WITHOUT A FILTER

NYR stone NJ Devils at the Rock

2008-11-13T09:29:00.003-05:00

Last night the Rangers put an fashion 2nd period ass whoopin on the Devils. Two goals for Zherdev, 1 for Drury and a very productive Power Play led to a great win. I love how hockey games can change in an instant and the tables turn. And the highlight, the Devils home arena was filled with Rangers fans, who chanted "You Can't Beat Us" in the waning minutes of the 5-2 win.

The Apocalypse

2008-09-19T15:52:00.005-04:00

What happens when you mix Def Leppard with Hockey? My ultimate day - that's what!

Peep it - Love it - Live it - Breath it!

Stop Milkin' It Sean

2008-09-09T17:39:00.003-04:00

Hope this guy gets clobbered this year with the way he is milkin this internship like he did the world a favor. Knock some of those teeth out so we don't have to listen to his ass anymore. Glad he is not a Ranger anymore - and I hope he infects Dallas the way he did New York so they grow sick of him too. The only team he plays for is him - the Sean Avery team. Clown.

Amazed at the stupidity

2008-09-08T21:07:00.002-04:00

I'm sure most everyone has seen Deal or No Deal so at least once in their life time. Well, Im an occasional fan of the show - I don't go out of my way to watch it, but when I run past it, I usually stop and watch. It gets me, that time after time these people chance their luck, get greedier and greedier and then go home with nothing. I just watched some yokel walk away with a mere 10k when just two turns prior, he could have made the deal for $129k. Wasn't the Half Mil he had left on the board, but that's no chump change either. That will at least but you some season tickets to the Rangers right? Or Nascar in this nitwits case. But in any event he walked away with the smallest of chump change and and has no one to blame but his greedy ss for it. Makes you think - What would I do in that situation? Lights blaring, cameras rolling, the crowd yelling and the looming hope that money will solve all our problems. AHHHH America, there is no place like it. To quote the great Carlin - "They call it the American dream because you have to be asleep to believe it.

So whats up?

2008-08-15T10:00:00.003-04:00

Well - its been quite some time since I posted my rantings and musing. Lets see... what has happened since then:
+ Ive moved - thank the lord for no more bus routes, trunk bass tubes and random crazy people on our front lawn. Will post pics soon - and the housewarming is right around the corner
+ Random deaths after George Carlin has proven a huge loss to the world. Issac Hayes and Bernie Mac both passed. R.I.P. gentleman.
+ The hockey off season proved to be an interesting one. I can make a whole post about it, and probably will at some point. The short of it is - Jarg / Straka / Avery out and Naslund / Redden / Zherdev in. Lots will need to be proven before I am sold on the moves.
+ Def Leppard is alive and well - as a road trip to B'ham Alabama proved to be a wicked good time. Great to see sold out shows and a bunch of young people supporting them these days.

I guess that's about it. Ill try and post more - for the three people who may read this - or at least for my own good so I can look back and laugh at myself.
Cheers!

George Carlin Passes Away

2008-06-23T20:53:00.003-04:00

Sad day today. Words can't express how much George will be missed. I just saw him last weekend in Vegas. It was his last show. Ill never forget it. We will miss you George!

Tiger, Tiger, Tiger...

2008-06-09T13:54:00.004-04:00

... what did a little bit of ice do to you? Is it the fact that it's white? I mean seriously.. for a public sports figure to make such an ignorant comment is just ridiculous. If you don't know what Im talking about, you can peep this. Last Monday, Tiger was asked who he thought would win the Stanley Cup... his response : "I don't really care. I don't think anyone watches hockey anymore, do they?"

First off, Hockey may not be as popular in the U.S. as other sports like football or baseball, but this years Stanley Cup ratings show that many people indeed still do watch hockey. NBC had the highest ratings since 2003 for the cup finals this year.

Second, take that sport you call golf and take it to Canada, Europe or Asia and see how many people care. Bet more care about hockey in those places than they do about people hitting a ball with a crooked stick.

Third, as a public sports figure and someone who makes their living off sports, don't you think you should pick your words a little more carefully? No matter if the statement is true or false, you have an image to uphold. And if you don't try to maintain that image by silencing your run-on-mouth, then you are basically giving the sports world a big old middle figure, while patting yourself on the back with the other hand.

