Saturday, May 30, 2009

West meets East Moey style......




What a morning I had today, I had to drive Mr. Moey to the dreaded EAST END of Montreal to pick up his bat mobile, boys and their toys, it’s a guy thing. It’s actually a 1979 Trans Am that he stores for the winter in a little old Italian lady’s garage in the EAST END. I firmly believe that Mr. Moey suffers from separation anxiety; he refuses to get rid of anything no matter how old it gets. (Hmm, I guess that applies to me too, maybe it’s not a bad thing). You’re probably asking yourself what’s the big deal about driving to the EAST END? Well consider this, no self respecting WIP (West Island princess) wants to be anywhere within a 20 mile radius of the EAST END. I saved Mr. Moey from the EAST END several years ago, move West young man I said, come towards the light. He is forever in my debt.

Off we went, I was driving and he was back seat driving (it’s another guy thing) so getting there was easy. Now comes the hard part and the anxiety is starting to set in. I have to navigate my way back on my own. So he says just go to the end of the street, hang a right and it takes you back to the Metropolitan Highway. No worries, I start driving down the street and I guess I turned left. Okay so now I’m on Pie IX Blvd, not the end of the world, this should lead me right back to the highway, well it would have if I’d been going in the right direction. I keep driving and WTF do I pass but the Olympic Stadium. Here we go again, I have to try and turn around but there are no left turns for the next 200 stoplights. I take a right turn, go up a few one way streets and try to double back to Pie IX. Now I’m totally disorientated, I don’t know my North from my South, my East from my West. Now I know how Alex Kovalev feels when he’s asked to play a North/South game, it just can’t be done. Now I’m starting to get hives, an Anglo being lost in the EAST END is the equivalent of being a white person lost in Harlem. It’s hostile territory and if worse comes to worse I’ll have to pretend to be an American tourist and ask directions. I decide to take one more side street and by the grace of God somehow I end up on a service road where I spot a sign with an arrow saying (40 Ouest). The panic starts to subside, what a relief.

I make my way back to my little West Island bubble, park in the driveway and kiss the ground. Home, safe and sound until the next time. That bat mobile has to go, if you’re interested let me know, Quebec has the highest rate of car thefts in Canada, what’s one more?

West meets East Moey style......




What a morning I had today, I had to drive Mr. Moey to the dreaded EAST END of Montreal to pick up his bat mobile, boys and their toys, it’s a guy thing. It’s actually a 1979 Trans Am that he stores for the winter in a little old Italian lady’s garage in the EAST END. I firmly believe that Mr. Moey suffers from separation anxiety; he refuses to get rid of anything no matter how old it gets. (Hmm, I guess that applies to me too, maybe it’s not a bad thing). You’re probably asking yourself what’s the big deal about driving to the EAST END? Well consider this, no self respecting WIP (West Island princess) wants to be anywhere within a 20 mile radius of the EAST END. I saved Mr. Moey from the EAST END several years ago, move West young man I said, come towards the light. He is forever in my debt.

Off we went, I was driving and he was back seat driving (it’s another guy thing) so getting there was easy. Now comes the hard part and the anxiety is starting to set in. I have to navigate my way back on my own. So he says just go to the end of the street, hang a right and it takes you back to the Metropolitan Highway. No worries, I start driving down the street and I guess I turned left. Okay so now I’m on Pie IX Blvd, not the end of the world, this should lead me right back to the highway, well it would have if I’d been going in the right direction. I keep driving and WTF do I pass but the Olympic Stadium. Here we go again, I have to try and turn around but there are no left turns for the next 200 stoplights. I take a right turn, go up a few one way streets and try to double back to Pie IX. Now I’m totally disorientated, I don’t know my North from my South, my East from my West. Now I know how Alex Kovalev feels when he’s asked to play a North/South game, it just can’t be done. Now I’m starting to get hives, an Anglo being lost in the EAST END is the equivalent of being a white person lost in Harlem. It’s hostile territory and if worse comes to worse I’ll have to pretend to be an American tourist and ask directions. I decide to take one more side street and by the grace of God somehow I end up on a service road where I spot a sign with an arrow saying (40 Ouest). The panic starts to subside, what a relief.

I make my way back to my little West Island bubble, park in the driveway and kiss the ground. Home, safe and sound until the next time. That bat mobile has to go, if you’re interested let me know, Quebec has the highest rate of car thefts in Canada, what’s one more?

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Pens vs. Wings..the sequel


The original caption under this cartoon was "WELCOME PENGUINS".

No worries, let me introduce Sid the squid.





So here we go, a rematch. Penguins in seven. I'm hoping the combination of the beat up Wings and Sid the squid's resolve "I never want to feel like this again" after last year's loss, the Pens will come out on top. Back to back games will be brutal, the Pens need to take at least one of them, which shouldn't be a problem.


If you're looking for something to watch in between games, I would highly recommend the movie "Twilight". The main characters are Edward and Bella, Edward gives the mile high club a whole new meaning, and it doesn't involve sex or a plane. It's beautifully filmed and not your typical love story. It might be more appealing to women, but I'm sure the guys would enjoy it too.



Pens vs. Wings..the sequel


The original caption under this cartoon was "WELCOME PENGUINS".

No worries, let me introduce Sid the squid.





So here we go, a rematch. Penguins in seven. I'm hoping the combination of the beat up Wings and Sid the squid's resolve "I never want to feel like this again" after last year's loss, the Pens will come out on top. Back to back games will be brutal, the Pens need to take at least one of them, which shouldn't be a problem.


