So yeah, it's been a while. The ladyfriend and I went to Raleigh to enjoy an away game that was a great one (more on the experiences with this later). We enjoyed the Tampa game from the comfort of our homes, and got disgusted at the gnat that is Martin St. Louis. And we enjoyed sneezing, coughing, and whining during the heartless and mistake-filled loss to Carolina last night.
And then there are these two trades that Don Waddell put together in the past couple of days.
I guess now's not the time of year to start slacking on updates or anything, really.
Just addressing these trades, it's pretty shocking that there was a straight-up trade with Philly, Coburn for Zhitnik. Coburn provided promise for the next few years. Immediately, he didn't come into the team's framework for success. And I'm guessing that's understandable. I mean, after Waddell's ridiculous "guarantee" that the Thrashers were making the playoffs last season, he really needed to pull through this season. But looking at both of these trades (Zhitnik, and Glen Metropolit and everything under the kitchen sink for Keith Tkachuk), it just seems to me that we overpayed a ton for players for the present.
Like I said, Coburn provided promise for the future, and we gave that up for an aging Zhitnik. And then we give up Metropolit (who was an early fave of mine, just because of that name that I always mispronounced, and I preferred it that way) and a bunch of draft picks for a NAME. Sure, Tkachuk can provide that spark and has some great seasons under his belt. But now? I don't know, it just doesn't seem that much like a great deal. Especially with all that we gave up.
Look around the league and you'll see somehow other teams are figuring out the trade market. Carolina gets Anson Carter (who also could provide a great spark, but has yet to find any kind of chemistry this season with Columbus) for a fifth-round pick in '08. Anaheim shops out young d-man Shane O'Brien to Tampa for some goalie and a first-round pick in '07. Despite Carter having a career season with the Sedins in Vancouver last season and having nothing going on in Columbus, I still think that he's nothing to really laugh about. On a team like Carolina, he can cause some serious damage for the opposition (especially division-rivals Atlanta). So to get a legitimate threat for sooooo little is pretty outstanding. And once again Anaheim works their magic by planning for something big later on and getting a first-round pick in next year's draft for #4 or #5 defenseman to the Lightning. Don Waddell should see something here, things that were put on the table already and figure out how the market works. I'm sure that Waddell made an offer to John Davidson and either JD jumped at the chance or really twisted DW's arm (and leg, and neck...) to get this deal done for Tkachuk.
It's common knowledge that this is a big season for everyone - fans, players, GMs, and coaches. With these moves, Waddell gambles tons for instant success. Will all of this work pay off in the end and the Thrashers will not only make it into the playoffs but be a legitimate threat once there? We'll see. But with these moves, it's apparent that playoffs-or-bust is not what's being looked at here. Everyone knows that what the team brings to the table is playoff-worthy, but how far could the current team go? Would a quick first-round exit really mark a successful season for this franchise? Personally, I don't feel like that's really much of an accomplishment - to squeak into the post-season and then find ourselves with an early exit.
Stack the team now, try to really make a statement for the rest of the season and hope it lingers into the next season and then maybe more success will come. I'm assuming that's the mentality behind these trades. Regardless, I'm hoping that these moves put a cattle prod up the team's collective ass and get something started. After last night's effort against Carolina (and the defensive lapses that resulted in a few goals), it's clear that something needed to be done. Here's to hoping that this works out and that we once again sit at the top of the Southeast Division at the end of the season.
2007/02/25
2007/02/13
Sell Outs!
It appears as if three-day passes for this year's Coachella Festival have sold out. This is pretty insane news. I mean, the lineup was released about three weeks ago, and now passes for the entire weekend are snatched up. Usually, these passes don't go sold until probably March, even into April. The secret's out, though, as more and more people are getting wind as to how amazing this event is. Individual passes for Friday, the 27th, are still up for grabs, however.
One has to think that more tickets will be released as time passes. I just don't see how there's that much demand for this three-day thing that it's completely sold out after the lineup is announced for three weeks. In '04, tickets weren't sold out for the mind-blowing lineup that featured Radiohead, Pixies, Broken Social Scene, The Cure, Air, etc. until, I think, a couple of weeks before the festival (if it even was that much before at all). With Friday's tickets the only ones available, maybe Goldenvoice has taken note of previous complaints about how congested and packed with people the grounds were for the past few years. Who knows, but I don't think they're done.
Photo courtesy of gleggers.
The Coachella Music & Arts Festival 2007, featuring headliners Bjork, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Rage Against the Machine, with The Jesus and Mary Chain, The Arcade Fire, Air, The Good, the Bad, and the Queen, and Peaches (among countless others), takes place April 27-29 at the Empire Polo Fields in Indio, CA. Ticket info (Friday only remains!) can be found here: http://www.coachella.com/tickets
One has to think that more tickets will be released as time passes. I just don't see how there's that much demand for this three-day thing that it's completely sold out after the lineup is announced for three weeks. In '04, tickets weren't sold out for the mind-blowing lineup that featured Radiohead, Pixies, Broken Social Scene, The Cure, Air, etc. until, I think, a couple of weeks before the festival (if it even was that much before at all). With Friday's tickets the only ones available, maybe Goldenvoice has taken note of previous complaints about how congested and packed with people the grounds were for the past few years. Who knows, but I don't think they're done.
The Coachella Music & Arts Festival 2007, featuring headliners Bjork, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Rage Against the Machine, with The Jesus and Mary Chain, The Arcade Fire, Air, The Good, the Bad, and the Queen, and Peaches (among countless others), takes place April 27-29 at the Empire Polo Fields in Indio, CA. Ticket info (Friday only remains!) can be found here: http://www.coachella.com/tickets
2007/02/11
at Avs & at Canucks - 2006/02/08 & 02/10
Ah, the fabled west coast road trip. This time of the year for the Thrashers usually brings much displeasure and a slipping in the standings. While that's mentioned, that could easily happen. With the resurgency of division rivals (eh, and Stanley Cup Champions) Carolina, and the way that Tampa has brought things to the table (finally), the Thrashers' division lead that was once a fair amount away from the competition is now is jeopardy. As I just mentioned, this "circus swing" usually casts a crappy spell on the Birds and this critical part of the season happens to arrive at just the right time for a fight for supremacy in the Southeast. (Note: When this road trip happens, it's a the same time the circus comes to Philips, hence, "circus swing".)
