Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Bucket List - Update
I don't know why it came into my mind but I want to visit a real life ghost town - old west style. Anyone know of a good place to go?
Monday, April 29, 2013
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Guest Blog - State of the Canes
(Ed. note: This is a special guest blog by the husband.)
Mercifully, the Canes season has ended and once again, we're looking at a long summer. For the fourth straight year, this team has failed to make the playoffs and the sad part is, you can't even say they underachieved. This team is stuck in the worst kind of cycle: not good enough to make the playoffs and not bad enough to get a franchise-changing pick.
The frustrating thing with this team is that before these seasons start, we know how it's going to go (especially as it relates to the defense). This team has some top offensive talent, but the depth is spotty. The goaltending is pretty good but with a D that bad, they're one Ward injury away from disaster. The D is so awful it may truly be the worst group in the league. I watch a lot of hockey including watching every other team multiple times and it really is true - this corps is awful.
The worst part of all of this is that they play well enough on the strength of their elite players that they're close to making the playoffs every year. After every season, it's always "If not for injuries at bad times, we'd have made it" or "that really rough October or November really sunk us - the rest of the time we were one of the best teams in the league". The problem is it's the same song after every season. It's almost as if the goal is to get the 8th seed every year, which obviously doesn't leave much room for error. With realignment next year, being slightly better than mediocre isn't going to cut it.
This leads to what has to be done going forward. They're basically screwed if they can't make trades, and to be honest, who wants half these guys? They only have like 7 million to spend to get to the cap next year and financially, the team is probably hamstrung a bit by not making the playoffs this year so who knows if the plan is to spend up to the cap. They have a bunch of free agents that they probably won't re-sign (like LaRose and Brent) but even as they fill them with guys from Charlotte - who haven't exactly tore it up in the NHL - that's still money tied up. I guess they keep Peters but he's just an AHL goalie. How many chances does he get up here where he gives up 5 goals a game? Sure, he has played well at times but overall, he has 1 good game, 1 absolute stinker and 2 mediocre games. Is that what you want when your starter is out for 6 weeks? This year was tough because they had so many games crammed in which exacerbated the problem but even a regular year Peters wasn't going to help. I'd rather see Ellis stick around but he's not great either. I know it's tough to find a cheap backup that's competent but why do they strike out every year?
So now we get to the blue line. I don't know what you do there because they are an absolute disaster but I think you have to blow it up. Trade McBain if anyone will take him and if not, maybe buy him out. Let Corvo and Sanguinetti go and don't look back (though I will say he wasn't half-bad this year). Bergeron seemed to help the PP but I would let him go as well. You basically build around Faulk, hope Pitkanen is healthy (which is a huge question mark) and let Harrison be on the third pairing. I would bring in Murphy - which I'm sure will happen - and give Keegan Lowe a chance as well. How could Lowe be worse than McBain even if he struggles? I don't know if any options are out there in free agency that would play here but sign someone different just to mix it up. I'd also like to see Gleason gone. He's been terrible for several years now and it's getting worse. For what he's supposed to be to the Canes, he falls way short.
I also think that they should trade Skinner while he has value. His ceiling may not be as high as we think and with every hit potentially knocking him out for weeks at a time, there's too much risk for a guy that will making $5M next year. I doubt they could get value for him though so this may not be possible.
Sadly, I think they need to blow this up. Trade anyone outside of the Staals that you can and rebuild. The Flyers traded away a bunch of their good players when they had to change up the mix and while they screwed the pooch with their goalie, I think it was the right move. I can't take spending all of this money only to realize 2 months in that this team is going nowhere. Even if they made the playoffs, they're a threat to get bounced early since the talent gap is so great. Before I could complain that they weren't spending money, but I can't do that next year - now, it's just that they fell in love with their own guys and they spent money unwisely. I know they'll suck for a couple of years but they can then stockpile some cheap talent and actually set themselves up for the future.
