Alrighty then.

Since I can't find the original link for what I wanted to post before, I'll just post these singing puppets from The Craig Ferguson Show.

I don't watch much late night teevee, so I just stumbled across him opening his show one night with the puppets and found it hilarious.  So here's a few to have fun with.

This one was on my birthday





This one is my favorite

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I received some good news today. Early in September, I submitted my short subject screenplay to a screenplay contest. I had worked on it and edited it and hoped for the best. Well, I found out today that I made it as a semi-finalist. I was surprised and happy. However, I didn't make it as a finalist, so :(. At least, once the winners are announced, I'll get critical feedback from the review committee. I look forward to that because I want to know other peoples opinions on my writing. The reality is you can't improve without it. Though I admit I'm a little disappointed in not making the final cut, I also admit I'm pleased I got this result the very first time I sent that particular screenplay to a contest.

One thing that I have been really working on, despite my working hours, is getting my social life back. I got to dress up and go out on Halloween. Haven't done that in years. In the last week I've seen two concerts. First, I saw Trans-Siberian Orchestra out at the Izod Center (formerly the Meadowlands). You may have heard of them from the intensely driven Chrismas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24. They put on a great show. And their light show, which they are known for, was massive. I'm pretty sure I suffered a seizure or two. Probably a small stroke. :D It was really great when they brought out the special guest at the finale, Steven Tyler from Aerosmith. My friend and I had a great time. Navigating NJ Transit, however, was a pain in the ass. Through the amazing and much needed kindness of strangers, we made it out there and got back safely. Thanks to all those good folks. Here's a video of TSO performing Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24 live. It includes the spoken intro (the CD this comes from, Christmas Eve and other stories, is done in story form--a concept album for lack of a better term). It's from a few years ago, but you get a good idea of the intensity of the music and light show, which is much bigger now.



Six days ago, another friend and I went to see Oasis at Madison Square Garden. They were AWESOME! They don't do light shows. No outrageous stunts or showmanship. They just blow you away with their music. I loved it, loved it, loved it! I think I'm still over-the-moon excited now that I think about it. What a Show! This is a video that shows and almost identical vantage point that we had. And this song, What's the story, morning glory?, had the whole audience singing along the loudest. Even over Wonderwall. Another one of their huge songs. The audience was drowning Liam Gallagher out and he gestured to the sound guys to increase his mike. :D That was funny. Liam doesn't like to be upstaged by his own audience. Noel Gallagher, his brother and the lead guitarist and songwriter, suffered the same fate on one of the few songs he sings, Don't look back in anger. Noel fought it less than Liam. But he did end it the way he wanted to, not how the audience did it. That's what I like so much about the brothers. They will do what they do, out of loyalty to each other and their music. They are both guilty of verbal diarrhea in the worst way. Too some, they're abrasive and outrageous. To me, I can't fault them for any of it.  They're rock stars.  They get it. 




Did I also mention I started taking guitar lessons about two months ago? And did I mention that I found out only a couple of weeks ago that my guitar teacher has been friends with the founder and leader of TSO for 20 years, and has worked on one of their albums? I am sooooooo working that connection next year. ;D

I am actually in a good mood about Christmas.  And I know why.  It's because I am going away for the holidays.  My mom and my sister and I are going out to Vegas to see my brother and his family.  Including my nephew's new baby girl.  For once, the pressure and stress that is usually kickin' my ass this time of year is off.  Not that I didn't buy presents and do Christmas cards (OK, I finally did that today.  Ha!).  I did do that stuff.  And since we're in the horrible, crushing, will-destroy-us-all Depression, I've held back on going overboard on gifts and, VOILA!, I have some money left.  Hooray! for me.  One of the things that bothers me the most about Christmas is I end up spending too much.  I've learned to reign it in.  And that makes me happy. 