At least things were silenced for an evening against the once-almighty Colorado Avalanche. A team that was extremely rich with talent and winning in the forms of Sakic, Hejduk, Roy, Blake, Forsberg, and Tanguay (among others) is now reduced to a pile of rubble and anything left over from that era. Joe Sakic is a legend and a dynamic force to reckon with, so that piece of the puzzle is still there. But all other aspects of those amazing teams that ruled the NHL for a few years are in shambles. After trading away David Aebischer for Jose Theodore, the Avs are still trying to figure out their goaltending situation. And, while promising, their young kids do hint at brighter days ahead, with Stasny, Wolski, and Svatos. But this team isn't even a shadow of what they once were.
All of the things mentioned above were the ultimate downfall of the Avs at the hands (wings?) of the Thrash. Shaky goaltending from Theodore (and nice playmaking from Le Thrash, too!) resulted in a quick 3-0 lead... and it's unfortunate that leads like that after the first period cause a Thrashers fan to wonder, "How long is THIS lead gonna last?" There's no denying it, everyone had to be thinking it. After blowing leads against mediocre teams in the past, a three-goal lead against the disappointing Avs was nice, there was the possibility of it reversing. However, the Thrash didn't quit and continued to play a pretty good game in Denver.
I guess the same could apply to the Canucks, too. They never had great success in the playoffs, but during the season, they were a very strong team a few years ago (I'm thinking of immediately prior to the lockout). It's like they could tear through the opposition with the likes of Bertuzzi, Naslund, Morrison, and with strong defense from Ohlund and Jovanovski, and reliable goaltending with Cloutier. With past disappointments in the playoffs and the new CBA in place, the team changed its appearance. While retaining the extraordinary Sedin twins (they are unstoppable) and still hanging onto Naslund and Morrison, Vancouver shipped out the problem-child in Bertuzzi and the unfolding Cloutier and the stalwart defensemen in Jovo. They also decided that Anson Carter, who had a career year with the Sedins (who also had great seasons themselves), wasn't worth the money and let him loose to come back to earth over in Columbus. Instead, the Canucks aimed to correct the problem that plagued them the most during the post-season - goalies - and welcomed ex-Florida netminder Roberto Luongo into the fold. He was viewed as the man who could turn things around for a squad that really relied on its goaltending and it was never there when the team needed that presense the most.
Saturday night, Luongo was the difference-maker. It was games like that that Luongo was brought into Vancouver. While he wasn't consistently tested throughout the game, the last few minutes could've led to a Thrashers come-from-behind victory as opposed to what was a Canucks win. He kept the team in it and ultimately won the game for Vancouver. I'm sure it was a little nice to win over a team that had your number a bunch in the past, as a former member of the Southeast Division.
It was a complete relief to see us convert on a 5-on-3 opportunity. For a while, I thought it wasn't going to happen. In instances like that, you have to keep the puck moving to throw off the three players that are somehow going to stop the play or at least try to have a say in it. Several times during that minute of the two-man advantage, there was too much hesitation with the puck and it looks like nothing was even going to get started. There was even a bit of a struggle to even set up the plays in the Canucks' zone. But for Kovy to get the second Thrashers goal, that was redeeming. There was good puck movement and it resulted in revving up the team.
The game didn't move as fast as other games (like against Buffalo or Carolina), but the spirit was there. The last minutes of the game made up for it as the Thrash tried any kind of opportunity to beat Luongo for a point in the matter. Now, that didn't happen, but it was a nice effort from the team. The Thrashers know what's on the line - a top-three seed in the playoffs - and they know the consequences if they don't play .500 hockey on this road trip. So this team needs to perform the entire way through these games. Faltering and losing sight of the game in a mere 10 seconds can cause the team the game (it did). This is hockey we're talking about here. But these next games against the Oil and the Flames are no walks in the park.
The Oil game could be like the win against the Avs. I'm certain that Hedberg will have the start in the nets tonight to rest an over-worked Kari Lehtonen (finally!). So Moose needs to have a big game to go against the bigger names in the Edmonton lineup like Smyth, Lupul, Hemsky, and, of course, Dwayne Roloson.
And I have little doubt in my mind that it'll be another Finnish matchup on Tuesday, with Kari battling it out against Miikka Kiprusoff in Calgary. They are a team that is trying to make a push for a number one seed in the extremely tight Northwest Division. While a team like Edmonton is on the outside looking in at this point, Calgary is in the midst of a three-way tie for first in the Northwest, along with Vancouver and a Minnesota team on the rise with the return of Gaborik. With the recent acquisition a heralded defenseman in Brad Stuart from Boston, the team looks ready to make a charge away from the others in their division. I mean, Dion Phaneuf cannot do it alone for the Flames. I'm sure that Calgary has some depth in their defense, but Stuart sures it up some more and also tells others in the Northwest that Calgary is serious. It'll be interesting to watch the rest of their season unfold and see where they end up at the end.
2007/02/10
THIS JUST IN: Vish Out of ATL, Belanger In! (clicky)
AJC writer Craig Custance reports on the Thrashers AJC blog that hard-hitting pre-season defensive addition Vitaly Vishnevski is officially out of the Atlanta Thrashers future, having moved to Nashville in exchange for what appears to be a 3rd line center in the form of Eric Belanger.
This is the second change of scenery for Belanger in the past two days, after facing a trade from Carolina to the Preds on the 9th.
The Atlanta Thrashers website is now reporting it as well as NHL.com.
