It's monday again....
Rumors are going around the "American Idol" is on it's last legs. Is that totally a surprise? The cast this year is not terribly compelling, Simon is out the door after this year, and ratings are down. That being said, the show IS still the most popular show on television, and you would think that would count for SOMETHING, as the show still makes little-known performers into household names(case in point: I tested my theory by googling the letters "Didi". Contestant Didi Benami's name immediately came up).
Tomorrow night's theme on "Idol"is R&B. "Big Mike" Lynche should have a field day on this one. Last night, I saw the first half of "Keep Your Head Up, The Don Cherry Story", about the opinionated Hockey Night In Canada commentator, it is an amazing story, considering the life he has had. Tonight is the second half.
This morning, a story is breaking that Tiger Woods once dated LeAnn Rimes. Apparently her father did not like the fact that Woods is seven years older than the-then teenaged Rimes. Considering what has gone down with then two of them recently, He needn't have bothered. The two of them are birds of a feather.
In my "Scortch the Ice with the ice dog blog, I discuss if this is the year a low-seeded team wins the Stanley Cup.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Scortch the Ice-Could this be the year an 8th seed wins the Cup?
Could this be the year an 7th or 8th seed wins the Stanley Cup? Don't laugh-it could happen, consider these facts: the 8th seeded Edmonton Oilers advanced all the way to 7 games with the Carolina Hurricanes just 4 years ago, also the Philadelphia Flyers and Colorado Avalanche are the 8th seeds at this writing. Just yesterday, the Red Wings were the 8th seed in the West, just a year removed from being defending champions.
One thing changed last night-the Red Wings beat Nashville in a 1-0 defensive battle, and in so doing, moved up to 6th in the West. One thing is for certain-The Wings will almost certainly be in the playoffs two and a half weeks hence, and will be the team NO ONE wants to play in the first round, considering the fact they finally got healthy, and are playing their best hockey of the year since the Olympic break ended. Philly and Colorado will also be formidable opponents for whomever they play in the first round. Edmonton took out the top-seeded Red Wings four years ago, they then got on a roll, that ended in Game 7 on Tobacco Road. Considering who the 7th or 8th seeds might be, who's to say that could not happen again?
One thing changed last night-the Red Wings beat Nashville in a 1-0 defensive battle, and in so doing, moved up to 6th in the West. One thing is for certain-The Wings will almost certainly be in the playoffs two and a half weeks hence, and will be the team NO ONE wants to play in the first round, considering the fact they finally got healthy, and are playing their best hockey of the year since the Olympic break ended. Philly and Colorado will also be formidable opponents for whomever they play in the first round. Edmonton took out the top-seeded Red Wings four years ago, they then got on a roll, that ended in Game 7 on Tobacco Road. Considering who the 7th or 8th seeds might be, who's to say that could not happen again?
Monday, March 22, 2010
Outta My Monday Moanin' Mind
I'm resting this monday...too wiped out after taking my daughter to order her senior pictures, watching TWO Red Wing buzzer-beater goals (Let's hear it for Brain Rafalski, and Henrik Zetterberg for bringing an element of the Big Dance to the NHL), Michigan State's own buzzer-beater, and the end of the endless health-care debate. WHEW!!!
There Ya Go!
I also want to wish my sister a happy Birthday this coming Friday!
There Ya Go!
I also want to wish my sister a happy Birthday this coming Friday!
Monday, March 15, 2010
Outta My Monday Moanin' Mind
Peter Graves died yesterday... Boy, do I remember "Good Morining Mr. Phelps, your mission, should you decide to accept it(as if he would turn it down, that would have been a real short episode)" if you are a certain age, you know the rest..."this tape(a reel-to-reel tape, it would be an mp3 today)will self-destruct in 5 seconds", then the tape would burn up. Goodnight, and God Bless You, Mr. Phelps.
Rolling Stones night on "American Idol" tomorrow. I'm perversely looking forward to this tomorrow night, because I bellieve several train wrecks may happen, as certain contestants will be so totally out of their league butchering these classic songs, it may be hilarious, much in the way some of the audition shows are.
