

You have a real thirst for bliss, and you consider yourself a true hedonist. And you're not afraid to walk alone in life, if it means getting what you truly crave. You truly enjoy entrancing people. Not to mention the ensuing pleasures of the flesh. Your tastes have been called decadent and bizarre. You usually give in to your temptations, no matter how primal Your greatest power: Your flawless ability to seduce and charm Your greatest weakness: Human flesh You play well with: Werewolves

What Kind of Monster Are You?

Three games in a row...and games upcoming this Wed. and Fri. It's time for a bold prediction think I. I know Geo awaits a creak from the wheel...

Naslund, Sedin and Sedin will finish in the top five for points scored by a line if Coach Vignaeult keeps them together.

This team has what it takes to weather the storm and go deep.

Hold on Everyone.

Both upcoming games will be one-goalers. The Canucks will win both.

Hold on.

Defensive Woes Updated:

Sources tell TSN that Vancouver Canucks defenceman Kevin Bieksa's injury is worse than originally feared. "It could be months not weeks" is how Bieksa's prognosis is now being described.

Bieksa was originally expected to miss eight weeks after sustaining a deep cut on his right calf from the skate of Predators' forward Vernon Fiddler during the Canucks 3-0 loss to Nashville November 1st. That cut that was deeper than the Canucks initially thought.

Bieksa underwent surgery to repair the damage and was fitted with a cast following the procedure.

The belief is once the cast comes off, the Canucks blueliner will have to endure a lengthy rehabilitation process.

After a breakout campaign last season, Bieksa signed a three-year $11.25 million contract in the off season to anchor the Canucks blueline. He struggled in the early going with one goal and three assists in 12 games this season.

Meanwhile, Bieksa's teammate, Sami Salo is considered to be at least four weeks from returning.

Salo, who suffered a severely broken nose and cracked sinus cavity in the same game is having difficulty breathing due to swelling.

Lukas Krajicek, a third member of the Canucks defensive corps is likely at least two weeks away from returning after cracking a bone in his ankle last month

Oh my, Oh my...

Vid of the streaker from the Whitecaps vs Galaxy friendly match that brought Mr Beckam to Vancouver. Tell me, why is it that security guards are such weak tacklers? I'll admit it's probably not everyones cup of tea to tackle a naked stranger in the middle of the pitch, it just always seems to be a weak attempt! Thoughts? Love how the player teed up the ball and almost nailed him with it though...

On another note, Matt Cooke continues to be an embarrassment to my beloved Canucks. Once again, he throws a questionable hit and leaves Ohlund (yes Ohlie!) to mop up his mess. And now get this - Ohlund goes with UPPERCUTS to battle Dion Phaneuf. Gotta love that Ohlie. I've said this before, but I'll play the broken record card: Matt Cooke is a marginal player, rarely hits the net, and never backs up his bullshit antics on the ice. He's a shit disturber and not a particularly talented one. I'd love to see the prick gone - there's gotta be a reason he was voted "the most hated player in the NHL' a few years back.

snl-Dick in a Box

Just had to share this again in case any of you haven't actually seen this. Makes me laugh everytime.

Random Notes from this Wed Evening:

1. Happy birthday JFu you young bugger.

2. My niece is now in Honk Kong and will be updating her Asian holiday via her blog. She's listed under my links.

3. For Jacqui: Thinking I came up with a solution the the travel dilemma re. our Pop. Got him a sizeable gift certificate to FlightCenter for his upcoming BD. Ian is following suit, as will Rory I suspect. Let's see him not go now with all those $$$'s just laying there!

4. The Canucks will win by two goals tomorrow night. I will be wearing my Luongo jersey. Thusly - they must.

5. If the gangland shootings continue at this pace in Vancouver, there will be no more gangsters by the time the Olympics arrive. Then the Revolution will strike and take over our rightful position in this province.

6. Apparently the Mood isn't safe either: I just heard about a murder in NewPort Village from this past winter...heads up Doc!

7. Helene has arrived and is blogging like mad from la (le?) bell(e) province!
http://lnetlxchezlescaribous.blogspot.com/

8. Just received word that I will be OFFICIALLY hanging in Cloverdale from early January to early March doing back to back 'years' of my warehouse training. Should be some sweet times. Anyone knowing of motels/hotels/fleabag flophouses in the area ought let me know APAP. All those living in the Lower Mainland and reading this, take note: Your place will become said motels/hotels/fleabag flophouses apres noon on Friday. Warehouseman don't work past noon on Fridays!

9. TV without HDTV is, as Ron might say, for suckers. And yes JFu - HDNET is some seriously good programming.

10. Hmm - lacking a tenth point...hmm...Bailey is getting a bath and a haircut tomorrow, hope you all are as well!

Producers of the new Star Trek movie are to hold an open casting session for people with "unique" features to appear as extras in the film.

