Streaming Video

I am a child of the 80's. I remember when VHS came out and you had to go rent a VCR from the grocery store. It was the most amazing thing EVER. My dad managed our local supermarket so we got to watch movies quite a bit. I have seen every crappy 80's action movie ever made, which is pretty awesome. Explosions + Kurt Russell = the perfect movie. We didn't actually get a VCR until I was 13, and even then, to own a movie was cost prohibitive. Remember when they were $89.99? I taped everything off of the TV. It's ridiculous what I am still finding as we are packing. "Jen's Arsenio Hall tape," "Jen loves Christian Slater."

Clan Mac is also notorious for falling in love with TV shows after the hype is over. Which probably makes us lame, but whatever. It's nice to not have to wait for the next week to see the next episode and the only thing we have to avoid is walking spoiler alerts (Hi Bob). I was an early adopter of Supernatural and Dexter, but that's about it.

So Netflix Streaming and HBO Go are the most amazing things ever to me. I love burning through seasons. Before we had a child, we did that all the time. I think we watched the first season of 24 in real time. I am a professional.

I have finished Dead Like Me (loved it) and all of Sons of Anarchy (maybe the best show currently on TV, right up there with Dexter). Right now I am cracked out on Six Feet Under. I did not have HBO when the show originally aired or I know I would have been watching. Peter Krause, Michael C. Hall, Lauren Ambrose? What a cast. 8 days - 2 seasons - 3 to go. I know that is insane and I should spread it out. But my time is limited. There's only about 100 days until hockey season starts again!

Well, HELLO.

It's been forever. Laying low, writing at EB, whatev.

Anyway, moving August 1 to a lovely place and we will have a garage. So stoked to be able to have a chest freezer and to shop at Costco/Sams. Such an exciting life I lead. Also a washer and dryer in my actual apartment. I could cry.

D is starting school in September. WAHHHHHHHHHHHH. Seriously, I am freaking out. He will be fine. It will be wonderful for him. It's just such a huge transition. It's going to be weird to not have him here with me all the time.

We'll also be switching from the Polar Caps to the Southwest Eagles. I think they run a pretty solid program, and also Adam Burish was an Eagle. SO... Ha. I met one of the coaches at school orientation actually. He was a cool guy and his kid will be in K w/ Deacon. That's more than I ever talked to any of the coaches at MIA. They may want to reevaluate their interactions with parents. Seems pretty inclusive and hostile to new families. Uncool. I offered up my mad fundraising skillz too. I'd love to do that where I could see the benefits in my own community. We have to get skating this summer. I still love the learn to skate program at MIA. Stephanie is amazing.

Blue Jay Media Group: Go like us on Facebook please. Thanks. Working hard there. Sorry I am antisocial. I'm busy. Buy our books, review them on Amazon, tell your friends.

The Wings: H2H2 was super fun. Always great to see everyone and the team. And raise over 13K for Children's Hospital. Lovely time. The postseason? Ugh. The Sharks. Blegh. And I don't even want to think about retirement, so let's just focus on summer and cross that bridge in July.

Entertainment: Deal of the day on Amazon is Lady Gaga's new one for 99 cents. Man, I love her but that's about what it's worth on the first listen through. Cloud storage: I dig the concept, but I am not sure how I feel about waiting a bajillion years for my purchases to appear. Hopefully it's just an "everyone in America bought this and we're having issues" deal. I do like being able to access 20G from my phone. Glorious.

Watching Dead Like Me. I have 9 episodes + the movie left. I'd just finish it today if I didn't have actual responsibilities. I love it. For some reason it reminds me of My So Called Life - must be the mother/daughter dynamic.

Speaking of which - I saw 30 Seconds to Mars in April. They were amazing live - I don't know why people hate on them - they've outlived the "Jared Leto is a fake rockstar" crap. They put on a great show. And he's still pretty. Too skinny though. Also saw the Pixies finally. Amazing. Made me feel old though.

So yeah, that.