If you're looking for something to watch in between games, I would highly recommend the movie "Twilight". The main characters are Edward and Bella, Edward gives the mile high club a whole new meaning, and it doesn't involve sex or a plane. It's beautifully filmed and not your typical love story. It might be more appealing to women, but I'm sure the guys would enjoy it too.



Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Rumors and other stuff......



I haven't posted anything recently mainly because I've been waiting for the outcome of the semi-finals. My Pens are in (woo-hoo) and I hope Detroit mops up tonight. I hope the Carey bashers have been watching Marc-Andre Fleury, that's the level of play that I'm hoping Carey reaches in a couple of years, forget the Dryden / Roy comparisons.

As usual, due to the lack of no real hockey news the Internet becomes a breeding ground for rumors. My favorite one so far is the Price for Briere trade. The scary part is that there are actually people out there that believe it, can you say "gullible?" My cat's smarter than that. The other one is from a Russian paper, can you say "propaganda", not that Russia's ever been guilty of that. According to them, Kovalev has been offered between 6-7 million for one season and the captaincy. Hmm....(she puts finger to cheek a la Mike Myers) I don't think so. If Koivu decides he doesn't want to return or can't reach a mutual agreement with Habs' management I have no problem with Kovy taking over as captain. If Bob sees fit to sign Kovy for two years at 7 million I'm all for it. Ideally I would like to see Koivu, Kovalev, Tanguay, Lang and Schneider resigned. Koivu, Kovy and Tanguay for two year deals, Lang & Schneider for one year. These guys all proved their worth, the rest I'll leave up to Bob's better judgement. The only accurate reports worth reading about signings will be when Bob officially issues a press release with the details. In the meantime anything I read or hear will go in one ear and out the other.

Buyers keep lining up to put bids in for the Habs, Gillette hasn't put them up for sale and we don't know if he will so I don't see any point in speculating about that. All I know is if Celine Dion ends up owning my Habs, I'm jumping on the good ship Penguins but I reserve the right to come back if she sells them.

So Patrick Roy turns down the GM position for the Avalanche, I wonder if there's more to it? Maybe there's been discussions with the Habs about him participating in a role on the coaching staff, I'd love to see him as Carey's goalie coach.

A big shout out to Georges Laraque for his beliefs and efforts regarding the ethical treatment of animals. Georges wants everyone to watch "Earthlings", it's available on line for a nominal fee or you can order the DVD through his website. I haven't watched it yet; five years ago I read a case on the Internet about a dog that was savagely beaten to death by it's owner, the bastard took three hours to finish the job to maximize its' suffering. When the police finally arrived because of a neighbour's complaint, they couldn't recognize that it had been a dog. I still think about that and get really upset. I'm afraid that watching an entire documentary on cruelty would push me over the edge.

One last note for today, I just want to caution my male readers about the Brazilian wandering spider, apparently its' bite can cause a very painful erection that can last for several hours. Now don't go running to the nearest exotic pet store, it can also be fatal.

Rumors and other stuff......



I haven't posted anything recently mainly because I've been waiting for the outcome of the semi-finals. My Pens are in (woo-hoo) and I hope Detroit mops up tonight. I hope the Carey bashers have been watching Marc-Andre Fleury, that's the level of play that I'm hoping Carey reaches in a couple of years, forget the Dryden / Roy comparisons.

As usual, due to the lack of no real hockey news the Internet becomes a breeding ground for rumors. My favorite one so far is the Price for Briere trade. The scary part is that there are actually people out there that believe it, can you say "gullible?" My cat's smarter than that. The other one is from a Russian paper, can you say "propaganda", not that Russia's ever been guilty of that. According to them, Kovalev has been offered between 6-7 million for one season and the captaincy. Hmm....(she puts finger to cheek a la Mike Myers) I don't think so. If Koivu decides he doesn't want to return or can't reach a mutual agreement with Habs' management I have no problem with Kovy taking over as captain. If Bob sees fit to sign Kovy for two years at 7 million I'm all for it. Ideally I would like to see Koivu, Kovalev, Tanguay, Lang and Schneider resigned. Koivu, Kovy and Tanguay for two year deals, Lang & Schneider for one year. These guys all proved their worth, the rest I'll leave up to Bob's better judgement. The only accurate reports worth reading about signings will be when Bob officially issues a press release with the details. In the meantime anything I read or hear will go in one ear and out the other.

Buyers keep lining up to put bids in for the Habs, Gillette hasn't put them up for sale and we don't know if he will so I don't see any point in speculating about that. All I know is if Celine Dion ends up owning my Habs, I'm jumping on the good ship Penguins but I reserve the right to come back if she sells them.

So Patrick Roy turns down the GM position for the Avalanche, I wonder if there's more to it? Maybe there's been discussions with the Habs about him participating in a role on the coaching staff, I'd love to see him as Carey's goalie coach.

A big shout out to Georges Laraque for his beliefs and efforts regarding the ethical treatment of animals. Georges wants everyone to watch "Earthlings", it's available on line for a nominal fee or you can order the DVD through his website. I haven't watched it yet; five years ago I read a case on the Internet about a dog that was savagely beaten to death by it's owner, the bastard took three hours to finish the job to maximize its' suffering. When the police finally arrived because of a neighbour's complaint, they couldn't recognize that it had been a dog. I still think about that and get really upset. I'm afraid that watching an entire documentary on cruelty would push me over the edge.

One last note for today, I just want to caution my male readers about the Brazilian wandering spider, apparently its' bite can cause a very painful erection that can last for several hours. Now don't go running to the nearest exotic pet store, it can also be fatal.

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Hockey,drinks and beaches........my favorite things


Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands



I was checking out the Canadiens web site today and I came accross this,

My Essentials: Alex Kovalev

A place everyone needs to visit:
The Cayman Islands. That’s an absolutely beautiful spot.