The studio said it was interested in people with unique characteristics like "long necks, small heads, bug eyes, large foreheads and oversized ears".



How perfect - and he's out of work to boot!

The Cars-Hello again(1984)

I was doing a little research into the life of Andy Warhol, and came across a link to him in this video. Man oh man - the Cars were some wild shit. Like the famous SNL 'More Cowbell' skit - you just don't hear synthesizers like this anymore. And didn't the lead singer (one freaky looking lad for sure!) marry some super hot model?

'Get your money for nothing, and your chicks for free'

Citing "two Swedish ice hockey sources," the Canadian newspaper reported that Forsberg left the ice after about an hour and told reporters he didn't pass his "personal test." He apologized to fans who bought tickets for the Karjala Cup, an annual event between Finland, Sweden, Russia and the Czech Republic. He then reportedly told the media that he realized he "made a fool of himself" and said, "I just can't do it."

It looks as though one of the greats of my generation is done. This was a player unlike others. Skilled, strong as an Ox (willing to play tough and dirty to boot!) and as good a goal scorer as any. Best of luck Foppa, and thanks for the memories. Think the best was watching him finish the game (obviously injured hard core) and get ye olde spleen removed afterwards...who says Swedes are soft?



According to the Globe and Mail, Forsberg left the ice at Sweden's national team practice on Monday after an hour, saying his ankle wasn't holding up.

"It's extremely tough and I know that everyone can understand how I feel," he told a Swedish television station.

"It doesn't feel good, I always try to stay positive, but today is a very dark day."

Seinfeld Lost Episode - Kramer At The Laugh Factory

In keeping with the Seinfeld theme...this is so fucking funny...

Jerry Seinfeld on the Larry King Show

God I hate Larry King....

For Lex:


If you're gonna change teams: here's Bob kissing center ice at the old Forum - I'll stick to Anglo ground myself! HeeHee.

A reported article pertaining to a comment received here that implied my description of Kevin Bieksa's injury was exaggerated:

BIEKSA PROGNOSIS WORSENS

The post-surgery prognosis on injured defenceman Kevin Bieksa could be worse than first feared.

Not only was Bieksa's calf lacerated Thursday against Nashville, it's believed the upper Achilles tendon of the Vancouver Canucks defenceman may also have been cut. That could lengthen the rehab process from two to four months. Bieksa remains immobilized in a cast up to his thigh.

And the Flamer's lost last night - beautiful.

Boys and Boxes is an exhibition by Kamloops artist Ian McDonald that features approximately 42 photographic portraits of technicians working at Highland Valley Copper, Canada’s largest open pit copper mine located near Logan Lake, an hour's drive southwest of Kamloops. The workers, all men, are specialists in a variety of trades, and the portraits include those of welders, heavy duty and automotive mechanics, electricians, machinists, tire men, and millwrights. McDonald, who also works at Highland Valley Copper, has photographed each man standing next to his tool box.



The men portrayed in Boys and Boxes are members of the United Steel Workers Union Local 7619. Their tool boxes are individualized with stickers, magnets, posters, and other decorations, and can be understood as physical extensions of the men’s personal identities. As portraits of individuals within a collectivized environment, the images examine the ways in which individuals assert their uniqueness within the group. Photographing with the camera at eye-level, McDonald creates equality between viewer and subject in these sensitive portraits.

Boys and Boxes is also a rare study of the mining industry’s demographics: nearly all the men in the photographs are in or near their fifties, representing a generation that came of age when trade opportunities were few and highly sought. Most of these men have worked at Highland Valley Copper for 20 years or more, and have experienced the miner’s life of closures, strikes, and mergers. McDonald’s images present a sociological perspective on an industry that is often viewed only through the lenses of economics or the environment.



The Kamloops Art Gallery is proud to present McDonald’s first solo exhibition in a public art gallery and to pay tribute to the mine workers in our community. The exhibition is accompanied by a full-colour catalogue with an essay by Thompson Rivers University instructor Terryl Atkins.


Twas neat to see the lads I know so well portrayed in this show. I pointed out men I liked, disliked and even guys who I knew intimately through ERT rescues to Jaime as we perused the portraits. The correlation between the men and their toolboxes was an interesting study - but I found the photography boring. That could be due to the fact that the subjects and their surroundings were so second-nature to me, but I went in expecting something more; more insight. I await the one reply whose opinion will be relevant...

I've already sent a shot at Mr. Brown via Facebook, and thusly I predict here that the Canucks will win this evening. I won't say by how many, who's gonna score etc. - but they will win. Mark my words. For those of you who disagree, here's an idea. If you're correct in your negativity, and reply by 9:30pm this eve; and shamefully pick the Avs to win (and they do) I will buy you a beer. Of course if I'm correct - it'll be Stella for me. Any takers???