The last part is that this team needs better scouting. Their drafts have been poor and haven't produced much outside of good AHL players. It doesn't help that they have like one guy in all of Europe and a bunch of the time he's in Raleigh. If they invested more on their scouting, they may find players deeper in the draft that would help them make the playoffs, increase ticket sales and ultimately pay for the additional scouts many times over. Whatever they do now isn't working so it's time to change directions.
Ultimately, with the new division they're in and the players they have locked up, I think they're going to be mediocre for years to come. This is not a team that is set up to compete for a championship so unless your business strategy is to rely on luck, I don't get it. If they miss the playoffs again, they're going to be bleeding fans especially as they raise ticket prices. Any city only really cares when the team wins but it's especially tough given that they won the Cup and couldn't turn that into something more. I've seen apathy take hold of an NHL city before and it wasn't a very happy ending for me and I don't want to see that happen here too.
Mercifully, the Canes season has ended and once again, we're looking at a long summer. For the fourth straight year, this team has failed to make the playoffs and the sad part is, you can't even say they underachieved. This team is stuck in the worst kind of cycle: not good enough to make the playoffs and not bad enough to get a franchise-changing pick.
The frustrating thing with this team is that before these seasons start, we know how it's going to go (especially as it relates to the defense). This team has some top offensive talent, but the depth is spotty. The goaltending is pretty good but with a D that bad, they're one Ward injury away from disaster. The D is so awful it may truly be the worst group in the league. I watch a lot of hockey including watching every other team multiple times and it really is true - this corps is awful.
The worst part of all of this is that they play well enough on the strength of their elite players that they're close to making the playoffs every year. After every season, it's always "If not for injuries at bad times, we'd have made it" or "that really rough October or November really sunk us - the rest of the time we were one of the best teams in the league". The problem is it's the same song after every season. It's almost as if the goal is to get the 8th seed every year, which obviously doesn't leave much room for error. With realignment next year, being slightly better than mediocre isn't going to cut it.
This leads to what has to be done going forward. They're basically screwed if they can't make trades, and to be honest, who wants half these guys? They only have like 7 million to spend to get to the cap next year and financially, the team is probably hamstrung a bit by not making the playoffs this year so who knows if the plan is to spend up to the cap. They have a bunch of free agents that they probably won't re-sign (like LaRose and Brent) but even as they fill them with guys from Charlotte - who haven't exactly tore it up in the NHL - that's still money tied up. I guess they keep Peters but he's just an AHL goalie. How many chances does he get up here where he gives up 5 goals a game? Sure, he has played well at times but overall, he has 1 good game, 1 absolute stinker and 2 mediocre games. Is that what you want when your starter is out for 6 weeks? This year was tough because they had so many games crammed in which exacerbated the problem but even a regular year Peters wasn't going to help. I'd rather see Ellis stick around but he's not great either. I know it's tough to find a cheap backup that's competent but why do they strike out every year?
So now we get to the blue line. I don't know what you do there because they are an absolute disaster but I think you have to blow it up. Trade McBain if anyone will take him and if not, maybe buy him out. Let Corvo and Sanguinetti go and don't look back (though I will say he wasn't half-bad this year). Bergeron seemed to help the PP but I would let him go as well. You basically build around Faulk, hope Pitkanen is healthy (which is a huge question mark) and let Harrison be on the third pairing. I would bring in Murphy - which I'm sure will happen - and give Keegan Lowe a chance as well. How could Lowe be worse than McBain even if he struggles? I don't know if any options are out there in free agency that would play here but sign someone different just to mix it up. I'd also like to see Gleason gone. He's been terrible for several years now and it's getting worse. For what he's supposed to be to the Canes, he falls way short.
I also think that they should trade Skinner while he has value. His ceiling may not be as high as we think and with every hit potentially knocking him out for weeks at a time, there's too much risk for a guy that will making $5M next year. I doubt they could get value for him though so this may not be possible.
