Another Little Ditty from Bam

Okay, so I've tried to post this thing like a hundred times and for some reason, blogger isn't so happy with formatting, so I'm trying one last time. This piece was from a writing exercise we did where you had describe a scene out a window without using the word "the" and in three sentences. Here's what I came up with:

Brazen blusters follow currents directed by large buildings filled with thousands of untold stories..my eyes can only endure windy torrents behind glacial flows of glass. Here I pay my final respects to summer, an homage to billowed clouds and sunscreen sense. Autumnal colors flourish in response to waning warmth and I look forward to vernal victory over the coming snow.

I dunno, I think my use of an ellipsis is a bit of a cheat and it seems pretty rushed on my part. But I'm relatively happy with it considering the amount of time we had to work on it (like five minutes).

Kris vs. Adam

Okay, non-hockey post, here comes a big ole' beef of mine.

The American Idol juggernaut of Fox has never been a show that I felt the need to follow. Perhaps because there's few things that I despise more than a bad cover song (though I really like good covers), perhaps because of the insane fanatic christening of winners from far too early on, I'm not really certain, all I know is I kind of don't care much.

However, the last two seasons I've gotten a tad interested as its dwindled down to the final two. And as I passively browse some of the "whose gonna win?" pages there's a lot of bashing on the two contestants. On one hand this is the tragic expectation of this variety of television show; somehow we seem to pick one side and start completely trashing the opposing side when obviously both contestants have to have a decent amount of talent to get to this stage. What's even more annoying about this is that half the people picking Kris to win are saying "its sad because the more talented guy is gonna loose, but its going to be Kris."

UGH, can we stop with the Kris bashing? I happen to like him more than dear anointed Mr. Lambert. That is probably because I like the singer/songwriter variety of songs far more than I like the 80s style rock songs. And, well, I melt in the gaze of the boy-next-door guy anyway. In my opinion, Kris's style of singing has a way of honoring the song and using his voice as a vehicle for the song, whereas Adam style feels more like the song is a vehicle for his voice. That makes me like Kris's covers way more than I like Adam's. I mean seriously, Adam's version of "Mad World" isn't haunting or particularly emotional which is what makes the song so powerful when Gary Jules sings it. It sounds like Gary is entirely vulnerable and his world is completely falling apart and he's helpless to do anything about it. Adam didn't capture that at all in my opinion. In comparison, Kris's version of "Ain't No Sunshine" is perhaps the best version of that song I've ever heard, he's vulnerable and aching entirely brokenhearted. And yes I've heard Danny Nozuka's version, he's another one that uses the song as a vehicle for his voice in that instance.

Plus really now, do we honestly think that no matter who wins that both aren't going to end up putting out a CD? Come on, if you want to look at American Idol trends, the last two both get contracts, someone else swoops in and signs the second place contestant. Really, what we're competing for is that HORRIFIC AI song the winner will have to put out first and overcome with their second single if they can ever get past it (seriously, can we let David Cook write some of his own music and put something else out?) With that in mind, I hope that Adam wins so we don't have to deal with Kris bashing through next season and Mr. Allen can get onto writing the kind of CD that he actually wants to put out that's not under the watchful eye of Fox executives.

That being said, I think Adam is a very talented musician who has impeccable control of his voice which is not an easy thing to accomplish and I wish him the best of luck in his career and love life.

PS...something that totally steamed me, though I'm not blaming Adam for it. I stumbled onto a blog where some chic managed to state that she fully believed the gay marriage decisions in Iowa and Vermont were because of Adam Lambert being so out in the public eye...shoot me in the face. Like the Iowa Supreme court happened to notice this flashy guy on television, decided he was gay and they all thought to themselves, "hmm...we should let this boy, who must be gay by the way he acts, get married in our state...oh and the rest of his kind can come too"...and in Vermont some senators kids were watching AI and they happened to just be inspired to run the next morning to introduce a bill into their legislative branch to allow gay marriage just for Adam...COME ON. These decisions were giant victories for the gay community who has been fueling a movement that really gained its first healthy dose of momentum in 1969 at the Stonewall Riots. The decisions came because some people presented sound logical arguments to a governming body and the body decided that the promise of their state in its non-descrimination articles must cover the right of same-sex couples to wed under civil law.

