Get Ready For Round Two!

Write down these dates, here's the schedule for round two. The action begins tonight with the Nashville/Vancouver series opening up in Vancouver. Can't say i'm too happy with the results in the first round, most of my predictions were off, but there was a record number of game 7's so it was very exciting. I'll give you my picks later when I have a chance to think...

2011 EASTERN CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS
SERIES I		#1 vs. #5	Network
Friday, April 29		at Washington, 7:00 p.m.	VERSUS, TSN
Sunday, May 1		at Washington, 7:00 p.m.	VERSUS, CBC
Tuesday, May 3		at Tampa Bay, TBD	VERSUS, TSN
Wednesday, May 4		at Tampa Bay, 7:00 p.m.	TSN
*Saturday, May 7		at Washington, 12:30 p.m.	NBC, TSN
*Monday, May 9		at Tampa Bay, TBD	VERSUS, TSN
*Wednesday, May 11		at Washington, TBD	VERSUS, TSN
SERIES J		#2 vs. #3	Network
Saturday, April 30		at Philadelphia, 3:00 p.m.	NBC, CBC
Monday, May 2		at Philadelphia, 7:30 p.m.	VERSUS, TSN
Wednesday, May 4		at Boston, 7:00 p.m.	VERSUS, CBC
Friday, May 6		at Boston, 8:00 p.m.	VERSUS (JIP), CBC
*Sunday, May 8		at Philadelphia, 3:00 p.m.	NBC, CBC
*Tuesday, May 10		at Boston, TBD	VERSUS, CBC
*Thursday, May 12		at Philadelphia, TBD	VERSUS, CBC
2011 WESTERN CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS
SERIES K		#1 vs. #5	Network
Thursday, April 28		at Vancouver, 9:00 p.m.	CBC, VERSUS
Saturday, April 30		at Vancouver, 9:00 p.m.	CBC, VERSUS
Tuesday, May 3		at Nashville, TBD	CBC, VERSUS
Thursday, May 5		at Nashville, TBD	CBC, VERSUS
*Saturday, May 7		at Vancouver, 8:00 p.m.	CBC, VERSUS
*Monday, May 9		at Nashville, TBD	CBC, VERSUS
*Wednesday, May 11		at Vancouver, TBD	CBC, VERSUS
SERIES L		#2 vs. #3	Network
Friday, April 29		at San Jose, 10:00 p.m.	VERSUS, TSN
Sunday, May 1		at San Jose, 3:00 p.m.	NBC, TSN
Wednesday, May 4		at Detroit, 8:00 p.m.	VERSUS (JIP), TSN
Friday, May 6		at Detroit, 7:00 p.m.	VERSUS, TSN
*Sunday, May 8		at San Jose, 8:00 p.m.	VERSUS, TSN
*Tuesday, May 10		at Detroit, TBD	VERSUS, TSN
*Thursday, May 12		at San Jose, TBD	VERSUS, TSN

- * denotes if necessary
(All times are EASTERN, an hour earlier in Manitoba!)

2011 NHL Playoff Picks (Round 1)

I don't have much time, it's 15 minutes before April 13 the first day of the playoffs and I want to make my predictions without the influence of seeing the results of the first game. The first round is my favourite round of the playoffs, guaranteed to see at least a couple of upsets!


EASTERN CONFERENCE
Washington (1) vs New York (8)
I have my doubts about the Caps, though they did finish first in the conference. They must have done something right despite Ovechkin having an unspectacular season. I still can't see the Rangers pulling an upset...seriously.
Washington in 6

Philadelphia (2) vs Buffalo (7)
The Flyers are ripe for being upset, Pronger probably won't be available and he's a big reason the Flyers made it to the finals last year. The Sabres are hot and with Ryan Miller back this could be the year of redemption the Buffalo fans have been waiting for. I would pick the Sabres, but I chose too many Flyers players in some hockey pools already...it will be close!
Philadelphia in 7

Boston (3) vs Montreal (6)
A classic battle, two long time rivals, with extra animosity carried over from a couple intense head to head clashes in the regular season. The Bruins have size and brawn while the Habs have speedier, but smaller forwards. Goaltending will be the key and both goalies had stellar seasons. Carey Price will have to be the best player on the ice if the Canadians have a chance... I have a hunch.
Montreal in 7