That's my boy!!! Mr. Moey and I are already booked to go back in October for my birthday, we loved it.

I was watching the Wings Hawks last night when something struck me. Guy Carbonneau got a lot of criticsm for his apparant lack of communication and emotion with the players. I was watching Mike Babcock last night, he looks like a pretty rigid no-nonsense type of guy. Nobody was getting a pat on the back, period. He strikes me like the kind of guy that if your grade average was 99.9% he'd ask why it wasn't 100%. He doesn't hesitate to critize his players even when things are going well. Scotty Bowman was meaner than a junkyard dog. The Habs players who were under his tenure in the mid to late seventies agree that they were united as a team in their hatred of him. It's what glued them together. So what's it going to be? Group hugs at the bench or a winning team?

Is is just me or is Pierre McGuire's constant ramblings a distraction? I couldn't concentrate on the game, it was like white noise or static in the background; or a mosquito constantly buzzing in your ear. I don't mind if someone is calling the game and his partner throws in his two cents now and then but Pierre never shuts up, he could talk for Canada. It's not necessary and here's a newsflash Pierre; we have eyes too.

The best thing about TSN coverage is the Bacardi Mohito commercials. I got turned on to that drink in Puerto Rico last year. Rum, lime, sugar and mint. Really refreshing, great summer drink. My other new drink discovery was in Grand Cayman, dirty Margarita's...delicious. It's a regular Margarita with olive juice added, it gives it a nice kick.

I'm not sure what I'll post about during the summer, after the playoffs we have the draft then of course the comings and goings with our UFA's before July 1. I think the hockey pickings will be pretty slim after that, how about if I post recipes and maybe pictures of my shoes? Any ideas?

Oh and if you want to leave a comment, please do, as a matter of fact I would welcome it with open arms. I'm starting to wonder if maybe my mindless ramblings are leaving people speechless :)

Hockey,drinks and beaches........my favorite things


Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands



I was checking out the Canadiens web site today and I came accross this,

My Essentials: Alex Kovalev

A place everyone needs to visit:
The Cayman Islands. That’s an absolutely beautiful spot.

That's my boy!!! Mr. Moey and I are already booked to go back in October for my birthday, we loved it.

I was watching the Wings Hawks last night when something struck me. Guy Carbonneau got a lot of criticsm for his apparant lack of communication and emotion with the players. I was watching Mike Babcock last night, he looks like a pretty rigid no-nonsense type of guy. Nobody was getting a pat on the back, period. He strikes me like the kind of guy that if your grade average was 99.9% he'd ask why it wasn't 100%. He doesn't hesitate to critize his players even when things are going well. Scotty Bowman was meaner than a junkyard dog. The Habs players who were under his tenure in the mid to late seventies agree that they were united as a team in their hatred of him. It's what glued them together. So what's it going to be? Group hugs at the bench or a winning team?

Is is just me or is Pierre McGuire's constant ramblings a distraction? I couldn't concentrate on the game, it was like white noise or static in the background; or a mosquito constantly buzzing in your ear. I don't mind if someone is calling the game and his partner throws in his two cents now and then but Pierre never shuts up, he could talk for Canada. It's not necessary and here's a newsflash Pierre; we have eyes too.

The best thing about TSN coverage is the Bacardi Mohito commercials. I got turned on to that drink in Puerto Rico last year. Rum, lime, sugar and mint. Really refreshing, great summer drink. My other new drink discovery was in Grand Cayman, dirty Margarita's...delicious. It's a regular Margarita with olive juice added, it gives it a nice kick.

I'm not sure what I'll post about during the summer, after the playoffs we have the draft then of course the comings and goings with our UFA's before July 1. I think the hockey pickings will be pretty slim after that, how about if I post recipes and maybe pictures of my shoes? Any ideas?

Oh and if you want to leave a comment, please do, as a matter of fact I would welcome it with open arms. I'm starting to wonder if maybe my mindless ramblings are leaving people speechless :)

Monday, May 18, 2009

You can't teach an old dog new tricks....



Suggested replacements for Mike Milbury and Pierre McGuire on TSN. They're easier on the eye and as for the rest...well let's be honest folks, it could only be an improvement.


Mike Milbury and Pierre McGuire were doing their dog and pony show between periods yesterday and they had a brief chat with Sidney Crosby. Mike asks the burning question, “Sid, do you have a dark side”? “Like have you ever put a tack on a teacher’s chair or beaten a dog”? Sid being his gracious self just laughs and says “boy Mike, nobody has ever asked me anything like that before, no I haven’t.”

Hey Mikey, that’s some pretty impressive interviewing, I’ll bet not even Barbara Walters would ask something that dopey.

As if my boy Sid would EVER beat a dog. Hey Sid, you have my full permission to beat on Mike Milbury any time. You’d be doing us a public service.

It reminded me of another Milbury moment, a few months back good old Mike was giving his two cents between periods during a Habs game. He goes off on a rant about Alex Kovalev, saying things such as “who would ever want a guy like that on their team, he’s so lazy and selfish”. I was spitting mad, Alex has had his moments but it’s like someone saying something about one of your family members, blood is thicker than water. Milbury is so unprofessional and to add insult to injury the dingbat is getting well paid for his drivel. Maybe it’s just a little jealousy on my part, where do you sign up for a job like that?

The Hawks lose 5-2 to the Wings yesterday afternoon; this is going to be an entertaining battle of experience versus energy.

Pens versus Canes tonight. Season finale of 24. Sigh. Why is life so full of tough decisions?