Why we're going to Las Vegas has to do with last year.  Last year, my mom had her gall bladder removed right before the holidays.  Well, she ended up having to go to the ER.  Long story, short, my siblings and I never really knew how old my mother really was until last year.  You'd understand how this happened if she was your mom, believe me.  Well, without telling us, our mom reached the milestone age of 80 last year.  It was a shock to us because we thought she must've been 8 or 10 years less than that.  Yeah, mom looks real good for her age.  Anyway, we agreed that we would get her out to Vegas with as much of the family together as possible, to celebrate her 80+1 birthday (actually, it was Monday, but she didn't want to travel on her birthday).  So, we've been dropping hint after hint this past year and finally did the hard sell in the last couple of months and...tomorrow, actually later today, we leave for Vegas and will be away until after the New Year.  Can't wait. 

However, I'm suffering kitty guilt.  Because we're going to be away so long, I had my two cats, Max and Silkie, boarded.  They left today.  I was frazzled because the Pet Chauffeur showed up nearly an hour early and we were not ready.  I had to scramble to put them in their carriers, label the carriers, the bag of kitty toys, a quick brush and no proper goodbyes.  Of course I called later in the day to check on them and was told they were fine and were even allowing people to pet them and pick them up.  That was great to hear.  If you think that lessens my kitty guilt and anxiety...you'd be wrong.  :/

It will be a relief to have a real vacation.  Especially since November started off terribly.  Either I had a bad cold, or most likely, the flu, that lingered for two weeks.  I pretty much lost my voice which is horrible because I depend on my voice to do my job.  I still blame this stupid girl (I refuse to call her a woman because she is so immature) who kept coming to work despite the fact she was so sick.  And then she'd spend the whole damn day talking about how bad she felt.  Well, fine!  Then go the hell home, moron!  Instead of infecting the rest of us.  Even through the illness I've still been working more hours.  And I really want to switch back to daytime hours.  I finally had a talk with my supervisor about my job and, not expecting anything, I may have worked myself into a new job.  More on this as it develops.  I really hope this goes somewhere because I desparately need a/to change. 

   

                                                                                         
                                                     
                                                               

                                                                
    
                                                   
                             
                                                       

If none of these pictures needs explanation to you, then you watch HBO's True Blood.  In fact, if you recognize these pictures, that means you love True Blood because you're up-to-date on the last episode.  Awesome!  I was apprehensive about this show (in other words, I thought it would suck, so to speak), but I liked it from the first episode.  And each episode leaves me wanting more.  I'm always ready to watch the next episode as soon as the latest episode is over.  Alas, after Sunday's episode, this season is over.  Augh!  Why does HBO do this?  They make you wait half a year between seasons of your favorite shows.  The last episode revealed the killer (if you hadn't guessed) and we get to see if he's captured.  Will Sam capture him?  Will it be as a man or dog?  Will Bill be able to rescue Sookie despite the sunlight?  And who is the mystery lady and her pig?  A friend of mine suspects (and I think she's right) that the woman is also a shape-shifter and she's really after Sam.  And what will become of Jason?  He's finally been touched by love (although I still think Amy was crazy).  Will his grief lure him into the arms of anti-vampire fanatics?  You know, I doubt it.  I think Jason is finally becoming a man.  And he wants more for himself than to live a life of hate.  I didn't even know this was a book series until after the show aired.  But I refuse to spoil myself.  Except for one plot point in the next book, I don't wanna know anything.  It's more fun for me that way .

Will Sookie be rescued from the killer?  Will Jason be saved, or "saved"?  Will Lafayette remain fabulous?  Will Tara be more than somebody else's pawn and free herself?  Will Sam get fleas?  Will Jessica be the wildest vampire ever?  Let's watch tomorrow night and find out.  :)  Just so we can be left hanging for  months.  :/           

"I always believe that ultimately, if people are paying attention, then we get good government and good leadership. And when we get lazy, as a democracy and civically start taking shortcuts, then it results in bad government and politics."    Barack Obama

Yes, America.  It's time to choose.  America needs good government and good leadership again.  So vote.  If you're reading this and you're of voting age, vote.  Vote for the candidate you believe in.  Regardless of party.  But vote.  America needs her people to stand up for her.  And we, the people, need to reclaim our democracy.  So.  Vote.    

