Canes’ whip some 5 year old butt

Yeah, so a while ago Japers’ Rink used the website howmanyfiveyearoldscouldyoutakeinafight.com to see how many 5 year olds Sidney Crosby could take in a fight. I wish I could have found the post to see what number they came up with, but I was thinking: whatever number Crosby got, Brind’Amour should be able to take twice that. Brind’Amour is a friggin’ monster. So, just as they did, I will calculate how many 5 year olds a hockey player could take in a fight: Rod Brind’Amour style.

It’s a quiz and I am going question by question.

Brind’amour:

#1 What’s your body type?

Everyone knows of Rod’s legendary workouts and so I put Very Muscular/Body Builder.

#2 What is the reach of your arms?

The options were “Good Reach,” “Average Reach,” and “short, stumpy arms.” Um……….Average?

#3 Which best describes your sense of balance

Well, I imagine all hockey players have a good sense of balance, since they spend half their lives skating around.

#4 How high can you kick?

I put 2-3 feet. Rod doesn’t strike me as the insanely flexible kind.

#5 How tall are you?

Carolina Hurricanes website lists him as 6′1″. The average male height is 5′10″, according to a documentary I watched on TLC about really tall people. 3 inches, so I’m going “tall.”

#6 How old are you?

Carolina Hurricanes website says 37.

#7 Do you have any martial arts experience?

I don’t think so……Can you image Brind’amour using some Kung-fu to kick someone’s ass? That would be awesome. He would be indestructible.

#8 In your lifetime, how many fights have you been in?

28 according to www.hockeyfights.com.

#9 Do you have any experience fighting swarms, such as being chased by a bunch of pissed-off bees or playing starcraft against the Zerg?

Japers’ said Sidney was chased around by teenage girls, don’t think that happens for Rod. Again, questionably answering “no.”

#10 Have you ever been trampled? (by a horse, at a rock concert, etc)

Judging from the state of Rod’s nose, I’m going yes.

#11 If desperate in a fight, would you resort to biting and/or eye-gouging? (Do you fight dirty?)

Being the captain of the Hurricanes and from what I have seen of him, seems like an honorable man. I don’t think he would go there.

#12 How would you feel about the fact that you’re fighting a bunch of kids?

I don’t know how old they are, but I know Rod has young kids. My guess is he would be uncomfortable fighting children the same age as his own kids. The answer I put: “This is so wrong - these are children for pete’s sake. I don’t think I could fight them, even in self defense.”

#13 During the fight, would you feel morally comfortable picking up a child and using him/her as a weapon to throw at other children?

Are you all right? I laughed for a good 5 minutes at that one. Oh, Jesus. See above. I put no.

Answer:

19. Rod could take 19 five year olds. Fun.

Please let me know if you see a red box in a 19 in it or a bunch of nonsensical HTML. Having some problems with WordPress. Just leave a comment.

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My AP United States History final is tomorrow. Wish me luck!

HE’S COMING!

Can the States handle it?

ESPN release

My Predictions

Short post today, not much to talk about. My predictions:

Western Conference: Wings in 6

Eastern Conference: Penguins in 7

Stanley Cup Finals: Wings in 6

The only team in the Conference Finals now that I predicted was the Wings. And the Pens, keep underestimating them. I had the Ottawa series going much longer and I had the Rangers beating the Pens in 7. I figured I would give the Pens a shot in my updated predictions. Watch me eat my words.

NC Hockey Players

Carolina on Ice found that Enloe High School student Matt Gellatly recently got drafted into the OHL by the Saginaw Spirit. Kudos to Matt on being drafted. Needless to say, Carolina doesn’t get much hockey attention outside of the Canes, so for this area, it’s pretty cool.

Update: Video

WordPress won’t embed the video for some reason, but you can watch it here. Interview on Canes website of Gellatly, junior Hurricane’s coach, and Ron Francis.

Raleigh News and Observer article

hurricanes.nhl.com article

In the comments section of the above article I was enlightened with the information that Patrick O’Sullivan of the Kings from Winston-Salem, NC is playing in the NHL and plays for team USA. Upon doing some research I discovered that his stats are not so bad and that he is the first NC native to play in the NHL. Kudos to him too.