You can't teach an old dog new tricks....



Suggested replacements for Mike Milbury and Pierre McGuire on TSN. They're easier on the eye and as for the rest...well let's be honest folks, it could only be an improvement.


Mike Milbury and Pierre McGuire were doing their dog and pony show between periods yesterday and they had a brief chat with Sidney Crosby. Mike asks the burning question, “Sid, do you have a dark side”? “Like have you ever put a tack on a teacher’s chair or beaten a dog”? Sid being his gracious self just laughs and says “boy Mike, nobody has ever asked me anything like that before, no I haven’t.”

Hey Mikey, that’s some pretty impressive interviewing, I’ll bet not even Barbara Walters would ask something that dopey.

As if my boy Sid would EVER beat a dog. Hey Sid, you have my full permission to beat on Mike Milbury any time. You’d be doing us a public service.

It reminded me of another Milbury moment, a few months back good old Mike was giving his two cents between periods during a Habs game. He goes off on a rant about Alex Kovalev, saying things such as “who would ever want a guy like that on their team, he’s so lazy and selfish”. I was spitting mad, Alex has had his moments but it’s like someone saying something about one of your family members, blood is thicker than water. Milbury is so unprofessional and to add insult to injury the dingbat is getting well paid for his drivel. Maybe it’s just a little jealousy on my part, where do you sign up for a job like that?

The Hawks lose 5-2 to the Wings yesterday afternoon; this is going to be an entertaining battle of experience versus energy.

Pens versus Canes tonight. Season finale of 24. Sigh. Why is life so full of tough decisions?

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Girl Power!!!!



Blowing kisses to super filly Rachel Alexandra, the first filly to win the Preakness since 1924, four years after women had received the right to vote in America. Her jockey Calvin Borel is the first jockey to win the first two legs of the Triple Crown on two different horses. Mine that Bird placed second and the most important stat is all thirteen horses entered crossed the finish line safely. I'm in two camps when it comes to horse racing, although I love & appreciate the beauty and athletic abilities of the horses far too many of them meet an untimely death. It's a business and all about money, the welfare of the horse is second at best.

On another note, two big thumbs up for the movie "Taken" starring Liam Neeson, he's a combination of Jack Bauer (24) and James Bond. Very enjoyable movie, never a dull moment.

The best laid plans of mice and men......I have all my flowers ready to plant, there's frost in the forecast for tonight and snow this coming Wednesday. Gimme a break......last time I checked it was May 17th.

Hawks versus Wings this afternoon at 3:00 on CBC. Go Hawks!!

Girl Power!!!!



Blowing kisses to super filly Rachel Alexandra, the first filly to win the Preakness since 1924, four years after women had received the right to vote in America. Her jockey Calvin Borel is the first jockey to win the first two legs of the Triple Crown on two different horses. Mine that Bird placed second and the most important stat is all thirteen horses entered crossed the finish line safely. I'm in two camps when it comes to horse racing, although I love & appreciate the beauty and athletic abilities of the horses far too many of them meet an untimely death. It's a business and all about money, the welfare of the horse is second at best.

On another note, two big thumbs up for the movie "Taken" starring Liam Neeson, he's a combination of Jack Bauer (24) and James Bond. Very enjoyable movie, never a dull moment.

The best laid plans of mice and men......I have all my flowers ready to plant, there's frost in the forecast for tonight and snow this coming Wednesday. Gimme a break......last time I checked it was May 17th.

Hawks versus Wings this afternoon at 3:00 on CBC. Go Hawks!!

Friday, May 15, 2009

Moey babble.......



Godspeed Rachel Alexandra (pictured above), be careful in the Preakness sweetie, stay safe. Remember Eight Belles last year in the Derby, she came in second to Big Brown but at a terrible price. God rest her little horsie soul.

Pierre McGuire last night on TSN...talking about Tim Thomas, "when he has his clothes off you wouldn't know he was an athlete". Too much information Pierre, way too much.

So Wings beat the Ducks, damn and what a shame for Jonas Hiller. That was a terrible goal that will probably haunt him for awhile. I was very impressed by him, he never appeared to be rattled or nervous and his positioning was solid. He's one to watch in the future. Even though he's a rookie, I won't compare him to Price, he's six years older and probably wiser. Pricey will get there if people give him a chance.

The Sid / Ovie show was a lot of fun, but my boy Sid ruled the day. Go Sid! Go Pens! One thing that troubles me is how the Pens survived without Gonchar for two games, when we lost Markov we never won another game. Bob needs to address the defense first and foremost, we just can't afford to be that vulnerable.

Boston loses, that totally made my day. The Bruins fans' really thought they had accomplished something after beating our AHL team four straight. They had a false sense of superiority and it came back to bite them. Good times!

It's been awfully quiet in Habsland, not a peep about anything, it must be driving the French press to distraction. Not to worry, they'll just make something up.

Well folks, it's the start of a nice long weekend, I bought my flowers today so I'll be spending some time planting. Mr. Moey wants me to rent some movies, we have a lot to catch up on, all of my weekends have been spent watching hockey. He's feeling a little neglected poor baby.

Have a nice weekend all!

Moey babble.......



Godspeed Rachel Alexandra (pictured above), be careful in the Preakness sweetie, stay safe. Remember Eight Belles last year in the Derby, she came in second to Big Brown but at a terrible price. God rest her little horsie soul.

Pierre McGuire last night on TSN...talking about Tim Thomas, "when he has his clothes off you wouldn't know he was an athlete". Too much information Pierre, way too much.