H2H Shout Out

I'm a little bit late with this but it has really taken more time than I thought for everything to sink in and to get back in the swing of what is normal.

Being a part of Herm 2 Hockeytown was more than I ever imagined it would be. Far beyond my wildest dreams.

When this all started out on A2Y, I had no doubt that we'd raise enough money to get Herm to Detroit for a game. I also knew we'd raise some extra for Children's Hospital of Michigan. I didn't realize we'd manage to raise over $5300, although I never should have doubted the power of Red Wings fans (and Michael Petrella of The Production Line who, through some awesome fundraising innovation, got everyone involved in a fun and exciting way).

The entire weekend was a great success, and the credit for that goes to every single person involved in H2H. Everyone who donated money to bring Herm here, everyone who donated to Children's Hospital, everyone who helped plan the event in any way, everyone who attended, and everyone who wished they could and cheered us on. I can't thank you all enough. The Detroit Red Wings were beyond accommodating and I am so thankful to the entire organization for helping Herm achieve some of his dreams (and well, me too).

To all of you that I met and to those of you I did not get to spend enough time with, I can't wait until we see each other again. I was delighted to meet each of you. It's pretty awesome to hang out with fellow crazy fans. Makes one feel normal.

To Chris Hollis, Mike Serven, Ellen Manuszak, Michael Petrella, Matt Saler, Gabriel Porras, Jenn Schwab, Tyler Devereaux, Catherine Peters, Jeff Archer, Lauren Ruhland, and everyone who helped with the planning and execution of the event, I love you guys. I am deeply honored to have had the pleasure of working with you and to have built lasting friendships with each of you has been extraordinary. I wasn't prepared for how much I would miss you. I'm glad we're doing it again next year.

To Guilherme Calciolari - Being able to watch this event unfold alongside you has been one of the greatest experiences of my life. From the mini tour of the Joe Louis Arena to meeting Darren Helm in the locker room post game, it was quite a ride. Thank you so much for letting me share in the joy of it all. I hope it was everything you dreamed of.

To Paul Kukla and Bill Houlihan, thank you for giving us a place where such a crazy idea was not not really that out there and for helping us grow it into the amazing thing it became.

Other people said this far more eloquently. Mostly, I just wanted to say thank you. To all of you.

Hugely Distracted

First I was distracted by the abysmal play of the Wings. I mean, they are such a rollercoaster ride this year. One game you're feeling like, "HEY! It's the Detroit Red Wings!" The next, it's like, "Awesome. This is what Leafs fans feel like" (No offense to my beloved Leafs fans).

So to make myself feel better, I attended the Culver's Camp Randall Hockey Classic. Total awesomeness. It was super cold, but it was an amazing experience. The Warmup was great too. Good music and... free beer. Good ploy, get you hammered so you can endure sitting outside freezing your ass off.

At one point I was a bit worried. Chris Hollis of Motown Wings and I had a bet. He is a Michigan man I am a Wisconsin girl - therefore the fan of the losing team has to wear the winning team's jersey during the Euchre tournament at Herm to Hockeytown. I am sorry, I love Michigan sports, but I am not wearing Maize and Blue. And now I don't have to. He will look lovely in the Badgers jersey.

Unfortunately, that did not distract me enough. That day also happened to be the trainwreck of the Kings game. Hollis was kind enough to text me to inform me of the blown 3 goal lead and the injuries to Miller, Eaves, and Holmstrom. I thought it was just more taunting and chicanery. I thought wrong. SO glad I did not have to see that game. Bad enough that I had to hear about it.

Now I am just distracted by the Olympics. Curling has been a huge time suck. It's fascinating. You'd think it was just lazy Midwesterners throwing stones at the target. But it's a total game of strategy and just utterly compelling. Zac likes to remind me that it's full of hot chicks too. He is particularly fond of Madeleine Dupont of Denmark.