Patrick O’Sullivan official NHL.com player page

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It’s funny, Gellatly is the same age I am (we’re in the same grade), going to a school about 25 minutes away. Funny to think about. Furthermore, when I went to the Saginaw Spirit website (where Matt was drafted) I found their first round draft pick is a year younger than me. Do I start feeling old now?

San Jose/Dallas Thoughts from 5/4/08

So, that whole “following the Sharks because I am supposed to be a Sharks fan…”, well, I did my part. The Sharks? Not so much. Dallas took the Sharks in 6 games, finishing the series last night. However, the Sharks didn’t go with out a fight: 4 overtimes before the Stars took it 2-1 on a PP goal to a Brian Campbell penalty. I’ll be honest, I did not see after the 6 minute mark of the third period. I was watching the game on my computer and the channel I was watching crapped out on me. Frankly, I would not have stayed up to watch the whole game. I had a French test the next day (today), 1st period and could not afford to be up until the wee hours of the morning. I’ll try to remember to pay attention to San Jose next year. My both San Jose and the ‘Canes have better fortunes next season. Some brief thoughts as I watched the game:

• This whole game was filled with smart penalties. Maybe it’s the East coast v. West coast, but I don’t see that as often in the East games I watch more often. There weren’t a lot of penalties in general in this game. In the 129:03 minutes of game time, there were 8 penalties total. Again, maybe that’s an East v. West thing. I’ve been watching the Penguins and in the last 4 games the Pens alone have an average of 8 penalties (approx.)
• Dallas was dominating at the beginning, it took some time for the Sharks to wake up.
• Dallas wasn’t capitalizing on their PP. In 2 penalties, they had 1 shot.

As for real commentary, that’s all. Had to study for that French test, so not that many notes. Random things:

• Someone needs to go and slap Brian Engblom into the next dimension. Does he have a wife? Does she let him out of the house with that hair? It’s almost like a trademark now, so he’ll never cut it.
• I hate the Geico Caveman commercials.

Eastern Conference Finals

Philly beat out the Habs last night. Philly won in 5 games.

Pittsburgh beat the Rangers today. Pittsburgh won in 5 games.

You may recall in a previous post I briefly discussed a Flyers/Pittsburgh Eastern Conference Final. Well, guess what’s happening? This should be some of the best hockey in the playoffs. Not only is it the playoffs, with the stakes that much higher, it is between two of the biggest rivals in the league. Philly is a rough team and all of their hockey is fun to watch, but this will just magnify it ten fold.

Of the 8 games played between the two teams the Pens have won 3 and the Flyers have won 5. I don’t recall off the top of my head, but that is the first time the Flyers have taken the season in a while, no? Pittsburgh and Philadelphia have met 3 times in the playoffs, with Philly taking all 3. In 1989 the Flyers won in the 2nd round, in 1997 it was in the 1st round, and the latest one was in 2000 in the 2nd round. Now, they have never met in the Eastern Finals, but is this a precedent? History says that Philadelphia should take the series, Pittsburgh has nothing going for them. But, those were different times and different teams. Pittsburgh didn’t have Crosby or Malkin then, but Biron is on fire.

More history, of the 4 times Pittsburgh has been to the Eastern conference final they have won 2. Of the 2 times Pittsburgh has been to the Cup finals, they have won 100% of the time, in ‘91 and ‘92. Again that is only 2, but just saying. Philadelphia on the other hand has been to 7 Stanley Cup finals and won 2. So what precedence does this set? In my opinion: none. As said above, these are different teams, different players, different. Also, I don’t know if anyone cares or if it will affect anything, but all of these wins were before the “New NHL.”

Philadelphia has become kind of the Cinderella story of these playoffs. They beat the heavily favored Capitals and Canadiens. Their goaltender is doing awesome. Pittsburgh has lived up to the hype taking their respective series in 4 and 5 games. So I say, let them have at it. It should be great hockey.

Also, as I promised, I will be following the Sharks more closely. I will be watching the game tonight, hopefully I will be able to see all of it. It probably won’t be over until after midnight, seeing as I am on the east coast, but that is a sacrifice I am willing to make. Who needs sleep? Maybe I’ll post some comments after the game? We’ll see.