So Wings beat the Ducks, damn and what a shame for Jonas Hiller. That was a terrible goal that will probably haunt him for awhile. I was very impressed by him, he never appeared to be rattled or nervous and his positioning was solid. He's one to watch in the future. Even though he's a rookie, I won't compare him to Price, he's six years older and probably wiser. Pricey will get there if people give him a chance.

The Sid / Ovie show was a lot of fun, but my boy Sid ruled the day. Go Sid! Go Pens! One thing that troubles me is how the Pens survived without Gonchar for two games, when we lost Markov we never won another game. Bob needs to address the defense first and foremost, we just can't afford to be that vulnerable.

Boston loses, that totally made my day. The Bruins fans' really thought they had accomplished something after beating our AHL team four straight. They had a false sense of superiority and it came back to bite them. Good times!

It's been awfully quiet in Habsland, not a peep about anything, it must be driving the French press to distraction. Not to worry, they'll just make something up.

Well folks, it's the start of a nice long weekend, I bought my flowers today so I'll be spending some time planting. Mr. Moey wants me to rent some movies, we have a lot to catch up on, all of my weekends have been spent watching hockey. He's feeling a little neglected poor baby.

Have a nice weekend all!

Out of Africa....the end



Mmmmm bear, yummy. Burp, 'scuse me.

Out of Africa....the end



Mmmmm bear, yummy. Burp, 'scuse me.

Thursday, May 14, 2009

March of the Penguins??



Hopefully all the way to the Stanley Cup.

March of the Penguins??



Hopefully all the way to the Stanley Cup.

Out of Africa....continued



I'm back....and I don't know where I've been. To the best of my recollection I was on my way to a place called the Mellon Arena for an Ovie appetizer. The Ovie animal didn't look sick to me, but since I flew all that way I made sure I got a piece of it, I managed to get a nip out of its arm. It's all a blur after that, I woke up with a pounding headache and my throat was parched. Just as a precaution I saw a vet, he did some blood tests and found copious amounts of vodka in my system. How it got there is a real mystery, we vultures are pretty tough birds, botulism and anthrax have no affect on us, but a bottle of Absolut could be potentially lethal. I've recovered now, rented a car (easier to spot roadkill) and I'm on my way back to Boston. I want bear and I want it badly. My cousin Charlie says after I've gorged myself I should stick around for a while and stay with him, plenty of roadkill in the summer and no competition. I'm thinking about it and Charlie assures me Canada will take anyone in. Wish me luck tonight folks and die bears die!!!

Out of Africa....continued



I'm back....and I don't know where I've been. To the best of my recollection I was on my way to a place called the Mellon Arena for an Ovie appetizer. The Ovie animal didn't look sick to me, but since I flew all that way I made sure I got a piece of it, I managed to get a nip out of its arm. It's all a blur after that, I woke up with a pounding headache and my throat was parched. Just as a precaution I saw a vet, he did some blood tests and found copious amounts of vodka in my system. How it got there is a real mystery, we vultures are pretty tough birds, botulism and anthrax have no affect on us, but a bottle of Absolut could be potentially lethal. I've recovered now, rented a car (easier to spot roadkill) and I'm on my way back to Boston. I want bear and I want it badly. My cousin Charlie says after I've gorged myself I should stick around for a while and stay with him, plenty of roadkill in the summer and no competition. I'm thinking about it and Charlie assures me Canada will take anyone in. Wish me luck tonight folks and die bears die!!!

Monday, May 11, 2009

Out of Africa........




Let me introduce myself to you, I’m Vince the vulture, that’s me in the pic above, and this is my story so far. I’m sitting in a tree in Africa minding my own business when I get a text message on my birdberry. What do you know, it’s from my third cousin removed Charlie the crow, I haven’t heard from him in ages. He moved with the family a few years back to North America, there were slim pickings in Africa for crows, we vultures pretty much ruled the roost and still do. So I start reading the message, Charlie has a hot tip for me, seems one of his crownies has heard that there’s a big feed happening at a place called the TD Banknorth Garden. Bear actually, 24 of them. Too much for the local crow gang to handle, they need to bring in the big guns. He wants to know if I'm interested. I text him back, I need a bit more info. Are they already dead I asked? No he texts back, not yet, but they’re on their last legs and are very weak, death's imminent in the next day or two. I’m starting to salivate; I haven’t had bear in years. This also gives me a chance to use some of the Vulture Vouchers South African Airways handed out when Nelson Mandela was elected back into office. The whole country was in celebration, everybody got a little something, not even the wildlife was overlooked. I text Charlie back, tell him I'll be there as soon as I can. So I take care of some last minute details, pack a few things, a set of PJ’s, and a big bottle of Scope. Between you and I my breath has been known to knock fellow buzzards off shitwagons. I get to the airport, board the plane and settle in for my long journey. Hours later the plane lands in Boston, I grab my bag and set out. Now I’m getting really hungry, those snack packs on the plane just didn’t hit the spot, I’m getting me some bear and lots of it. I finally arrive at the Banknorth. Once inside I find a nice comfy perch in the rafters, doesn’t matter for how long, patience is one of my virtues and I have plenty of it. I wait and wait and I wait. Hours go by, the place is now dark and empty. I text Charlie to tell him I’ve arrived and ask him where the heck are these near dead bears? Am I in the wrong place? Calm down Vince, he texts, his sources tell him it’s going to be another couple of days. Oh great, I’m up here freezing my fricking feathers off and there’s no bear on the menu tonight? I text him back and I tell him he better come up with a plan B or I’ll literally be eating crow. He tells me to head out to a place called the Mellon Arena on Monday night, apparently they're serving up a little snack called Ovie Hors d’oeuvres. Why not, I say to myself I’ve come this far, nothing wrong with a little appetizer to whet the appetite before the big meal. I grabbed a few hours of shuteye and managed to gobble down a couple of sorry looking mice that were about as satisfying as celery. I’m heading over there now. Stay tuned tomorrow.