Good morning and welcome to the Friday Freak-Out:

A little bit about last evening: My lovely lady, Jfu, myself and another couple decided on a night out for a few beverages at a restaurant in town that's owned by a group of NHL players. The draft beer tasted like salt, and was quickly abandoned for bottled brew. The server seemed uninterested when I suggested he sample the draft. (Two varieties were off,so there was obviously a problem with the lines.) He also left us dry far to often, but larger problems loomed. After said couple left, the three of us headed up to the lounge to catch the rest of the Nucks PPV game. Uh no - the bartender proceeds to tell us that the PPV costs 'like 3000 bucks, so we don't have it.' I am shocked and say something like 'But this place is owned by a bunch of hockey players!' We leave, find the game on across the road and watch the fallout. A blurb follows re. the chophouse that will likely NEVER see another cent of my hard earned cash:

Players Chophouse
Catch a game, join friends for a drink or enjoy a meal at Players Chophouse. The extensive menu includes fine chops and steaks, pizzas, pasta and more. The lounge features leather sofas and a fireplace while the rooftop patio is ideal for catching some rays.

'Catch a game' - uh, no.

Ok now onto the game: Team 1040 is reporting:

Sami Salo has a broken orbital bone, per Team 1040.

Kevin Bieksa has a 60% severed achilles tendon, per Team 1040.

Good luck to Sami and Kevin, as they appear to have a long road ahead of them recovery wise. As for Luongo getting booed by the faithful at GM Place; I've just seen the replays and I think I may have booed as well. All that said, the Canucks may be in fine pecking order in '08's draft.


This is simply put - fucking awful. I'm not going to whine or rant; the pain is still too fresh.

On other notes:

My 'hellish hole' improved by leaps and bounds since Wed. The hole is now merely a slit, and if all progresses well - this VAC treatment will be done next week.

I had a conversation yesterday with my WCB pion (contact - really, I didn't mean to call him something mean!) regarding what I'm being paid. After reading him some well researched data (thanks to my sexy lawyering lady) I arrived home this morning to a call stating that he was in fact, fucked in the head, and that we were, in fact, correct. Thus I'm now maxed out and will be getting a retroactive raise of $45 per week. Every bit helps right?

Over and out - enjoy yer weekend peeps.

Where's my money?

Oh man, love that crazy Stewie.

And the world crumbles for the Swiss Miss. Many moons ago, I had many a fantasy re. young Martina. It all began with a GQ photo shoot of her in a naughty/clingy black dress! Then she hooked up with Sergio Garcia. My affection wavered. Now we'll hear/see nothing from her ever again (hopefully) as she retires from tennis having allegedly tested positive for cocaine. I'm shocked that cocaine is still hip. How long til we find athletes on meth? All hopped up - having to take a break from the action to let teeth fall out/ pick at a scab - whatever?! Sorry to see ya go like this missy, should have retired with that ankle injury after all huh?

Today in History:




Jacques Plante broke with tradition and changed the face of hockey forever.

Jacques Plante was to become one of the National Hockey League's greatest goalies, but was never one to rest on his laurels. He would dare to be different and go against the game's "macho" traditions by wearing a protective face mask, and developed a very personal style of play in front of and behind the net.

The turning point came in a game at Madison Square Garden on November 1, 1959, when a powerful slap shot shattered his nose. After receiving a total of 200 stitches on his face, he decided he had paid his dues to the gods of the national sport and stubbornly held his own against coach Toe Blake, who believed a player had to "fight for his life" to play well. That same night, with his face sewn from nose to lip, Plante agreed to return to the ice only if he was allowed to wear his mask, which he had worn in practices since 1955. This cream coloured mask drew a mix of criticism, admiration and wisecracks. Nevertheless, the team won by a score of 4 to 1. To keep wearing the mask [which he was supposed to give up once he was healed], Plante outdid himself by leading the team on an 11-game winning streak and eventually winning the Stanley Cup the following spring.

A resourceful and stubborn individual, Plante did not fit hockey stereotypes. The oldest of 11 children in a Shawinigan family during the Depression, he knew how to cook, sew, and knit. A sports columnist remembered seeing him in goal for the Montréal Royals at age 22 wearing a toque and jersey he had knitted himself.

Plante produced the masks himself. He made several models for himself and fellow players, constantly improving their strength, visibility and lightness. In the 1960s and 1970s, protective masks with captivating graphics flourished in the NHL. Today, players wearing helmets and visors are a common sight.

But even his masks could not outshine Plante's free-ranging style in the goal crease. The mask made Plante more confident, daring and astute. He had a very unique technique of moving out of the crease to cut down angles and stop pucks or pass them to his defencemen behind the "cage." In various ways, Jacques Plante managed to influence and shape the rules of the game. His innovative spirit gave hockey a new face.