The Amazing Adventures of Alex and Raili!

I just hope I spelled Raili's name right!!! ;-)

I am having the best time keeping track of my former co-worker and friend Alex while he and his g-friend tour the world. Ah. Living vicariously and all that! :)

I love the photos too, they have an AMAZING eye for photography.

Visit www.peskydonut.com for a glimpse into their adventures. P1-ers, you are probably already familiar with this!

Maybe someday I'll travel too. But I need four star accommodations and a rental car. Gourmet dining. Wild nightlife. Fifty pairs of shoes (for the many different occasions one must prepare for while abroad). Oh yeah, and a hefty disposable income.

:( RIP Bodines

Aw, it's a sad, sad, SAD day here in Lakewood. One of the best little places to get a truly unique breakfast has closed it's doors. Let the massive crappy chains prevail yet again and the little guy gets snuffed. Damn! I loved their pumpkin french toast and their Gringo Omlet.

Well, at least I still have the Blue Cow.

Now I'm in a grumpy mood!

It’s the little things....

I took my kids to see Wall-e Thursday afternoon and I was totally expecting to like it. I'm a huge Pixar fan after all. My biggest dream/fantasy is that I could have been born with uber supreme talents for animation and story creation and I could be one of the lucky souls to work on a Pixar production. (or a horror movie FX tech, but that's another dream/fantasy!).

Back to what suprised me about Wall-e: I found myself adoring that cute little robotic dude. Like I said, I usually do love pixar, but I do always know that I am watching a kid geared movie with commercialized toy tie ins. In this movie I simply lost myself and was able to utterly enjoy the experience. Yes, I can see that there will surely be the consumer tie ins, but I didn't expect to enjoy this film as much as I did! It was poignant and flip and bitingl all at once while being completely wonderful!

After a very *trying* week (month, +++???) at work and dealing with idiotic people in other aspects of my life I found this 2 hours in the theater a real retreat (popcorn and coffee aside!). It's probably going to be one of those memories I will carry around with me when I'm 99.... the afternoon I took my little ones to a movie and found myself falling in love with it as much as, if not more than, they did!

Avs Kick A$$ and Take Names in Game 1 of Series 1

Avalanche 3, Wild 2, OT

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -Joe Sakic added another line to his amazing playoff resume.

Sakic tipped in a shot by Ruslan Salei from the point midway through the first overtime period, his eighth career playoff goal in extra time, to send the Colorado Avalanche past the Minnesota Wild 3-2 on Wednesday night.

The goal came at 11:11 of OT and gave Colorado a 1-0 lead in this first-round series. Game 2 is at Minnesota on Friday.

Colorado welcomed Peter Forsberg and Adam Foote back in February to reunite that outstanding core with Sakic for maybe their last crack together at another title. The Avalanche got strong goaltending by Jose Theodore down the stretch and entered the playoffs poised, experienced and perhaps even the favorite in this matchup.

The division-champion Wild, who won the season series 5-2-1, were dealt a devastating setback this week when shutdown defenseman Nick Schultz needed an appen..omy. He was to be a critical check against Colorado’s potent, slick-passing attack.

The Wild did just that four years ago, when they rallied from a 3-1 deficit and stunned the NHL by beating the Avalanche in the first round on their way to the Western Conference finals.

Kurt Sauer, who scored only once this season, got the first goal for Colorado. Ryan Smyth followed with a power-play deflection, and the Avalanche were up 2-0 in the second period with only seven shots on net at that point.

The Wild surged back after the second intermission. Mikko Koivu, with help from Avs defenseman Chris Finger’s skate, and Todd Fedoruk had goals to tie it - and offset the loss of net crasher Mark Parrish to what the team called a head injury in the second period.

The Avs had three chances to win it near the end of regulation. David Jones kicked in a loose puck, which was waved off. Then, Milan Hejduk’s deflection of Finger’s slap shot clanked off the post.

Finally, Smyth was awarded a penalty shot with 2:27 remaining following a scrum around the crease, but Niklas Backstrom smothered his right-then-left attempt to sneak the puck around his stick.

Without Schultz, the lesser defensemen were forced into more minutes, and without Parrish, coach Jacques Lemaire was essentially limited to three lines. The Wild, though, were consistently aggressive and controlled the flow for most of regulation.

The Avs made their early chances count.

Smooth-skating, savvy old Sakic, who with Forsberg and Foote has won two Stanley Cups with Colorado, found a streaking Sauer in perfect position for a one-timer that went high over Backstrom’s head for the early lead.

Soon after, Parrish was tangled up with Ruslan Salei near the Wild bench and lost his balance before banging hard into the boards and bouncing back onto the ice. He needed a few minutes to sit up and required help to walk to the training room.

Later in the period, Smyth - with 4 seconds left on a power play - got behind Martin Skoula and tipped one in that grazed the post on the way past Backstrom to make it 2-0.

Theodore, who had a strong comeback season after losing his job last year to Peter Budaj, was unbreakable until the final period.

Koivu’s shot from beyond the circle glanced off Finger’s skate, with Brian Rolston parked in front of him, and ricocheted in.

Minutes later, it was all tied up.

With Fedoruk playing the muscle man role on a power play - the Wild were 2-for-27 in last year’s first-round loss to Anaheim and 0-for-4 on the night until this - Nummelin made a short pass in front of the net. Fedoruk snagged it, pivoted and with some deft stick work sent the puck past a sprawling Theodore.