Its ok Tiger, the laugh will come when the NHL invited you to a game next year, and you make a public comment apologizing for your remarks.

Great Opening Week

2008-05-11T20:03:00.002-04:00

Not bad for an aging rock band in their mid- late 40's.
Def Leppard's new Songs From The Sparkle Lounge has debuted at No. 5 on the Top 200 Billboard Album Charts for May 17, 2008. As Billboard points out it is the 11th straight Top 20 album for Def Leppard and the highest charting album since 1992's Adrenalize album which debuted at No. 1.

TOP ROCK ALBUMS
#1 Songs from the Sparkle Lounge - Def Leppard

TOP HARD ROCK ALBUMS
#1 Songs from the Sparkle Lounge - Def Leppard

Billboard top 200
#5 Songs from the Sparkle Lounge - Def Leppard

And thats a wrap!

2008-05-07T12:56:00.003-04:00

Well, Im a little late on this one so I apologize for that. As expected, the Rangers were disposed of by the Penguins over the weekend. As disappointing as that was, it capped a good season for the Bullshirts who continue to evolve and improve as a contender in the NHL.

Now, the off season awaits. Which for a hockey fan, can be fairly interesting.

+ First up - Re-signing potential free agents that could become available July 1st during free agent month. Biggest unanswered questions; Jagr, Shanny and Avery. Jagr said he wants to come back.. if he comes back to the NHL. ie- He will test the open market, but probably sign with the Rangers. If thats the case, I expect them to part with Shanny although Im not sure I would endorse that. He may not be a 1st line winger anymore, but a 4th line winger, he could do nicely. And Avery.. goes like this. He is asking too much.. and he needs NYR just as much as they need him. He will not find such success elsewhere. So he will lower is price and re-sign. Now, that leaves a handful of D-men which for sure, some won't be back. But who? Backman, Rosival, Malik and Mara all are up in the air.

+ Then, in the midst of that, there is the Draft on June 20th that, while not as interesting or impactful as the NFL draft, still is worth keeping up with. Lots of young kids could make an impact. Rangers pick 20th.

+ Then there is Free Agent month which spans all of July, starting (obviously) July 1st. Last year, the Rangers added Gomez and Drury and made a huge splash. Look this year for them to make a move for either A- A winger for Gomez. Hossa anyone? B- A power D-man, potentially Brian Campbell. Both could be a stretch, but also could be in the realm of possibility. If the cap exceeds 55Mil, then we have a lot of room to make moves, especially if Jarg or Shanny walk freeing up at least 2-4 mil, and Mara and Malik walk.. freeing up an extra 5 mil of cap space. Should be a fun fun weak, as the first weak is always the best. Hell, the first DAY is the best.

+ Then there is training camp, which doesn't start till Sept, but news of who is invited from the younger group of kids on the Wolfpack will gear up at the end of August. Training camp goes thru Sept, with cuts being made along the way for the final square to begin the season in Oct.

So as you can see, there really is no true long off season in Hockey. And thank god for that. What else do I have to do besides follow this shit :)

End of an Era?

2008-05-01T11:59:00.002-04:00

Would be a shame if tonight was the last game for Jagr and Shannahan, although it seems very likely, if not tonight, sometime in the next week unless a comeback of monumental proportions happen. Truth is, they are being beaten by a better team, but don't deserve to go out like this. They played a great Game 3 and the series should be 2-1. But its not, and tonight may be the end of the Rangers season. Put your rally caps on, tonight will be a hot one.

A memory that lasts a lifetime

2008-04-28T16:15:00.004-04:00

No, unfortunately I didn't meat Shawn Avery.. but a friend of a friend did. And its worth noting that Avery has so much hate for Martin Brodeur that he mentions him in his autograph. Hate runs deep. Good times!

Other news.. the Rangers best lock it up in Game 3 & 4 vs the Pens. Great showing thus far, with neither team out playing the other. Good ol' hockey that could go either way. Lets hope those games go our way so I can see Crosby try a few more of his Greg Louganis impressions. Have a great Monday ya'll.

