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."
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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.
1 of 2

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.