Notes: Backstrom’s save of Smyth’s penalty shot was noteworthy. He is 4-11 with a .386 save percentage in career shootouts. ... In 23 career games at Minnesota, Sakic has 20 points - more than any other visiting player. ... Wes Walz, a valuable center on the Wild’s 2003 playoff team who retired abruptly less than two months into this season, lifted his arms to cajole the crowd into yelling louder before leading Minnesota’s traditional "Let’s Play Hockey" chant before the opening faceoff.

It’s just not the same without Mike Haynes

Altitude’s Haynes to Miss Playoffs
Avalanche Play-by-Play Announcer to Undergo Major Surgery
Colorado Avalanche
Apr 8, 2008, 2:00 PM EDT
Altitude Sports & Entertainment Network announced today that Avalanche play-by-play announcer Mike Haynes will undergo surgery on a Basilar Artery Aneurysm. He will miss the 2008 Stanley Cup playoffs.

"We truly support Mike and his family during this very difficult time and we ask all Avalanche fans to keep Mike in their thoughts and prayers in the coming weeks," said C.E.O of Altitude Sports & Entertainment, Jim Martin.

The surgery will be performed by Dr. Robert Breeze the Vice-Chair of the Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Colorado Hospital.

In the interim, John Kelly who was the play-by-play voice of the Avalanche for their first nine seasons in Colorado on Fox Sports Rocky Mountain will return to the booth to call the games alongside Peter McNab. "We would like to very much thank the St. Louis Blues organization and Fox Sports for allowing us to reach out to John" said Matt Hutchings, C.O.O. for Altitude Sports & Entertainment.

Mike and his family greatly appreciate the support they’ve received and at this time they ask that their privacy be respected.

Altitude Sports & Entertainment kicks off coverage of the Avalanche Playoffs with the Pre-Game show on Wednesday, April 9 as the Avs take on the Minnesota Wild in Game One of the Western Conference Quarterfinals (7 p.m. MDT).

Tammy’s note: Keep the Haynes family in your hearts at this time. Love and best wishes! :(

Forsberg Scores!!!! and the Avies are playoff bound!!!!!!

VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) -Milan Hejduk and Wojtek Wolski scored 35 seconds apart in the second period and the Colorado Avalanche rallied to beat the Vancouver Canucks, 4-2 , Tuesday night to clinch a playoff spot.

After falling behind 2-0 early in the second, John-Michael Liles started the rally with a power-play goal midway through the period, and Hejduk and Wolski completed the comeback just over 5 minutes later.

Peter Forsberg, back after missing the last game with a groin injury, scored his first goal since coming back to the NHL a month ago on a breakaway 4:53 into the third as Colorado moved five points ahead of the ninth-place Canucks, who only have two games left to play.

Jose Theodore made 27 saves to improve to 4-0-1 in his last five games as the Avalanche moved into a fifth-place tie with Dallas in the Western Conference. Colorado also closed within two points of Minnesota atop the Northwest Division, and their only game left in the regular season is against the Wild on Sunday.

Willie Mitchell and Ryan Kesler scored for the Canucks, who have dropped five-of-six and again lost control of their own playoff fate by falling a point behind eighth-place Nashville, which beat St. Louis in overtime earlier.

Roberto Luongo finished with just 16 saves, unable to stop the bleeding as the Avalanche took over the game in the second period.

Liles had an empty net with Luongo down in a scramble at the right side of the net on his tally at the 9:13 mark of the second. Joe Sakic came up with the loose puck and patiently passed it to the defenseman in the slot instead of firing into the crowd at the side of the goal.

Hejduk was alone in the slot and cleanly beat Luongo, who appeared to be bracing for a collision with Paul Stastny. Stastny ran over him as the puck hit his glove and went into the net at 13:57.

Luongo and Wolski were both down and out when Sakic ripped a wrist shot wide from the slot, but Wolski was able to bat the caroming puck over the goalie’s pad and glove while lying on his stomach at the side of the net at 14:32.

The Avalanche came in with five straight wins over the Canucks, including a last-second rally during its last visit to Vancouver and a 6-3 thumping in Colorado last week. For a while it looked like that dominance might end.

Mitchell opened the scoring at 8:24 of the first on a seeing-eye point shot Theodore never saw, and Kesler banged in his own rebound from the top of the crease at 5:50 of the second with Forsberg in the penalty box for setting an offensive zone pick. But Forsberg set up Hejduk’s tying goal - his 33rd in 55 career games against the Canucks - by drawing the defense as he gained the zone, freeing up Hejduk for a free shot from the high slot.

Notes: Colorado D Adam Foote took a shot in the ear midway through the third period, leaving a small pool of blood behind as he went to the locker room. ... Forsberg has a goal and 10 assists in eight games since signing with the Avalanche in late February, but has also missed seven games with various injuries. ... Vancouver LW Taylor Pyatt left the game after taking a shoulder in the chin from D Jeff Finger and did not return.

See Peter’s Breakaway Goal!!!!

Why?

I didn't feel like blogging about hockey today - Geezus, Tammy - shock of all shocks, are you feeling okay? ;-) So instead I'm going to ponder. I have to ponder in a rambling, stupid, what the hell kind of way because it's complicated and I like to be as ridiculous as possible most times.