Pittsburgh or Bust

2008-04-22T22:40:00.002-04:00

Well, I was hoping it wouldn't come to this, but Washington's Failure to get it done tonight vs the Flyers means we are headed to Pittsburgh. There is a part of me that believes the Rangers can win against anyone.. Pittsburgh included. And that this won't be an easy series for either team. There is another part that is scared to play them of course, because Pittsburgh is ultra hot. There are things to look at, things to take into consideration, but in the end, all the stats (Rangers are 5-3-0 vs Pitt this season), numbers (Rangers were unbeaten at home this season vs Pitt, but playoff hockey is a very different game), talking (actually, Geoff and I will not be talking the entire playoff series) and BS (Geoff thinks the Pens will breeze past this round, sadly mistaken. Then again, he has a man purse, so how can you trust him really) only really means so much. The fate rest in each teams hands. Start prepping now, this is going to be a hot one. At least we know it will all be a blast no matter what happens. I love the playoffs!

One down, one to go!

2008-04-22T10:28:00.002-04:00

Ok, last one I promise.. but this is just too funny. Little known fact about me.. I hate 2 celebrities out there that you might not expect. John Lithgow and Chris Elliot. Well.. I just got one wish... Avery beats the shit out of Chris Elliot. Now if someone can please find the second unfunniest man in the world and kick his ass too, we would be in business.

Avery wears Prada?

2008-04-22T10:18:00.003-04:00

Sean Avery is going to intern at Vogue during the summer. According to Courtney Hazlett of MSNBC this morning, "He wrote a letter to [editor-in-chief] Anna Wintour saying he really liked the magazine, and while he's got some time to spare this summer he would like to hone his skills at Vogue magazine. Their spokesperson is saying the 28 year old will be expected to do traditional assistant-like duties."

Lets just hope the off-season doesn't come too soon, shall we.

The Avery Rule

2008-04-15T13:01:00.004-04:00

Just when I thought Ive seen it all in hockey... Sunday night happened. In a bazaar move, Sean Avery decided to get creative when screening the goalie during Sunday Nights Devils - Ranger Playoff game. He literally took himself out of the play, during a Ranger 5-on-3 powerplay, put is back to the play and waved his stick and arms around trying to screen the goalie. Watch the Video Here. He scored not long after by the way. I think you have to applaud him for the creativity of the move, although he could have gotten seriously injured.

The funniest part of it all, is the aftermath, which included the NHL amending rule #75 which now states: National Hockey League Director of Hockey Operations Colin Campbell issued the following advisory on the interpretation of Rule 75: Unsportsmanlike Conduct:

"An unsportsmanlike conduct minor penalty (Rule 75) will be interpreted and applied, effective immediately, to a situation when an offensive player positions himself facing the opposition goaltender and engages in actions such as waving his arms or stick in front of the goaltender's face for the purpose of interfering with and/or distracting the goaltender as opposed to positioning himself to try to make a play."

And after all that.. god love the Fans.. you can now purchase the "Avery Rule" on a t-shirt. God I love this game.

Now there is the debate around the hockey world.. did he go too far? Of course people that already hate him say yes. People who don't, realize that he found a loop hole and used it. He found a way to annoy the other team and screen the goalie. Both perfectly allowed. Hell, you have to remember that this game is for entertainment. But the NHL takes itself way too seriously and has to punish him by amending rules. No wonder the NHL isn't as popular as other sports. If the NFL penalized players for waving their arms at the line of scrimmage, what would people say then? The way he should have been dealt with, is someone from the other team should have came and knocked him on his ass. Did they? No. I say All's fair in love and hockey. Play On Boys! Game 4 is Wednesday night.. who's up for wings and beer :)

Mild Heart Attack Averted

2008-04-09T23:53:00.003-04:00

Its quite possible I will suffer some sort "attack" during the playoffs due to high blood pressure, over anxiousness, or just a general nail bitting excitement. While my buddy Geoff ate bon bons watching the Pens skate circles around Ottawa, I was jumping, yelling and screaming at the TV for most of the 60 minutes when the Rangers took on the Devils in round one of the Stanly Cup Playoffs.

For anyone that doesn't or hasn't watched a playoff hockey game, they really need to. Its vastly different from the regular season in more ways than one. 1) Experience really does help and until you see a rookie easily and nervously get thrown off his game, you won't understand why. 2) The intensity level is unmatched.. every shift counts, every check finished and every bit of emotion is worn on the players sleeve. 3) The fans are into it from opening face off until the final buzzer.