Pittsburgh (4) vs Tampa Bay (5)
No Crosby? Why would he practise with the team if they didn't think he will play this season? I think he'll be back, maybe not this series, but maybe the next if they make it that far. The Lightning seriously outmatch the Pens, at least offensively, but as we know in the playoffs defensive play and most importantly, goaltending makes the difference. Fleury has been good and has carried this team through their key injuries, while the Lightning's goalies have not been good. Even with a Crosby and Malkin-less team, the Penguins will score...enough to win the series.
Pittsburgh in 6

WESTERN CONFERENCE
Vancouver (1) vs Chicago (8)
Chicago barely made the playoffs and they have the Wild to thank for beating the Stars on the final day of the regular season. When these two teams met last year in the playoffs their rankings were almost reversed. This year the Canucks have been touted as the team to beat for the cup and wouldn't it be a major downer if they were eliminated in the first round. The Hawks aren't neared as deep as last year and the Canucks probably have the most solid team from front to back, but as you might have guessed...I love the Hawks! Sorry Vancouver, give Hodgson and Oreskovich back to the Moose for their playoff run!
Chicago in 7

San Jose (2) vs Los Angeles (7)
The Sharks quietly had a great year, despite modest stats from their stars, Thornton, Heatley and Marleau. The Kings will be missing their two best players, Kopitar and Williams, so they pretty much don't stand a chance no matter who they're playing. Short series.
San Jose in 5

Detroit (3) vs Phoenix (6)
The Coyotes should have beaten the Wings last year, but the Jets curse still haunt the Coyotes. This franchise hasn't won a playoff series since 1987, when they were still in Winnipeg and when Dale Hawerchuk was in his prime...pathetic! I think the Red Wings are in for a fight and if Zetterberg misses most of the first round, the curse might be broken.
Phoenix in 7

Anaheim (4) vs Nashville (5)
Big time scoring from the Ducks. Corey Perry is having a MVP season, Getzlaf is healthy, Bobby Ryan is maturing and Teemu Selanne is playing like he did with the Mighty Ducks 15 years ago! Despite being close in the rankings, this might be the most lopsided series of the playoffs. Speaking of droughts, the Predators have never won a playoff series and they won't in 2011 either.
Anaheim in 5

In Case You Had Any Doubt

The other thing on my mind nowadays is the federal election. Since the NHL playoffs haven't started yet, take the time to watch this educational little cartoon to help you decide who NOT to vote for!

My TV Schedule For April

This is my favorite time of year! It's gorgeous outside today and I really should take advantage and spend as much time as possible in the sun. Right now, I am writing this post on my deck outside with a long extension running from the basement, wearing my Hawk's cap trying to block the glare of the sun shining on the laptop screen (I apologize for any typos, it's hard to see!). I'm trying to take advantage now because starting Wednesday the NHL playoffs begin and I'll be sitting inside almost every night for the next couple of months watching the playoffs on TV. I will leave the house to go to work and also I have some committee commitments I have to fulfill and I might take in some Moose playoff games, but other than that, I'm booked!

Hold on tight, bring on the playoffs!!