Shoot, why is there no spell check auto correcting my word-flubs? Oh well, lets run with this. Wordflubs and all.

Today's theme = Why?

Why ...

1 - ...is work driving me crazy? I mean, what the hell? Am I totally insane? Why can't I be thrilled with what I've got? It's like a million times better than Target or Walmart or lapdancing for my dinners. So I'm stressed because it feels all wrong, and I don't know why -- I love the people there. Most all of people there. And the people I don't really click with aren't even that bad. I definitely don't
hate anyone there. And, I know if I got fired or layed off tomorrow that I'd be sniveling about it being the best damn opportunity I've had for years. So crap. Why not be happy and zen and warm and fuzzy?

2 - ...do I insist on keeping people in my life close to me who aren't even remotely the type of people who should be influencing my life on a daily basis in the first place? C'mon, I'm a hell of a lot smarter than that. Maybe it's the whole, whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger thing. But I'm not quite sure I buy
that at the moment. If I drank a bottle of bleach and it didn't kill me, it would absolutely not make me stronger. I probably couldn't walk around the block ever again after doing something like that, let alone eat Namiko's sushi or drink my own body weight in gin. So what? Sometimes it's better to throw out the damn bottle of bleach and find an eco-friendly bleach alternative instead.

3 - ... did it take me 19 years to get another tattoo? Yes, I am that old. And technically I don't quite have my new tattoo yet, but it's blazing and beautiful in my mind so happy early birthday to me. And Chris! And possibly Brenna, but I haven't confirmed that yet. ;-)

4 - ...did I buy open toe purple pumps with no clothes to go with them? :)

5 - ... did the Avalanche come out and play totally flat last night in Dallas (oh, Dallas - the bane of my early 20's!!!!)? Ok, I lied about there being no hockey in this post. I just can't help myself.

6 - ...do the radio announcers continue to use terms like "Finger, banged one off the back boards..." when making play by play calls concerning Av's defenseman Jeff Finger? Is it just me or does that just take you out of the element for
a wee moment? Hee hee hee. Ok Tammy, grow up!!!

7 - ...am I not sleeping right now? (I have to wake up in 5.25 hours, ouch - another long day ahead).

8 - ...did my mid-term project for Advanced Photoshop come off with this evil aggressive feel to it, when everyone else chose a happy funny space theme, I chose a burning orange-eyed, angry, dark, liquified, tortured kind of theme for my composite. Hmmmmm..... feeling a bit angry and angsty are we?

9 - ... did I never write the great American Novel and become filthy rich and horribly pathetic and stalked by crazed fans of my work? Ok, still working on that. It could happen (as soon as I find time to write more, after I find time to work up a better portfolio, after I find time to be mother-of-the-year, after I find time to do the laundry-dishes-walk the dog-and exercise, after work, after cooking, after filling all worldly obligations, after all that. It just might happen.

10 - ...did Sticks, our IT guys hermit crab, PINCH the CRAP out of me today??? I'm a nice mutha-flippin animal lover. Beotch!!!!! Ouch!!!!

Good god, do I seem like a huge ball of stress right now?

Well, I'm sure I'll wake up and it will all be better. It's just the Monday talking. Surely Tuesday will look brighter when I get there :)

At least I do have some wonderful people in my life right now, whom I am very thankful for -- you know who you are. Take a bow! Thanks for the blog-vent. I'll now return you to your regularly scheduled hockey post...

Cheers!

Goalie thoughts...

Yeah, yeah.... it's *another* hockey post. So don't read if you don't want to!

Avs did well tongiht, beating the defending champs. Hejduk and Wolski were on fire tonight. Forsberg, Sakic, Salei, and Stastny -- not so much, but they weren't awful. Still, a win is a win!

Ben Guite was miked tonight. Very nice (hey Ben, where's the ol' Guite faceoff maneuver???? It's your signiture move, dude -- Bring It Back!!!)

I REALLY wanna know what Guite and Lappie were grinning so big about on the bench tonight. I really, really, really, really, really, really wanna know!!!!! Hey Altitude, what the hell's the deal with putting Peter McNab between the benches during the game? Not only does it look gay, it sucks. So stop it. Immeidately. Oh, and please mic Ian again - he's got a fantastic nonstop motor mouth, it's worth a million bucks mic-ed! (please and thank you)

Too much fun!

So goalie talk time.... I don't know why I don't like Theodore. He's been amazing lately. He's cute. He's got it goin' on. But I'd still like to see Budaj in net. Call me insane. Actually given the choice of anyone at all from anywhere I'd choose this guy as my goalie...



Oh yes. Yes I would.

Side note.... I cannot get his song outa my head.



I know. I expect the criticism. I hate JT. But I loooove this damn song. So shoot me now :)

YESSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!

Forsberg Announces He'll Play Tonight
Forward Back with Avalanche Against Vancouver
Colorado Avalanche
Mar 4, 2008, 1:39 PM EST

Forsberg
Colorado Avalanche forward Peter Forsberg announced following this morning's skate that he is ready to play and will make his 2007-08 season debut tonight against the Vancouver Canucks at Pepsi Center (7:30 p.m.)

Forsberg, who signed with Colorado on Feb. 25, will be playing his first game with the Avalanche since the 2004 playoffs against San Jose. Tonight will be his first regular season game with the club since April 4, 2004 vs. Nashville.