Is this the move Thrashers fans have waited for? I highly doubt it. There have been a few concerns raised about the lack of certain positions on the team - a prominent center, a PP leader, a solid D-man, etc. This move does little to address any of those areas of question, but while I do not see another move of Belanger in the future (three teams in two says, how much else can this guy take?!), I assume that there will be some shuffling around of other figures.
It's a shame that Vish was the odd man out here. His arrival to Atlanta was more-or-less positively-viewed. A hard-hitting defenseman to join the ranks of Exelby was looked at (by me, at least) with optimism for defensive strengthening. And for him to reconnect with a former teammate in Havelid (they were both blueliners in Anaheim), I thought it wasn't a bad move. I guess things didn't pan out and much wasn't put on his shoulders because he flat-out didn't bring it each night. His recent scratches from the lineup must've been an indication of what was to come.
It looks like Nashville gets a little defensive depth there with Vish in the lineup. Considering that their two big D-men are Timonen and Zidlicky, Vish gives the Preds some more bang for the buck. It wasn't like Nashville was lacking defensively, I just think that things weren't exactly looking optimal with Timonen being number one in their system and Zidlicky having a bit of an off season and a bunch of youth in the depths with Weber, Suter, and Hamhuis.
Regardless, next Tuesday's (the 20th) matchup in Carolina will be an interesting, uh, homecoming (?) for Belanger.
Remain tuned in because I'm sure that you won't hear the end of Atlanta and Don Waddell's shopping around.
This is the second change of scenery for Belanger in the past two days, after facing a trade from Carolina to the Preds on the 9th.
The Atlanta Thrashers website is now reporting it as well as NHL.com.
Is this the move Thrashers fans have waited for? I highly doubt it. There have been a few concerns raised about the lack of certain positions on the team - a prominent center, a PP leader, a solid D-man, etc. This move does little to address any of those areas of question, but while I do not see another move of Belanger in the future (three teams in two says, how much else can this guy take?!), I assume that there will be some shuffling around of other figures.
It's a shame that Vish was the odd man out here. His arrival to Atlanta was more-or-less positively-viewed. A hard-hitting defenseman to join the ranks of Exelby was looked at (by me, at least) with optimism for defensive strengthening. And for him to reconnect with a former teammate in Havelid (they were both blueliners in Anaheim), I thought it wasn't a bad move. I guess things didn't pan out and much wasn't put on his shoulders because he flat-out didn't bring it each night. His recent scratches from the lineup must've been an indication of what was to come.
It looks like Nashville gets a little defensive depth there with Vish in the lineup. Considering that their two big D-men are Timonen and Zidlicky, Vish gives the Preds some more bang for the buck. It wasn't like Nashville was lacking defensively, I just think that things weren't exactly looking optimal with Timonen being number one in their system and Zidlicky having a bit of an off season and a bunch of youth in the depths with Weber, Suter, and Hamhuis.
Regardless, next Tuesday's (the 20th) matchup in Carolina will be an interesting, uh, homecoming (?) for Belanger.
Remain tuned in because I'm sure that you won't hear the end of Atlanta and Don Waddell's shopping around.
2007/02/08
Get the Strattera, 'cause I'm goin' ADD on yer...
Here are some quickies in my world - enjoy!
With the recent announcements of tour dates von Deutschland, the Smashing Pumpkins (i.e. my most favorite band on the planet, i.e. the Billy show, starring Billy, with support from Billy... oh yeah, and that drummer guy) have not only set a release date for their comeback album, but a date as well. From their official website:
I'll put a decent chunk of money on the fact that the Pumpkins won't play their first show overseas. Just you wait and see...
---
Lost made its return after, well, too long of a layoff. Sawyer didn't die, Jack completed the operation on Ben, and Karl was getting his rave on in the techno room of the Dharma Initiative. It was neat getting some back story on some of the Others (last night, Juliette was featured) and it was good to see another side of her that we were unaware of. As with every episode, questions linger into next week's episode - what's going to happen to Jack now that he's the only Oceanic passenger on the smaller island? Will Ben really let Juliette leave the island? How is Ethan tied into what seems like EVERYTHING? And, most importantly, WHEN ARE WE GOING TO SEE THE OTHER CAST MEMBERS ON THE ISLAND?!
---
My girlfriend and I are taking a trip in two weeks to Raleigh, NC to attend the Thrashers/Hurricanes game on Tuesday, the 20th. I think it's safe to say that I had an absolute blast going to the Thrashers/Islanders game back in November, so the next logical step for me/us is to attend a game in a division rival's arena. Plus, it's a great excuse to get out of Georgia for a few days. There will definitely be more updates on this plan as it gets closer to departure time.
---
Apparently I'm supposed to be some bowling superstar now. I joined my first bowling league in YEARS back in September and it was good experience. While that was going on, I acquired a ton of bowling accessories/necessities - shoes, grape-scented ball, bag, etc. All I need now is the token bowling shirt and I'm set.
Well, after all of this accessorizing and practicing, another league season has begun and I think that things are finally beginning to click. After having some pretty good games in the 150s and 160s, I'm starting to feel a little consistent about maintaining higher scores. Certainly this one will help - a game that started off with six consecutive strikes and ended with a score of 220. I'm thinking that's my highest score ever. If not, I've always had my mind of 221 as my highest, but I think that's a phantom memory. To make a Locke reference, I really did use the "mind's eye" during that game. Crazy!
---
I just realized that I have a few pics from the miserable Thrashers effort against the Flyers from Saturday night. I'll get on those and see what's post-worthy and what should be trashed immediately. Check the flickr site for additions.
---
Speaking of additions, our family acquired a new puppy, named Josie. She looks part chow, but not nearly as bushy/poofy as a true chow. But she's a true pound puppy and completely adorable. More pics to come.