2011 EASTERN CONFERENCE QUARTERFINALS
SERIES A		#1 vs. #8	Network
Wednesday, April 13		at Washington, 7:30 p.m.	TSN, VERSUS (JIP)
Friday, April 15		at Washington, 7:30 p.m.	TSN, VERSUS
Sunday, April 17		at New York, 3:00 p.m.	NBC (HD), TSN
Wednesday, April 20		at New York, 7:00 p.m.	TSN, VERSUS
*Saturday, April 23		at Washington, 3:00 p.m.	TSN, NBC (HD)
*Monday, April 25		at New York, TBD	TSN
*Wednesday, April 27		at Washington, TBD	TSN
SERIES B		#2 vs. #7	Network
Thursday, April 14		at Philadelphia, 7:30 p.m.	TSN, VERSUS-JIP
Saturday, April 16		at Philadelphia, 5:00 p.m.	TSN
Monday, April 18		at Buffalo, 7:00 p.m.	TSN, VERSUS
Wednesday, April 20		at Buffalo, 7:30 p.m.	TSN, VERSUS
*Friday, April 22		at Philadelphia, 7:30 p.m.	TSN, VERSUS (JIP)
*Sunday, April 24		at Buffalo, 3:00 p.m.	NBC (HD), TSN
*Tuesday, April 26		at Philadelphia, TBD	TSN
SERIES C		#3 vs. #6	Network
Thursday, April 14		at Boston, 7:00 p.m.	CBC (HD), RDS, VERSUS
Saturday, April 16		at Boston, 7:00 p.m.	CBC (HD), RDS, VERSUS
Monday, April 18		at Montreal, 7:30 p.m.	CBC (HD), RDS
Thursday, April 21		at Montreal, 7:00 p.m.	CBC (HD), RDS, VERSUS
*Saturday, April 23		at Boston, 7:00 p.m.	CBC (HD), RDS, VERSUS
*Tuesday, April 26		at Montreal, TBD	CBC (HD), RDS
*Wednesday, April 27		at Boston, TBD	CBC (HD), RDS
SERIES D		#4 vs. #5	Network
Wednesday, April 13		at Pittsburgh, 7:00 p.m.	CBC (HD)
Friday, April 15		at Pittsburgh, 7:00 p.m.	CBC (HD)
Monday, April 18		at Tampa Bay, 7:30 p.m.	CBC (HD), VERSUS (JIP)
Wednesday, April 20		at Tampa Bay, 7:30 p.m.	CBC (HD)
*Saturday, April 23		at Pittsburgh, TBD	CBC (HD), VERSUS (JIP)
*Monday, April 25		at Tampa Bay, TBD	CBC (HD)
*Wednesday, April 27		at Pittsburgh, TBD	CBC (HD)
2011 WESTERN CONFERENCE QUARTERFINALS
SERIES E		#1 vs. #8	Network
Wednesday, April 13		at Vancouver, 10:00 p.m.	CBC (HD), VERSUS
Friday, April 15		at Vancouver, 10:00 p.m.	CBC (HD), VERSUS
Sunday, April 17		at Chicago, 8:00 p.m.	CBC (HD), VERSUS
Tuesday, April 19		at Chicago, 8:00 p.m.	CBC (HD), VERSUS
*Thursday, April 21		at Vancouver, 10:00 p.m.	CBC (HD), VERSUS
*Sunday, April 24		at Chicago, 7:30 p.m.	CBC (HD)
*Tuesday, April 26		at Vancouver, TBD	CBC (HD)
SERIES F		#2 vs. #7	Network
Thursday, April 14		at San Jose, 10:00 p.m.	TSN, VERSUS
Saturday, April 16		at San Jose, 10:00 p.m.	TSN, VERSUS
Tuesday, April 19		at Los Angeles, 10:30 p.m.	TSN, VERSUS
Thursday, April 21		at Los Angeles, 10:30 p.m.	TSN
*Saturday, April 23		at San Jose, 10:30 p.m.	TSN, VERSUS
*Monday, April 25		at Los Angeles, TBD	TSN
*Wednesday, April 27		at San Jose, TBD	TSN
SERIES G		#3 vs. #6	Network
Wednesday, April 13		at Detroit, 7:00 p.m.	CBC (HD), VERSUS
Saturday, April 16		at Detroit, 1:00 p.m.	NBC (HD), CBC (HD)
Monday, April 18		at Phoenix, 10:30 p.m.	CBC (HD), VERSUS
Wednesday, April 20		at Phoenix, 10:30 p.m.	CBC (HD), VERSUS
*Friday, April 22		at Detroit, 7:00 p.m.	CBC (HD), VERSUS
*Sunday, April 24		at Phoenix, TBD	CBC (HD)
*Wednesday, April 27		at Detroit, TBD	CBC (HD)
SERIES H		#4 vs. #5	Network
Wednesday, April 13		at Anaheim, 10:30 p.m.	TSN
Friday, April 15		at Anaheim, 10:30 p.m.	TSN
Sunday, April 17		at Nashville, TBD	TSN
Wednesday, April 20		at Nashville, TBD	TSN
*Friday, April 22		at Anaheim, 10:00 p.m.	TSN
*Sunday, April 24		at Nashville, TBD	TSN
*Tuesday, April 26		at Anaheim, TBD	TSN

- * denotes if necessary
- All Times are Eastern (this is important, don't wanna miss anything! Subtract an hour if you're in Winnipeg)

Next: My first round picks.

Thank You Minnesota!!