The Ornskoldsvik, Sweden native has recorded 871 points (248g/623a) in 697 career games, ranking him eighth on the NHL's all-time points-per-game list (1.25). Only Jaromir Jagr (1.26) has a higher points-per-game average among active players. Peter ranks fourth on the franchise's all-time scoring list with 741 points (216g/525a).

Forsberg made his NHL debut with the Quebec Nordiques during the 1994-95 season, where he earned the Calder Trophy as the league's top rookie. During his next nine seasons in Colorado, he would go on to win two Stanley Cups, capture the Hart Trophy as NHL MVP (2003), was named a First-Team NHL All-Star three times (1998, 1999, 2003) and appeared in seven NHL All-Star games.

Paul Andrews, Kroenke Sports Enterprises Chief Marketing Officer, revealed that there are approximately 1,800 tickets remaining for tonight's contest. Visit www.coloradoavalanche.com or the KSE box office at Pepsi Center for ticketing information.

I am totally blown away!!!!

Attempt 2.... Damnit! Myspace ate my first post attempt (that was full of raw off the cuff hillarity and emotion, and much better writing) BUT I'm still buzzed and hyped up enough to try to recapture it all....

On we go...

So YES. Peter Forsberg, played a total of 20 min, 19 secs tonight!!!!! Holy huh!!!!!??!!!!!! Did anyone expect Foppa to come out and kick ass the way he did? I seriously expected him to play as little as possible while he regained his "sea legs" (c'mon, it's been 10 months since he's played a full NHL game. But I forget -- he's a HOCKEY PLAYER!!!!!! Duh! These guys lose teeth just for fun, and play with broken and/or missing limbs during playoff season. So....)

Oh yeah!!! He played tentative at first (for like.00726 minutes!), but it didn't take long for him to get out there and take names. He played longer than Sakic (if I'm not mistaken) and
he played a very physical game!!!!! He's still got the moves. He's still got it goin' on! As long as he's healthy, he's going to be unstoppable! Did you see him grinning from ear to ear during the post game interview??? Yeah, he was happy with how he played. He's glad to be back. If he's half as thrilled as we are, then wow. Watch out -- it's gonna be quite a ride!

No, he wasn't perfect, but there was a lot of chemistry. There was grit. There were punches and a fire under the surface. I am so excited, I can't wait to see the rest of the season! Though we will surely miss Svatos (and hope to see Smyth back in the line up soon).

Ah, ***sigh*** I'm in heaven. No one bring me off my cloud for the next few hours. Let me be all
silly and blissful and wound up for a while.

Sweet hockey dreams to you all. (And thanks to my co-worker Patrick for trying to get me tickets tonight. As embarrassing as it was, it woulda been worth it had it worked!!!!).

And wow, I'm sooooo impressed with Salei. He's gonna be HUGE for us! Just you watch!

;-) G'night!

Marek out for the season - Smyth out until he’s symptom free (Not good news here folks).

Smyth and Svatos Update
Smyth Suffered Concussion, Svatos Out With ACL Tear
(Ouch!!! Bad news Avs fans...)

Colorado Avalanche
Mar 3, 2008, 8:46 PM EST

Colorado Avalanche forwards Ryan Smyth and Marek Svatos met with Avalanche medical personnel this afternoon to determine the exact nature of their injuries.

Ryan Smyth suffered a concussion after his collision with the padded partition near the Avalanche bench. Until he is symptom-free, he won't be able to exercise or return to the ice. He also suffered a minor shoulder separation and will be out indefinitely.

Marek Svatos was diagnosed with a torn ACL and will require surgery. He will be sidelined for the remainder of the season.

Kings take out Smyth and Svatos - (But we still kicked your @ss!)

So, one of the great perks of my new job is that I get to see a LOT more live hockey. Two games in the last three weeks. God, I'm in heaven. :-) And yes, the news about Forsberg, Foote, and Salei joining the team is enough to send me through the roof. I know Salei's joining the team kind of got lost in the hullabaloo over Foote and Forsberg, but he is going to be HUGE for us on defense. He's on the ice and you just KNOW it's different out there. It's great we were able to get him, I hope he's here to stay.


The tribute to Foote when he played at the Pepsi Center on Saturday was tremendous. He (deservedly) received a huge rowdy standing-O, the home crowd definitely likes seeing him back on the bench. I cannot wait for Peter's return. I was hoping I'd get to see it live on Saturday (and yes, I'm working on tickets for when he does get to play, but I don't know if that will be doable or not. Though it never hurts to ask!).

It's always such a high to see a game live, and we were playing very well. Smyth was having an amazing game (two scores in the 2nd period - anyone need to buy a hat???) I told my husband -- you better go get one (a hat) because the man's on fire tonight!!! Then Svatos crumpled into the boards and it happened so fast I couldn't tell who it was and my initial reaction was that it was Ryan Smith. It didn't take long to figure out that it was Svatos, but that whole thing felt even eerier when Smyth did go down. And people, you do not want to know what it sounded like to hear Smyth slam into that glass edge. It was a nasty loud thud followed by seeing him fall motionless to the ice and just lay there. The place was rocking until that happened and you could just feel the air sucked right out of you as you watched that. I'm a fan hockey's fast and violent stuff, but when someone goes down, it's just not cool. The rest of the night just wasn't the same even though we won. Yeah, we kicked butt and took names. I'm just glad the jumbo-tron doesn't replay the injuries like the tv replays do.

