Caps won their division last night when Atlanta lost to Columbus. This is their third straight division title and they are the first team in the league to clinch a playoff spot. Let's go Caps!To celebrate, here are some fun links:
Friday, March 12, 2010
Southeast Division Champs
Caps won their division last night when Atlanta lost to Columbus. This is their third straight division title and they are the first team in the league to clinch a playoff spot. Let's go Caps!To celebrate, here are some fun links:
Scottie Walker, Red Label
New trade acquisition Scott Walker is quickly endearing himself to me, first with the 2 goals against Tampa Bay last week, including the game winner (see Walker, Verizon Ranger).Now he is delighting me with his metro fascination. He took the metro to the Caps v Stars game on Monday night. I kid you not. See for yourself. The car seems to be back in Raleigh with his wife and kids (I really think the Walker and Pothier families should host each of the players, sort of like a Trading Spouses situation?)
As a follow up to his initial tickled report of public transportation, he had some further comments on his nerves at using our rail system and how jealous his family is now that they didn't take advantage of this service. WMATA might want to keep the Walkers in mind for marketing purposes... He is just so darn loveable!!
I'm glad to see our new Caps are adjusting so quickly and easily to our fine city. The obvious excitement from our new players kind of seems like insult to injury for our boy Pothier though (see Trades And Tears).
Trades And Tears
Brian Pothier. Your plight is hurting my emotions :(The poor guy is living in a Residence Inn in Raleigh after being traded as part of a package for Joe Corvo. He had been with the Caps for 4 years, and his wife and kids are still living in their DC home and going to their DC school. I don't even like Corvo. Yet...
I already felt awful for the guy, but then I saw this post video from the Caps v Hurricanes game. I was half afraid he was going to cry. Or go searching for George McPhee's blood. I also never realized how good looking he is...
I was really hoping that we could surprise him with a rousing cheer after he told Dan Steinberg he wasn't expecting much a welcome from the home team on Wed night. There was a Twitter movement that I retweeted and I practically ran to the stadium to get there in time for the opposition's starting line up announcement. Disappointingly, I'd say the welcome was lukewarm. But a smattering of applause and cheers is much better than boos and jeers right?
In some happier news, the Canes beat the Penguins last night, which I love. And what I love more is Pothier scored the winning goal in overtime. You can tell he's trying to make the best of the situation, and could lead the Canes to a huge comeback into the playoffs. I hope the trade doesn't come back to haunt the Caps! Miss you #2!
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
How Many Gallons Is Your Hat?
Reasons the first week of March has been awesome:- Daph turned 25 (this entry's pic is dedicated to you my beautiful flower)
- Boss has been OOF (Out Of Office)
- Took 96 to Jen and Em's instead of metro and made delicious spontaneous dinner
- Caps beat the Sabres (Baby Miller)
- Caps beat Tampa Bay and I was there for free (Backstrom and Walker FTW)
- Ayse sent Slappy to my section during the Tampa Bay game (BEST!!!!!!!!)
- I'm in second place in my AI pool
- I flipped some cup
- Sarah wuz here
- Caps beat the Rangers (Theo's shut out FTW)
- I participated in jump starting the stripping career of a young lad from CT
- AJ (Asian Jane) and Mongolian pizza delivery man or party guest, still unsure
- Checked out the new Mad Hatter location for hh, Tabaq for brunch, and Founding Famers for dinner and drinks. All were mainly delightful
- Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs was SO lovely (spray on shoes FTW)
- Pulled off birthday surprise for Alice with my parents, while simultaneously pulling ahead of her in a game of Scrabble where her first move was a 78 point word :)
- Another free pair of tix to Caps v Stars where I saw my first live shoot out. The bitter disappointment of losing was somewhat masked by the fellows next to me asking the Stars fan sitting in front of us how many gallons his hat was. The side where the Caps DON'T shoot twice is a strange and wild place...Did I like it? Decision pending...
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Walker, Verizon Ranger
My day started with a phone call offering two free tickets to the Tampa Bay game tonight. After careful consideration, I said yes.