---
Some neat shows are happening in Atlanta next month. Time to prepare, because most are all within a two-week period:
9 March - Friday - The Thermals/Big Sleep @ Drunken Unicorn
13 March - Tuesday - Explosions in the Sky/the Paper Chase @ Lenny's
14 March - Wednesday - Band of Horses @ the EARL
19 March - Monday - Asobi Seksu @ Drunken Unicorn
23 March - Friday - Cold War Kids/Tokyo Police Club @ Vinyl
31 March - Saturday - Ted Leo & Pharmacists @ Variety
With the recent announcements of tour dates von Deutschland, the Smashing Pumpkins (i.e. my most favorite band on the planet, i.e. the Billy show, starring Billy, with support from Billy... oh yeah, and that drummer guy) have not only set a release date for their comeback album, but a date as well. From their official website:
I'll put a decent chunk of money on the fact that the Pumpkins won't play their first show overseas. Just you wait and see...
---
Lost made its return after, well, too long of a layoff. Sawyer didn't die, Jack completed the operation on Ben, and Karl was getting his rave on in the techno room of the Dharma Initiative. It was neat getting some back story on some of the Others (last night, Juliette was featured) and it was good to see another side of her that we were unaware of. As with every episode, questions linger into next week's episode - what's going to happen to Jack now that he's the only Oceanic passenger on the smaller island? Will Ben really let Juliette leave the island? How is Ethan tied into what seems like EVERYTHING? And, most importantly, WHEN ARE WE GOING TO SEE THE OTHER CAST MEMBERS ON THE ISLAND?!
---
My girlfriend and I are taking a trip in two weeks to Raleigh, NC to attend the Thrashers/Hurricanes game on Tuesday, the 20th. I think it's safe to say that I had an absolute blast going to the Thrashers/Islanders game back in November, so the next logical step for me/us is to attend a game in a division rival's arena. Plus, it's a great excuse to get out of Georgia for a few days. There will definitely be more updates on this plan as it gets closer to departure time.
---
Apparently I'm supposed to be some bowling superstar now. I joined my first bowling league in YEARS back in September and it was good experience. While that was going on, I acquired a ton of bowling accessories/necessities - shoes, grape-scented ball, bag, etc. All I need now is the token bowling shirt and I'm set.
Well, after all of this accessorizing and practicing, another league season has begun and I think that things are finally beginning to click. After having some pretty good games in the 150s and 160s, I'm starting to feel a little consistent about maintaining higher scores. Certainly this one will help - a game that started off with six consecutive strikes and ended with a score of 220. I'm thinking that's my highest score ever. If not, I've always had my mind of 221 as my highest, but I think that's a phantom memory. To make a Locke reference, I really did use the "mind's eye" during that game. Crazy!
---
I just realized that I have a few pics from the miserable Thrashers effort against the Flyers from Saturday night. I'll get on those and see what's post-worthy and what should be trashed immediately. Check the flickr site for additions.
---
Speaking of additions, our family acquired a new puppy, named Josie. She looks part chow, but not nearly as bushy/poofy as a true chow. But she's a true pound puppy and completely adorable. More pics to come.
---
Some neat shows are happening in Atlanta next month. Time to prepare, because most are all within a two-week period:
9 March - Friday - The Thermals/Big Sleep @ Drunken Unicorn
13 March - Tuesday - Explosions in the Sky/the Paper Chase @ Lenny's
14 March - Wednesday - Band of Horses @ the EARL
19 March - Monday - Asobi Seksu @ Drunken Unicorn
23 March - Friday - Cold War Kids/Tokyo Police Club @ Vinyl
31 March - Saturday - Ted Leo & Pharmacists @ Variety
vs. Slugs - 2007/02/06
What really drove me crazy about this game was, a. seeing too much of the above, only sub out Kotalik for Briere, and, b. yeah, the crowd.
I do initially regret the timing of this post because this is happening two days after the game and my memory of how things played out is kinda fuzzy. About the game, since I've apparently started a trend here, two things really stick out: a. how much Daniel Briere is a tool (in a purely competitive way), and, b. how the third Sabres goal was just karma acting against us... for some reason unknown to me or the team at this point.
The stuff about Briere that gets me the most is the ridiculous, over-the-top fist-pumps after the goals he scored. I know, I know - it's all out of passion and I won't deny that. And, believe me, I love it when I see Kovalchuk go nutty after scoring a crucial goal. As a matter of fact, I've envisioned myself doing one of those knee-to-the-ground, fist-in-the-air kinda poses... well, that would happen after I get a powerful strike in bowling, but that never seems to happen when I plan out the celebration. Regardless, I love seeing passion in the game and Briere had it. If he were on the Thrashers, he'd be a savior. As a member of the Sabres, he's a tool. That's just how it is.
And about that third Buffalo goal - total crap. Granted, I saw the "penalty" against deVries from the other side of the rink, but it definitely did not look like a clear hook on Max (if that's who it was, which I'm pretty sure it was him)... or much of a hook at all. You know, I would've settled for an old-fashioned penalty kill and it was looking just like that... until the blunder by Sutton that basically cost us the game. Without much around him and a puck that was not obstructed in the slightest, he attempted to push the puck out of the zone or just away from the opposition. Instead? He completely whiffs at it, it magically goes into Buffalo's possession, and Briere takes care of the rest. And cue the previous paragraph.
That goal made me so mad at just about everything in the world. It's probably a good thing for you readers (if any!) that this post is delayed only because it would've been a rant fest that would've featured a pissed-off blogger. Yeah, we all want that.
Uh, what?
A few words with regard to the crowd from that night, too... seriously, where did all of those fans come from? During that first period, I forgot where I was because there was soooo much Buffalo support there and they definitely made their presence known. An assortment of jerseys (confused team, I say), signs, and rampant Buffalo-themed chants were all over the place and stayed that way until the third when the Thrashers fans could finally have the energy (and getting over the shock) to at least even out the so-called "home ice advantage". Early on, it was very scary, as I've never encountered an arena that was filled with so many fans from the opposition before. As we got through the game, though, I really felt like were were at, like, game five of the playoffs... with all of the back-and-forth fans had with each other, as well as the scoring and playmaking. It was ridiculous. I heard talk that some of those fans were actually bussed in - from where?