Out of Africa........




Let me introduce myself to you, I’m Vince the vulture, that’s me in the pic above, and this is my story so far. I’m sitting in a tree in Africa minding my own business when I get a text message on my birdberry. What do you know, it’s from my third cousin removed Charlie the crow, I haven’t heard from him in ages. He moved with the family a few years back to North America, there were slim pickings in Africa for crows, we vultures pretty much ruled the roost and still do. So I start reading the message, Charlie has a hot tip for me, seems one of his crownies has heard that there’s a big feed happening at a place called the TD Banknorth Garden. Bear actually, 24 of them. Too much for the local crow gang to handle, they need to bring in the big guns. He wants to know if I'm interested. I text him back, I need a bit more info. Are they already dead I asked? No he texts back, not yet, but they’re on their last legs and are very weak, death's imminent in the next day or two. I’m starting to salivate; I haven’t had bear in years. This also gives me a chance to use some of the Vulture Vouchers South African Airways handed out when Nelson Mandela was elected back into office. The whole country was in celebration, everybody got a little something, not even the wildlife was overlooked. I text Charlie back, tell him I'll be there as soon as I can. So I take care of some last minute details, pack a few things, a set of PJ’s, and a big bottle of Scope. Between you and I my breath has been known to knock fellow buzzards off shitwagons. I get to the airport, board the plane and settle in for my long journey. Hours later the plane lands in Boston, I grab my bag and set out. Now I’m getting really hungry, those snack packs on the plane just didn’t hit the spot, I’m getting me some bear and lots of it. I finally arrive at the Banknorth. Once inside I find a nice comfy perch in the rafters, doesn’t matter for how long, patience is one of my virtues and I have plenty of it. I wait and wait and I wait. Hours go by, the place is now dark and empty. I text Charlie to tell him I’ve arrived and ask him where the heck are these near dead bears? Am I in the wrong place? Calm down Vince, he texts, his sources tell him it’s going to be another couple of days. Oh great, I’m up here freezing my fricking feathers off and there’s no bear on the menu tonight? I text him back and I tell him he better come up with a plan B or I’ll literally be eating crow. He tells me to head out to a place called the Mellon Arena on Monday night, apparently they're serving up a little snack called Ovie Hors d’oeuvres. Why not, I say to myself I’ve come this far, nothing wrong with a little appetizer to whet the appetite before the big meal. I grabbed a few hours of shuteye and managed to gobble down a couple of sorry looking mice that were about as satisfying as celery. I’m heading over there now. Stay tuned tomorrow.

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Spring cleaning........



Time to put this poster and my Prozac prescription away until October; much to my surprise I’m enjoying post season hockey a lot more than I thought. No more sitting on the edge of the sofa, no yelling and the bruises on my forehead are starting to fade. Stress free hockey, ya gotta love it! Although I’m rooting for a Pens / Duck showdown there’s no emotion attached to it. It’s just plain ole leave your brain and heart at the door hockey and just watch the game for the pure fun of it. I’m glad the Pens finally won last night, they do remind me of the Habs in certain ways, their putrid power play is killing them. Too bad Schneider had to undergo surgery; we could have rented him out by the hour. Malkin’s making me feel a little nostalgic, he’s bringing back fond memories of my Kovy, trying to skate the puck all the way into the opposing zone and then losing it, I had to wipe away a tear. Another treat to watch is the goaltending, it’s been solid and the defense on the Wings and Ducks has been superb. These are the two areas the Habs need drastic improvements in or we don’t have a chance in hell of getting past the first round next year. But I digress, so for the here and now I’m just going to sit back, relax and enjoy some great hockey.

Spring cleaning........



Time to put this poster and my Prozac prescription away until October; much to my surprise I’m enjoying post season hockey a lot more than I thought. No more sitting on the edge of the sofa, no yelling and the bruises on my forehead are starting to fade. Stress free hockey, ya gotta love it! Although I’m rooting for a Pens / Duck showdown there’s no emotion attached to it. It’s just plain ole leave your brain and heart at the door hockey and just watch the game for the pure fun of it. I’m glad the Pens finally won last night, they do remind me of the Habs in certain ways, their putrid power play is killing them. Too bad Schneider had to undergo surgery; we could have rented him out by the hour. Malkin’s making me feel a little nostalgic, he’s bringing back fond memories of my Kovy, trying to skate the puck all the way into the opposing zone and then losing it, I had to wipe away a tear. Another treat to watch is the goaltending, it’s been solid and the defense on the Wings and Ducks has been superb. These are the two areas the Habs need drastic improvements in or we don’t have a chance in hell of getting past the first round next year. But I digress, so for the here and now I’m just going to sit back, relax and enjoy some great hockey.

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Earth to Carbo......



Guy Carbonneau has appeared on a couple of talk shows recently and he has repeatedly stated that he has no idea why he was fired. I’m having a hard time getting my head around that. Are we supposed to believe that although Gainey and Carbo were former teammates, work colleagues and personal friends that Bob just summoned him into his office (a la Donald Trump) and said “Guy, you’re fired” without any rhyme or reason. I know Bob is a man of few words, but come on! Are we supposed to believe that Carbonneau didn’t ask why or if he did that Bob refused to give him an explanation? I personally think that Carbonneau was in complete denial, he said himself that he thought the team was turning a corner after that horrendous road trip, did he not realize the only reason was because Halak had stood on his head to steal a few games? I think Carbonneau’s inability or refusal to admit that things were getting completely out of control is what led to his demise. I believe there was a conversation; but it probably fell on deaf ears, Carbo’s butt was firmly planted on the denial bandwagon and judging by these latest interviews it still is.