After the game I heard Ian Laperriere
on the radio talking about going to go "talk" to Jack Johnson (the kid who
took the hit on Smyth). I hope we never trade him, he's so fantastically funny! But it's true, the hit was a clean one. Unlucky, but clean. However, (as Lappie said on the radio) you can't just hit one of our big guys and not expect one of the tough guys to come talk to ya! Here's a great article that sums it all up...



From MSNBC Sports Online

Smyth scores twice before leaving on stretcher



Colorado forward lay motionless on ice following hit; Avs beat Kings, 5-2 Ryan Smyth is attended to by training staff after Smyth was hurt following a hit by Jack Johnson of the Los Angeles Kings late in the second period of the Avalanche's 5-2 win over Los Angeles.

updated 9:56 p.m. ET March 1, 2008

DENVER - Soon after scoring his second goal of the game, Ryan Smyth was being taken off the ice on a stretcher after a violent check.

The Colorado Avalanche were still troubled by the image even after their 5-2 win over the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday night.

"It was scary," said Ian Laperriere, whose team snapped a four-game home losing streak. with the win "You hate seeing that happen. It's a bad feeling."
Story continues below ?
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Smyth was injured when Los Angeles defenseman Jack Johnson checked him into the glass at the end of the Avalanche bench late in the second period.

The Colorado forward lay motionless on the ice for several minutes as trainers rushed out to attend to him. The Avalanche reported that he was conscious and walking, but was sent to the hospital for further examination.

"I saw him walking around, so that's great," Adam Foote said.

Johnson felt bad about the check that sent Smyth sprawling to the ice.

However, he knew what was coming next. Clean hit or not, a fight had to happen. It's part of hockey's code.

But there's honor among fighters, and Laperriere extended Johnson the courtesy of deciding when the brawl would occur.

"He came up to me and said, 'Do you want to get it over with?"' Johnson said. "I said, 'Sure."'

The fight never took place as Rob Blake stepped in and played the role of peacemaker, quickly breaking up the fracas. He didn't want to see his young defenseman get hurt by the fists of Laperriere. Not for what he thought was a clean hit.

"Unfortunately, Ryan got hurt on the play, and nobody wants to see that," said Blake, a former Avalanche player. "Jack is a young guy and I think we need to let the situation go."

That was difficult for the Avalanche.

"It doesn't matter if it's clean or not clean, it's a big hit on one of our big players and he got injured and someone had to do something," Laperriere said. "I felt like it had to be me. Jack knew exactly that someone had to come."

He knew all right. That's why he was willing to drop the gloves and take his lumps.

"The kid knew exactly where I was coming from," Laperriere said. "He wanted to fight and Blake came right in there. I have so much respect for Blake. I knew he wasn't going to punch me."

Smyth wasn't the only banged up Avalanche player on Saturday. The team also lost Marek Svatos, who injured his right knee after assisting on Ruslan Salei's first goal in an Avalanche sweater midway through the second period.

"It would be tough if the guys were out for any amount of time," said Joe Sakic, who scored a third-period goal, his ninth of the season. "But we've dealt with injuries all year. You have to play through it and persevere."

The Avalanche could soon be receiving a boost from Peter Forsberg, who went through a 60-minute workout session Saturday morning. The Swedish forward said he could possibly make his Colorado debut Tuesday night against Vancouver.

"Peter Forsberg at 80 percent is better than anybody," Laperriere said. "He's so talented. It's better for him to take his time and come back when he's ready."

Colorado has won three straight since the signing of Forsberg and the acquisitions of Salei and Foote at the trade deadline.

Foote remains a fan favorite and highlights of his first stint with Colorado were shown on the scoreboard during the first period. The crowd erupted and Foote acknowledged the applause by standing up in the bench area and waving his stick.

"It's great to be back," said Foote, who had an assist on Smyth's second goal, his first point as a member of Colorado since April 22, 2004. "It was good to add to the offense."

Notes: Avalanche forward Jordan Leopold set a new high with three assists. ... Goalie Jose Theodore won his third straight start, matching his longest streak of the season. ... Blake and Michael Cammalleri scored for the Kings. ... It was Smyth's second multi-goal game of the season, both coming against the Kings.

THIS is what heaven must feel like....

Ok, first Stastny is back, healthy. Then we sign Peter the Great for the rest of the year. How could it get better? I posed that exact question to a fellow hockey fan last night and his response? We sign Foote again. Ha ha (I laughed), yeah we sign Foote.

So what the hell happened an hour ago?????

WE SIGNED FOOTE!!!!


I feel like a teary-eyed starlette receiving her first Academy Award. I'd like to thank the organization for making such strong decisions... I'd like to thank Foote for being avalable for this merger... I'd like to thank the fans for believing....

Oh hell, just read about it.....

Colorado Acquires Adam Foote
Colorado Avalanche
Feb 26, 2008, 1:32 PM EST
The Colorado Avalanche Hockey Club announced today that it has acquired defenseman Adam Foote from the Columbus Blue Jackets. In exchange for his services, the Avalanche gives up the rights to a conditional first-round draft choice in 2008 or 2009 and a conditional fourth-round choice in 2009.