I mean, if all of those bandwagoneers were from the Atlanta area (probably transplants, but whatevs), seriously why go into an arena where you live and openly be jerky and ass about being a fan of the visiting team? Sure, I'm a New York Mets fan. But when they come to Turner, I don't become overtly pricky about where my allegiances lie. I don't have a need to seek safety in numbers - I do all of the celebrating to myself, or it spills over to my family members. More often than not, the Braves own the Mets, so I really don't have much celebrating to do in the first place! But with saying that, I just don't see how all of those Buffalo fans at the game were from out of town, were into Buffalo for yearrrrrs, and safely went to their North Atlanta home after the game, had a nice night of victory sleep (the best kind!), and further continued their lives IN GEORGIA the next day. This mentality spilled out everywhere after the game and it really blew my mind. From almost seeing a fist-fight in the food court to reciprocating chants while killing time waiting for a MARTA train (that took FOREVERRRR, BTW), I've never witnessed more punkish behavior from a specific group of fans before. While it was nice to see the crowd feeling the game and really getting into it, let it die soon afterwards. When the Thrash tore it up on Long Island back in November, yeah, I won't lie, I let out a few "Let's Go Thrashers" chants in the parking lot that weren't too over-the-top (subjective there). But I let my jersey do the talking the rest of the night. There's no need for opposing fans to have continual knives in their back as they leave their HOME arena. Ridiculous.
Let's just hope it isn't as vicious on March 18 when the Slugs return to the Phil for what is sure to be an important meeting for these two teams.
2007/02/04
OMG WTF LOLZ LMAO - Yeah, they're all applicable
This past Christmas, I got the ultimate gift of Sirius satellite radio for my car. I've wanted satellite radio for as long as I can remember it being around, which has definitely been a few years. I immediately set it up the next day and I couldn't believe I had this feature in my car now. What was unfortunate, though, was that my FM reception was very poor. I could pick up Sirius stations as long as my hand was on the player (which is an S50, BTW). Once I took my right hand off of the unit, I would lose all reception and glaring static would take over, causing much aggravation with the situation.
There HAD to be a better way to work this thing.
What was most shocking, though, was that my iPod works the same way as the S50 does - wirelessly. I have a Monster iCarPlay adapter in my car and it works flawlessly 95% of the time, and the other 5% it's tolerable (much better than the iTrip that I've seen and heard about). So for my wireless Sirius device to not work so well, but my Monster cable to be quite the opposite was really weird. At that point, I started looking into various adapters to make my terrestrial radio work better with the satellite radio.
I came across two different products, both suggested by Sirius. The one I went with was the FM Direct Adapter (Model #FMDA25), made by Sirius. After looking around at both websites and local retailers, I couldn't find this product for less than $30. If I did find it, I still knew NOTHING about installing this kind of thing, so that meant more money forked over because of installation fees and other crap. I was told installation could take an hour to all day long. I was also told that installation could be as much as $40, making the entire thing about $70. Considering I got this for Christmas, it was hard to justify spending that much "maintenance" money on something that I got for free. But whatever. I still got it for free. Ehh... loopholes!
Regardless, I finally stumbled onto crutchfield.com, a company that I've heard about before. I've seen their catalogues and I've heard their commercials on radio and maybe even on television. They're all about helping people with their electronic needs, for both car and home. So I tried them out and, what-do-you-know, the adapter was only $20. After all other charges (which was just shipping), my total still ran less than $30. I already had one-up on the local outlets that sold the same product. The only bad-side of using Crutchfield is that the product was on backorder. I ordered it on the 14th and received it about a week ago. I was actually told it would be in by the 12th of February, so the early arrival was nice.
Remember how I mentioned that I had zero knowledge of anything having to do with car maintenance or electronics? I still don't, but this is another amazing thing about Crutchfield. When you order something like this for your car, you fill out a few forms about what kind of car your drive (or the car that you're working on) so that they can include MasterSheet Instructions. Basically, these are diagrams with step-by-step directions on how to disassemble your car for this particular part. The best part about this feature of their website is that it is ENTIRELY FREE. So not only did I get the product I wanted for cheaper, I also had instructions for removing my car stereo and doing the job, completely free of charge.
My main concern after this was how long installation would take. Of course, it sounds so easy on paper, but there are always curve-balls thrown into the mix to make things, eh, interesting. Once I started working on my car, installation was a snap and was done in less than 10 minutes.
Even after I typed that, I had to stare at the screen because I still didn't believe myself there.
Cheaper prices for the same product + free installation directions + retarded easy installation = Crutchfield is amazing!
And that's the moral of the story, kids. If you ever want to install anything in your car in terms of electronics, visit Crutchfield and they will hook you up. I still cannot believe how easy all of this was.
The best thing of all - my satellite radio reception is perfect... a 100% improvement over how it was about a half an hour ago, when I first started the installation.
website: crutchfield.com
FM Direct Adapter: FMDA25
There HAD to be a better way to work this thing.
What was most shocking, though, was that my iPod works the same way as the S50 does - wirelessly. I have a Monster iCarPlay adapter in my car and it works flawlessly 95% of the time, and the other 5% it's tolerable (much better than the iTrip that I've seen and heard about). So for my wireless Sirius device to not work so well, but my Monster cable to be quite the opposite was really weird. At that point, I started looking into various adapters to make my terrestrial radio work better with the satellite radio.
I came across two different products, both suggested by Sirius. The one I went with was the FM Direct Adapter (Model #FMDA25), made by Sirius. After looking around at both websites and local retailers, I couldn't find this product for less than $30. If I did find it, I still knew NOTHING about installing this kind of thing, so that meant more money forked over because of installation fees and other crap. I was told installation could take an hour to all day long. I was also told that installation could be as much as $40, making the entire thing about $70. Considering I got this for Christmas, it was hard to justify spending that much "maintenance" money on something that I got for free. But whatever. I still got it for free. Ehh... loopholes!