Obviously hockey has distracted me as well. I can't be your friend if you didn't think that USA/Canada game wasn't the best hockey televised in the last several years. Amazing game. And Rafalski, dude, bring that mojo back to Detroit please. You know, when they announced the team at the Winter Classic, there were a lot of naysayers, but I just had a feeling they could compete. They're young, there are not a lot of superstar egos, they're just role players who can get the job done. Keep up the good work guys. Get a medal. Go for the gold.

Of course I'd like Stevie and Babs to succeed but I just hate too many players on Team Canada. It's like the douche parade. Look, I love Canada and Canadians to the point of maybe actually sort of being an honourary Canadian (look what I did there). Aren't I the Ambassador to Canada? Really. But it is physically impossible for me to root for Crosby, Pronger, Perry, and Getzlaf. I cannot do it. My body rejects such things. If I did it, I would require an exorcism. They are playing SO well though, if they keep it up, I have no doubt they are the favorites for gold. They put the smack down on Russia (so sad for Pavel and Fedorov, otherwise, do not give a crap).

Aside from the obvious national pride of beating Canada, I was thrilled because I did not want to play Slovakia. I knew they were kicking some ass this year. And I like Halak and Chara. I can do without Hossa and Kopecky. But I will not be surprised if they medal. I weep for Sweden (and myself, who stayed up far too late watching that game. My poor Red Wings, going home without a medal. Except HEY. Nobody is injured and dude! They get to rest before taking on the Dive. So call me a heartless bitch, I don't care. This might be good for the team. And the Wings are far more important than Sweden.

SO. I suck at predictions but here they are and you will all hate me: Gold: Canada Silver: USA Bronze: Slovakia.

Random Thoughts

Last night's game was a heartbreaker. Sweet Zombie Jesus, I can't take that shit. No more Grinch pants that's for sure. One point is lucky after that shit show. Ugh.

At least I have distractions. A shiny new laptop to play with that is also helping me with my productivity. For now anyway. Three posts this morning, that has to be some sort of a record.

Deacon is sick. Well, he is on the mend now, and milking it for all it is worth. Annoying. Not the sick part, the working it part. The first night he was super sick, pukey sick. Then I let him stay up to watch the Blues and the Flames and now he thinks he can just wake up late in the evening and watch the late game with a beverage. Um, no. He refuses to eat what I prepare, and we also can't go anywhere because generally they frown upon kids with low grade fevers in school. It is sucking. He also thinks he can watch any movie he wants, and as he knows where they are, and how to operate electronics, it is difficult. Oh my God, how whiny am I? I needed to vent. Poor kid is sick but it's hard on me too. We may infect Target later because I am going stir crazy.

Sheltergirl is having a minor procedure later and I worry. I am too far away to help out and I know it will be fine but it weighing heavily on my mind because I know she is scared. I have had this done when my back was all fucked up and it is okay, but I didn't have two kids and a lot of other shit going on at the same time. So think positive thoughts for her, okay?

Another game tonight, another chance to be elated or pissed off. Ugh.

We're Number 8!

How lame is it to be excited about that? Or to have to cheer for St. Lose? Whatever, I'll take it, even if it's fleeting. Hopefully not, I am wearing my superfly magical Grinch fleece pants today and if they don't work, I will burn them along with a picture of Shane Doan as an offering to the hockey gods.

It's rough man. Rough. This season feels like the playoffs. All season. Or more accurately, game six and seven of last year's SCF. Brutal. I know I shouldn't be bitching because some fans have decades of suck and there have been some bright shining moments. But shit. I have consumed more beer this season than the last three seasons combined (and you know what? It's working, at least in one way, so shut your face).

Tonight we get the return of the beloved Niklas Kronwall who is a key element missing from the defense. Let's hope that it doesn't take him too long to find his way back. Not only for the Wings, but for my fantasy team and sanity.

I don't have much to say other than don't forget to listen to The Obstructed View Episode 7. You do not want to miss Brian's awesome rendition of Man-Tuzzi or George Malik agreeing with me. Also, I would rather not jinx the team, myself, anyone else.

So here's to you Wings. Number 8. Rock on.

