Now Do You Believe? The Campaign Continues!, May Day!, and When 32 Cents Makes All the Difference!

While I was at work today, my boss (who is a huge Sabres fan) and I were talking about the game last night and the Sabres in general and she mentioned at one of the last games they were looking at Gaustad and Miller as prospects for the 2010 Olympics! What?!? This is awesome! Of course I needed to find out more, so I googled it and this is the info that I found.

On the Sabres broadcast of Buffalo-Toronto tonight, they said that Brian Burke, GM of the US Olympic hockey team, said that they were looking hard at Paul Gaustad for the team in 2010.

YES!!! This is awesome! So, Goose may not have gotten voted in for the 2009 NHL All*Star Game (trust me it was not for lack of trying on me and Harley's part, we made t-shirts, Dang It!), but..... he's being looked at for the 2010 Olympics! Awesome! Now 5 days after the "Honk the Vote! Gaustad in '09!" campaign has ended, I now have a new campaign..... *clears throat*..... "Now Do You Believe? Gaustad is Good! Scary Good! Gaustad in Vancouver in 2010"! It's not as catchy as "Honk the Vote", but you can't vote for players to go to the Olympics, so I thought I would steal a classic RJ quote. I think Goose is greatly unappreciated, but if Brian Burke is scouting him for 2010 Olympics obviously people outside of Buffalo are realizing (or believing) he is good. It's kind of growing on me, so I think I'll keep it, unless anyone has any other suggestions, I'm all ears.

While I was googling about Goose being a prospect for the 2010 Olympics, I came across Brian Burke's name and I'm going to be honest, I didn't know who he was, so I googled him and found out that he was the president and GM of the Toronto Maple Leafs (all right, I probably should have known that). Then I came across this article. Speaking of RJ quotes, this man was the reason for the famous "May Day! May Day!" call and now he's playing for Toronto? It's kind of depressing since he's now playing for the Leafs and they are one of our arch rivals and all, but he started his career in Buffalo. I don't want to see him playing for the Leafs! ICK! Grant it, he has become a suitcase in the NHL and now playing for Toronto, this is his 7th NHL team, but Toronto!?! I didn't mind him playing for the Ducks, because after the Sabres the Ducks are my favorite NHL team. The only reason they are is because I loved the Mighty Ducks Movies as a kid and had a huge crush (well, still do) on Joshua Jackson and the kid who played Adam Banks (He was really good, but really quiet and never threw it in the rest of the team's face that he was really good, but I hated the fact that he had a thing for Connie, the girl goalie. Hey, I was 11 at the time.) Thanks to those movies I started at a young age having a crush on hockey players and the Ducks being my 2nd favorite hockey team, the Sabres have always been my first. So, while Brad May was in Anaheim, I didn't mind him playing there, but now Toronto, it just makes him seem like a traitor. I know hockey players don't have a lot of say in where they are being traded, but I just wanted to vent that this saddens me a wee bit.

I'm sure that everyone is aware of the Jarkko Ruutu biting Andrew Peters. I was teaching last night and unable to watch the game, but Harley texted me to tell me that Peters was bit by Ruutu. I really couldn't believe it, but what I couldn't believe more was the fact that he didn't get a penalty and Peters had to serve a 2-minute unsportsmanlike conduct penalty! Really?!? Ruutu can bite someone, but if you make a big deal about being bite, you are in the wrong. I really don't see the logic in that one, probably why I'm not a hockey referee. If I was Peters once I found out that I was serving a penalty anyway, I would have skated over and punched Ruutu in the face why he was putting in his eye drops. If you're getting in trouble anyway, you might as well do something worth getting in trouble for. Go Big or Go Home! Since I was unable to watch the game, I found a clip of it on youtube....

I must say I'm very impressed by the way Peters handled himself when being interviewed about the incident, saying it's up to the NHL on what to do about it. Well, the NHL is suspending him for two games and fining him $31,707.32 because he is unable to play in those games. You think they could have rounded it up to a nice even number, like $32,000.00. I mean at this point does the 32 cents matter? Anyway, I'm glad to see he's being punished that's really unacceptable behavior and I like how Petey said that these guys are suppose to be role models for kids and doing something like this hurts the reputation of the NHL and the game, more than his thumb. Well put, again I was very impressed with Peters and how professional his interviews were.

Lindy's interview on the situation reminds me why the Ruffinator is one of my favorite people in this world.