Thanks to the Minnesota Wild's win over the Dallas Stars, the Chicago Black Hawks will make the playoffs and have an opportunity to defend last years Stanley Cup victory. The Hawks almost let the season slip through their fingers by losing to the Red Wings 4-3 earlier today and had to wait and see what happened in St. Paul, letting their playoff chances rest on the a Dallas lose.

The Hawks will face the Stanley Cup favoured Vancouver Canucks in the first round of the playoffs starting later this week (the NHL will announce the schedule soon), as the Canucks hope to avenge their eliminate the last two years at the hands of the Hawks. Here's hoping history repeats itself!

In the upcoming days, I'll post the post-season schedule and give you my picks for the first round. God, I love this time of year!!

Vote Compass

I've been having a difficult time keeping this blog updated, but with the announcement of the upcoming federal election, I suspect my posts will become more frequent. Sometimes I can't keep my mouth shut and my opinionated views need to be expressed somewhere.

An interesting tool to determine or at least find out which way you're leaning, is found at CBC.ca, the Vote Compass. On this survey, you will be asked 30 questions on various issues that the parties have taken a stand on. It will reveal not only which party you are closest matched to, but also which leader fits your viewpoints.

• Part 1- Each question gives you a statement such as, "Marriage should only be between a man and woman", then you are asked to strongly agree, somewhat agree, neither agree or disagree, somewhat disagree and strongly disagree.
• Part 2- You are asked about the leaders and rate them: 0-10 (0> not at all trustworthy or 10< very trustworthy) on how trustworthy, competent and how suitable for Prime Minister they are.
• Part 3- Rate the parties. Also 0-10 rating, higher for likeliness of voting for them.

The results will be displayed on a grid that places your position of social liberalism, social conservatism, economic left and economic right, as well as where the parties stand. If you click on the party's name, you can compare that parties position on every question with your own. this is also a useful tool to find out what stand the parties take on all these key issues. I took the quiz and I was tabbed as a Liberal (no surprise) and Jack Layton is my preference for PM, my wife is a Green. My co-worker was also a Green and his daughter was (to her surprise), a Liberal. I know what your thinking, why has Liberal and Green only come up so far? That's the same question the National Post posed as supposedly many feel this quiz is biased and leaning Liberal. I've been spreading the word to friends and family to take the quiz, so it will be interesting to see how accurate we think our political stand is with who we support. If they truly are my friends and family, I don't expect any of the results to point to the Conservative (PC) party!
Let me know your results!

Japan Fund Raiser

(Buy this poster at Signalnoise, proceeds go to earthquake victims)

I'm sure in the next few days because of the Japan disaster, you'll be hearing about ways you can contribute and donate money for relief efforts. I know in our community in Winnipeg, we have been telling people to donate directly to the Red Cross, but there are also other sites and organizations that would gladly take your $$ donations:

• The HUMANITARIAN COALITION is a network of Canadian NGOs determined to unite in cases of humanitarian crises. Four of Canada's leading aid organizations have founded the Humanitarian Coalition: CARE Canada, Oxfam Canada, Oxfam-Québec and Save the Children Canada.
• The Red Cross on Facebook
• Donate to R.C. through iTunes
• NHL.com- Yes, hockey fans you can donate through the NHL's website too.
• Lady Gaga "We Pray for Japan" bracelet- I can't believe I'm promoting anything Lady Gaga-related, but if she turns your crank or whatever, do it "in style" with something she allegedly designed. Minimum $5 donation.

On a local front, the Manitoba Japanese Canadian Citizen's Association in conjunction with the MJCCC (Cultural Centre) are sponsoring a Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Fund Raiser event at 2:00pm on Sunday, March 20, 2011 at the Manitoba Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre (180 McPhillips Ave.). There will be entertainment, refreshments, silent auction and donation tables. I'm sure the whole slew of political speakers will be there to offer their support as well, so come see who is represented. I expect a big crowd and probably some media to overcrowd our small parking lot, so come early.

Your Original Parents "New" Website!

Here's the newest YOP website, similar to the first one, but a little bit more slicker. Not a bad looking site, loaded with photos, music and even a comic about this 4 man comedy-improv troupe! The highlight is definitely the video sketches in the "Media" section.
Enjoy!

Don Cherry Guarantees Winnipeg's Return To The NHL!

Sorry for the lack of posts recently. I've been trying to develop a website for my work and maybe if that goes well, I might make another personal page...we'll see!