Enough of a vent for y'all? Hmmm. My phone interview was today...I think it went really, really well. I was told that if I check back in by the end of next week that I should have an answer, so that's what, 9 days? Nine days until I could possibly be turning my world upside down.

Up Late...twiddling my thumbs

Note: HGTV has its best shows on late night Saturdays...who knew? I'm eating this up.

My interview for Plymouth State is on Wednesday at 10:30 AM. I'm pretty excited and nervous. I'll start looking at what I think I might be asked and forming answers on Monday.

Lots of grand times with friends coming through, though I'm a tad worried because my last unemployment check from the government hasn't come yet...and I could definitley use the money. Seriously stoked for the Tahoe trip in two weekends, it's going to be phenomenal.

Hockey: As the conference finals begin tomorrow I figure I should give my predictions as well. As a rule for these playoffs, watch for Chicago and Carolina to impress and shock. These two teams are going to make the conference finals a real battle for last years Stanley Cup contenders. We've been treated to a lot of fantastic series this year, like seriously hard fought series, and its going to continue into the next stage.

Detroit vs. Chicago: Its hard to bet against Detroit ever. As we saw in their game 7 win over the ducks, their top contributors didn't put in a single goal, rather their lesser known players were able to find the back of the net. The Red Wings know how to win and they usually find a way to make it happen. The Blackhawks should also not be taken lightly. They put away a Calgary team that though it just might be their year and a Vancouver team who had been picked by many analysts. There's a real sense that when they're on their game and making quick transitional break outs that they could score at will. Both teams have a penalty problem coming into this series...and both teams are the kind that will make other pay dearly for those immature mistakes. Khabibulin had a good series against Vancouver, but he didn't have a great series. For Chicago to have a fighting chance, the Bulin Wall will need to be solid. He needs to have a great series. Osgood will have to be every bit of the amazing goalie that he has been for Detroit, every bit, Chicago can really score goals (Luongo, arguably the best goalie in the game, was shamed by them, utterly shamed). Keys for each team:
-Chicago could win if they play their fast style of hockey. I don't think any team has the speed and devistating transition power of the Blackhawks when they're playing their game.
-It's Detroits series to loose and they know that Chicago will take advantage of every opportunity given to them. The greatest threat to the Red Wings is letting themselves get into a shootout with the Blackhawks, the Wings can score, but its highly debatable if they can score as much as Chicago can. Vancouver lost that bet in game 6.

I'm going to predict Detroit, but this series could be really amazing to watch and if Chicago has its way, we're going to watch the dismantling of a dynasty so that a new one can begin. There's a lot of people who are really excited about this series, count me waaaaaay in.

Pittsburgh vs. Carolina: I'm not a fan of Pittsburgh. Perhaps because of the annointing of Crosby and Malkin and this fetishizing in passive hockey fans making the Penguins the fastest growing merchandise team in all of sports. But I do enjoy that Dan Bylsma has injected new life into the team and really disciplined them into a formidable team that can dominate and devastate (game 7 versus Washington). I really like Cam Ward of the Hurricanes, who has yet to loose a playoff series. He's not amazing, but a lot like Osgood of the Redwings, you can actually see this guy fighting for every save. He's not perfect by any means, but having a goalie that has that much raw will to win is not common. Eric Staal of the 'Canes is a legitamate star on a bit of a slump and I think without Boston's Chara on his back, he'll make a lot more of an impact in this next series. Key's for each team:
-Pittsburgh built some great momentum out of the last series, winning four of the last five games and simply devastating the Capitals in the final game. Really they can win by doing more of the same, trusting in their game and executing.
-Carolina has been dubbed the "cardiac kids" for their ability to win in completely nailbiting (and by nailbiting, I mean watch out cuticles because we're chomping that far back) fashion, can they keep doing that? Yeah, I think they can, but that means that they've got to keep the score close so they can continue to give all of their fans heart attacks.

Pittsburgh might be on the way to develop a dynasty of their own. As much as I think Staal and Ward can fight enough for the entire Carolina team (not to say they won't fight at all on their own) the depth of the Penguin bench will probably be too much for them in the end. I'm predicting the Penguins (though I'd loooooove to see them be eliminated).