Hockey Zodiac

So, I am home on a Saturday with nothing to do. So, what does a girl think about when she is home alone on a Saturday bored out of her mind? Boys. And in my twisted little mind, one thought can lead to another, and another, and another, until I eventually reached this: I should use the Zodiac and the dates that hockey teams were born to match myself with hockey teams, and see which team I am born to be a fan of. Quite clearly the best way to spend my time.

So, I decided to look at the Western Zodiac, in which I am a Virgo, and the Chinese Zodiac, in which I am a Goat/Sheep. When I looked up the “birth dates” for teams it was which ever date was the most promising out of what I could find. It might have been when the grant was received to place a team in a city, when a team relocated, or when the NHL officially recognized a team. When I failed to find any of these dates, I did not count the date as their first game played because then a bunch would be in October. I did not count when a them was first formed, if they were a relocated team. Example: for the Carolina Hurricanes I did not count the date the Whalers were founded because you would not say you were a fan of the Whalers, you are a fan of the Hurricanes. Same for Winnipeg Jets/Phoenix Coyotes and Quebec Nordiques/Colorado Avalanche. If a hockey team existed in a particular city before the current team, I did not count the date of the original team. The Texans were in Dallas before the Dallas Stars, but I did not include the Texans. The Anaheim Ducks were special: I included 2 dates for them. I included when they were first founded by Disney as The Might Ducks of Anaheim and when they were sold in 2006 and became the Anaheim Ducks. Keep in mind, this was for fun, so if you object with a date, your bad; it’s not that serious. However, if I am way off, let me know. Most of the dates were taken from the respective team’s website, although a few didn’t have a history link on their page and I had to get my information else where. Lets get started.

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Western Zodiac

I am a Virgo. Virgo 101:

analytical, critical, precise, meticulous, orderly, methodical, practical, mental, intelligent, inquiring, responsible, reliable, perfectionistic, shrewd, witty, conventional conservative, refined, polite, hygienic, reserved, cool, undemonstrative
Likes- Health foods, lists, hygiene, order, wholesomeness, cleanliness, penny-pinching, details, peace
Dislikes- Hazards to health, sloppiness, and narrow-minded people, squalor, being uncertain, uncleanliness, confusion

This is why my friends don’t pay attention to anything astrological/mythical when it comes to me. This describes me pretty accurately considering I have some of the worst OCD you will ever see. My favorite part is that I am “cool.” That made my day.

Compatible with Taurus (Apr 21- May 21) and Capricorn (Dec 23-Jan 20)

Each sign will be listed with a short description of the characteristics of that sign, a Virgo’s compatibility with that sign, each team under that sign with the dates I used, and maybe some commentary if I deem it deserving.

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Taurus: April 21 - May 21

Patient and reliable, warmhearted and loving, persistent and determined, placid and security loving, jealous and possessive, resentful and inflexible, self-indulgent and greedy.

There will be love at first sight. They don’t have many problems. Taurus’s tenacity and Virgo’s sharp mind are a good combination for success as a team. A good connection is possible, but it demands to be more patient from the representatives of the both signs.

Calgary Flames: May 21, 1980 Maybe a little known fact, or not so commonly known fact? The Flames came to Calgary from Atlanta and was initially named for General Sherman’s March to the Sea: when Sherman led his troops through the South in the American Civil War destroying and burning everything in their path. Therefore, the Atlanta franchise was named the Flames.

Carolina Hurricanes (yea!! party in the house) May 6, 1997

Nashville Predators: May 4, 1998

San Jose Sharks: May 5, 1990

OK, I’m on a roll. My team is the Canes and the team I support on the west is the Flames. The Canes are my boyfriend, but the Flames are my “otha lova.”

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Gemini: May 22 - June 21

Adaptable and versatile, communicative and witty, intellectual and eloquent, youthful and lively, nervous and tense, superficial and inconsistent, cunning and inquisitive.

Both are Mercury ruled and have a mental approach to life. But similarity ends there. This is going to be as short as flash relationship, which has not a chance to last long time.