Any thoughts?

Earth to Carbo......



Guy Carbonneau has appeared on a couple of talk shows recently and he has repeatedly stated that he has no idea why he was fired. I’m having a hard time getting my head around that. Are we supposed to believe that although Gainey and Carbo were former teammates, work colleagues and personal friends that Bob just summoned him into his office (a la Donald Trump) and said “Guy, you’re fired” without any rhyme or reason. I know Bob is a man of few words, but come on! Are we supposed to believe that Carbonneau didn’t ask why or if he did that Bob refused to give him an explanation? I personally think that Carbonneau was in complete denial, he said himself that he thought the team was turning a corner after that horrendous road trip, did he not realize the only reason was because Halak had stood on his head to steal a few games? I think Carbonneau’s inability or refusal to admit that things were getting completely out of control is what led to his demise. I believe there was a conversation; but it probably fell on deaf ears, Carbo’s butt was firmly planted on the denial bandwagon and judging by these latest interviews it still is.

Any thoughts?

Saturday, May 2, 2009

Random musings and bone picking.....


Aw crap, the Caps are one game up on the Pens. Its okay my little Tennessee Tuxedoes, you’ll win the next one.




I’ll be the first to admit I’m not a patient person, I get easily annoyed at stupidity and this past week has been rife with it. Why can’t some fans (I’ll use the term lightly) and the media give the Habs a frigging break? I’ve been reading various blogs and listening to sports radio stations since the Habs made their early exit in round one against the Bruins. People are talking about the Bruins victory as if the Habs had all men on deck, were totally healthy and were annihilated by the Bruins. What the hell is that all about? Is it just a bad case of selective hearing and vision? We were missing 25 percent of our roster for God’s sake. Barring a miracle or Price standing on his head of course they should have beaten us, duh. Take the Bruins best defenseman, their leading goal scorer and power play specialist out of the lineup and see how well they would have fared.

I was reading some comments made on a Boston blog site “The Big Bad Bruins” before the series began posted by blogger Sheriff25. It was pretty hilarious stuff, well written. This description of Saku Koivu struck me as particularly funny...

Saku Koivu - Class Slasher/Diver

This little fucker gets away with murder. If the ref's don't make him pay the B's will.


I’ve never pegged Saku as a diver or a slasher, my vote goes to Kovy as the dive master. If Saku is notorious for slashing, he has it down to a fine art; I’ve never noticed it and apparently neither have the refs. Oh well, all’s fair in love and war. Very good blog, I’ve added it to my favorites, could be a fun place to hang out next season when we play the Bruins.

Something else that bugged me this week, listening to the Team 990 in the morning, the three stooges were discussing how Bob Gainey’s coaching record was no better than Carbo’s. Correct me if I’m wrong but although the first five games after Bob took over showed no improvement things started coming together and the boys were getting on a roll until they were cut off at the knees by losing Markov & Schneider at the hands of the repulsive Leafs. I wouldn’t mind seeing Gainey behind the bench next season, he clearly demonstrated Carbo’s misuse of players, especially Koivu who should not be killing penalties and with his ice time managed properly was able to crank his game up a notch or two, same with Kovy. I’m full of Kovalove right now; I have a new found respect for him. He has passion, wonderful talent and he is a great mentor for the younger players. If anyone doubted his commitment to the Habs the fact that he was forced to sit for two games which I’m sure was totally humiliating for him but he swallowed his pride and came back better than ever. Let’s contrast that to Plekanec. He hears a rumor that he might be trade bait for Vinny and he mentally collapses? Do we really want need that kind of fragility on this team? Higgins and Gorges were also supposed to be part of the deal but they still managed to give it their all. In Higgins’s case it’s like water off a duck’s back, the poor sod is on the trading block every week if some Habs fans had their way. If Pleks goes I won’t lose any sleep over it, and speaking of sleeping, have the coaching staff considered using smelling salts on him? It's worth a try.

I’ve often wondered if some Habs fans were actually brain dead, now I have the proof. The San Jose Sharks go down in the first round; the general consensus is that Thornton and Marleau are not able to step up their games when it comes to crunch time. So what do I read on some Hab’s blogs? “Maybe we can get Joe Thornton for next season”. You guys are kidding right? Yup, sounds good to me, let’s get rid of proven playoff players Koivu and Kovalev and replace them with Thornton and company. The sheer brilliance of that almost blinds me. Right.

I was watching bits of the Anaheim Detroit series last night…..boy those Ducks are as tough as nails. I was wincing at the thought of them against the Habs in the playoffs, they’d need to rename the Bell Center the Coliseum, it would be like throwing the Christians to the lions. That hit on Hudler would have put our Pleky in traction for a year.

Random musings and bone picking.....


Aw crap, the Caps are one game up on the Pens. Its okay my little Tennessee Tuxedoes, you’ll win the next one.




I’ll be the first to admit I’m not a patient person, I get easily annoyed at stupidity and this past week has been rife with it. Why can’t some fans (I’ll use the term lightly) and the media give the Habs a frigging break? I’ve been reading various blogs and listening to sports radio stations since the Habs made their early exit in round one against the Bruins. People are talking about the Bruins victory as if the Habs had all men on deck, were totally healthy and were annihilated by the Bruins. What the hell is that all about? Is it just a bad case of selective hearing and vision? We were missing 25 percent of our roster for God’s sake. Barring a miracle or Price standing on his head of course they should have beaten us, duh. Take the Bruins best defenseman, their leading goal scorer and power play specialist out of the lineup and see how well they would have fared.