I love how he admits he find the situation a bit humorous and goes on to talk about seeing someone get in the back. I'm really not sure why he kept referring to witnessing that, but apparently the Ruffinator found it relevant and that's good enough for me. He also goes on to talk about how well Chris Butler has played and Toni Lydman's return to the line up. He seems like he doesn't want to send Butler back, but he doesn't give us any inkling about what the Sabres organization is going to do with so many defensemen. Only time will tell. He also talks about Tim Connolly returning and how Tim never plays like a player coming off an injuring and never plays soft. He speaks very highly of Timmy (as he always have) and says that his gift is to draw players toward him and open people up even if it does put him in harm's way. And Tim has been in harm's way most of the time, missing the last 249 games out of 358 due to injury, that's over 67%, but apparently that's the sacrifice that comes with such a great gift.

Do You Know the Meaning of Personal?, Dancers and Athletes = Tomato / Tomatoe, and Jockstraps, They're Still Funny at Any Age!

As I was flipping through the channels last night after crashing on the couch from a tiring night of teaching dance, I came across that show "Momma's Boys" and only watched it for about 30 seconds, when one of the men or boys yelled at his momma to stay out of it, because it was a personal moment and none of her business. Ok, wait a second back up the trolley.... you went on a reality show where you went on dates and your mom could observe the dates and pick the girl she wants for you. (I think that's the premise of the show, I haven't watched it long enough to know otherwise) So, actually it is her business because she's probably under the shows contract to due so and you knew she was going to be watching. Second, you signed up to be a reality show that watches your dating life, guess what it's no longer personal when millions of people are watching. That ship has sailed a long time ago. Also, did you think your image would improve when you were declaring to the world that you are a momma's boy and you want her to have input on your dating life. Seriously? Why in the world did that seem like a good idea. Let me tell you this contests of that show, no female is ever, I repeat ever, attracted to a momma's boy. Reason #1: It makes you seem like a pansy ass and well in reality you probably are. Running to your mom with your problems and not being able to stand up to your mother when she's butting her nose in where it doesn't belong. Just grow a set and deal with your own problems in your life without the help of your mother. Reason #2: No woman wants to be second place in your life, especially to another woman, even if that woman is your mother. I'm not saying you can't love your mom and treat her very well and think very highly of her, but when you need to turn to her when we're having a fight to see if you are wrong or right, guess what? You're girlfriend is just going to be pissed to high heaven about it. Just think of Ray Barone in "Everyone Loves Raymond" and how he was a momma's boy and Debra was not liking that one teeny weeny bit. So, it bewilders me why any man with the teeniest amount of sanity would want to proclaim to the world that he is a momma's boy and he's proud of it. Clearly none of these boys are sane and clearly I need to change the channel quicker than 30 seconds when this show is on the air.

Speaking of shows, "Superstars of Dance" premiered the other night! This competition really excites me because it really allows people around the world to experience various genres of dance from countries all over the world. For anyone that knows me, you know I am a strong advocate for diversity and people expressing their own artistic voice. I respect people being unique individuals and just well, being themselves. This show is great in showing that dance isn't one-dimensional, but is a very diverse art form and each genre is demanding and takes much discipline to master. What was really exciting for me personally is that I have taken a class in almost every style displayed on the show, I have several years of Irish Dance training and currently teach it, I have a BA in modern / contemporary dance, I also have many years of tap, jazz, hip hop, and ballet training and currently teach it as well and I've had an opportunity to take classes in Bhrata Natyem (Classical Indian Dancing), Chinese Fan Dancing, African Dancing, Troika (A Traditional Russian Dance), and the Argentine Tango. It's just nice to see people outside the dance world have an opportunity to experience dance and it's many layers. I know when I tell people I'm a dancer they automatically think I can dance every style with perfection, but that's not true, I have my strong points, modern, jazz and broadway, but I could never be a prima ballerina. It's like when someone says a they are a professional athlete, doesn't mean they can play every sport at the professional level. If they were a professional hockey player, you wouldn't have them playing quarterback for an NFL team. Take Michael Jordan for example, tremendous basketball player, horrific professional baseball player. Why is this so, because every sport demands a lot of discipline, time and training for athletes to be able to perform at a professional level. Most of the time athletes also train to play in one position, take Ryan Miller, tremendous hockey goalie, but I don't think Lindy would be putting him on any of the lines as a forward anytime soon. Dance is the same, to perform at the professional level it take a lot of time, discipline, and sacrifice to master your craft and you usually concentrate on several styles, but not all. That's why this show is great to show even if a dancer can't be a prima ballerina, doesn't mean they are not a great dancer, they just might be a fabulous dancer at their own genre, like a great Tango Dancer or a great Tap Dancer and so on and so forth....