Time Ticking By

Predictions in the East...

Carolina vs. Boston: The series is tied 1-1...I think this is where Boston meets their match. Carolina seems to be the most underestimated team still left in the playoffs and guys like Ward and Staal are in this for the long run and I think Carolina takes this series.

Pittsburgh vs. Washington: There's a lot of people saying that this is the less exciting series to watch but people are going to tune into it because of the star power in it. Here's what I say, the Washington Capitals are one of the most exciting teams to watch in my opinion. Not because they've got "stars" but because they move the puck really well, and they've got this guy named Sergei Federov (old star of the league) who knows a thing or two about winning the cup who is apparently a great leader for all of their young talent, plus he's still impossible to guard one on one. Plus in the battle of the stars, I'm going to pick Ovechkin (reigning MVP) anyday, he'll probably win MVP again because he is the one guy in the NHL that gets everyone on their feet when the puck is on his stick. I don't think the Penguins can keep up with them. I'll pick Washington here.

After watching San Jose die a slow painful death in the first round, it might be easy for Sharks fans to just be done with the playoffs. I would urge you to pay attention at least to Washington and Chicago. These two teams are young, gutsy, and don't realize that they aren't supposed to be having this much success. They play the kind of hockey I like to watch. Fast, crisp, exciting hockey. If Chicago is down a few goals, don't you dare turn the TV off, they've gone into the third period down 3-0 before and tied the game up. Their last game in Vancouver had them down 2-0 early on, the game ended with a score of 6-3 in favor of Chicago. And like I said above, Ovechkin has been on the NHL highlight reel for the past two years because he scores goals from impossible angles, and awkward positions, on his back, it doesn't matter...the only thing that opposing teams know is that they don't want him to have the puck. And Alex the Great is not the only scoring threat for Washington.

In other news:
My application for PSU is done...there's a slight issue with turning it in immediately, but at least I don't have any more work to do. I'm starting to firm up what I would do if I was accepted, like moving plans, etc. Still terrified, still excited.

The Setting in the West

So the Sharks were eliminated tonight by a very good Anaheim team. Hats off to the Ducks for doing what San Jose has been unable to do; play like they want to move onto the next round.

The East will remain undecided until the New Jersey/Carolina and New York Rangers/Washington series have been decided tomorrow...if you were wondering, I'm still sticking with New Jersey and Washington.

Granted I haven't seen much of the East coast play, but I don't know how anyone is going to be the Western teams advancing here. These two series should be a lot of fun to watch, and I won't be surprised if it takes seven games in both series to decide the conference finalists. Here's my predictions for the next match-ups in the west:

Detroit vs. Anaheim: If the Ducks keep up this level of play the Wings are going to have some problems. Jonas Hiller is looking pretty damn good in net, though as this last series went on, he gave up quite a few more rebounds than were maybe necessary. Plus unlike the Sharks, the Wings are always out to win in the playoffs. Hiller can't expect shutouts against guys like Lidstrom, Hossa, Franzen, Zetterberg and Datsyuk. Anaheim capitalized on San Jose's mistakes and sloppy play, while San Jose was unable to do the same on Anaheim...Detroit won't allow them that luxury. Guys like Holmstrom and Maltby and Draper that will get their sticks free for the rebounds, and will create a huge distraction for the young Hiller. That is just one reason why they are the current powerhouse dynasty. These are the last two cup winners, the cores of those teams are there, they aren't mortal enemies but they are familiar with each other...well, there's the possibility for this to turn into a heinous rivalry with this series. I'm gonna say Detroit...most people are going to bet on Detroit.

Vancouver vs. Chicago: I'm gonna say this series goes to whoever can figure out how to score on their opposing goalies. Khabibulin and Luongo are two world class goalies. I haven't watched either team play much, but there's a part of me that loves guys like Teows, Kane, and Campbell. Campbell is getting on in age, and I'm hoping he's got a few more seasons in him, because I think Chicago is gearing up for something phenomenal on their own. It's really a toss up, but I think Chicago is going to make a big statement by taking this series and giving Detroit some trouble in the conference finals.