Washington Capitals: June 9, 1972

Anaheim Ducks #2: June 22, 2006

Whew, dodged a bullet on that one. I don’t like Chris Pronger and Capitals, oh Capitals, you eliminated us from the playoffs. Screw you. I’m sure the hatred will come to pass, but right now, wound’s still fresh. The inconsistent seems to make sense. Capitals sucked at the beginning of the year but then made the playoffs (lots of grrr) and the Ducks won the Cup, then got eliminated in the first round.

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Cancer: June 22 -July 22

Emotional and loving, intuitive and imaginative, shrewd and cautious, protective and sympathetic, Changeable and moody, Overemotional and touchy, Clinging and unable to let go

Cancer’s responses are emotive while Virgo’s are analytical, but their personalities mesh so well that it doesn’t seem to matter. This can turn out to be quite interesing connection in case the Virgo is little less demonstrative and affectionate with cancer.

Atlanta Thrashers: June 26, 1997

New Jersey Devils: June 30, 1982

Phoenix Coyotes: July 1, 1996

It figures the Devils are in here, they are cancerous; my most hated team. I don’t know what to do since we “mesh well” and have a “interesting connection.” I might need to go jump out a window.

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Libra: September 24 - October 23

Diplomaitic and urbane, romantic and charming, easygoing and sociable, idealistic and peaceable, indecisive and changeable, gullible and easily influenced, flirtatious and self-indulgent.

Virgo lives according to her/his rules while Libra is absolutely different creature. There are also other discrepancies of characters…This is a doubtful connection and extremely complicated marriage.

Chicago Blackhawks: September 25, 1926

Detroit Red Wings: September 25, 1926

Anaheim Ducks #1: October 2, 1992

Guess me and Anaheim just aren’t meant to be. Oh, darn.

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Scorpio: October 24 - November 22

Determined and forceful, emotional and intuitive, powerful and passionate, exciting and magnetic, jealous and resentful, compulsive and obsessive, secretive and obstinate

Their interests are the same in many areas, but they are too different when it refers to the sexual sphere. It is difficult for them to establish good relationships. Friendship may be the best idea here.

Boston Bruins: November 1, 1924

Columbus Blue Jackets: November 1, 1996

New York Islanders: November 8, 1971

Guess I’m not getting sexual with any of them…..

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Sagittarius: November 23 - December 22

Optimistic and freedom-loving, jovial and good-humored, honest and straightforward, intellectual and philosophical. Blindly optimistic and careless, irresponsible and superficial, tactless and restless

The Sagittarius’ attitude to love drives Virgo out of his/her mind. Virgo wants a long term commitment; Sagittarius has to be free to roam. They will be able to stay together for a week, but not for the rest of the life.

Buffalo Sabres: December 2, 1969

Montreal Canadians: December 4, 1909

Toronto Maple Leafs: December 19, 1917

In another one I read, Aquarius is supposed to be good with money. Makes sense for the Toronto Maple Leafs considering they’re the wealthiest team in the league.

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So I am most compatible with the

• Calgary Flames
• Carolina Hurricanes
• Nashville Predators
• San Jose Sharks
• Atlanta Thrashers
• New Jersey Devils
• Pheonix Coyotes

Whew, that’s a long list, but that is exactly why I did the Chinese Zodiac as well, to bring the list down to the smallest possible. If that doesn’t happen, I am most compatible with the Flames, ‘Canes (rhymes!), Predators, and Sharks. Worked out pretty well considering both the Flames and Carolina are on the list. Not so happy with New Jersey. I’m confident they’ll get ousted in the next round.

I am least compatible with the

• Washington Capitals
• Anaheim Ducks
• Detroit Red Wings
• Chicago Blackhawks

Now this is a nice list. It has the Ducks and the Caps on it. Only things that could make it better is if the Devils were here too.

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Sign with the most teams under it: Taurus. Four teams; Calgary Flames, Carolina Hurricanes, Nashville Predators, San Jose Sharks.

Aries, Leo, Virgo, Capricorn, Pisces were all not represented by any team. That sucks, I’m supposed to be most compatible with a Capricorn. Does that mean anything?

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The following teams were not included because I could not find a definitive date for them. Sorry.