Regardless, I finally stumbled onto crutchfield.com, a company that I've heard about before. I've seen their catalogues and I've heard their commercials on radio and maybe even on television. They're all about helping people with their electronic needs, for both car and home. So I tried them out and, what-do-you-know, the adapter was only $20. After all other charges (which was just shipping), my total still ran less than $30. I already had one-up on the local outlets that sold the same product. The only bad-side of using Crutchfield is that the product was on backorder. I ordered it on the 14th and received it about a week ago. I was actually told it would be in by the 12th of February, so the early arrival was nice.
Remember how I mentioned that I had zero knowledge of anything having to do with car maintenance or electronics? I still don't, but this is another amazing thing about Crutchfield. When you order something like this for your car, you fill out a few forms about what kind of car your drive (or the car that you're working on) so that they can include MasterSheet Instructions. Basically, these are diagrams with step-by-step directions on how to disassemble your car for this particular part. The best part about this feature of their website is that it is ENTIRELY FREE. So not only did I get the product I wanted for cheaper, I also had instructions for removing my car stereo and doing the job, completely free of charge.
My main concern after this was how long installation would take. Of course, it sounds so easy on paper, but there are always curve-balls thrown into the mix to make things, eh, interesting. Once I started working on my car, installation was a snap and was done in less than 10 minutes.
Even after I typed that, I had to stare at the screen because I still didn't believe myself there.
Cheaper prices for the same product + free installation directions + retarded easy installation = Crutchfield is amazing!
And that's the moral of the story, kids. If you ever want to install anything in your car in terms of electronics, visit Crutchfield and they will hook you up. I still cannot believe how easy all of this was.
The best thing of all - my satellite radio reception is perfect... a 100% improvement over how it was about a half an hour ago, when I first started the installation.
website: crutchfield.com
FM Direct Adapter: FMDA25
UPDATE: New Thrashers Blogs!
I figured I'd do this since it helps out everyone in the end - both blogger and reader.
Thoughts from the Postman
Jason is entirely new to the blogging scene, so be delicate with him as he blossoms to be the blogger that he will be one day soon! He's picking up on the Thrashers' winning ways this season and really taking a knack at learning the way the team works, who the team is, etc. So his developing insight will definitely be an interesting read, for sure! I look forward to watching this space grow in the next few weeks/months.
Thrashers Thrashings
Erby was also in attendence for the Thrashers Blog Night a few weeks ago. He provides a great mix of links to Thrashers-related stories online as well as personal anecdotes from games. You can tell he's pretty passionate about the team when he lists his favorite music as Lil' John screaming "LETS GO THRASH-ERS!" There's no way you can deny that.
Talking Thrash
I just stumbled upon this blog today actually, so I have yet to really go through it and provide any kind of summary on it. Seems like there's a good thing going on over there. The more Thrashers bloggers online, the better! I just love reading other people's perspectives on what I also witness.
Jason is entirely new to the blogging scene, so be delicate with him as he blossoms to be the blogger that he will be one day soon! He's picking up on the Thrashers' winning ways this season and really taking a knack at learning the way the team works, who the team is, etc. So his developing insight will definitely be an interesting read, for sure! I look forward to watching this space grow in the next few weeks/months.
Erby was also in attendence for the Thrashers Blog Night a few weeks ago. He provides a great mix of links to Thrashers-related stories online as well as personal anecdotes from games. You can tell he's pretty passionate about the team when he lists his favorite music as Lil' John screaming "LETS GO THRASH-ERS!" There's no way you can deny that.
I just stumbled upon this blog today actually, so I have yet to really go through it and provide any kind of summary on it. Seems like there's a good thing going on over there. The more Thrashers bloggers online, the better! I just love reading other people's perspectives on what I also witness.
vs. Flyers - 2007/02/03
Wow, so that was another miserable effort by a team that looks like it's losing some of it's mojo, and for sure some of its lead in the standings. After trying to deal with terrible traffic and an even worse parking situation, I missed the entire first period. The first goal sounded like it was primiarily Kari's fault and we ended up catching the Kovalchuk tally and then somehow made our way through maze-esque parking lots and meandering through thousands of cars and other misled
I mean, we were able to score some pretty amazing seats for the game, but I just wish that the Thrashers gave us reason to celebrate. This game was mediocre, mildly stated. The power play is in shambles, any kind of special teams that we have really appears non-existant, and our defense seems to be more effective at planting roots into the ice at Philips than actually moving around and trying to work the opposition. What comes to mind with these problems is not the players - I really feel that there is something that isn't being activated by Coach Hartley. I just don't see how we have all of the talent in the world and we cannot do a damned thing on the power play, ESPECIALLY on the 5-on-3 opportunities that should be no-brainers. Luckily for us, we only took three penalties last night, so who knows how well the penalty kill units would've worked if they were actually put to the task. But the issue with the power play is mind-boggling.
It really does appear that the team is disintegrating or becoming disabled. We're not being figured out by the worst teams in the league, we're just not playing to the potential that we know we have. The last thing the Flyers are concerned about is watching hours of tape to try to figure out the first-place Thrashers and how to topple their system. If it was a legitimate playoff race, I could see the sense of urgency for the Flyers squad. Seeing how they are the WORST IN THE LEAGUE in terms of standings/points, the Flyers had nothing to lose, didn't care about what happened, and actually played. I'm sure if they were down a few goals, morale would've dipped and the game would've been our's. But then again, who knows, considering we have little evidence that the Thrashers know the definition of what a "comfortable lead" is!