Anyways, one item that got my attention was Coach's Corner between the 1st and 2nd period of the NHL Heritage Classic between the Montreal Canadians and the Calgary Flames. The issue was the rumour that the Atlanta Thrashers might relocate and Don Cherry weighed in on the subject and boldly guaranteed that the NHL will return to Winnipeg. He acknowledged first that Quebec City would eventually get a team after they build a new arena, but Cherry feels Winnipeg is the next team to get a franchise and the size of the MTS Centre should not be an issue. Of course I'm skeptical, talk of an NHL team here is old news with the whole Phoenix Coyotes debacle, but there is renewed hope because of the unstable franchise in Atlanta. This must be a blow to to Atlanta since this is the second time around for this city (remember the Atlanta Flames!) and as much as the NHL would like to have a team in the heart of Georgia, it has failed miserably. Eventually the deep thinkers of the NHL will realize hockey is not the top attraction (or even in the top 5) in the south part of the U.S.

I would like to see an NHL team here as much as the next hockey fan in Winnipeg, but first a few things need to happen. Cherry feels we have enough seats, maybe add a few thousand more, but in reality what we lack is more corporate luxury boxes. I've been a some other rinks in the league and they have at least two levels of boxes while the MTS Centre only has one with only 48 suites. By comparison, the Bell Centre has 148 private boxes and Scotiabank Place has 147, there's a lot of guaranteed revenue in the boxes alone. Will Winnipeg have a large enough corporate support (or rich people) to sustain a NHL team and will fans be willing to put out at least 4x the money for a ticket than for the AHL? We need to fill the rink consistantly for more than games against the top drawing teams (Pens, Caps, Wings, Hawks, Habs etc.) compared to the lame duck attractions (Islanders, Panthers, Blue Jackets etc.).

As Don Cherry reminds us, he is never wrong!... judge for yourself. Watch the clip from Coach's Corner starting at 1:14, when he guarantees Winnipeg's return!

I've Been Living A Lie?

I don't know about you, but I actually check out my horoscope everyday in the paper. Some days I read up to 3 newspapers and since they seem to contradict each other, because they are written by different astrologists, I don't take their content very seriously. If you do believe and take horoscopes to heart, then you should rethink your whole life plan.

In an interview last Sunday in the Minneapolis Star Tribune, astronomy instructor, Parke Kundle explained the Earth's wobbly orbit means it's no longer oriented to the stars in the way it was when the signs of the zodiac were conceived. That means, Mr. Kunkle said, that when astrologers say the sun is in Pisces, it's really in Aquarius, and so on. “Astronomers have known about this since about 130 BC,” Mr. Kunkle said Friday in his office at the Minneapolis Community and Technical College, “This is not new news. Almost every astronomy class talks about it.”

Since then this "news" has gone viral and message boards and social networking sites have been the site for much concern. Astrology buffs should be using these dates, reflecting where the stars currently are aligned:
Read more here, what do you think?...I guess that makes me a Gemini!

Where Were You On December 8th, 1980?

I might very well have been watching this Monday Night Football telecast with Howard Cosell when John Lennon was shot and killed 30 years ago today. Many people have memories of where they were or what they were doing when famous people die, Lady Di, Elvis, Michael Jackson, Kurt Cobain and of course, John Lennon. Many of these deaths were tragic, but all of their deaths had a powerful effect on people's lives.

John Lennon was shot at 10:50 pm on December 8, 1980 outside his apartment by Mark David Chapman. Earlier in the evening Lennon signed a copy of Double Fantasy for Chapman. Chapman remains to this day in jail. John's memory has been kept alive by his music through his solo work and his time with a band called, The Beatles. John's memory is also kept alive by his message of peace, anti-war and civil rights for all and the irony of his death states that message loud and clear.

Imagine there's no Heaven
It's easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people
Living for today

Imagine there's no countries
It isn't hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace

You may say that I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will be as one

Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world

You may say that I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will live as one

Crushes & Carnage- Roller Derby Is Back!!