• Colorado Avalanche
• Dallas Stars
• Edmonton Oilers
• Florida Panthers
• Minnesota Wild
• New York Rangers
• Ottawa Senators
• Philadelphia Flyers
• Pittsburgh Penguins
• St. Louis Blues
• Tampa Bay Lightning
• Vancouver Canucks
• Los Angeles Kings

That sucks, that is slightly over 1/3 of the league. If you know a date for any of these, please, throw me a line. I would love to know.

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Chinese Zodiac

I am a Goat/Sheep. Goat 101:

Occupying the 8th position in the Chinese Zodiac, the Goat (or Sheep) symbolizes such character traits as creativity, intelligence, dependability, and calmness. Comfortable being alone to ponder the workings of their inner minds, Goats enjoy being part of a group, but prefer the sidelines rather than the center. Their nurturing personality makes Goats excellent care-givers. They’re quite and reserved because they spend much time absorbed in their thoughts.

Home and alone is where Goats feel most comfortable. There they can express themselves artistically, whether it’s by painting, cooking or participating in whatever artistic endeavors they enjoy. Goats prefer the couch because there they can relax and explore their minds. They don’t need elaborate furnishings; only items reflecting their desire for art.

When traveling or seeking entertainment, Goats prefer groups or venues that hold many people. Goats spend money on fashions that give them a first class appearance. Although Goats enjoy spending money on the finer things in life, they are not snobbish.

Goats tend to be private, so it can take effort to get to know one. The Goat is the one who will decide when and with whom it will share its personal life. As a result, most Goats have few “close” friends, yet they’ll work hard for those they love.

Rabbit or Pig are good; avoid Ox.

Again, Anaheim has 2 because they’re special and if you don’t agree with the dates, your bad. Each animal has a description, the compatibility with a Goat, the teams under that animal with the year I went by, and some had commentary. The website I went to that described each animal had a “relationships” area. I included that because sometimes I feel like it is a relationship. Give a lot, get some back, get your heart broken, go cry after your team doesn’t make the playoffs 2 years in a row. You know what I mean.

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Rat

Those born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Rat are quick-witted, clever, charming, sharp and funny. They have excellent taste, are a good friend and are generous and loyal to others considered part of its pack. Motivated by money, can be greedy, is ever curious, seeks knowledge and welcomes challenges.

Rats are very charming. They enjoy social activities and because they’re out a lot, they’re always meeting new people. They aren’t good at breaking off relationships however, and this presents problems going forward with new relationships. Anyone hoping to partner with a Rat must be able to keep up with the Rat’s active nature.

Rats and Goats will not relate too well to each other. Small animosities and misunderstandings. Have little in common, but no major conflicts.

Boston Bruins: 1924

Columbus Blue Jackets: 1996

Edmonton Oilers: 1972

Phoenix Coyotes: 1996

Washington Capitals: 1972

Once again, I’m in limbo with the Boston Bruins. It’s like the Boston Bruins is the person your friends know and hang out with, but you don’t talk to because they freak you out. That’s what they are to me.

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Ox

Another of the powerful Chinese Zodiac signs, the Ox is steadfast, solid, a goal-oriented leader, detail-oriented, hard-working, stubborn, serious and introverted but can feel lonely and insecure. Takes comfort in friends and family and is a reliable, protective and strong companion.

Oxen aren’t very sociable and rarely participate in group activities. They abhor small talk and won’t waste their time flirting. They will search long and hard for the perfect partner as change makes them uncomfortable. Whether due to an ox’s tendency to be overbearing or tendency to place blame on others, relationships with Oxen don’t always work out. When Oxen realize that partnerships involve two people and two points of view, satisfying matches are possible.

Certain degree of indifference. Goat and Ox will just tolerate each other at best. Cannot cooperate or work well together.

Atlanta Thrashers: 1997

Carolina Hurricanes: 1997

When I read this about me and my Canes, I cried a little bit. Where’s the nearest window? That’s all right: I don’t care what they say, I’m in love with the Canes (that kind-of rhymes). Those lyrics sum up my relationship with the Canes over the last 2 years.