In other news, Plymouth State University is still accepting applications for next fall's graduate programs...I like them, but they're loosing points for asking for a personal statement that is 350 words max...I'm verbose...I like myself that way...350 to describe my intentions for graduate school and beyond...oy

Hmmm...

I don't think I'll be the only one to think this is some serious news:

Meghan McCain (senator's daughter) and Steven Schmidt (Chief Strategist for McCain's presidential campaign) have both stated they for gay-marriage...in fact, they've both more than hinted that its time for the non-religious and moderate voices of the GOP to rise up and force their way into the conservative debate.

Perhaps its just because I'm watching the West Wing but that seems to me like that's something that would cause a lot of peoples ears to perk up...yes its just two people, but the Chief Strategist for the last Republican Presidential Nominee and the Nominee's daughter who has found something of a political stage in the last year...those are two people whose words can carry some weight.

I dunno, I'm going to keep my eye on them now. I'm not talking a political switch because thankfully my ideologue alliances are multifaceted and thus not decided by one issue, but I think that debate of political issues can always use more voices...our country is at its best when all minds are comfortable expressing themselves, when the reason of the people is put to the test.

NHL Playoffs

For the second season in a row my dear Sabre's have not made it to the playoffs. Some fans are calling for the firing of GM Darcy Regier and Head Coach Lindy Ruff...I have faith in Lindy, there's a reason he's the longest standing head coach at one organization currently in the NHL. I think the biggest problem is that the Sabres were plagued by injury at the worst time in the season, loosing top goalie for a month and getting him back for the final seven games of the season? Loosing top goal scorer Thomas Vanek for a couple months and then have him come back unable to get back into any rhythm didn't help. Not to mention injuries that caused veterans Tim Connely and Teppo Numinen to loose some games here and there. There was a lot that didn't go well for them, key players gone at a key times, I'm impressed that they actually made a run at the end of the season. As I said earlier, what they need is a stronger leader, a real captain that will be the heart of the team. Anyways, onto the predictions on the actual playoff match ups:

Boston vs. Montreal: Boston won the season series, Montreal is riding a great end of season. If Montreal plays their best for seven games (or less), I think they could knock Boston out. That's a big "if" and well, I don't have a ton of faith in Montreal's ability to hold a streak into the playoffs. I'm picking Boston and hoping for Montreal here.

Washington vs. New York Rangers: The Rangers limped through the second half of the season, Ovechkin and the Capitals, while riding a bit of a loosing streak, are still a great team. The Rangers won't make it past the first round, Washington wins this one.

New Jersey vs. Carolina: Martin Brodeur is still an amazing goalie, perhaps still the best in his position, Carolina is going to have a hard time with him in the playoffs. Kudos to Carolina for getting this far, I think this series might actually be fun to watch, but New Jersey is going to win, probably in 6 games.

Pittsburgh vs. Philadelphia: Pittsburgh figured out how to play again thanks to Dan Bylsma at the helm, Philly has been good, but I don't think they're good enough to beat Malkin and Crosby at their best. Pittsburgh takes this one, maybe in 5?

San Jose vs. Anaheim: San Jose has been attrocious in the playoffs, loosing the will to win and such, but we'll see how they fare this season with a coach who has lots of playoff winning experience. They haven't been as strong the second half of the season, but the pace they were keeping the first half was just impossible. Kudos to Anaheim to battling their way into the playoffs, San Jose takes this one, maybe sweeps it.

Detroit vs. Columbus: Great praise to Columbus for making it into the playoffs for the first time in their history, they'll nab one or two games. Detroit is a powerhouse. They are a dynasty...the reality is that they could win the cup every year, they're taking this one. Bad first match for Columbus.

Vancouver vs. St. Louis: Wow, St. Louis came out of no where, best second half of the season of any team, hands down. Vancouver hasn't been having a bad season either. This might be the best series of this round of the playoffs, but I'm going to go out on a limb and say St. Louis pulls this one out, maybe in the final hour of the seventh game.

Chicago vs. Calgary: Chicago has been great this season, I mean seriously great this season. One commentator mentioned that the biggest problem they have is that they always run into a red or teal wall, Detroit or San Jose. I think the series will be fun to watch, but Chicago is going to win.

Well friends, that was fun. Hmmmm, my sister is turning 21 tomorrow...awwwweeesome!