I was reading some comments made on a Boston blog site “The Big Bad Bruins” before the series began posted by blogger Sheriff25. It was pretty hilarious stuff, well written. This description of Saku Koivu struck me as particularly funny...

Saku Koivu - Class Slasher/Diver

This little fucker gets away with murder. If the ref's don't make him pay the B's will.


I’ve never pegged Saku as a diver or a slasher, my vote goes to Kovy as the dive master. If Saku is notorious for slashing, he has it down to a fine art; I’ve never noticed it and apparently neither have the refs. Oh well, all’s fair in love and war. Very good blog, I’ve added it to my favorites, could be a fun place to hang out next season when we play the Bruins.

Something else that bugged me this week, listening to the Team 990 in the morning, the three stooges were discussing how Bob Gainey’s coaching record was no better than Carbo’s. Correct me if I’m wrong but although the first five games after Bob took over showed no improvement things started coming together and the boys were getting on a roll until they were cut off at the knees by losing Markov & Schneider at the hands of the repulsive Leafs. I wouldn’t mind seeing Gainey behind the bench next season, he clearly demonstrated Carbo’s misuse of players, especially Koivu who should not be killing penalties and with his ice time managed properly was able to crank his game up a notch or two, same with Kovy. I’m full of Kovalove right now; I have a new found respect for him. He has passion, wonderful talent and he is a great mentor for the younger players. If anyone doubted his commitment to the Habs the fact that he was forced to sit for two games which I’m sure was totally humiliating for him but he swallowed his pride and came back better than ever. Let’s contrast that to Plekanec. He hears a rumor that he might be trade bait for Vinny and he mentally collapses? Do we really want need that kind of fragility on this team? Higgins and Gorges were also supposed to be part of the deal but they still managed to give it their all. In Higgins’s case it’s like water off a duck’s back, the poor sod is on the trading block every week if some Habs fans had their way. If Pleks goes I won’t lose any sleep over it, and speaking of sleeping, have the coaching staff considered using smelling salts on him? It's worth a try.

I’ve often wondered if some Habs fans were actually brain dead, now I have the proof. The San Jose Sharks go down in the first round; the general consensus is that Thornton and Marleau are not able to step up their games when it comes to crunch time. So what do I read on some Hab’s blogs? “Maybe we can get Joe Thornton for next season”. You guys are kidding right? Yup, sounds good to me, let’s get rid of proven playoff players Koivu and Kovalev and replace them with Thornton and company. The sheer brilliance of that almost blinds me. Right.

I was watching bits of the Anaheim Detroit series last night…..boy those Ducks are as tough as nails. I was wincing at the thought of them against the Habs in the playoffs, they’d need to rename the Bell Center the Coliseum, it would be like throwing the Christians to the lions. That hit on Hudler would have put our Pleky in traction for a year.

Friday, May 1, 2009

Bye Bye Brac....(for now)

It's been a busy week, we got back into Montreal at midnight last Sunday and back to work first thing Monday morning, ugh. I've been playing catch up all week with unpacking, laundry etc. I want to post some pics of Seafan Meadows, our beautiful villa rental in Cayman Brac. What a relaxing week we had, it's the perfect place to disconnect from the real world. We loved the peace and quiet with just the sound of the ocean in the background. The weather was nice every day but towards the end of our week it was quite windy and the sea was choppy, not great for water activities but perfect for bagging a few rays. All in all it was a very enjoyable getaway but a week is never long enough, we would have enjoyed staying a few more days. We'll definitely be making a return visit in the future. The two of us are on a mission to seek out new places in the Caribbean we haven't been to and compiling a short list of keepers that we plan on revisiting. Seafan Meadows is one of those places. Next stop however will be Aruba and then on to St. Vincent & the Grenadines and Antigua.

The Habs season was forgettable, the playoffs were depressing, but this vacation taken along with some adult beverages helped to soothe the pain nicely.

Here are some pics of Seafan Meadows, it is well maintained, nicely decorated and provides all the comforts of home.

This is the front of the house taken from the beach.



This is the pool and deck area.



This is the living and dining area.






The kitchen.



And last but not least, seven mile beach on Grand Cayman, beautiful.

Bye Bye Brac....(for now)

It's been a busy week, we got back into Montreal at midnight last Sunday and back to work first thing Monday morning, ugh. I've been playing catch up all week with unpacking, laundry etc. I want to post some pics of Seafan Meadows, our beautiful villa rental in Cayman Brac. What a relaxing week we had, it's the perfect place to disconnect from the real world. We loved the peace and quiet with just the sound of the ocean in the background. The weather was nice every day but towards the end of our week it was quite windy and the sea was choppy, not great for water activities but perfect for bagging a few rays. All in all it was a very enjoyable getaway but a week is never long enough, we would have enjoyed staying a few more days. We'll definitely be making a return visit in the future. The two of us are on a mission to seek out new places in the Caribbean we haven't been to and compiling a short list of keepers that we plan on revisiting. Seafan Meadows is one of those places. Next stop however will be Aruba and then on to St. Vincent & the Grenadines and Antigua.

The Habs season was forgettable, the playoffs were depressing, but this vacation taken along with some adult beverages helped to soothe the pain nicely.

Here are some pics of Seafan Meadows, it is well maintained, nicely decorated and provides all the comforts of home.

This is the front of the house taken from the beach.



This is the pool and deck area.



This is the living and dining area.






The kitchen.



And last but not least, seven mile beach on Grand Cayman, beautiful.