So, Wings...

That was sort of an important game to win, and by sort of, I mean TOTALLY. But while I started off thinking "tonight's gonna be a good night" a la the Black Eyed Peas, as soon as Kopitar scored that first goal, I knew you (and we as fans) were doomed.

I'm not blaming anyone. I am not going to go that route. I did last night but not today. There are holes everywhere and I have theories and whatever. Oh what the hell, I will share:

1. Are our veterans so used to winning that the can't figure out how to lose? Really. How can they blow a two goal lead so consistently it's a punchline like, "Is the Pope Catholic." HOW? There is zero intensity from 30% of the team. I know we can rely on the young guys for that and even Bertuzzi, who yes, while quite possibly the most hated man in the NHL, does not deserve all the hate and "he fucked up AGAIN"s thrown his way. Bert, you do not have to use the spinorama on every move, you look like me playing NHL '96, but yes, it frequently works, and you are putting forth effort, which is more than I can say for some.

2. Jonathan Ericsson, I still think you suck. Sorry. I think people love you because they think you're hot. Men and women. You are mildly attractive, but I don't get all that mad love. I like you because you have a Wolverine healing factor. But this: is just meh. There are hotter Swedes in the league, on the team even. But I digress to a world I don't like to visit. You suck. I'm tired of "he's young," "he's suffering from high expectations," "he still has a lot to learn," and my personal favorite, "defensemen have a slow learning curve." Bullshit. Yes, he is young. Of course there are high expectations, he is a Detroit Red Wing, yes he has a lot to learn, but his teachers are quite amazing (TPH anyone?) and that last statement is wrong. Sorry Ellen, I adore you, but no. Defensemen have to learn faster. They have more TOI and they are facing top scorers. Their learning curve has to be fast. You want to tell me that Del Zotto and Tyler Myers are slow to learn? Nuh-uh. Ericsson: Nut up or shut up. You suck.

3. Lebda: see above, only I'm over you. Go away.

4. Meech: I do not feel the same hate as everyone else. Your game is improving. I'd rather see you on the ice than either of these guys. You may stay.

5. When everyone got all excited about Lilja returning when Mick went into fantasy land last night, I thought, "are you fucking with me?" Dude has not played professional ice hockey in a year. He wasn't the second coming to begin with. NO. He is also done peeps, with is tragic, I like him. But no, he wouldn't be better. But see above. Hotter Swede.

6. Opinions, people. Blogging offers opinions. I am not an analyst. Nor am I Ken Holland. Neither are you. I do understand sports though, and also psychology. RE: Datsyuk, I would like to offer you my opinion: There is something else going on. First of all, his defensive game is sick. He is awesome. His scoring touch, not so much. I think it is much harder for Russian players to play without another Russian. I think it is also harder to live without living amongst other Russians. The language barrier? Tired of everyone bitching about the fact that his English is not great. Have you looked at a Cyrillic alphabet? Jesus people. I think there is credence to the story of his wife's unhappiness. Do NOT be surprised when another Russian ends up on the team. I'm not saying THAT ONE though I'd love to see it. But there will be one. Soon.

7. Leino. I told Michael Petrella at the Production Line that I would trade you for a six pack and some Taco Bell. He countered that you are only worth the Taco Bell. I wanted to love you, but you are not doing anything. Another year in Grand Rapids would have helped, but I do understand with your age, you didn't want to do that. But is this better? I think I can answer that for you. This sucks.

8. A two goal lead in the first does not mean you have won. This game lasts sixty minutes, or in your case, sixty five plus the shootout.

9. Professional athletes do not belong in the Olympics. Not only does the schedule suck balls this year, I really think the elite players are focused on the gold. Fuck that, focus on making the playoffs.

10. This is a team sport. It does feel like the hockey gods are against this team this year. But the entire team has to want to play and want to win and not fuck up. This is not the case at all. Bad luck, bad breaks, injuries, whatever. This team is equally responsible for their losses.

That is all.