While I was teaching yesterday, I got a text message from Harley that said, "If u watch royzies interview from today u can see connolly jock strap in the background. Haha". That is exactly what I received. Of course I had to chuckle and then I realized that me and my friends are about as mature as 12 year old boys, oh but I wouldn't trade them for the world. Of course I had to check out the video when I got the chance and I also noticed that Roy's jockstrap in visible in his locker, not quick as good as Connolly's but still. Oh Sabres, don't you know it's not good to air your dirty laundry, my bras and panties aren't hanging out of my dance bag, why? because personal items should remain hidden in a bag not visible to the public, but I must say thanks for the chuckle.

Speaking of Connolly apparently he will be back on the ice soon, which is a good thing, and so is Rivet, which is another good thing. I have a feeling that 2009 is going to be a better hockey year for Buffalo than 2008. Here's to staying undefeated in 2009 and kicking some Ottawa booty!

A Step Above Death, Lindy Knows Best, and Looking Forward to the Future with the "Honk the Vote" Campaign!

I feel like death.... I take that back.... a step above death.... I have yet another terrible cold this season making this number 3 in a little less than 4 months. That's what I get for working around kids all the time, oh but I do love those little germ infested twinkle toes, I just wish they kept their germs to themselves! I currently look like Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer with slits for eyes because I'm so exhausted I can barely keep them open and smell like menthol thanks to the number of halls I sucked on. I know, Move Over JT, I'm bringing Sexy Back!

On a good note, the Sabres won last night! :-) 4 to 1 against Toronto! Apparently the Ruffinator's locker room switch up worked, there's no evidence to prove that it didn't. Pominville seems to like the change or Lindy has put the fear of God in him and he's too scared to not agree with Lindy for fear of a major butt whooping. I'm thinking the latter. It seems to have worked seeing that Pominville and Roy both had two goals in the game last night and Roy an assist. (Somebody reacted to being publicly called out by their coach).  Lindy's actions have also seemed to light a fire under Stafford's and Vanek's booties as well, both recording two assists a piece last night.

Two gentlemen that got the Ruffinator's message that he was unhappy with their performance on the ice.

Lindy also thinks that Gerbe is no longer needed in Buffalo at the current time, so back to Portland he goes. I like Gerbe, but like I say "In Ruff I Trust!". Sorry to see you go Gerbe, but if Lindy's decisions lead to games like last night, then whatever Ruff says goes, that even applies to you.

You never argue with this man. He knows best!

I'm not sure if today is the last day or not to vote for the NHL All* Star Game, but it is at 7:31pm EST, Goose has tallied... *drum roll please*..... 449 votes! So, he's not gonna make it to the All*Star game this year, but not shabby for a write in, but if you can still vote, "Honk the Vote!" and vote PAUL GAUSTAD!

WNY's Super Hero! Goose is making sure that trees are being planted through out WNY, so it becomes beautified!

I've also come to the conclusion that Goose really deserves to play in an All*Star game, so I'm going to start the "Honk the Vote! Gaustad in '10!" campaign about 10 months early. No time like the present, eh?

Goodbye OK 2008, Hello Fabulous 2009!, In Ruff I Trust, and Goose the Best Choice to Represent the Sabres!

This last day of 2008 isn't going as well as I expected, I have been feeling under the weather since Monday, coughing, congested, sore throat, so I decided to take Night Quil last night to knock myself out to sleep. Leaving myself 10 hours to sleep, well that plan didn't go as smoothly as I planned and I would wake up and cough uncontrollably. So, I have a terribly sore throat today, I'm still congested and drowsy and I sound like a man. Sexy, I know. To top it off I got a text message that I wasn't pleased about (won't bother everyone with the personal details) and the Sabres game last night was anything but fabulous. Even worse, I have good friends who live in DC and we have a friendly competition going on about who's NHL team is better. My Sabres or their Caps, said to say, they are currently winning. I got a nice reminder on facebook today about how the game worked in their favor last night. Luckily Cari, from the blog Sabrechaser, is helping me get my hands on a copy of the 2008-2009 Sabres Yearbook and that is the only reason I am smiling right now. (I know I've said it a hundred times already,  but thanks again!)