 

 

 

I recently alluded to my "little obsessions". Most are fleeting. Some have stood a long time. One of those is anime. Japanese anime are, but cannot really be characterized as, cartoons. Yes, there are plenty of anime shows that are cute, silly, funny and just for kids or just for laughs. Some that make it to the US and are shown on tv are aimed at kids. But most are not. For every kids-oriented anime, there is more young adult/adult themed anime. The more popular series in Japan are the ones that make it to US televisions. For instance, I just watched the finale of Death Note. This was a mind-bending anime not meant for those who are not thoughtful or who are impatient. As a matter of fact, patience is a key to anime. The Japanese do not tell stories quickly. It took nine years just to tell some of the story of InuYasha before the series ended. Almost all anime series starts with a manga (comic book series). Sometimes, the manga precedes, and/or exceeds the series. As is the case w/InuYasha, in which the manga just recently ended in Japan. But the anime series ended 2 years ago. My all-time favorite anime is Cowboy BeBop. It had amazing storytelling, animation, perfect voice acting and english dubbing. And it made me realize that an animated story can be filled with intense emotion, tragedy, and can even bring tears to your eyes. My co-favorite is Fooly Cooly. Total opposite in tone. More comedy, less tragedy. But it was very human and real in it's emotion. And ultimately, it awed me with it's immensity. My current favorite series is Bleach. And this too, will be a loooooog one. But it's great. It's one of the most popular anime series ever in Japan. And that popularity has transferred to US shores. But I digress. You may wonder; but why am I not explaining these stories? Because they're not the point. My real point is about J-pop. Japanese pop. I love it. And I was introduced to in thru anime.

From Outlaw Star to Bleach, I have heard music that I absolutely love. Most of the songs I first loved came from the InuYasha series. But Bleach has since surpassed InuYasha in my mp3 player. Thru anime, I also discovered artists I've become a fan of. Yoko Kanno is a prolific composer of amazing talent. From Cowboy BeBop to Ghost in the Shell, she has composed a vast amount of wonderful music. If Hollywood won't "discover" her, Cirque du Soleil should. Her work is right up their alley. And well beyond. One of the bands I've become a fan of is Do As Infinity (D.A.I.) The band is named after it's founder and composer and guitarist, Dai Nagao. The other two main members are vocalist Tomiko Van and guitarist Ryo Owatari. They lasted from 1999 to 2005. A shame because they were very good. Tomiko Van, or just Van, has gone onto a solo career and I haven't caught up with her solo work yet. Two of their most popular songs became closing songs for InuYasha. Fukai Mori (Deep Forest) in season 2 and Shinjitsu no Uta (Ballad of Truth) in season 5. Fukai Mori became their signature song. And it's a sad song at heart as it's about a friend of Van's who died too young. The only way to really know if you like music is to hear it. So I looked over Youtube to find some D.A.I. videos. Unfortunately, the official videos for both of these songs are "copyright protected" and keep getting yanked off Youtube. A shame. However, altered versions aren't a problem. Since I love these songs so much I have to share. Even if it means sharing bastardized forms of videos. It's all about the songs, anyways. This 1st video of from a live performance of D.A.I. performing "Fukai Mori". Please forgive Van as she is especially choked up at the beginning because, like I mentioned before, it's a personal song for her. Unfortunately, the song is cut short a little, but you get most of it:



 


If this is all new to you, I ask you to give a chance.  If it's not up your alley.  So be it.  But try it first.  In the end, it's just pop music in a different language, not rocket science.  Why do I like it so much?  I dunno.  I just do.  For right now, that will suffice.  And I haven't even gotten to how much I love Hyde yet.  Or to the music from Bleach.  That's good stuff. 

Since The Dark Knight is my newest obsession. I found something most curious.   Compare and contrast the following photos.  Photos from the last movies of Brandon Lee and Heath Ledger respectively.   What does it all mean?  Something profound?  Nothing of consequence?  An interesting coincidence?  


     

Brandon Lee, "The Crow"





Heath Ledger, "The Dark Knight"


Some smaller pics to make life easier:

Yes, it was the biggest Bollywood wedding in India in like, ever.  And the happy couple, "AbhiAsh" as they're dubbed are bigger than "Brangelina" throughout Asia.  And I'm sure it was a beautiful ceremony.  It's been a tough week in the news, so let's relax and celebrate something happy.  In pictures.  But first, turn up the bhangra music and...EVERYDODY DANCE!  Just like in a Bollywood movie.   