Sadly, I think they need to blow this up. Trade anyone outside of the Staals that you can and rebuild. The Flyers traded away a bunch of their good players when they had to change up the mix and while they screwed the pooch with their goalie, I think it was the right move. I can't take spending all of this money only to realize 2 months in that this team is going nowhere. Even if they made the playoffs, they're a threat to get bounced early since the talent gap is so great. Before I could complain that they weren't spending money, but I can't do that next year - now, it's just that they fell in love with their own guys and they spent money unwisely. I know they'll suck for a couple of years but they can then stockpile some cheap talent and actually set themselves up for the future.
The last part is that this team needs better scouting. Their drafts have been poor and haven't produced much outside of good AHL players. It doesn't help that they have like one guy in all of Europe and a bunch of the time he's in Raleigh. If they invested more on their scouting, they may find players deeper in the draft that would help them make the playoffs, increase ticket sales and ultimately pay for the additional scouts many times over. Whatever they do now isn't working so it's time to change directions.
Ultimately, with the new division they're in and the players they have locked up, I think they're going to be mediocre for years to come. This is not a team that is set up to compete for a championship so unless your business strategy is to rely on luck, I don't get it. If they miss the playoffs again, they're going to be bleeding fans especially as they raise ticket prices. Any city only really cares when the team wins but it's especially tough given that they won the Cup and couldn't turn that into something more. I've seen apathy take hold of an NHL city before and it wasn't a very happy ending for me and I don't want to see that happen here too.
Saturday, April 27, 2013
DQ
My blizzard of choice is Carmel and Cheesecake. Sometimes they try and put chocolate in it but it is better without.
Friday, April 26, 2013
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Almost All The Staals
The Hurricanes, in an unexpected move, brought up Jared Staal from the Charlotte Checkers to play with brothers Eric and Jordan (and against brother Marc's team, the New York Rangers). Marc isn't playing due to a scary eye injury in early March. This will be Jared's first NHL game and I am excited to see 3 Staals in the lineup for the Hurricanes tomorrow night. It takes away a little bit of sadness that we have to wait until fall to see them back at PNC Arena.
What a great night for their family - Mom and Dad must be so proud!
What a great night for their family - Mom and Dad must be so proud!
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Catching Up
No matter how long you are gone it seems like there is so much to do when you get home. We were only gone four days but I feel like I can't catch up on cleaning, laundry, grocery shopping and even sleep. Super tired tonight so heading to bed early after a Hurricanes win.
Monday, April 22, 2013
Yankee Stadium
While in Connecticut for a visit we took my parents to Yankee Stadium for my Mom's birthday. We got there early and toured the Yankee Museum, Monument Park and the dugout. For the game, we had second row seats on the third base side. It was rainy and a little chilly but still a fantastic day.
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Friday, April 19, 2013
Respect
Happy the people of Boston can sleep a little easier tonight.
This country is full of impressive people including all the police and FBI who found these crazies in a few days.
This country is full of impressive people including all the police and FBI who found these crazies in a few days.
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Zone 2
While waiting for our connecting flight I notice on the second leg I am in Zone 2 for boarding and the husband is in Zone 5! Did I board three zones ahead of the husband? Heck ya I did! I am a rule follower.
We are headed home for my Mom's birthday tomorrow and when I called to tell her our plane was delayed she ended the call by telling me to call her "when we HIT the ground"! Thanks Mom for putting that thought in my head as I got on a plane.
We are headed home for my Mom's birthday tomorrow and when I called to tell her our plane was delayed she ended the call by telling me to call her "when we HIT the ground"! Thanks Mom for putting that thought in my head as I got on a plane.
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
No Respect
I am really disgusted with how some hockey players handle themselves. Tonight my most hated player is Jared Cowen after his cheap and dirty hit to Jeff Skinner's head. I am glad Chad LaRose went after him immediately and later Kevin Westgarth took matters into his own hands and defended his teammate. I will never understand why you would intentionally hit another player in the head but why would you target someone with a history of concussions?
I have said it before but until these players start respecting each other and the game, nothing is going to change. Maybe it is time for equipment changes to make these hits hurt the perpetrator too.