For much of the first 2 periods in the Rangers Devils game.. it was even matched. Equal hitting, play going back and forth, momentum swinging in both directions - it was a nerve racking experience. Just the kind of hockey that will give me gray hairs. I was on the edge of my seat most of the time, and thats no joke. In the Third thou.. the Rangers turned it on and dominated.. making "Marty the diver" pay for his weak ass mistakes. Backman, Sjostrom and Staal got to experience the joy of the playoff win. Callahan and Dawes got their first NHL playoff goals... which was extra cool for me to see, because although it was an empty neat goal for Dawes.. it was the veteran Shanahan who passed up the empty neater to pass it to Dawes so he could get his first Play off goal. All Class. But the biggest X Factor.. good ol' scottie gomez.. who haunted his ex-team mates by providing 3 Assists during the game. My boy Avery even chipped one in. All in all.. a great night.

Now, if I can just get thru the next game without falling over from the stress of each period... I just may make it to June to see who wins this damn thing. :op

Is it just me.....

2008-04-09T11:48:00.003-04:00

.. or do you get baffled by people boycotting, protesting and burning flags during the Olympics? Maybe I'm just missing something here.. but when did the Olympics ignite feelings of hate and protest. I always have viewed the Olympics as something that brings nations together in the spirit of brotherhood and good hearted competition. Something doesn't seem right with the world. At least no one is protesting the 2008 NHL Playoffs... or are they?

UPDATE : 5:38 - I stand corrected. I now see why said protests are in place. My bad - and F china

It's Playoff time!

2008-04-07T09:10:00.002-04:00

It's playoff time.. and that means one thing.... don't interrupt my games. No phone calls.. no plans.. no working late.. NADA! Rangers could secure home ice over the weekend, but we did secure our spot playing the Devils in our first round match up. My prediction - Rangers is 6.

No. 4 New Jersey Devils vs. No. 5 New York Rangers
Wednesday, April 9, NY Rangers at New Jersey, 7 p.m.
Friday, April 11, NY Rangers at New Jersey, 7 p.m.
Sunday, April 13, New Jersey at NY Rangers, 7 p.m.
Wednesday, April 16, New Jersey at NY Rangers, 7 p.m.
Friday, April, 18, NY Rangers at New Jersey, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 20, New Jersey at NY Rangers, TBD
Tuesday, April 22, NY Rangers at New Jersey, TBD

Poppin' em out one at a time

2008-03-24T20:51:00.004-04:00

And the baby brigade has begun. And I couldn't think of two better people to have the magic of having children happen to. Kevin and Trish just recently had Abigail and Josh and Katie just had Hudson. I couldn't be more thrilled for either.

Kevin and Trish, obviously because Kevin is my best friend in the entire world, and its great to see a good woman settle his ass down and have a child. Someone needed to... and I'm just glad he found someone that can put up with him. See the picture below. All their wonderful pics can be seen here http://cronau.shutterfly.com

I don't have pictures from everyone, but Josh and Katie have an amazing story of two of the strongest people I know, who fought thru some tough times together and now have their very own bundle of joy in Hudson. And again, anyone who can put up with Josh, more power to them.. because that mofo is nuts.

And don't get any ideas, I won't be posting our little future hockey player just yet ;)

The Final 10

2008-03-20T22:39:00.003-04:00

How important is each goal? The picture says it all-- Excitement and utter disbelief all with two hockey players

Not exactly Final Four time... its better. The last ten hockey games of the regular season. What an exciting time. Teams all within a few points of each other. Loosing or winning the next few can be the difference between gearing up for sold out playoff crowds or penciling in your tee times for the summer.

Right now, the Rangers are in a fight for 6th in the east looking like they will indeed make the playoffs, but by how much can change drastically. New Jersey, who is first in the East, still has not clinched a playoff spot, and in theory, still could not make the playoffs, if you follow numbers that is. They will. But teams like Buffalo, Philly (my new most hated team) and Washington are all on the cusp.

I'm pulling for Washington in the final 8th spot and hoping the Rangers secure 6th gaining a first round match up with the Hurricanes. Pulling for the Pens too but hope they don't have to play the Rangers in the first round, as my friendship with two buddies will no doubt be put on hold if they do. Even if you are not a huge hockey fan, try and catch a game on Verses sometime soon (I think the Rangers play the Flyers this coming Tuesday) and watch the excitement.

!! New Def Leppard Album !!