When I arrived at work, I was handed a very unexpected reimbursement check. Apparently my raise was retroactively applied to my salary all the way back to October. Perfect.
I sat down at my desk at about 9:30am. Super late. Why so calm? Boss on vacay. :)
Filled out my ranking spreadsheet for the American Idol pool I'm doing this year. NERVE WRACKING. I'm really in it to win it.
I read this article on expected Medicare cuts. I had a few reactions. Disbelief. Confusion. Really glad to see it on CNN though, I think it's a great awareness/education piece.
It was a sun shiny day. Registered and oriented to Greater DC Cares, it's important to pay it forward, right?
Left at 5 on the dot to meet up for drinks at Mad Hatter's new location on Connecticut. I liked the space a lot, they did really well with the decor. And they played "Time of the Season" by the Zombies so...doesn't get much better. Split delicious bruschetta with Daph.
Off to the game. GREAT game. First time I had seen Varly in real life, in goal. New blood on the ice with the trade deadline yesterday. Tied 1-1 after the first period with a goal from Fehr. Ovie also almost took someone out with his slapshot.
Knubs had two goals in the second, the first with a beautiful assist from Brooksy. Then weird things started happening. Greeny got called for unsportsmanlike conduct. They reviewed the play, I saw NOTHING wrong, he didn't even react to the hooking from the Tampa Bay player. The call wasn't overturned, 4 on 4. The crowd was PISSED. 6 seconds later, Brooksy got 2 min for high stick. 3 on 4. Crowd is getting angrier. 54 seconds later, Poti was called on high sticking, mostly because one of the Tampa Bay players had a delayed acting reaction and fell to the ice in the most disgustingly dramatized move I've ever seen in hockey. He must be taking his cues from Crosby. Crowd has now had enough. REF YOU SUCK. REF YOU SUCK. Then Backstrom's stick broke during the penalty kill. He made two SICK body saves followed by a third save from Varly, earning a crazy standing ovation. Ultimately, all three penalties were killed, good D boys.
We went into the third 3-2, and fresh off the joys and delights of an intermission kiss cam session and a visit from Slappy. Newly acquired Scott Walker scored his first goal as a Cap, which was just awesome to see. This guy was pumped to be coming to Washington. Tampa Bay was able to tie the game up 4-4, but Walker scored his second of the game, second as a Cap, and only fifth of the season, to make the final score 5-4. It was his first multi goal game in 3 seasons and it earned him the hard hat tonight after his first game with the team, how cool! Welcome to Washington, Mr. Walker. Welcome.
The neat trinket this game was a Let's Go Caps! sign. It's in my window now. Next trip to the phone booth for me is next Friday to see Tampa Bay again. I hope it's as eventful as this one!
I have been filling my youtube playlist with Phoenix, in preparation. I like what I'm hearing very much.
Tonight Alice and I were discussing the rising incidence of myopia from both a genetic and environmental health point of view. Her conclusion?
Alice: Yes exactly. We're caught in a bad romance.
When questioned her meaning/usage of this phrase?
Alice: I don't know. What does GaGa mean when she says it?
Great question young one. Great question.
Councilmember Catania is as big of a P-I-M-P as Jim Vance.
NWHS Signature Program Breeds Winners
me: i bought a head of broccoli
Alice: mustard relative
me: what? tell me more
INTRIGUED?! Me too. Craving more? Follow my sister's blog.
National Broadcast Canada
I've been wanting to post about the Olympic men's ice hockey gold medal game, but I also wanted to give myself some time to cool off a little bit to avoid an empassioned tirade. Let's begin...
First off, great game. Well fought by both teams. The US came back from a 2-0 deficit with goals from Kesler in the middle of the second and Parise with 24 seconds left in the game. The celebration from the members of my viewing party, myself included, was exuberantly ecstatic. Screaming and chanting, I'm surprised buffalo (nod to Miller?) chicken dip didn't go flying everywhere. Canada got it in overtime and to add insult to injury, it was Crosby's goal. Miller's reaction was heartbreaking, the entire scenario was heartbreaking. For more on the game specifics and player reactions, here's ESPN's summary.