                                                                                
You can dance if you want to.  And you know you want to.
 

                                                                       
                                                                
 Ahbishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai in Toronto back in January where they premiered their film
 "Guru".
 
                                                                                        

                                                                               
Here is "AhbiAsh" back in January around the time of their official engagement. 

                                                                               
It's the wedding day.  Here the groom looks out
through a veil of flowers

                                                                               
Notice the lovely detail of the Mendhi decoration.  
                                                                               
                                  
This is as good a look as anyone outside the ceremony will get of the bride.
Unless an official wedding photo is released at some later time.     

                                                                               


                                                                              

  Dear God:  I would like to look like this for just 24 hours.  That's all.  Just
  24 little hours.  Are you there, God?  No.  How about Satan?   Satan?  Dude, help
  me out here.  Oh, the havoc I can unleash!   }:)> 
                                                                  
                                                                              
This is Aishwarya Rai at Cannes in 2003 w/acclaimed, but nearly
 unknown in these parts, French director Patrice Chereau (La Reine Margot).  
 I bring this up because I have his autograph!

                                                                
This is my Patrice Chereau story.  Back when I was studying French at Alliance Francais here in New York, I took advantage of ticket discounts to attend the French Film Festival at Lincoln Center.  The festival premiered his latest film at the time, "Ceux qui m'aiment prendront le train" ("Those who love me can take the train") and the premiere included an in person appearance by Monsieur Chereau with a Q&A session to follow.  Which was tricky for him (or so he said) because his english was so-so.  I've never had the opportunity to sit in on a film premiere with the director in the audience and I have to say it felt pretty cool (hee!).  It didn't have to be a red carpet event.  And I didn't care if the director came from Timbuktu.  It's still pretty cool.  At the end, I got to ask a question and yeah, it was a fan-girly question.  I asked him how he was able to get Vincent Perez to dress in drag for the film.  His response was he had no trouble at all.  Vincent had told him once, drunkenly, at a party, that he was dying to play a woman in a film.  So, when Monsieur Chereau had this script and the character of Viviane, he knew who to go to first.  There was laughter all around at that.  Trust me on that.  Afterwards, he stayed around to answer more questions personally and sign autographs.  I had bought with me a book I kept with poems I'd written in it.  I thanked him for answering my question and asked him to sign it, which he did.  He was very gracious and was actually very eager to answer more questions.  However, the event organizers were intent on whisking him away to some private reception sponsored by Alliance Francais, so he had to say goodbye.  However, in what time he had, he was very good at answering questions personally.  He listened very intently and answered every question put to him.  And he would look you directly in the eyes when he spoke to you.  Which can be unnerving for a lifelong New Yorker like myself (ha, ha) but I appreciated it very much.  I think I asked another question or two, but I don't remember what they were.  I still have my book, with his autograph, written in purple ink.  So that's my Patrice Chereau story.                                                          

It will start soon, but here's my prediction for tonight's "24".  I think tonight is the night Jack Bauer dies.  For real, this time.  Jack has gotten himself into too much trouble this season to easily get out of it.  And I've had these suspicions since the arrival of Rick Schroeder.  Besides, they[ve been hinting at Jack's death for two seasons.  So tonight. I think this is it for Jack Bauer.   

Now, back to our regularly scheduled LJ.

To date, I've seen the movie "300" twice.  I will probably see it again before it's gone from theatres.  When I went to see it the first time, the movie wasn't even 10 minutes old, the principle players weren't even onscreen yet, when I realized I loved this movie and nothing in heaven or hell could change my mind.  I had to see the movie after "Rome" ended because I couldn't get enough of men w/swords and sandals.  Heh! 
 