I was concerned this season with Hurricanes player Tim Wallace after he got ejected from a game for a questionable hit. I never wanted that type of player on a team I was rooting for but lately it feels like other teams just walk all over the Hurricanes. Why kick a team when they are all ready down and out of a playoff spot? I am on board for someone to step up and show other teams there are consequences for their ugly actions.
Jared Cowen - you are a d-bag and I hope your career is ended on a dirty hit!
I have said it before but until these players start respecting each other and the game, nothing is going to change. Maybe it is time for equipment changes to make these hits hurt the perpetrator too.
I was concerned this season with Hurricanes player Tim Wallace after he got ejected from a game for a questionable hit. I never wanted that type of player on a team I was rooting for but lately it feels like other teams just walk all over the Hurricanes. Why kick a team when they are all ready down and out of a playoff spot? I am on board for someone to step up and show other teams there are consequences for their ugly actions.
Jared Cowen - you are a d-bag and I hope your career is ended on a dirty hit!
Monday, April 15, 2013
Heartbreaking
So sad about what happened during the Boston Marathon today. I don't understand and will never understand how someone could do something like this. While watching the news and reading twitter no one said it better than Patton Oswalt on his Facebook page. Part of his post was "So when you spot violence, or bigotry, or intolerance or fear or just garden-variety misogyny, hatred or ignorance, just look it in the eye and think, 'The good outnumber you, and we always will.'" I found it uplifting on this terrible day.
Sunday, April 14, 2013
Busy Week Ahead
Laundry, cleaning and then shopping and we should be ready to go to CT for a long weekend. Looking forward to seeing family and friends.
Saturday, April 13, 2013
Goonies Never Say Die
I have been married to my husband for over 7 years and today I found out he has never seen The Goonies! Not only is it shocking that he has never seen it but how did I not know? His only defense was that he has seen Back To The Future 25 times which, although impressive, is no excuse.
This will be remedied soon. I don't know how you survive a childhood or life with no "truffle shuffle", One Eyed Willie or "Hey You Guys!".
This will be remedied soon. I don't know how you survive a childhood or life with no "truffle shuffle", One Eyed Willie or "Hey You Guys!".
Friday, April 12, 2013
Weird And Creepy
I have been watching hockey most of my life and I have seen some crazy things including guys biting other men, ugly own goals, bloody injuries and wussy slap fights.
I can only imagine the amount of trash talk that happens during a hockey game but I bet it is going to get a lot worse for Steve Ott of the Buffalo Sabres. Last night (4/11/13), Ott appeared to lick the visor of Jeff Halpern during a faceoff in the Canadiens/Sabres game - ON PURPOSE. I am guessing it was a tactic to throw Halpern off his game but it didn't work since Buffalo lost 5 -1.
This just makes me cringe and although I never really had a high opinion of Steve Ott, now I will always see him as kinda skeevy.
I can only imagine the amount of trash talk that happens during a hockey game but I bet it is going to get a lot worse for Steve Ott of the Buffalo Sabres. Last night (4/11/13), Ott appeared to lick the visor of Jeff Halpern during a faceoff in the Canadiens/Sabres game - ON PURPOSE. I am guessing it was a tactic to throw Halpern off his game but it didn't work since Buffalo lost 5 -1.
This just makes me cringe and although I never really had a high opinion of Steve Ott, now I will always see him as kinda skeevy.
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Everything Is Green
Our cars, the house, sidewalks and even the air all look greenish yellow. Pollen is everywhere making our 3 mile walk a little unpleasant. At least the temp was in the high 70's.
On a side note I switched from Zyrtec to Allegra and I like it much better. I am not as tired, my eyes aren't as itchy and there's nowhere near the pressure in my sinuses.
On a side note I switched from Zyrtec to Allegra and I like it much better. I am not as tired, my eyes aren't as itchy and there's nowhere near the pressure in my sinuses.
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
1 Week
Just one week and we will be in CT for a long weekend. Already looking forward to our day at Yankee Stadium. We will get there early for a stadium tour including Monument Park, the clubhouse and dugout and then a nice late lunch and game time. Hoping for nice weather and a Yankee win!