David Beckham severed his achilles last night in a game in Italy. He is out of the world cup and his career may be over. Hopefully he can make a full recovery, and we can see him on the pitch again at some future point, as he is still a valuable contributor to L.A. Galaxy. Further, this is horrible news for MLS, which is already facing the definite possibility of its players going on strike next week. This is ythe last thing that league needs.
Rolling Stones night on "American Idol" tomorrow. I'm perversely looking forward to this tomorrow night, because I bellieve several train wrecks may happen, as certain contestants will be so totally out of their league butchering these classic songs, it may be hilarious, much in the way some of the audition shows are.
David Beckham severed his achilles last night in a game in Italy. He is out of the world cup and his career may be over. Hopefully he can make a full recovery, and we can see him on the pitch again at some future point, as he is still a valuable contributor to L.A. Galaxy. Further, this is horrible news for MLS, which is already facing the definite possibility of its players going on strike next week. This is ythe last thing that league needs.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Breaking News-Stones theme on "Idol" next week
The controversial "Vote For The Worst" web site is reporting that the top 12 "Americn Idol contestants will be butchering-er-singing Rolling stones songs next week. Can you say "TRAIN WRECKS"? Perhaps Casey James, Crystal Bowersox, or Lilly Scott(assuming they are all still around, which I assume they will) can do the songs justice, but, Katie Stevens signing a Stones tune? Get real!!!
Here's an idea to have some fun with the theme: Have Jack Sparrow's dad attempt to drunkenly mentor the contestants, while the poor unfortunates try to figure out what the heck Keith Richards is mumbling anyway? , of course the 17-year-old Stevens, and 16-year-old Aaron Kelly(again, assuming they are not eliminated tonight)would probably be wondering: WHO IS THIS OLD GUY WITH THE JACK DANIELS BOTTLE? It should be fun, especially of Todrick Hall is still around, after all, he could do a real campy Mick Jagger imitation. One thing is for certain, I will be watching(the Red Wings are not playing next Tuesday), and will let you know my opinions next Wednesday.
Here's an idea to have some fun with the theme: Have Jack Sparrow's dad attempt to drunkenly mentor the contestants, while the poor unfortunates try to figure out what the heck Keith Richards is mumbling anyway? , of course the 17-year-old Stevens, and 16-year-old Aaron Kelly(again, assuming they are not eliminated tonight)would probably be wondering: WHO IS THIS OLD GUY WITH THE JACK DANIELS BOTTLE? It should be fun, especially of Todrick Hall is still around, after all, he could do a real campy Mick Jagger imitation. One thing is for certain, I will be watching(the Red Wings are not playing next Tuesday), and will let you know my opinions next Wednesday.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Scortch The Ice with the Ice Dog
This is the debut of my totally hockey themed blog "Scortch The Ice With The Ice Dog" enjoy!
A Warning To The NHL
By The Ice Dog
I'm sending a warning to the rest of the NHL, the Wings are starting to get hot. They have won three of the four they have played since the Olympic Break ended. They have finally gotten healthy, which was the big albatross around their collective necks throughout this season, and not surprisingly, they are playing their best hockey of the season. IF they can stay healthy (which is a big if, considering that Todd Bertuzzi left yesterday's game with back spasms), the Wings should make the playoffs, and be the team that absolutely no one wants to deal with in the first round. Consider this, If the Wings make the playoffs(which I think they will), they will be on a roll going in, further, a healthy wings team is a dangerous Wings team. Granted, they could lose tomorrow night to Calgary and be right back in ninth place, out of the playoffs, still, I believe if they go .500 (provided, say 4 of the 9 losses are overtime or shootouts), that will give them at least 96 points, which would almost certainly put them in the playoffs.