I wasn't aware how much narration was in the film before seeing it.  And all the narration is done by David Wenham, the Spartan's Storyteller.  His narration starts the movie and ends it.  The first thing I was struck by was how much David Wenham reminded me of a younger Sean Bean!  Peter Jackson was so right to cast him as Faramir in LOTR.  The movie is intense.  Visually, it is stunningly beautiful.  That may seem a contradiction, to say this about a movie that has one brutal battle after another.  But it is.  The director, Zack Snyder, did say he wanted a "ballet of death".  He made it happen.  From the first commercials and trailers I saw, I knew this movie was unlike anything I'd ever seen.  I have to say a word about the trailers here.  The trailers are so well done, the music (NIN) is so perfectly matched, that I found the trailers (from teasers to full length) positively mesmerizing.  I should know.  I watched them constantly on YouTube. :D  I still had my doubts about whether I'd like "300" going in, but obviously they've been put to rest.  You know how it is (Great trailer.  Can't wait to see it.  Disappointing movie.  Lost money and time you can't get back).  I also realized the second time around that I missed much of the humor.  I guess I was so into the movie the first time that it passed me by.  Dunno why because it's so obvious.  I'd estimate that half of what King Leonidas (Gerard Butler) says is said in jest.  I was also not prepared for the appearance of King Xerxes.  He towers over Leonidas.  Over everyone!  Emphasizing the image of  God-King.  I believe that the grotesque imagery of some of the characters is meant to emphasize how "monstrous" the Spartans enemies are to the Greeks, as it is told by the Storyteller.  "They are not like us.", in other words.  

It begins with the story of one Spartan child, as told by the Storyteller.  A baby boy deemed fit and spared the pit of death.  Taken away for the agoge at the age of seven, the boy learns to fight to survive.  He survives to become a man.  And not just any man, but a King.  It's King Leonidas' story.  A King for many decades until the steps of his nation is darkended by an outside force, threatening enslavement or extinction, if the "offer" of surrender and submission isn't accepted.  "Madness?  This is Sparta!"  (Note:   I've seen Gerard Butler in absolutely nothing before this movie.  But somehow, as an actor, I don't think he knows the meaning of "tone it down a notch."  LOL  That's an observation, not a criticism.  I think he does a fine job and is perfectly cast as King Leonidas.)   The "wise elders" forbid the King from marching his army to repel the invasion.  He has no choice but to respect their judgement.  In fact, the "wise elders" have been paid off by the Persians.  He reflects on what he must do with his Queen (the beautiful Lena Headey).  She exhorts him to do what is right in the name of their freedom.  He chooses to defend his kingdom.  Barred from marching his army because of religious observances to fight the invading Persians, he chooses his finest 300 warriors, and leads them himself to the "Hot Gates".  Known as Thermopylae.  He says goodbye to his family and his Queen the only way a Spartan can.  Without sentiment and fanfare.  His Queen sends him off the only way a Spartan woman can.  That he come back with his shield.  Or on it.  We do not see as much of the Spartan Queen, Gorgo, as we see of the King.  But there is no question she is his match in terms of loyalty, honor and dignity.  She decides on her own she will do whatever she can to help her husband get the army he needs.  Otherwise, they are all certain to die.  With an additional thousand+ Greeks, the 300 set out for the "Hot Gates".  They are prepared to fight.  They are prepared to die a "beautiful death".  "This is where we stand.  This is where we fight.  This is where they die.", shouts the King as he rallies his men.  ( "Give them nothing.  But take from them everything!", is sure to become the rallying cry of many a sports team.)  And fight they do.  Wave after wave of Persian infantry.  The Spartans hold.  Waves of Persian horsemen.  The Spartans hold.  The pile of dead Persians rises at their feet.  The Immortals come.  The Immortals die.  The Spartans hold.  Raging beasts are set on them.  Even the beasts die.  Persian arrows do indeed blot out the sun.  And when it is over, the Spartans are still standing.  Persian King Xerxes himself offers King Leonidas a vast kingdom to rule over.  All he has to do is allow himself to be ruled by Xerxes.  Leonidas refuses without a second thought.  He tells Xerxes that he does not understand the difference between them.  King Xerxes will send men to die for him.  King Leonidas will die for his men.  And he will die if he must, to preserve his people.  He promises Xerxes only, that before the end, a God-King will bleed.  In the meantime, the Queen has arranged to appear before the council to plead for aid to the 300.  But first, she must win over councillor Theron.  Or there is no hope for her to sway the councillors.  