"We're extremely pleased to announce to our fans that Adam Foote is returning to the Avalanche," said Avalanche Executive Vice President and General Manager Francois Giguere. "His veteran presence and proven leadership abilities will be a tremendous boost to our entire team as we head into a crucial time of our season. His presence on our blue line gives us an increased physical presence for the stretch drive."

"Colorado has always been a special place for me and my family," said Foote. "I have some amazing memories of my time there and the fans have always been great. I'm looking forward to getting back and helping the team compete for a playoff spot."

Drafted originally by the Quebec Nordiques (22nd overall) in the 1989 Entry Draft, Foote, 36, played 13 seasons with the franchise. His 799 games played with the organization ranks him third on the all-time list. Foote's 234 points is second among franchise defensemen. He played in 154 playoff games with the organization, second most behind Joe Sakic.

Pinch me - Really! Go ahead :)

That OT goal by Stastny/Smyth was sick! Yeah???!!!! The cherry on the sundae of one of the most perfect hockey days in recent memory. Not only does Adam Foote get signed by the Avs today but he PLAYS tonight's game as well. That I did not expect. Makes my hopes of seeing 21 in a jersey by Saturday night's dropping of the puck a real potential! And what about Sakic's return? Welcome back Capt. Joe!!!! We missed ya! *Giggle* Oh my gosh!!!! This is better than Christmas and my birthday rolled up into one! Somebody slap me. ;-)

I'm a happy-hockey-gurl right about now. I'm going to be grinning for WEEKS!!!!!

The Man Returns!

This is huge! This is wonderful! This is monumental!!!! Peter the Great is back!!!! Oh yeah!!!!! ;-)

Forsberg Returns to Avalanche!
Colorado Avalanche
Feb 25, 2008, 4:24 PM EST
The Colorado Avalanche Hockey Club announced today that it has come to terms with unrestricted free agent Peter Forsberg on a new contract through the 2007-2008 season.

"We're proud to announce to our fans that Peter Forsberg has decided to come back and play with our franchise where he's enjoyed so much success early in his career," said Avalanche Executive Vice President and General Manager Francois Giguere. "His addition should complement our roster and will bring our team to an even higher competitive level."

"Over the last several months, I have worked extremely hard in order for this to be possible. I am looking forward to putting this jersey on again," said Forsberg. "I have so many great memories of my playing days in Denver. I'm excited about helping my new teammates and former teammates in the coming weeks, and hopefully I am able to do that in the very near future."

Forsberg, 34, was selected sixth overall in the 1991 Entry Draft by the Philadelphia Flyers before being dealt to the Quebec Nordiques on June 30, 1992. He made his NHL debut with the Nordiques during the 1994-95 season, where he tallied 50 points (15g/35a) in 47 games during the shortened season, earning him the Calder Trophy as the league's top rookie. During his next nine seasons in Colorado, he would go on to win two Stanley Cups (1996, 2001); capture the Hart Trophy as NHL MVP (2003); and appear in seven All-Star games. During his MVP season, he led the NHL in scoring with 106 points (29g/77a) in 75 games. He was named a First-Team NHL All-Star three times (1998, 1999, 2003) while with Colorado.

Forsberg currently stands fourth on the franchise's all-time scoring list with 741 points (216g/525a) in 580 career games. He stands first on the organization's all-time post-season assist list (97); second in playoff goals (57) and points (154); and second in post-season game-winning goals (12). He owns regular season franchise records for most points in a period (5) and shares the record for most assists in a game (5). His post-season club records include most points in a game (5); most goals in a period (3); most game-winning goals in a series (3 done twice).

Over his tenure with the Avalanche, the club posted a 119-14-19-6 (.832) regular season record in games that Forsberg scored a goal.

What is Marky Up To???

The Ramones. Sex. Safety. All in one little tin. :-)

Marky Ramone refuses to be sedated

by David Brinn , THE JERUSALEM POST Jan. 3, 2008


Punk rock wasn't always in Marc Bell's blood. Well before he joined punk pioneers The Ramones in 1978 and adopted the family stage name shared by Joey, Johnny and Dee Dee, he was content to bash drums in a power trio called Dust.

"When I was in high school, I liked hard rock. My first band, Dust, made two albums, and my bandmates were guitar player Richie Wise (who produced the first two Kiss albums) and Kenny Aaronson on bass, who later played with people like Joan Jett and Billy Idol," Ramone told The Jerusalem Post from his Brooklyn Heights home.

But the vitality of the burgeoning punk scene in New York, centered around the gritty punk mecca CBGB, attracted Ramone and brought with it ample employment opportunities for the dynamic drummer.

"I was hanging out in New York City and started getting into the new sounds that were being created, and started playing with Richard Hell and the Voidoids on their debut album Blank Generation," said Ramone.

"They were signed to the same company as The Ramones - Sire, which is how we became friendly. We hung out together, and were part of the same social group. Johnny and Dee Dee asked me to join, and the first song I learned was 'I Wanna Be Sedated,'" recalled Ramone, who replaced original Ramone drummer Tommy Ederly in 1978.

And as fast as you can say "gabba gabba hey," Ramone was off on an 18-year journey (with a brief sabbatical in the '80s). The Ramones were like a club of caricatures. The uniform was black leather jackets, T-shirts, torn jeans, pro-Keds and Beatle haircuts, and the sound was just as regimented and alluring - three basic chords, a relentless rhythm, a buzz-saw guitar attack, and the catchiest songs imaginable featuring simple, often nonsensical rhyming lyrics.