My first exposure to roller derby was back in the late 70's when professional roller derby was on television and it's theatrics and antics mirrored the entertainment level of professional wrestling. Two teams battled it out on a raised, banked track surrounded by metal guard rails that concentrated more on the violence and wildly colourful characters than the sport itself. This was sports entertainment at it's lowest, staged fights and exaggerated battles, but it should be remembered that these players were in fact skilled athletes that were participating in a sport. Then one day roller derby seemed to fizzle out and disappear while professional wrestling became even more popular, maybe roller derby was too dangerous and there were too many real injuries. Roller derby enjoyed a bit of a revival on the early 90's with made-for TV "games" such as Rollergames and Rollerjam, but that too burned out.

Fast forward to November 13, 2010 when I attended my first live Roller derby match at the Convention Centre, appropriately named; Crushes & Carnage. The game is enjoying another revival, but this time it's different. The leagues and teams are more of a grassroots DIY operation focusing more on the the sport and athleticism and the sport is dominated by woman's teams. The Winnipeg Roller Derby League consists of 3 home teams, The Backseat Betties, Valkyrie's Wrath and the Corporation, as well as a travel team, The Murder City Maidens (that represents the WRDL) that competes against out of town teams.

Here are some other tidbits/antidotes I picked up watching "Crushes & Carnage":

• Despite the perception of roller derby as a sport with "no rules", actually there are a lot. You can body-check or use your body to block opponents, but much like hockey you can't trip, push, pull, elbow or punch. Depending on the severity of the infraction, a skater can earn a minor or major penalty. The team will skate one player short until the time is served.
• While the 70's roller derby could have been labeled wrestlers on skates, the game now is punk-rock girls on blades. Lots of cute girls with tattoos, piercings, short skirts and ripped stockings, and the sport still maintains that "cheesy" factor that makes it so great to watch.
• As you can see from my video, the track is flat, not a banked raised track. I would guess it would be extra dangerous flying over the rail both for the participants and the spectators. As it is, the fans on the floor have to watch out for sliding and falling girls from the track.
  
• For an animated video of how the game is played, check out this instructional video on YouTube: The Basics of flat track roller derby.
• Just for fun, here's clip from a televised 70's roller derby match. A fine example of how crazy that "sport" was. There must be a TV station or a DVD of classic matches from the 70's, oh well, YouTube will have to do.

Crushes and Carnage was a lot of fun and I'll definitely have to go to the next roller derby event. Admittedly, I might not have even heard about this if it wasn't for my friend (and my hair stylist!), Mini Morbid who is on one of the teams, The Backseat Betties. M.M. was awesome and you really see a different side of someone when they are competing on a sports team. Knowing someone involved helps, but it's still an entertaining evening of great sports action and the price is right. It's less than a Moose ticket and at least half the price of a Bomber game...and yes, there's beer!

In Case You Missed It...

...The annual IF...Improv Festival was held at the Gas Station Theatre with performers from Los Angeles, New york, Toronto, Edmonton, Regina and of course, Winnipeg. This year on November 11, a return of the Dungeons and Dragons improv show that performed it's hit show at this year's Winnipeg Fringe Festival. This was a one-off, 2 hour show that featured a return of old favourite and new characters performed by the same cast as the summer run. Even though I was never a "gamer" or really have a grasp of the whole D'n'D thing, this improv show is always entertaining and of course, unpredictable! This excellent cast works well together with everyone contributing equally without a lead star of the show, which ultimately contributes to the success of the appeal and longevity of the series. The summer's shows worked like a serial, where the mini-episodes continued from show to show leading to a larger and more in depth storyline. This show had quite the following!! Supposedly this might be the end of the series, but here's to hoping there is more, or at least something else with this ensemble cast.


Here's a short video of the last song R-Kayne (Jesse) sings while he is dying. I noticed there was 2 video cameras filming the festivities, so look out for a video of the complete show. I'll post a link when it appears. By the way, R-Kayne was selling CD's in the lobby after the show that he, Leif, Sam and Colin wrote and performed. The 4-song CD called, 16 Tops is quite hilarious and a excellent parody of the over-used auto-tune tool that seems to be popular with the kids nowadays. If you're interested, it's available for sale for $5, let me know and I'll talk to R-Kayne about getting you a copy.

Meet Your Original Parents!!

Sorry for the long time between posts!
Here's a funny thing I came upon the other day, Winnipeg's newest improv sensations, Your Original Parents! You might recognize some of these guys if you have frequented this blog before. Check out more of YOP's videos on their YouTube channel. I promise, no more long waits until the next post, because we have a Civic election coming up next week. More about that later.
Enjoy!!