A Warning To The NHL
By The Ice Dog
I'm sending a warning to the rest of the NHL, the Wings are starting to get hot. They have won three of the four they have played since the Olympic Break ended. They have finally gotten healthy, which was the big albatross around their collective necks throughout this season, and not surprisingly, they are playing their best hockey of the season. IF they can stay healthy (which is a big if, considering that Todd Bertuzzi left yesterday's game with back spasms), the Wings should make the playoffs, and be the team that absolutely no one wants to deal with in the first round. Consider this, If the Wings make the playoffs(which I think they will), they will be on a roll going in, further, a healthy wings team is a dangerous Wings team. Granted, they could lose tomorrow night to Calgary and be right back in ninth place, out of the playoffs, still, I believe if they go .500 (provided, say 4 of the 9 losses are overtime or shootouts), that will give them at least 96 points, which would almost certainly put them in the playoffs.
Outta My Monday Moanin' Mind
Sunday night was the Oscars. YAWWWWWWWWWWWWWWNNNNNNN... I watched just a few minutes of it, and they obviously had named the nominees for best picture throughout the evening, because the way it was done was like "Oh by the way 'The Hurt Locker' is best picture!". EXCUSE ME? They could at least have repeated the NAMES of the nominees!
Another part of the Oscars, is what dress or suit the actors are wearing, WHO CARES? Obviously somebody does, because this keeps fashion reporters employed, and they think SPORTS is the playground of news, those people are a total waste of time.
I want to give a Captain Obvious award to my daughter for pointing out what we already know about channel 4's fashion reporter. Also, a totally annoying award to Miley Cyrus for being, well, Miley Cyrus. I know, she thinks she is hot stuff, but she is 17 YEARS OLD!! IT'S TOTALLY INAPPROPRIATE AT HER AGE!! She did a duet with Poison's Bret Michaels that had lyrics about "getting undressed", etc... As I stated she is 17 YEARS OLD! HE'S 48!, and he had the unmitigated gall to say "there was absolutely no creepiness factor" HUH? Is there something I am missing here? Talking about this makes me want to take a shower. One more thing about her desire to become a "sex symbol" (her words, not mine), her father should sit her down, and tell her "I understand you have outgrown "Hannah Montana", I get that, BUT, you are going about that the wrong way, You may be able to get those roles as you go into your 20's, BUT, you could easily get typecast in those type roles, and in the future, find yourself 40 years old, and find yourself (unless you're the next J.LO, or Jennifer Ansiton) basically unemployed". Jennifer Connelly broke out of that typecast situation, but it took her years to do so.
The latest cast of "DWTS" was announced this past week. NO ONE in the cast has attracted more attention(mostly negative)than Kate Gosselin. Many people I've spoken to about her absolutely despise her, and hope she is the first dancer to go. That's all for now, see ya next week, when I trash more celebrities.
Another part of the Oscars, is what dress or suit the actors are wearing, WHO CARES? Obviously somebody does, because this keeps fashion reporters employed, and they think SPORTS is the playground of news, those people are a total waste of time.
I want to give a Captain Obvious award to my daughter for pointing out what we already know about channel 4's fashion reporter. Also, a totally annoying award to Miley Cyrus for being, well, Miley Cyrus. I know, she thinks she is hot stuff, but she is 17 YEARS OLD!! IT'S TOTALLY INAPPROPRIATE AT HER AGE!! She did a duet with Poison's Bret Michaels that had lyrics about "getting undressed", etc... As I stated she is 17 YEARS OLD! HE'S 48!, and he had the unmitigated gall to say "there was absolutely no creepiness factor" HUH? Is there something I am missing here? Talking about this makes me want to take a shower. One more thing about her desire to become a "sex symbol" (her words, not mine), her father should sit her down, and tell her "I understand you have outgrown "Hannah Montana", I get that, BUT, you are going about that the wrong way, You may be able to get those roles as you go into your 20's, BUT, you could easily get typecast in those type roles, and in the future, find yourself 40 years old, and find yourself (unless you're the next J.LO, or Jennifer Ansiton) basically unemployed". Jennifer Connelly broke out of that typecast situation, but it took her years to do so.