They were one of the most famous bands of the '70s, yet they never got played on the radio; their songs were too loud, too strange and too short for either Top 40 pop radio or the more freeform FM rock stations that pledged allegiance to British prog rock and heavy metal, laid-back California singer/songwriters and Southern boogie bands.

But The Ramones brought back fun and attitude to rock & roll with their "Buddy Holly on Marshall amps at 78 rpm" sound, and music fans tired of the played-out genres embraced them with fervor. The Ramones forged a musical revolution that resounded around the world - especially in England, where kids like Joe Strummer heard and adapted the minimalist sound to his band The Clash. And that process repeated itself around the world.

"Back then, radio ignored us. We persevered through loyal fans, and that's why The Ramones are more popular now than ever. Today there's a new generation of youth that's into The Ramones. They see something they can relate to," Ramone said.

The Ramones disbanded in 1996, but Marky has kept busy by touring as a guest DJ and hosting his own radio show on Sirius Satellite Radio, where he plays a variety of punk classics as well as Ramones repertoire.

Vocalist Joey and guitarist Johnny both died of cancer earlier this decade, and bassist Dee Dee succumbed to years of substance abuse in 2002, leaving Marky to carry on the band's legacy.

Marky Ramone and Friends arrive in Tel Aviv for a Thursday (January 10) show at Zappa, and don't expect forays into jazz or reggae. Expect a lot of The Ramones, 30 songs worth.

Ramone says he has to keep in top shape in order to have the stamina to play a full show at the breakneck speed required by The Ramones' repertoire.

"I learned to pace myself, even back then when I was young. It's like being an athlete; you need to rehearse and exercise and be in good shape. I continue to do that, and I think it shows in the performances," he said.

While he says he still loves playing, Ramone's diversification into radio and other media will continue in 2008, with both a book and a DVD about his career being readied for release. Not to mention his own line of condoms.

"I felt that in certain situations, a lot of people were ignoring the AIDS issue. It's not taught in our schools, and we have to stop this shy way of dealing with sex, which is natural and God given. It's not being taught in churches in the US or in religious arenas, but safe sex saves lives, and that's important," Ramone said.

"So the goal should be to find ways to stop AIDS and educate people how not to get it. I'm very happy to put my name on a line of condoms if it will help."

Spoken like a true punk.

Mirrors and Metaphors featuring John Fielder Opening Night

Mirrors and Metaphors featuring John Fielder Opening Night 02/08/08 6:30pm
Category: Art and Photography
DENVER, January 7, 2008— On March 21, 2006, J.T. Fielder, the oldest child and only son of Colorado's beloved nature photographer John Fielder took his life on top of a windy 13,000 foot peak. Two years later, John Fielder is honoring his son's life by being the spokesperson for a unique program that examines the intersection between suicide, mental health and healing through the arts. The Carson J Spencer Foundation invites caring citizens to enjoy an evening with John Fielder by attending the opening night of the Mirrors and Metaphors Art Exhibit at 6:30PM on February 8, 2008 at the Access Gallery (909 Santa Fe, Denver; tickets are $50).

John Fielder's work will be one of the main focal points of this multi-layered exhibit. He has chosen to donate an image of the high alpine ridge above Butler Gulch near Empire, Colorado – a photograph that was made on a ski visit with his friends to the place J.T. died. John Fielder hopes that those who see the image will be touched by the view that is infinite and sublime and will remember and celebrate the life of his remarkable son.

John Fielder is joining a growing group of citizens making a difference on suicide prevention in Colorado. Suicide is a significant public health issue in this state:

*Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for 15-34 year olds in Colorado, after unintentional injuries

*Males are 70% more likely to take their lives than females

*In 2005, traffic accidents in Colorado killed 662 people, whereas 795 people died by suicide

*Colorado leads the nation in suicide AND ranks 33rd in the nation for state funding of mental health and last in funding for substance abuse.

"The first step is to deconstruct the stigma associated with suicide and mental illness," says Spencer-Thomas. "In order for that to occur, we must become more comfortable talking about these issues. What better way to start than at a community event that is celebrating hope and recovery through the arts."

On February 8th at 6:30PM, business leaders will be joined by scores of mental health advocates, artists, students and caring citizens for the opening night of the Mirrors and Metaphors professional art exhibit. Colorado's beloved nature photographer, John Fielder will make brief remarks and dinner will be provided by LifeStyles Catering. West Pines Lutheran Medical Center and Regis University are sponsoring this event. Proceeds will benefit the Carson J Spencer Foundation, the Second Wind Fund, and Access Gallery. Tickets may be purchased through www.blacktie-Colorado.com.


About the Carson J Spencer Foundation

The Carson J Spencer Foundation, a non-profit organization, was founded in April 2005 following the suicide of its namesake. The Carson J Spencer Foundation envisions a world where leaders and communities are committed to sustaining a passion for life. We sustain a passion for life through:

funding social enterprise for sustainable mental health initiatives

delivering innovative suicide prevention programs targeting the working age population

supporting the education of emerging entrepreneurs and leaders

For more information, please call Sally Spencer-Thomas 303-458-4323 or visit www.CarsonJSpencer.org.