Yes, I'm very frustrated. I'm neither a coach nor a trained hockey-wiz, but I know that something needs to be done to light a fire up the collective ass of the Atlanta Thrashers hockey team. Last night, I saw very little emotion brought to the ice and lack of spirit brings lack of drive. Why push for anything more if you don't feel it inside? All of the mistakes and mishaps this team has endured this season are purely mental errors. Maybe getting rid of Hartley and bringing in someone more qualified like, say, Dr. Phil would have more of an effect on the Thrashers mindset than what Hartley is currently exuding.
While it is hard to believe that there were any positives to the evening, GM Don Waddell's appearance to the crowd (regardless of how big/small) for the 680 post-game show was a bold move... commendable, even. A lot of fans would love to get their chance with DW and just put him up in front of a firing squad and the chance was there last night. Granted, I also missed a bunch of the post-game show due to the five-mile trek back to the core of the earth for my car, but what I did hear sounded like the situation was neutralized. DW mentioned that something needs to happen to bring either more defensive aspects to the team or a notable center to get this team moving in the direction that it should be. Funny, because I really thought the rotation of Kapanen/Rucchin/Metropolit at center was working for a while... hmm... right.
I did notice this morning that the great Thrashers Talons site analyzed some figures after the Islanders debacle from Thursday night. There are a couple of entries that bring attention to different aspects of the team and, as always, are very interesting and especially enlightening. This is good for someone like me who doesn't have the time to plug in numbers into my so-called "correlational calculator" and make connections from that. Another post looms on the horizon has The Falconer aims to be coach for a minute and make suggestions for the team that would not address any trade/player-movement issues. Sounds good to me! Keep your eyes tuned there as I'm sure that's coming up later on tonight.
2007/02/02
Arcade Fire Sets Churches Across the UK Ablaze!
I just can't turn away from anything related to the Arcade Fire. Whether they are taking the collective bathroom break, or making a new record, or singing outside of churches - I will never be able to deny this band.
Speaking of the latter in that series, the Arcade Fire is currently on tour of the UK, playing the randomest of venues across the island nation - churches. While this trend is continuing across the seas in Montreal and New York in the coming weeks, let's hope that another trend of this tour manifests itself. After playing sets that probably last an hour or a little more, the band members take to the church steps for the encore.
Uh, yeah. You know, like the outside of churches... and how they all have steps into them? Those steps are the next stage for the band's performances.
Maybe it's an attempt to get to the fans who weren't as close as they could've been at the actual show (you know, with seats and a proper stage, etc.). Maybe it's an attempt to connect to new fans and be as intimate as possible by literally playing in a crowd. Or maybe they are just passionate about what they do and what they represent to their fans. Who knows, but whatever their motives are, I think it's just the coolest thing around.
I mean, the Arcade Fire aren't the world's most important band (yet), but to reach out and be cavaliers with their fans is pretty unreal. I've always heard stories about bands "returning to their roots" by playing dive bars or doing record signings or something - but THIS, this isn't even a retread of their past. This is something that everyone who was a part of it will remember it for quite a while. It's not every day that you have the opportunity to actually stand next to your favorite band (literally!) while they play for you and the few hundred (if that many!) that surround you.
To get a glimpse of what the Arcade Fire are doing across the UK, check out their encore from their gig at the Porchester Hall in London just last night:
And if you can tolerate Regine's wimpers, take a look at this vid from the 29th of January after the Arcade Fire performed at St. John's Church, also in London:
Speaking of the latter in that series, the Arcade Fire is currently on tour of the UK, playing the randomest of venues across the island nation - churches. While this trend is continuing across the seas in Montreal and New York in the coming weeks, let's hope that another trend of this tour manifests itself. After playing sets that probably last an hour or a little more, the band members take to the church steps for the encore.
Uh, yeah. You know, like the outside of churches... and how they all have steps into them? Those steps are the next stage for the band's performances.
Maybe it's an attempt to get to the fans who weren't as close as they could've been at the actual show (you know, with seats and a proper stage, etc.). Maybe it's an attempt to connect to new fans and be as intimate as possible by literally playing in a crowd. Or maybe they are just passionate about what they do and what they represent to their fans. Who knows, but whatever their motives are, I think it's just the coolest thing around.
I mean, the Arcade Fire aren't the world's most important band (yet), but to reach out and be cavaliers with their fans is pretty unreal. I've always heard stories about bands "returning to their roots" by playing dive bars or doing record signings or something - but THIS, this isn't even a retread of their past. This is something that everyone who was a part of it will remember it for quite a while. It's not every day that you have the opportunity to actually stand next to your favorite band (literally!) while they play for you and the few hundred (if that many!) that surround you.
To get a glimpse of what the Arcade Fire are doing across the UK, check out their encore from their gig at the Porchester Hall in London just last night:
And if you can tolerate Regine's wimpers, take a look at this vid from the 29th of January after the Arcade Fire performed at St. John's Church, also in London:
Oh yeah, here's a quickie...
And I can't believe I let this one slide for as long as I did, but I'm actually on the Thrashers website, all because of blog night! Check out the linkage here.
Of all the bloggers that partcipated and the entries that were made about the evening, a selection from your's truly was the leading quote for the rest of the blogs. Pretty neat, I say!
Of all the bloggers that partcipated and the entries that were made about the evening, a selection from your's truly was the leading quote for the rest of the blogs. Pretty neat, I say!
FIxation Focus: Fields
C'mon, let's face it here, kids - anything posted on here relating to music in the next few months is more-likely-than-not going to be affiliated with the much-loved, desired, envied, cherished Coachella Festival. And, it so happens that this is one of those posts!
After getting a few listens on Left of Center (Sirius 26) of "Song for the Fields" and "Heretic", I gave Fields a shot and obtained a copy of their EP, "7 from the Village". What I found on that EP is that, even though those two tracks definitely stick out, it has a sound that's kind of on its own. I've always been terrible with trying to classify things or grouping anything into specific genres, only because I listen to what I think is good. There's no need to go about the whole, uh, "proto-post-electroclash-punk" thing with labelling anything. I'm tired of it, and I've always been like that with regard to genres.