The latest cast of "DWTS" was announced this past week. NO ONE in the cast has attracted more attention(mostly negative)than Kate Gosselin. Many people I've spoken to about her absolutely despise her, and hope she is the first dancer to go. That's all for now, see ya next week, when I trash more celebrities.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Trades, Trades, and More Trades 2010
Trades, Trades, and More Trades 2010
Today was the NHL trade deadline. This was a fairly active deadline period, since trades were not allowed during the Olympic break. Undoubtedly, trades were being discussed during the break that have been consummated over the last two days.
FLORIDA-Traded Jordan Leopold to Pittsburgh for 2010 second-round pick. The Panthers have, for the most part, been sellers since 1996. The Pens are trying to repeat. They need bulk on the blueline. Voila, everyone's happy.
NASHVILLE-Traded a second-round pick to Edmonton for Denis Grebeshkov. A nice, solid defensman who should help.
ATLANTA-Traded Nathan Oystrick to Anaheim for Evgeny Artyukhin. Nice names, but little effect.
Signed Chris Chelios- Cheli, great guy, great hockey player, but he's 48 YEARS OLD!!! Does he have anything left?
TORONTO-Traded Alexi Ponakarovski to Pittsburgh for Luca Kapouti and Martin Skoula.Skoula then re-traded to New Jersey for a fifth-round draft pick. If there was any doubt before, the Pens are dead serious about repeating. Obviously, Malkin liked what he saw when they played together on Team Russia in Vancouver. Skoula re-traded for essentially a bag of vulcanized rubber with Gary Bettman's signature on them.
ANAHEIM-Traded Nick Boynton to Chicago for future considerations-This sounds like one of those baseball trading deadline deals with the "player to be named later", so I'll withhold judgement on this. Acquired Aaron Ward from Carolina for Justin Pogge and a fourth-round pick. Nice veteran backliner for the Ducks.
CAROLINA-Traded Scott Walker to Washington for a seventh-round pick. Good pickup for the Caps, who are serious contenders this year.
OTTAWA- Acquired Andy Sutton from Islanders for a 2010 second-round pick. Second-round pick seem to be the going rate this year. Sutton adds a BIG(6'6" 245) body to the Sens backline.
BOSTON-Traded Derek Morris to Phoenix for fourth-round pick in 2011. The Bruins cleared cap space in order to: Trade Craig Weller, Byron Bitz, and a second-round pick to Florida for Dennis Seidenberg and Mathew Bartkowski.
MONTREAL-Traded Matt D'Agostini to St. Louis for Aaron Palushai-A very minor trade. Two teams that are on the bubble, trying to get the final piece to get in.
COLORADO-Traded Wojtek Wolski to Phoenix for Peter Meuller and Kevin Porter. Not a suprise. The Avs are almost always active at the deadline. The surprise, is how active the 'Yotes have been allowed to be by the NHL, considering the fact the league owns the team.
VANCOUVER-Traded Pierre-Cedric Labrie to St.Louis for Yan Stasny. Both are minor-leaguers that are expected to stay on the farm.
DETROIT-Trades Kris Newberry to Rangers for Jordan Owens. Another minor-league deal.
TAMPA BAY-Trades Jeff Halpern to Los Angeles for Teddy Purcell and a third-round pick. L.A. needed to do something, since they believe they are Cup contenders this year, and Halpern is a nice fit.
MINNESOTA-Traded Eric Belanger to Washington for a third-round pick. Excellent pickup for the Caps. He's a solid player who will provide some scoring as the Caps are definite contenders this year.
COLUMBUS-Traded Raffi Torres to Buffalo for Nathan Paetsch and a 2010 second-round pick. Torres is a solid player who will definitely help the Sabres.
CALGARY-Traded Vesa Toskala to Anaheim for Curtis McElhenny in a swap of backup goaltenders. Toskala should be used to getting traded, as it is the second time in a month.
Sochi in 2014-Scary Gary Bettman is saying the NHL is not committed to going to the 2014 Sochi Olympics, since games will be "played in the middle of the night here". Gary, there is an easy way to fix this, IF you and the Sochi organizers are willing to listen to me. Sochi is eight hours ahead of New York and Toronto, SO, schedule the U.S, and Canadian games at 9 P.M. local time. That turns out to be 1 P.M. eastern time. problem solved, especially on the weekend.