The way the Sabres played last night was just sad, I'm not going to elaborate because most of you reading this already know and listening to the Sabres post game interviews, they already know, no reason to beat a dead horse. I will say that some players were trying to make for the lack of effort given by others and played exceptionally well (ie Goose, Mair, Clarke, and Ellis). Me and Harley were at our regular Sabres game watching spot last night, the Pub, and the bartender, who is a Sabres fan, but calling it as he sees it, said after the first that we were playing like crap and going to lose, the only one trying out there was Gaustad the way he was hitting everyone last night. I said "yeah, Goose always gives 100%." Harley goes, "Hey! The fat lady hasn't sung yet, we still could win!" The bartender laughed and we made a deal with him that he couldn't complain about the game until it was officially over because me and Harley went to the March 19th game last year, where the Sabres were down 3 goals into the 3rd and they got six goals in the 3rd to win it 7-4. So, Harley and I always believe in Sabres comebacks. The bartender laughed at our Sabres Comeback theory and walked away, I yelled, "Hey! It can happen! In Ruff I Trust!" Harley just looked at me and said, "Nice, way to throw that one in there." Lindy knows what he's doing even if he has to beat his players into the ice. He may not want to do it, but he will if it's necessary. He's naming names and threatening to have players sit out, and in his own words, "They're not idle threats". I like how he was fair and gave credit to the players who did work hard and said if they are want to compete harder then they'll get to play. Sounds like a good plan to me Ruff, give the players the ice time that deserve it. This is why in Ruff I Trust. Lindy I think was royally p.o.ed because usually he gives at least a 5 minute interview or sometimes 8 or 9, but yesterday his interview was only 2 minutes and 15 seconds. I really wouldn't want to be the Sabres who gave the half-assed effort last night, I'm sure thy have a new bum hole by now thanks to the Ruffinator.

Goose also seemed very frustrated in his interview saying it was unacceptable and the team must be held accountable (I agree, Goose, I agree) starting with himself. (WAIT! Goose I don't agree! You were out there giving 110%! You always play acceptable and accountable, I know you don't want to point fingers at other teammates, but don't lie and say you need to lpay more acceptably and accountably, because it just isn't so!)

Speaking of Goose, the "Honk the Vote! Gaustad in '09!" campaign is giving it update for how many votes Goose currently has for the NHL All*Star game..... *drum roll please*..... 431! After watching last nights game is there anyone on the Sabres team who deserves to go to the NHL All*Star game more than Goose? I mean I'm not saying Vanek's stats aren't incredibly and shouldn't vote for other Sabres, but c'mon Goose works so hard, he deserves some sort of reward, like a chance to play at the NHL All*Star Game! So, please vote for Goose, I think we can all agree he deserves it!

HAPPY 2009 EVERYONE! HOPE IT's FABULOUS!

The Universe is Trying to Tell Me Something, Late Night Nostalgia, and News on the Buffalo Front: Pornstache, 12 Days, and Bossy Soup!

I've come to the conclusion that the universe just wants me to have a crush on Bill Pullman, it's inevitable. About two months ago I purchased one of my favorite movies, While You Were Sleeping, at a Flea Market for one whole dollar. I then proceeded to watch it as I went to sleep every night for a month, my love growing for Jack Callahan aka Bill Pullman. About two weeks ago I chose my favorite movie of all time, A League of Their Own, to be my bedtime movie for awhile, forgetting that Bill Pullman stars in it as Bob Hinson. Oh, he looks good in a WWII uniform! On Saturday night, Independence Day, was on and I always have a thing for responsible, courageous, good-looking, all- American boys in suits or military uniforms and well, Bill Pullman playing President Thomas J. Whitmore fits the bill. He's being added to the list of my permanent major crushes along with Rob Lowe, Jon Bon Jovi, Adam Pascal, and of course I can't forget Robert Redford. Pullman isn't a bad choice to be added to my growing list of major crushes, because only the finest specimens make it on the list.