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Spring
I am glad the weather finally decided to warm up but I could do without the crazy amount of bugs for a while!
Monday, April 8, 2013
My Idea Of Summer
Perfect 75 degree weather and an evening baseball game. Thanks Durham Bulls - we had a great time.
Sunday, April 7, 2013
Lazy Sunday
It's about time the beautiful weather is here: sunny and 70's, perfect for a nice walk. Then it was time for a little NASCAR and a nap. Finally, pizza and DQ made the day great.
Saturday, April 6, 2013
Tailgating
First time tailgating at a Hurricanes game this year. It was a great time but then in typical Hurricanes fashion they lost.
Friday, April 5, 2013
Backsplash
We just have a boring off white ceramic tile backsplash that the builders put in the house before we bought it. I don't know if it is normal but they grouted all the way down to the counter top and it has since cracked and needs to be redone. This is one of the reasons I want to redo all of it with some pretty glass tiles. We looked around at Home Depot and it doesn't appear it would be all that expensive to do but I don't know if it is a weekend project the husband and I can do on our own or if we need to hire someone.
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Thanks Pinterest
Thanks to Pinterest I have some new favorite cleaning tricks. Mixing 1 part of Dawn detergent with 1 part vinegar makes a great shower cleaner. The best idea so far is using dryer sheets to clean the baseboards - it works great. I usually wipe down the baseboards with a wet cloth and then because the dog fur sticks to it I have to wait until it dries and dust them. The dryer sheet cleans in one swipe and collects the dog fur while leaving a great smell around the house. I look forward to scrubbing the kitchen and cleaning my stove top with some other great ideas.
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Where To Start
First, I want to wish a speedy recovery to Joni Pitkanen. This was an unnecessary injury due to a dumb icing rule - please NHL, go to no touch icing.
Second, congrats to Jiri Tlusty on his first career hat trick. It is well deserved as he is one of the very few bright spots on the Hurricanes season.
Third, I think it is time for a new GM in Carolina. I know this won't happen but I am tired of a front office that doesn't value defense. The Hurricanes have had an underwhelming defense for the last several years with no sign of change. I like the pieces in place for offense but until we have a D the forwards can trust they can't play their game. Spend more money and get a big #1 defenseman, please.
Fourth, tonight was the worst officiated game I have ever seen in person. The linesman took forever to drop the puck and kicked way too many people out of the faceoff circle from both teams. Then, there was the 3rd period where the Capitals were on the PK and iced the puck (which is what you are supposed to do) and one linesman whistled it for icing...just terrible.
Second, congrats to Jiri Tlusty on his first career hat trick. It is well deserved as he is one of the very few bright spots on the Hurricanes season.
Third, I think it is time for a new GM in Carolina. I know this won't happen but I am tired of a front office that doesn't value defense. The Hurricanes have had an underwhelming defense for the last several years with no sign of change. I like the pieces in place for offense but until we have a D the forwards can trust they can't play their game. Spend more money and get a big #1 defenseman, please.
Fourth, tonight was the worst officiated game I have ever seen in person. The linesman took forever to drop the puck and kicked way too many people out of the faceoff circle from both teams. Then, there was the 3rd period where the Capitals were on the PK and iced the puck (which is what you are supposed to do) and one linesman whistled it for icing...just terrible.
Monday, April 1, 2013
Spring Cleaning
Today was sunny and in the 70's so I opened windows and began spring cleaning. Starting out slow, I moved some furniture today so I can dust and vacuum tomorrow and did a bunch of laundry. Our whole 1st floor is hardwood so I like to sweep, vacuum, swiffer and then wash the floor and that takes a large part of one day. Since we have a Canes game tomorrow that will be all I get done. Wednesday probably will be scrubbing bathrooms, kitchen, all baseboards, doors, windows and switch plates. Thursday the Hurricanes are having a season ticket holder pre-game skate and the husband took the day off so we can go together - should be a great time before going to the game that night. Friday I will work on upstairs, moving some furniture to dust and vacuum really well. Hopefully that leaves a relaxing weekend.
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