Today was the NHL trade deadline. This was a fairly active deadline period, since trades were not allowed during the Olympic break. Undoubtedly, trades were being discussed during the break that have been consummated over the last two days.
FLORIDA-Traded Jordan Leopold to Pittsburgh for 2010 second-round pick. The Panthers have, for the most part, been sellers since 1996. The Pens are trying to repeat. They need bulk on the blueline. Voila, everyone's happy.
NASHVILLE-Traded a second-round pick to Edmonton for Denis Grebeshkov. A nice, solid defensman who should help.
ATLANTA-Traded Nathan Oystrick to Anaheim for Evgeny Artyukhin. Nice names, but little effect.
Signed Chris Chelios- Cheli, great guy, great hockey player, but he's 48 YEARS OLD!!! Does he have anything left?
TORONTO-Traded Alexi Ponakarovski to Pittsburgh for Luca Kapouti and Martin Skoula.Skoula then re-traded to New Jersey for a fifth-round draft pick. If there was any doubt before, the Pens are dead serious about repeating. Obviously, Malkin liked what he saw when they played together on Team Russia in Vancouver. Skoula re-traded for essentially a bag of vulcanized rubber with Gary Bettman's signature on them.
ANAHEIM-Traded Nick Boynton to Chicago for future considerations-This sounds like one of those baseball trading deadline deals with the "player to be named later", so I'll withhold judgement on this. Acquired Aaron Ward from Carolina for Justin Pogge and a fourth-round pick. Nice veteran backliner for the Ducks.
CAROLINA-Traded Scott Walker to Washington for a seventh-round pick. Good pickup for the Caps, who are serious contenders this year.
OTTAWA- Acquired Andy Sutton from Islanders for a 2010 second-round pick. Second-round pick seem to be the going rate this year. Sutton adds a BIG(6'6" 245) body to the Sens backline.
BOSTON-Traded Derek Morris to Phoenix for fourth-round pick in 2011. The Bruins cleared cap space in order to: Trade Craig Weller, Byron Bitz, and a second-round pick to Florida for Dennis Seidenberg and Mathew Bartkowski.
MONTREAL-Traded Matt D'Agostini to St. Louis for Aaron Palushai-A very minor trade. Two teams that are on the bubble, trying to get the final piece to get in.
COLORADO-Traded Wojtek Wolski to Phoenix for Peter Meuller and Kevin Porter. Not a suprise. The Avs are almost always active at the deadline. The surprise, is how active the 'Yotes have been allowed to be by the NHL, considering the fact the league owns the team.
VANCOUVER-Traded Pierre-Cedric Labrie to St.Louis for Yan Stasny. Both are minor-leaguers that are expected to stay on the farm.
DETROIT-Trades Kris Newberry to Rangers for Jordan Owens. Another minor-league deal.
TAMPA BAY-Trades Jeff Halpern to Los Angeles for Teddy Purcell and a third-round pick. L.A. needed to do something, since they believe they are Cup contenders this year, and Halpern is a nice fit.
MINNESOTA-Traded Eric Belanger to Washington for a third-round pick. Excellent pickup for the Caps. He's a solid player who will provide some scoring as the Caps are definite contenders this year.
COLUMBUS-Traded Raffi Torres to Buffalo for Nathan Paetsch and a 2010 second-round pick. Torres is a solid player who will definitely help the Sabres.
CALGARY-Traded Vesa Toskala to Anaheim for Curtis McElhenny in a swap of backup goaltenders. Toskala should be used to getting traded, as it is the second time in a month.
Sochi in 2014-Scary Gary Bettman is saying the NHL is not committed to going to the 2014 Sochi Olympics, since games will be "played in the middle of the night here". Gary, there is an easy way to fix this, IF you and the Sochi organizers are willing to listen to me. Sochi is eight hours ahead of New York and Toronto, SO, schedule the U.S, and Canadian games at 9 P.M. local time. That turns out to be 1 P.M. eastern time. problem solved, especially on the weekend.
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