Here's where I think NBC went wrong. This American team was able to unite the country over hockey in a way that hadn't happened since 1980. People who don't follow the NHL were excited for this game. When we lost, the NBC commentators focused primarily on the win. I think it was gracious and proper to recognize the fairy tale that game was for Canada and the magnitude of what the gold medal meant for that country. However, I think it also would have been gracious and proper for NBC to recognize the unbelieveable hockey game we had all just been fortunate enough to watch. I think they should have seized that opportunity to continue the electric spark that many people in this country had felt for hockey because of Team USA's success. They could have taken a moment to focus on the home team's own Cinderella story that had blossomed during the 2010 Olympic tournament. They could have taken a moment to focus on Ryan Miller's incredible showing and tournament MVP. They could have taken a moment to promote the NHL and the opportunity to see our boys in their day jobs. Instead, I think American fans walked away from the game with very bitter taste of disappointment and completely deflated enthusiasm. I really think NBC botched the call on this game, and signing off with the words "We hoped you loved hockey, we hoped you loved Canada. We sure did," was like driving the nails into the coffin of the growth of hockey. It gave a distinct and discouraging feeling that hockey belonged to Canada.
Some miscellaneous notes:
In the post interview with Crosby he said "It was a lot closer than we might have expected..." This was one of the most appalling statements and despicable displays of a lack in grace, humility, and conceit I have ever witnessed. His face envokes rage in my heart. What world is he even living in? The US had just beat Canada 5-3 the week before. I have to end this topic because I can feel the epinephrine firing, fight or flight is beginning...
From the New York Times:
To the Sports Editor:
I watched this gold medal game today. As a Canadian, I cannot find words right now to describe how incredible this hockey was. Only the USA and Canada could play a game of hockey like this. This was a game for the history books. Remember to heap praise on this American hockey team. Thank these boys for playing hockey the way it's supposed to be played: fast and rough and without table manners. Remember to tell these American hockey players that you are proud of them. They played North American-style hockey, the hockey we Canadians play on the beaver ponds and flooded fields and outdoor rinks up here, not the wimpy, whiny, cry-to-the-ref European style, which doesn't even deserve to be played on North American rinks. This was the best game of hockey I have ever watched. And I've seen a lot of them. This is beyond Stanley Cup hockey. This is as good as it gets. Thank you, United States Olympic hockey team, for being exactly half the reason this game was so exciting. And although you didn't win the gold, you are quite worthy of that medal, believe me. Hold your heads high, lads.
-Michael Devolin, Tweed, Ontario
Brooks Orpik said "If we were going to lose I'm glad Sid is the guy who got the goal." Just when I was maybe changing my mind on you Brooks 2...although I do really like this article/video about Pittsburgh fans, and that may be the first and last time I ever utter those words.
On Saturday night I was watching the end of the Slovakia v Canada game at Blackfinn. For about 5 minutes it looked like Slovakia might make a comeback to tie it up and then hopefully eliminate Canada. I forgot I wasn't in my living room and acted like some kind of hockey clown. When I reminded myself to relax, I thought hey maybe someone here will be impressed with my hockey enthusiasm. Of course. OF COURSE. I met a girl. Our exchange went something like this:
Girl- Are you rooting for Slovakia?
Me- Yeah
Girl- I'm rooting against Canada, which is why I'm rooting for Slovakia
Me- ME TOO
Girl- Why are you rooting against Canada?
Me- I HATE Crosby
Girl- Are you a Caps fan?
Me- Yup!
Girl- Me too
High Five
She looked good too.
On Monday my coworker had left me a card she had made for me. "Better luck next time, eh?"