Yogi Bear: 1st Episode- Yogi Bear's Big Break

I was eating lunch the other day at home and had a craving for some vintage Yogi Bear. I didn't realize until I watched it, that this in fact was the very first episode! I went on the view the next two, in chronological order. I will watch all the episodes and I highly recommend you do the same!

This is what I watched when I came home from school for lunch back in my elementary school days...Oh, those memories...
Enjoy!!

Somebody Needs Medication!

Wow! Have you heard the Mel Gibson tapes yet? Holy crap! This has to be one of the harshest displays of insanity I have ever heard and if his Hollywood acting career isn't over, somebodies even more nuts than Mel. He truly loses it big time, but don't take my word for it, you have to hear it to believe it. I usually don't lower myself to this level of trashy sensational journalism (because this blog is usually good clean family fun...of course), but with a blog called Sick Puppy, I thought it would be appropriate.

Here's a link for the audio tapes 1-3. (Warning: The language is a tad harsh and it's sometimes difficult to listen to!)

Don't say I didn't warn you!

Hawks in 6!!!

The Blackhawks win the cup!!!!!! It took only about 49 years, but Chicago are finally the Stanley Cup champions. I've waited my lifetime and I can't describe how amazing this moment is and I don't even play on the team. I don't have time right now to go into detail, but I'm sure when I have more time next week, I'll gush more and more about my beloved Blackhawks. More photos to come!
Whoohoo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This Is Gonna Be The Year!

...that the Chicago Black Hawks will break their record long drought and win the Stanley Cup! It's been 49 years, last time they won it was the 1960-61 season. Finally, after all these years of supporting the team through the good, the bad and awful years, I am proud to wear red, black and white.

My first memory of watching NHL hockey was during the 1970-71 playoff finals with Chicago playing the Montreal Canadians. The sheer excitement and speed of the game captivated me and despite being Canadian, I cheered for the Hawks. I'm not sure why, maybe it was Tony Esposito's mask or I liked their jersey's, but since that series I have been a dedicated and long-suffering fan. (The Canadians won the series 4-3) They have come close since, in 72-73 it was another Esposito/Dryden showdown again with the Habs winning the Cup 4-2 and more recently in 91-92 the Hawks made the finals and were swept by the Penguins 4-0 (Lemieux/Jagr era).

If you're a Hawks fan you have reason to be excited. I truly believe their chances are very good they have a realistically great shot at winning the Cup. Everything has come together at the right time and as the playoffs have progressed they have been stronger every game. Who would have predicted the Hawks would sweep the Sharks and that their biggest test in the playoffs so far was the first series against Nashville. If you go back to game 5 against the Preds when Nashville led 4-3 the game with less than a minute in the third, then Marian Hossa took a 5 minute major. If the Preds hung onto that lead they would have taken a 3-2 lead in the series, but instead Kane scores shorthanded with 14 seconds to tie it, then Hossa (fresh out of the penalty box) scores in OT to give Chicago a 3-2 series lead. That dramatic turn of events in my mind was the turning point of the playoffs for Chicago.

So, this week get out all your Blackhawks memorabilia and proudly cheer Winnipeg's newly adopted team...or at least my favourite team, but hey, Jonathan Toews is great reason to get behind the Hawks. JT from St.V has been amazing and has to be considered a front runner for the Conn Smythe and as long as the Hawks don't take the Flyers lightly I have a good feeling about how this will end. I've been waiting my whole lifetime and it would make my day (and year) if the Cup returns to the windy city and isn't it a coincidence that I finally went to a Hawks game in Chicago this April (last regular season game). I guess getting a ticket for one of the Cup final games is out of the question...or is it?
Chicago in 6

In case there's any confusion of when to NOT make plans (other than watching hockey), here are the dates of the Stanley Cup finals:

2010 STANLEY CUP FINAL
Date	#2 West vs. #7 East
Saturday, May 29	at Chicago, 8 p.m.
Monday, May 31	at Chicago, 8 p.m.
Wednesday, June 2	at Philadelphia, 8 p.m.
Friday, June 4	at Philadelphia, 8 p.m.
*Sunday, June 6	at Chicago, 8 p.m.
*Wednesday, June 9	at Philadelphia, 8 p.m.
*Friday, June 11	at Chicago, 8 p.m.

- * denotes if necessary
- All Times Eastern