But with that all aside... geez...
It's just a nicely textured EP with some tracks that really live out the "Fields" name. For once, there's a band name that actually suits the music well. And maybe that was the intention? From their bio on their website:
"Song for the Fields" starts out as something rather quiet, then really gets rolling and kinda makes you feel like you've gone back in time to some other period in your life when things just moved at a rapid pace... and then stopped. The rest of the EP isn't that momentous, but it does give a good taste of what's expected of the band in the future.
What's also worth noting about the band is that they are comprised of different backgrounds, as noted on their myspace. While most of the band is from London and/or Birmingham, UK, vocalist Thorunn Antoni is from Iceland and I'm sure that her input plays a role into the sound of the band. You can certainly pick up on the winter vibes that this band exudes.
With that EP as their first release, their debut full-length, Everything Last Winter, is released on April 3 (in the States) through Atlantic Records, I'm assuming.
Fields plays Coachella '07 on Saturday, April 28.
website: http://www.fieldsband.com/
myspace: http://www.myspace.com/fieldsband
After getting a few listens on Left of Center (Sirius 26) of "Song for the Fields" and "Heretic", I gave Fields a shot and obtained a copy of their EP, "7 from the Village". What I found on that EP is that, even though those two tracks definitely stick out, it has a sound that's kind of on its own. I've always been terrible with trying to classify things or grouping anything into specific genres, only because I listen to what I think is good. There's no need to go about the whole, uh, "proto-post-electroclash-punk" thing with labelling anything. I'm tired of it, and I've always been like that with regard to genres.
But with that all aside... geez...
It's just a nicely textured EP with some tracks that really live out the "Fields" name. For once, there's a band name that actually suits the music well. And maybe that was the intention? From their bio on their website:
...the pastoral idea behind Fields was something that was there from the onset. "I like the idea of having the folky pastoral elements, like the name," says [singer, keys, guitar - Nick Peill]. "But on the other hand it can be quite ambiguous, like fields of white noise, or static. That's what I was trying to allude to.
"Song for the Fields" starts out as something rather quiet, then really gets rolling and kinda makes you feel like you've gone back in time to some other period in your life when things just moved at a rapid pace... and then stopped. The rest of the EP isn't that momentous, but it does give a good taste of what's expected of the band in the future.
What's also worth noting about the band is that they are comprised of different backgrounds, as noted on their myspace. While most of the band is from London and/or Birmingham, UK, vocalist Thorunn Antoni is from Iceland and I'm sure that her input plays a role into the sound of the band. You can certainly pick up on the winter vibes that this band exudes.
With that EP as their first release, their debut full-length, Everything Last Winter, is released on April 3 (in the States) through Atlantic Records, I'm assuming.
Fields plays Coachella '07 on Saturday, April 28.
website: http://www.fieldsband.com/
myspace: http://www.myspace.com/fieldsband
vs. 'Duhs - 2007/02/01
After responding from some great mishaps (against the Isles - but with a win - and against the Flyers), the Thrashers had the momentum carry over from their great win over Jersey the other night... at least, you would think that would happen. Granted, I did get to the game about 5-10 minutes late, so I definitely cannot attest to how they came out of the gate. With Jon Sim coming up with an early goal though, it seemed as if the Thrash could finally get something started and perhaps finish it. Walking into Philips, I discovered that the score was already tied up even though I just heard the goal on 680 from the parking lot across the street.
Finally getting a seat, I was able to assess the situation and witness the game for what I thought it was worth.
For all the Dunham haters out there, the guy was the second star of the game and pretty much deserved it. Granted, the Isles played some trusty defense and killed off a bunch of penalties. That's not to say that the Thrashers had their chances though.
With five power plays (including an early 5-on-3), the Thrashers' power play unit that includes Hossa, Kovalchuk, and Kozlov - three guys you think would be able to outplay opponents' PK units and score in numbers - once again proved inept at the chances handed to them.
There were several moments during the game that the Thrash should've been up a few goals. There were fantastic opportunities to cash in on. There were attempts by Kapanen with great shooting angles - but this was quickly minimalized by Niko's lack of puck-handling in some intense situations. There was a penalty shot from Hossa that could've started something in the Thrashers' favor - but the goalpost let off a resounding "NOPE!" And Kovy had shot after shot that could've hit some kind of twine in the back of the net - but it seemed like for every shot fired, Dunham had an answer.
Yes, THAT Dunham.
Did he play outstanding tonight? Not necessarily, as there were moments (but not many, unfortunately) that he would find himself in poor positioning or unsure as to what to do with the puck. For the vast majority of the game, however, Dunham was everything that he was not during his tenure with the Thrashers last season - a reliable asset that the Isles pretty much banked on for the duration of the evening. Did he play solid hockey for close to 60 minutes? I'd say so.
And with his history with this Atlanta team, for the Isles to get that kind of win in our building, with him manning the nets - it's really unforgivable. It makes you very angry as a Thrashers fan. After all of the misery and hardships the team and its followers had to endure last year, the one person we hoped would pull through would be the back-up goalie. Mike Dunham really gave no evidence of that to the team last season. And for him to just casually walk out of Philips knowing that he played his heart out to prove himself in front of probably close to 13000 people (maybe I'm being generous? It was a week night) - it just boggles my mind how this kind of player didn't show up AT ALL last season.
So looking at the game from that viewpoint, I'm pretty much disappointed, frustrated, and pretty pissed. I'm disappointed that our team, with as much fire-power it possesses, cannot get itself started on any kind of roll lately. I'm frustrated because it's really appearing that our team isn't used to being in the position that they are currently in - as one of the top teams in the NHL - and that they can't seem to handle it (or that kind of respect) in game situations. And I'm livid because of Dunham and how this kind of talent and promise didn't present itself during a season when we needed it the most... and now he seems to be thriving in the role as someone who can be relied upon.
We'll see how things turn out against the Flyers on Saturday.
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