The 300 continue to battle.  They fight on.  Battling "wizardry" and cunning soldiers.  The 300 take casualties.  Some deaths harder to take than others.  Meanwhile, they are betrayed.  A misshapened hunchback, rejected as a soldier by Leonidas, has betrayed them to Xerxes in exchange for the God-King's offer of treasures.  He shows Xerxes men the goats path behind the "Hot Gates".  The 300 are undone.  The other Greeks abandon the Spartans.  King Leonidas sends his Storyteller away with them.  "Remember us", he tells him.  "Tell our story."  Reluctantly, the Storyteller leaves behind his brothers, knowing he'll never see them alive again.  He takes the King's token to return to his Queen with him.  King Leonidas rallies his soldiers for one last chance at glory.  The Queen seeks the help of Theron.  He will help her.  If she offers him her body.  "You will not enjoy this.", he gloats over the Queen.  She gives him what he wants.  Then the Queen appears before the council.  Her words, strong and loyal, appear to sway the councillors to her husband's side.  Theron, seeing his hold over the council challenged, accuses the Queen of adultery.  That she easily gave herself to Theron, among other men.  Theron demands that the now disgusted and angry Queen be removed.  Before she is taken, the Queen takes a knife and kills him.  And in doing so, reveals him as a traitor to Sparta who has taken Persian money.  The 300 will have their support.  But it is too late.  Now surrounded, the last of the 300 with him, Leonidas is asked to surrender to Xerxes.  Before addressing Xerxes, he offers the hunchback a Spartan curse, "May you live forever."  He appears to surrender and kneel.  But it is a ruse.  In fact, Leonidas readies himself for one last throw of his spear.  In doing so, he makes the God-King bleed, as he had promised.  Knowing he's about to die, Leonidas remembers his Queen, his love.  And for the last time, the arrows of the Persians fall.  The Storyteller, Dilios, returns to Sparta.  He delivers the King's token to the Queen and the news of the fate of the 300.  One year later, he tells his story again.  This time to rally an army of 10,000 Spartans and 30,000 Greeks against the Persian army.  The Greeks are outnumbered 3 to 1.  Pity the Persians.

At my job, there is a diner located in the building.  It's run by a Greek family.  Yes, it seems stereotypical.  But it's also true.  (In fact, there are two separate diners in my neighborhood run by Greek families.)  Anyways, it turns out they are from Sparta.  I've taken to calling the younger brother, Sparta.  He doesn't mind.  But his name is Peter.  He told me there is a stone and plaque at the site of the Battle of Thermopylae dedicated to the 300 Spartans and Greeks who fought and died there.  He also told me that the pit, where they threw the "defective" babies, is still there, too.  At this I said, "Oh."  Then I thought, "Ohhhhh."  As in, "That's unsettling and unhappy to think about."  Right now, I feel hard-pressed to judge their society when just two days ago, a woman put her newborn baby in a plastic bag and left her to die out on a porch.  At this moment, I have to say their society was what is was, and ours is what it is.  No, that won't do.  I have to say our society is far more merciful.  But do we value personal honor also?  We don't need to be maniacal about it as they were.  But do we have any sense of honor?  Everytime another reality show debuts, I believe whatever honor our society has erodes away a little more.  IMHO, we can borrow a touch of their respect for personal honor to restore what I think is our tarnished value system.  I say this in regards to our leaders who we've chosen to represent us.  They won't get any better until we expect better from ourselves, and therefore our leaders.  Personal honor is a good measuring stick to go by.  That's just my 300 cents, anyway.               