2008-03-07T19:13:00.003-05:00

Yes, its that time again - Def Leppard is about to drop a new album April 29th. Recorded last year during month-long stints at lead singer Joe Elliott's Dublin studio, the album's title refers to a backstage area called "The Sparkle Lounge" on Def Leppard's 2006 tour where the band would go to write songs. Tracks from the album have been described by the group as written in the style of "HYSTERIA", with the production of "HIGH 'N' DRY"

"The whole record's got a great '70s feel," said lead singer Joe Elliott. "By our standards, it's a very different album as we've been very adventurous, musically, on certain numbers. On the album there are classic Def Leppard songs and then there's also tracks that are very new-wave influenced while others sound like middle-to-late '70s AC/DC. There will definitely be some moments on it where anybody that's familiar with our music will go, 'Whoa! I wasn't expecting that!'"

An added PR Bonus : Def Leppard's "NINE LIVES" Featuring Tim McGraw to Run on All NBA Game Broadcasts on ABC through Rest of Season and Into Playoffs.
Exclusive new video footage was recently shot for the special opening segment with both artists in Los Angeles last week. The video will debut this Sunday, March 9th on ABC as the lead-in to the NBA game between the San Antonio Spurs and Phoenix Suns at 3:30 p.m. ET.

Want to listen to the new track? I do know you: Listen Here!

Also, click on the cover art above. As you can see, the band went for a cover in the style of The Beatles' "SGT. PEPPER'S LONELY HEARTS CLUB BAND", by using a collage of photos of various people who have a connection with the band in one way or another. Apart from a number of pictures of the band members themselves (throughout the years), you'll find their parents, crew members, friends, and some artwork characters from the past.

Thanks guys

2008-02-13T20:52:00.003-05:00

Thanks for making the trip to give a heart felt send off to my pops. You guys are the best, and Ill never forget the gesture of friendship, loyalty and love it showed.

Oh what a world

2008-02-13T10:19:00.004-05:00

Henrik Lundqvist, Rangers strike 6-year deal at around $6.5M per year. Bitch better stop some pucks from getting into the net with that amount of money. Good for you King... now lets make that final run.

The writers strike is over, and that means all of your favorite shows will be back on the air and ready to roll. For me, not too much will change. Ill still Tivo the shit out of reruns of Three Sheets and Family Guy episodes. 24 won't be back this year, and who know when the Office will make its way back on the air. Any suggestions for new shows to pick up on? And please don't say American Idol.

Does anyone even give a rats ass about the Oscars? Seriously.

I might be the only one who still cares, but I'm still curious what Happened to Natalie Holloway. Van Der whatever the fuck his name is did it. We all know it you little slimy shit. Now my question... who plays who in the made for TV movie.

And last but definitely not least. I am very much reminded of the South Park episode where the voting was to decide between a douche and a giant turd. Rings true now more than ever,. Lord help us.

Miss ya pops
D - out!

Avery fights with teammate!

2008-02-06T13:51:00.000-05:00

Big thanks to Sam Wienman from his blog:

If I hadn’t seen Sean Avery and Marek Malik throwing punches at one another during practice today, I wouldn’t have believed it.

But what had been a mere one-on-one battle during drills today quickly escalated into shoves and then an all-out fight between the 6-foot-6 Malik and the 5-10 Avery, lasting maybe 30 seconds before it eventually ended. For or those scoring at home, we’ll call it Malik by TKO.

Words were exchanged after that. At one point, Avery could be heard saying, “What are you,a tough guy? Why don’t you play like that in a game?”

Read more about it here: http://rangers.lohudblogs.com/

Everyday Gets a Little Easier

2008-01-30T11:50:00.001-05:00

While my Dad's passing will always stay with me and Ill always miss not having him around, I will say that each day gets a little easier. Ill miss talking to him about Hockey the most.. and how excited he got every time I called and updated him on the Ranger gossip (the man swore off computers so he never knows the latest rumors). The out pouring of support from the community my parents live it has just been outstanding. Really great group down there. I feel worst for my mom, who now is dealing with an empty house and a bunch of stuff to sort thru and figure out. But thats what life is all about I guess... you can be thrown a curve ball when you least expect it and its about how we deal with life's fast and every changing bullshit that defines us.

Well I guess I could go on and on about this, and how much Ill miss all these different things about him, but that might just end up making me more sad. So Ill refrain. But Just know that i miss ya Papa Noe. You're the best man Ill ever know.