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Tiger

Those born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Tiger are authoritative, self-possessed, have strong leadership qualities, are charming, ambitious, courageous, warm-hearted, highly seductive, moody, intense, and they’re ready to pounce at any time.

Creative in their passion, Tigers will never bore their partners. They’re expressive, polite and trustworthy, but watch out. Tigers tend to dominate their relationships. This tendency is instinctive and when monitored closely, such behavior can be kept under control. Partners need to be equally active to keep up with the Tiger’s sense of adventure.

Goat and Tiger will have no deep or lasting relations. No outright or severe confrontations. Workable only to a small degree. Lack of understanding.

Chicago Blackhawks: 1926

Detroit Red Wings: 1926

Nashville Predators: 1998

New York Rangers: 1926

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Dragon

A powerful sign, those born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Dragon are energetic and warm-hearted, charismatic, lucky at love and egotistic. They’re natural born leaders, good at giving orders and doing what’s necessary to remain on top.

Dragons will give into love, but won’t give up their independence. Because they have quick, sometimes vengeful tempers, their partners need to be tough-skinned. Dragons enjoy others who are intriguing, and when they find the right partners, they’ll usually commit to that person for life.

Can relate to each other and work together to a certain extent. Have some common areas of interest. Moderate relationships.

Minnesota Wild: 2000

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Snake

Those born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Snake are seductive, gregarious, introverted, generous, charming, good with money, analytical, insecure, jealous, slightly dangerous, smart, they rely on gut feelings, are hard-working and intelligent.

Snakes are excellent seducers so they never have trouble attracting others. However, they’ll be the ones to decide when a relationship has potential and when it does not. Once they’ve chosen a partner, a Snake’s insecure side will begin to show through. Snakes guards their chosen partners much like a prized possessions, becoming jealous and even obsessive. Snakes prefer to keep their feelings to themselves. It’s important to never betray a Snake’s trust as a betrayed snake will make it a goal to get even some day!

Moderate or congenial ties. Compatible to a reasonable degree. Will combine efforts and work together when feasible. No strong conflicts.

Toronto Maple Leafs: 1917

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Horse

Those born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Horse love to roam free. They’re energetic, self-reliant, money-wise, and they enjoy traveling, love and intimacy. They’re great at seducing, sharp-witted, impatient and sometimes seen as a drifter.

Horses, being spontaneous, have a tendency to fall fast and hard for others. They tend to give themselves fully in each new relationship a quality that ends up chipping away at their inner being. Fortunately, this exhausting trait mellows with age and relationships are stronger and more stable later in life.

Strong attraction for each other. Happy and beneficial ties in marriage and business. Highly compatible and successful union.

Tampa Bay Lightning: 1990

San Jose Sharks: 1990

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Goat

Those born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Goat enjoy being alone in their thoughts. They’re creative, thinkers, wanderers, unorganized, high-strung and insecure, and can be anxiety-ridden. They need lots of love, support and reassurance. Appearance is important too.

Goats tend to be private, so it can take effort to get to know one. The Goat is the one who will decide when and with whom it will share its personal life. As a result, most Goats have few “close” friends, yet they’ll work hard for those they love.

Goats have no rivalry. Could work together as a team. Have areas of similar interests and common goals. Favorable ties in love and business.

Los Angeles Kings: 1967

Pittsburgh Penguins: 1967

Philadelphia Flyers: 1967

St. Louis Blues: 1967

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Monkey

Those born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Monkey thrive on having fun. They’re energetic, upbeat, and good at listening but lack self-control. They like being active and stimulated and enjoy pleasing self before pleasing others. They’re heart-breakers, not good at long-term relationships, morals are weak.

When it comes to relationships, Monkeys aren’t quick to settle down. In fact, they generally are promiscuous; a tendency that probably has to do with the fact that Monkeys are easily bored. Monkeys will end this type of behavior once they pair up with the perfect partner. In fact, more often than not, they’ll commit to that person in every way for life.

Goats and Monkeys have no deep understanding or special need for each other. Have little in common. Will have no attraction for each other.

Anaheim Ducks #1: 1992

Calgary Flames: 1980

Florida Panthers: 1992

Ottawa Senators: 1992

Oh no, I lost Calgary too! More jumping out windows.