God!  My recap of the film is longer than the movie  :O                                     

Almost two months ago I was lamenting the fate of the New York Rangers and their playoff chances.  They were losing games at the rate "300" sprays blood.  They were out of playoff contention.  And their most inspiring leader, Brendan Shanahan, went down with a serious injury.  I was climbing the walls with anxiety.  My emotions rose and fell with every game.  It got worse.  Key players went down with, or were hampered by injuries that would take weeks to heal.  But something wonderful happened.  In the face of adversity, the team pulled together.  They started winning.  And winning.  And kept winning.  And finally, tonight, they clinched a playoff berth with a win over Les Habitants, aka the Montreal Canadiens.  Shanny came back.  Sean Avery, who was acquired from LA in February, has become the gutsy, never-say-die spirit of the team.  And King Henrik is their WALL.  Captain Jagr raised his game and took control of the team and they got their act together and have played the best hockey of the season.  The playoffs start next week and I couldn't be happier or more proud of this team.  Let's celebrate.  In pictures, of course.  


      
Rookie Ryan Callahan absorbs a hit from the Canadiens' Francis Bouillon



Callahan gets sweet revenge when linemate, and resident Ranger cutie, Petr Prucha scores the first goal of the game.   



Jaromir Jagr celebrates what would be the game-winning goal with linemates and fans.
  


Capt. Jagr celebrates the third goal by defenseman Marek Malik with teammates.  There's firebrand Sean Avery, #16, with the black mouthguard.



I love it when they do this!  After the game, the team celebrates their victories by raising their sticks and saluting the fans.  Nice.



King Henrik is named 1st Star of the game and celebrates the Rangers entry into the playoffs.

Yes, I'm a bonafide hockey nut.  No apologies there.  I love the game, no matter how much agita my favorite team gives me.  The season isn't over yet.  One more big game to play to determine their playoff seeding.  Their first-round opponent is yet to be determined, too.  But they're in.  They were almost dead in the water but they turned it around and made it.  

Way to go, boys!  And congratulations.   

I exorcised this from sofiaagapao's LJ.  Try it.  You might like



You.
Can.
Only.
Type.
One.
Word.

Not as easy as you might think.

1. Where is your cell phone?   Recharging

2. Describe your boyfriend/girlfriend/husband/wife/lover?   None

3. Your hair?   Brown

4. Your mother?   Asleep

5. Your father?   Dead

6. Your favourite item?   Cats     

7. Your dream last night?   Anxious 

8. Your favourite drink?   Lemonade

9. Your dream car?   Porsche  

10. The room you are in?   Family 

11. Your ex?   Gone 

12. Your fear?   Lost    

13. What do you want to be in 10 years?   Mother 

14. Who did you hang out with last night?  Television

15. What you're not?   Tall

19. The last thing you did?   Eat

20. What are you wearing?   Shorts

21. Your favourite book?   Epic  

22. The last thing you ate?   Soup

23. Your life?   Transition     

24. Your mood?   Frustrated       

25. Your friends?    Missed

26. What are you thinking about right now?   Future

27. Your car?   None

28. What are you doing at the moment?   Thinking

29. Your summer?   Away

30. Your relationship status?   Unknown   

31. What is on your tv?   Picture  

32. When is the last time you laughed?   Yesterday

33. Last time you cried?   Months

34. School?   Undone

Copy.
Paste.
Answer.
Questions.
In.
One.
Word.

And so it ends.

To my own amazement, I didn't collect any of the Nunciator's speech or gestures.  My shame.  Next time.  

Question.  Is it only me, or does anybody else get hungry while watching "Rome"?  I don't snack when watching tv, but when "Rome" is on, I do.  I think it's because the characters are often eating little nibbles and things and I end up going to the kitchen without even thinking about it and looking for little nibbles to munch on.  What no grapes?  No olives and bread?  Ok, found honey-roasted peanuts.  Good, these will do.  Anybody else?  

I've also, on a weekly basis, gone over the cast list on the HBO Rome site and mentally checked off the dead (or replaced).  There are few survivors.  I don't think any show has killed off so many regular cast members.  And that includes "The Sopranos".  

Goodbye "Rome".  It was fun while it lasted.  