First off, great game. Well fought by both teams. The US came back from a 2-0 deficit with goals from Kesler in the middle of the second and Parise with 24 seconds left in the game. The celebration from the members of my viewing party, myself included, was exuberantly ecstatic. Screaming and chanting, I'm surprised buffalo (nod to Miller?) chicken dip didn't go flying everywhere. Canada got it in overtime and to add insult to injury, it was Crosby's goal. Miller's reaction was heartbreaking, the entire scenario was heartbreaking. For more on the game specifics and player reactions, here's ESPN's summary.
Here's where I think NBC went wrong. This American team was able to unite the country over hockey in a way that hadn't happened since 1980. People who don't follow the NHL were excited for this game. When we lost, the NBC commentators focused primarily on the win. I think it was gracious and proper to recognize the fairy tale that game was for Canada and the magnitude of what the gold medal meant for that country. However, I think it also would have been gracious and proper for NBC to recognize the unbelieveable hockey game we had all just been fortunate enough to watch. I think they should have seized that opportunity to continue the electric spark that many people in this country had felt for hockey because of Team USA's success. They could have taken a moment to focus on the home team's own Cinderella story that had blossomed during the 2010 Olympic tournament. They could have taken a moment to focus on Ryan Miller's incredible showing and tournament MVP. They could have taken a moment to promote the NHL and the opportunity to see our boys in their day jobs. Instead, I think American fans walked away from the game with very bitter taste of disappointment and completely deflated enthusiasm. I really think NBC botched the call on this game, and signing off with the words "We hoped you loved hockey, we hoped you loved Canada. We sure did," was like driving the nails into the coffin of the growth of hockey. It gave a distinct and discouraging feeling that hockey belonged to Canada.
Some miscellaneous notes:
In the post interview with Crosby he said "It was a lot closer than we might have expected..." This was one of the most appalling statements and despicable displays of a lack in grace, humility, and conceit I have ever witnessed. His face envokes rage in my heart. What world is he even living in? The US had just beat Canada 5-3 the week before. I have to end this topic because I can feel the epinephrine firing, fight or flight is beginning...
From the New York Times:
To the Sports Editor:
I watched this gold medal game today. As a Canadian, I cannot find words right now to describe how incredible this hockey was. Only the USA and Canada could play a game of hockey like this. This was a game for the history books. Remember to heap praise on this American hockey team. Thank these boys for playing hockey the way it's supposed to be played: fast and rough and without table manners. Remember to tell these American hockey players that you are proud of them. They played North American-style hockey, the hockey we Canadians play on the beaver ponds and flooded fields and outdoor rinks up here, not the wimpy, whiny, cry-to-the-ref European style, which doesn't even deserve to be played on North American rinks. This was the best game of hockey I have ever watched. And I've seen a lot of them. This is beyond Stanley Cup hockey. This is as good as it gets. Thank you, United States Olympic hockey team, for being exactly half the reason this game was so exciting. And although you didn't win the gold, you are quite worthy of that medal, believe me. Hold your heads high, lads.
-Michael Devolin, Tweed, Ontario
Brooks Orpik said "If we were going to lose I'm glad Sid is the guy who got the goal." Just when I was maybe changing my mind on you Brooks 2...although I do really like this article/video about Pittsburgh fans, and that may be the first and last time I ever utter those words.
On Saturday night I was watching the end of the Slovakia v Canada game at Blackfinn. For about 5 minutes it looked like Slovakia might make a comeback to tie it up and then hopefully eliminate Canada. I forgot I wasn't in my living room and acted like some kind of hockey clown. When I reminded myself to relax, I thought hey maybe someone here will be impressed with my hockey enthusiasm. Of course. OF COURSE. I met a girl. Our exchange went something like this:
Girl- Are you rooting for Slovakia?
Me- Yeah
Girl- I'm rooting against Canada, which is why I'm rooting for Slovakia
Me- ME TOO
Girl- Why are you rooting against Canada?
Me- I HATE Crosby
Girl- Are you a Caps fan?
Me- Yup!
Girl- Me too
High Five
She looked good too.
On Monday my coworker had left me a card she had made for me. "Better luck next time, eh?"
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