Chris Pronger is a monkey……

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Rooster

Those born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Rooster are practical, resourceful, observant, analytical, straightforward, trusting, honest, perfectionists, neat and conservative.

The Rooster’s bossiness and honest “tell it like it is” approach doesn’t work well with sensitive individuals. Roosters need to partner with those who are tough-skinned. They’re the individuals most capable of realizing that beneath the tough exteriors are huge, caring hearts overflowing with love.

Goats and Roosters have communication gaps and mutual reservations. Moderate ties. Will tolerate each other to a certain degree only.

Buffalo Sabres: 1969

Dallas Stars: 1993

Montreal Canadians: 1909

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Dog

Those born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Dog are loyal, faithful, honest, distrustful, often guilty of telling white lies, temperamental, prone to mood swings, dogmatic, and sensitive. Dogs excel in business but have trouble finding mates.

Although Dogs are trustworthy, they have trouble trusting others. It can take a long time before a Dog feels at ease with another person. When Dogs don’t build trust they’re judgmental and rough towards others. When it comes to romance Dogs often have a tough time. Others are often scared off by the Dog’s insecure, worrisome and frequently anxious nature. Dogs are known to be cold emotionally and critical.

Goats and Dogs have few things in common. Cannot relate to one another. Will have no strong attraction in their relations. Not compatible.

Anaheim Ducks #2: 2006

New Jersey Devils: 1982

Vancouver Canucks: 1970

Yes! New Jersey is out of the picture! Anaheim too; no too shabby.

Chris Pronger is a dog…..

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Pig

Those born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Pig are extremely nice, good-mannered and tasteful. They’re perfectionists who enjoy finer things but are not perceived as snobs. They enjoy helping others and are good companions until someone close crosses them, then look out! They’re intelligent, always seeking more knowledge, and exclusive. Compatible with Rabbit or Goat.

Supportive and giving, Pigs make great partners. They’re affectionate and sexual and prefer staying home to going out. They enjoy what they have, especially their home and family. Once they find the right partner, they’re typically committed for the long-term.

Goats and Pigs are a happy and compatible match. Have good comprehension of each other. Will work well together and rely on each other for support.

Colorado Avalanche: 1995

New York Islanders: 1971

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According to the Chinese Zodiac I am most compatible with the:

• Tampa Bay Lightning
• San Jose Sharks
• Los Angeles Kings
• Pittsburgh Penguins
• Philadelphia Flyers
• St. Louis Blues
• Colorado Avalanche
• New York Islanders

I have no strong feelings towards these teams or against them. So, it’s an OK list.

I am least compatible with the:

• Atlanta Thrashers
• Carolina Hurricanes
• Anaheim Ducks
• Calgary Flames
• Florida Panthers
• Ottawa Senators
• New Jersey Devils
• Vancouver Canucks

I don’t know how to react to this list. Firstly, my least favorite teams are on this list: Devils and Ducks. But then…….so are the Hurricanes and the Flames. It’s lies, all lies! Does this list balance itself out? I don’t think it does. Losing my Hurricanes isn’t worth confirming my disdain for New Jersey and Anaheim.

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Animal with the most teams under it: Rat. 5 teams were rat teams being the Boston Bruins, Columbus Blue Jackets, Edmonton Oilers, Phoenix Coyotes, Washington Capitals.

Rabbit was the only animal with no teams under it.

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So when you put the two together I am born to NOT be a fan of the:

• Anaheim Ducks

And that’s it. Victory is sweet; time to go celebrate!

And finally, after all that, we reach the point of this whole post. I am born to be a fan of the:

• San Jose Sharks

?…….OK, not the ending I was predicting. They’re not even in the Eastern Conference; but all right. I tell you what, I will strike a deal. I will follow the Sharks more closely, since I am clearly supposed to be a Sharks fan. But don’t expect me to leave my Hurricanes! All you west coast people, tell me, are the Sharks and Ducks big rivals? If they are, this works out pretty nicely.

Whew, that was long. If you read all that, kudos to you. What were you procrastinating?

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If you want to see how you relate to any of the teams or what sign you are, the links I used were:

Western Zodiac

Wikipedia: This is a good overview. It can tell you what you are and give you an in depth description of your sign.