Ok, so I was to have given a recap of last week's "Rome" by now.  Shame on me for not getting to it sooner.  It will be different after tonight.  The stakes are getting higher.  The emotions are getting tenser.  And sadder.  Two more episodes left, and my heart is already broken.  I expect more heartache to come before Octavian is crowned Caesar Augustus and Rome's future is sealed for the next 5 centuries.  Well let me say this:  I have gone beyond hating Gaia to wishing her total destruction, but I was impressed by her skills as a fighter--doesn't change anything; I will miss dear, sweet Eirene, Adela from beyond the Rhine; Poor dear, dear Pullo, but he will make a good surrogate father to Lucius's children; Ack!  Lucius.  His familial happiness was a mask for profound guilt.  He had no answer to his daughter's accusations and hatred, and retreated with Antony.  So sad; As for Antony, the look on his face when he realized he could not longer physically intimidate Octavian was one of defeat and resignation.  A postion he is most unaccustomed to; Octavian is a freak on a leash.  And he probably enjoy the leash;  Octavia can't win, can she?; Agrippa gave Octavia up for his master.  (Mad at Agrippa); I don't believe Vorena spoke for her brother and sister about hating their father.  For Lucius, it didn't matter, but still.  I believe Lucius loves all his children very much.  Tho' I don't hold out much hope for it, I hope he'll reconcile with his children.  If he survives the ending; Glad to see Memmio and Omnipor got what they deserved.  Btw, haven't seen a lot of commentary on naked Pullo.  I mean, NAKED PULLO!  Sheesh.  Did no one care? 

But I'm actually still full of excitement because I was at last night's Rangers game.  The team's been in and out of playoff contention.  My Blueshirted boy toys have been toying with my emotions for weeks.  I got a ticket from a friend (really good seat too).  For reference, the last game I went to was last March '06.  The Rangers clinched a playoff spot that night.  The best they could do last night was improve their playoff chances.  I was simultaneously anticipating and dreading the game.  But WOW!  What a show my team put on for me.  And on St. Patrick's Day, no less.  And yes, there was no shortage of Wearin' O' the Green at MSG.  Not to mention the Flowin' O' the Green Beer in the green souvenir cups.  It was a rowdy, but thankfully, happy crowd.  Just for me, they scored 7 goals, had 4 fights, 1 injured player (not for me, but fortunately he'll be ok), and 0 goals against.  After playing several games in a row unable to score more that 2 goals a game, they erupted for 7!  Six goals in the second period alone!  Either I need to go to more games, or they need to think they're playing on St. Patrick's Day all the time.  And yeah, they knew I was there.  That's why they did it.  Obviously, I need to let them think I'm always there.  Maybe I'll send them a cardboard cutout of myself for inspiration. :D    This game was tailor-made for Ranger, Brendan Shanahan, whose parents are Irish-born.  Unfortunately, Shanny is still recovering from a concussion and couldn't play.  However, the Irish Pride was held up by fightin' Sean Avery (1 goal, 3 assists, 1 fight), Matt Cullen (2 goals), Ryan Callahan (2 goals, 1 fight), and David Liffiton (1 fight, very red hair).  In fact, rookie Ryan Callahan scored his first AND second NHL goals of his career.  And he scored his first fight.  Congratulations!  Every player remembers his first goal.  But not every story is as memorable as the one Callahan will have.  It wasn't just a good night for the Irish.  "King" Henrik Lunqvist of Sweden was brilliant in goal and stopped everything, sometimes spectacularly, that came his way.  The Czechs checked in, too.  Petr Prucha scored 1 goal, and Captain Jaromir Jagr had 3 assists.  Wow, guys, a 7-0 victory.  Now keep it going and make the playoffs.  
 



Ryan Callahan celebrates his 1st NHL goal w/Sean Avery.  On St. Paddy's day, no less!


               
                                                                   King Henrik makes a pointblank save.

               
                   
                   King Henrik always knows where the puck is!
                                        



                    King Henrik will not be beaten on this night.



                   Martin Straks is helped off the ice.  Although already playing with an upper body injury, Straka will recover from the leg injury.





 On March 8th, Ranger Ryan Hollweg was deliberately hit in the face by NYI Chris Simon

  








For the record, Hollweg was injured but not seriously.  A few inches above or below the chin, he'd still be in the hospital.
Simon was suspended, and the possibility of criminal charges still exists.  



As of last night, Ryan Hollweg was back to what he does best against Jeremy Reich of Boston.


Come on, boys.  You can make the playoffs happen.  NOW.  Go for it.