I didn't get a chance to wish everyone a Merry Christmas on here, so here it is..... Merry Belated Christmas everyone! I hope it was absolutely fabulous. My Christmas was excellent this year. I got Mamma Mia!, Baby Mama, and the Sex and the City Movie. Along with a bunch of other things. I watched the Sex and the City Movie Sunday Night into the wee hours of Monday Morning and I really loved it, but it made me feel very nostalgic. It made me miss all my wonderful friends who are scattered across the Eastern Coast. *sigh* I sat there watching it, hugging my Bills pillow, and wanting to be with my friends. I almost called Chi Chi, but it was 2:30 in the morning and I thought that wasn't the best of ideas. Good Thing I'm going out with Harley tonight to watch the Sabres Game at our favorite pub. I need some girl time.

Update on the "Honk the Vote! Gaustad in '09!" Campaign. Good News if all my information is correct, Goose should be playing tonight! He listed in the depth chart on Sabres.com, so I'm taking that as a good sign. He's playing fourth line center with Paille and Ellis. As for the campaign, well, we need some more votes for our beloved Goose. He currently has..... *drum rolls please*..... 420 votes. Not bad, not bad, but he needs a few more to get there, so please vote for Goose and the rest of the Sabres. I'm a little shocked to see Vanek off the leaderboard list all together. He's had a tremendous season! So, while your taking the time to vote for Goose, take the time to write in Vanek as well.

I stumbled across an article online today that might sadden Drew Stafford a wee bit. Apparently, the pornstache was a great fashion faux pas of 2008, committed by Brad Pitt, Robert Downey Jr., Orlando Bloom, and of course Buffalo Sabres forward, Drew Stafford (only when he's rocking out and his doesn't appear to stay on the whole time, well, because that's ho he rolls). Even though Drew only wears his when he is personating his alter ego, the lead guitarist of the Rock Group Invisible Children, it still does make the pornstache fashion and it is still a great fashion faux pas. Sorry, Drew, but those looks only work for Ron Jeremy or Super Mario and in all reality the only one that looks good is Mario.

I'm not going to discuss the Bills/Patriots game on Sunday, well, because it was just depressing. So, we are not winning the Super Bowl in 2009, but you just wait until 2010, that's going to be the Bills year to win the Super Bowl! I did however appreciate the episode of 68 seconds with Langston Walker and the Bills singing "The Twelve Days of Christmas". Oh, I don't even know where to begin because I laughed so hard my stomach hurt. Leodis McKelvin sounding like the line of "9 ladies dancing" should be in a Kayne West song, the fact that Trent Edwards looks like a little kid at an elementary school chorus recital who is in his white buttoned up shirt and black tie and slacks who is taking his solo very seriously why all the other kids look scared poopless with stage fright or completely bored out of their minds, or Blake Constanzo not even attempting to sing, but just saying, "6 geese A-Layin'!", or Marshawn Lynch not even knowing the song and Langston feeding him his lines of camera,  or Jusin Jenkins' very off-key, but longly held note of "5 GOLDEN RIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIINGS!", or my favorite Robert Royal smiling everytime after he finished saying, "and a partridge in a pair tree". I am aware of the fact they used the same clip over and over again, but still, it was fabulous.

This story just bring a lot of warmth to my heart. I love the fact that a true Bills fan won the ultimate prize of meeting Trent Edwards, absolutely fabulous and just in time for Christmas! What an awesome gift. I especially love how his daughter, who's a senior in high school, said, "I just met my future husband." That a girl! Way to dream big.

In honor of the Winter Classic on Thursday, I was checking out the Blackhawks and Red Wings' websites, when I came across this video of Brian Campbell aka Soupy, mic'd up on blackhawks.com.

Now, if memory serves me correctly, I don't remember Campbell being this vocal or bossy in Buffalo. He's especially riding Patrick Kane's butt and Kane doesn't argue back, maybe he thinks it's disrespectful to argue with your elders. I also don't remember Soupy being that much of a whiner or a whiner at all in Buffalo, look at 40 seconds into the video where he is whining to the ref. I seriously expect him to throw a tantrum five seconds after they stopped taping him. Apparently Chicago isn't agreeing with him as well as Buffalo did. Oh, well , you are the one that chose to leave Soupy, now we have to deal with the consequences of our decisions. Harley pointed out the other night that it's kind of ironic that Campbell has to play in another Winter Classic and maybe karma has kicked in for him leaving Buffalo, but he is the one that proclaimed at the microphone at the Bucking Buffalo while Miller when accompanying him on guitar, that "They were gonna freeze their asses of at the Ice Bowl" and complaining about having to play in it. Karma! Buffalo is the place to be, once you leave, your life goes down the shitter. (I tried to locate the video on youtube, but I think the person who posted it took it down, drat!).