Obama wins Iowa as candidate for change

Wow. Great news. Many of you know that I did volunteer work for the Obama camapaign early on. I just couldn't continue to give of the time that I didn't have - sometimes life gets too crazy but I would have loved to be a precinct captain if I could have done the job justice! Anyway... Obama wins the Iowa caucus....

Direct from CNN:

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/01/03/iowa.dems/index.html

DES MOINES, Iowa (CNN) -- Sen. Barack Obama's victory Thursday in critical Democratic Iowa caucuses indicate voters saw him as a candidate of change, according to entrance polls.

Sen. Barack Obama won young people's votes and also those whose focus is on various issues.
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The freshman Illinois senator was CNN's projected winner in the key early step toward the White House, with 38 percent of the vote and 97 percent of precincts reporting.

"On this January night, at this defining moment in history, you have done what the cynics said we couldn't do," Obama told wildly cheering and chanting supporters Thursday night. "We are choosing hope over fear, we are choosing unity over division and sending a powerful message that change is coming to America."

CNN projects that lead will hold over his chief rivals -- former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards with 29.8 percent, and New York Sen. Hillary Clinton, with 29.3 -- with 97 percent of precincts reporting.

With Edwards edging ahead with several friendly precincts yet to report, the possibility was emerging that Clinton -- the front-runner in the months leading up to this year's campaign -- could finish a disappointing third.

"Just over half of Democratic caucus-goers said change was the No. 1 factor they were looking for in a candidate, and 51 percent of those voters chose Barack Obama," said CNN senior political analyst Bill Schneider. "That compares to only 19 percent of 'change' caucus-goers who preferred Clinton."

Twenty percent of Democrats said Clinton's campaign mantra -- experience -- was the most important attribute of a presidential candidate.

At Obama's caucus-night headquarters in Des Moines, the hall filled with people late Thursday in anticipation of the candidate's speech.

The supporters, many of them young, screamed "We did it!"

When vote returns appeared on big television screens, the crowd burst into spontaneous rounds of Obama's campaign chant: "Fired up -- Ready to go!"

Obama campaigned in Iowa as the true agent for change in a field of Democrats hoping to cash in on voter dissatisfaction with President Bush.

He banked heavily on the support of first-time caucus participants and independents, whom pre-caucus polls suggested were responding well to a campaign that included promises to work across party lines if elected.

CNN's entrance polls suggest that message resonated. Younger caucus-goers and those who said they want change gave significant support to Obama.

Fifty-seven percent of poll respondents age 17 to 29 said they supported Obama.

Democratic caucus turnout was much higher than four years ago. "With 93.5 percent of the precincts reporting we are seeing record turnout with 218,000 caucus attendees," said a statement from the state Democratic Party. In 2004, the turnout was about 125,000.

Edwards opened his remarks to supporters Thursday by talking about change.

"The one thing that's clear from the results in Iowa tonight is the status quo lost and change won," Edwards said. Watch Edwards vow to keep on fighting »

Obama's victory came despite Clinton's support from EMILY's List, a national group that works to elect female candidates who favor abortion rights. The group contacted 60,000 Iowa women with no history of caucusing and asked them to support Clinton.

The Clinton campaign itself also contacted tens of thousands of Iowans who had never caucused. Most of them were age 50 and above. The campaign set up a "buddy" system to encourage the newcomers to attend caucuses.

Appearing in front of cheering supporters Thursday with her husband, former President Bill Clinton, at her side, Clinton refused to back down.

"I am so ready for the rest of this campaign and I am so ready to lead," she said smiling. Watch Clinton's speech after failing to win »

"I have done this work for 35 years, it is the work of my life time," Clinton said. "I have been involved in making it possible for young people to have a better education and for people of all ages to have health care and that transforming work is what we desperately need in our country again."

"I think you could probably look at two things when it comes to Hillary Clinton: One is the sense that she could be very divisive in a general election campaign -- people in Iowa don't seem to want that," said CNN political analyst Gloria Borger. "And secondly, her history question, the Clinton baggage, if you will. There are a lot of voters there who are saying, 'We want to get beyond that.' "

Obama also did well among caucusers with varied issues at the top of their concerns. Thirty-four percent of voters who said their top issue was health care went for Obama, according to entrance polls; 35 percent among those who said the Iraq war was their top issue; 36 percent among those who chose the economy.

Supporters for the Illinois senator included an equal percentage of women and men -- 35 percent each.

David Gergen, a former White House aide under Republican and the Clinton administrations, pointed out that Iowa was not a strong state for Clinton from the start. "The Clintons are nothing if not resilient," he said. "They will fight back. For Barack Obama, this is a personal triumph. For an African-American to go into a state that's 95 percent white and win against Mrs. Clinton is an absolutely remarkable victory."



The caucuses spelled the end for two other senators with White House aspirations. Sen. Joe Biden of Delaware will abandon his bid for the Democratic presidential nomination, three sources told CNN. Biden received 1 percent in the Iowa caucuses.

Democratic Sen. Chris Dodd of Connecticut also will drop out of the race, campaign sources told CNN Thursday. Dodd received less than 1 percent in the Iowa caucuses. E-mail to a friend

CNN's Candy Crowley, Suzanne Malveaux and Jessica Yellin contributed to this report.