Gotohoroscope.com: Click on your sign and it will tell you who you are compatible with.

Astrology-online.com: This is where I got most of my descriptions.

Chinese Zodiac

Asian American Faculty and Staff Association: Tells you which animal you are.

Chinesezodiac.com: This is where I got my descriptions from.

Chinavoc.com: This one tells you which other animals you are compatible with. It is difficult to figure out. Look at the top of the screen. Just above the “search” there are yellow/pink links of the different animals that practically blend in with the background. Click your animal. Scroll down to the bottom and there will be a link of “chinese zodiac compatibility - your animal” - click that.

In other news….

So being from the Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill Triangle (yeah, we call it the triangle) I am surrounded by college basketball. Considering we have Duke, UNC, and my favorite NC State University (it’s coming back boys, its coming back. this season didn’t matter; it doesn’t matter that we didn’t even make the NIT. whatever), I am constantly blasted with news of college basketball. Unfortunately, basketball does take precedence over Hockey here; on the news they can gush over UNC or Duke or NCSU but only put on a short segment about the Canes. But recently, when basketball was still going on, the RBC center sold out when the Hurricanes were playing, but the Dean Dome of UNC and Cameron Indoor Stadium of Duke didn’t sell out when they were playing; little known fact. Also, another little known fact, when the RBC center was built, they put in one more seat than the Dean Dome, just to piss everyone off.

So the point of this whole tangent, Tyler Hansbrough of UNC has chosen to stay for his senior year. You may know Tyler from Margee’s “Tyler Hansbrough eyes.” In my opinion, for Tyler to stay when he very easily could have gone Pro shows a lot of class on his part. It shows just how much me loves the game of basketball. I really commend him for that. So, if you know college basketball at all, you will understand why this article from The Onion is so funny. It says Tyler only stayed because he really wants to take a class offered at UNC. Short read it you want a laugh.

My mother recently said that if I ever came home and said “Mom, I’m marrying Tyler Hansbrough tomorrow,” she would have no problem with it. When my father heard he had to make a sick twisted joke that as soon as I got married I needed to have a baby because “every baby is money.” My entire family is messed up. Just shows how big basketball is here.

Staal/Nike Bauer Videos

I’ve had these favorited on Youtube for a while and now that I have a blog for hockey and the Hurricanes figured I would go ahead and share them. Nike Bauer followed the Staal Brothers around:

Backyard rink in Thunder Bay:

Family Interview:

Basement “Wall of Fame” in Thunder Bay:

A Shootout on the Sod Farm:

The Staal Brothers go golfing and mess around a lot:

The Brothers at a rink in Thunder Bay (just put up the other day, this one has some shameless Nike Bauer promotion in it):

Game Day Thoughts 5/1/08

Penguins v. Rangers: Ok, so, Pens, here’s the thing……you got beat. You got freakin’ destroyed. It figures a 7 game playoff-wins streak would end in a shut out. Unfortunate. Thoughts:

• Crucial step for winning a game: stay out of the sin bin! Penguins took almost twice as many penalties as the Rangers (11 to 6). Albeit, 2 were 10 minute misconducts that didn’t give the Rangers any PP, but the Rangers got 1 10 minute misconduct as well. In the 3rd period, when they were already down 1-0 going in, they just started taking penalties and it didn’t stop.
• I thought it was funny how Rutuu got 2 penalties at the 20 minute mark of the 3rd period. Oh no, what will the Pens ever do now?
• Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby both got Roughing penalties at the same time along with Girardi of the Rangers. I’ll own up to it, didn’t watch this game (doing homework) but I checked in every 5-10 minutes to see what was up. I’ve got to go watch the highlights to see what Malkin and Crosby did.
• Rangers, good way to pull yourselves together after the Sean Avery accident. Instead of falling apart you kept yourselves alive and won a crucial game.
• For game 5, it’s back to Mellon Arena. Will home-ice advantage affect the game and give the Pens the win? I’m thinking not for game 5. My gut tells me the Rangers will pull this one out somehow but maybe go down in game 6 (see next bullet).
• Before the Playoffs started I had the Rangers in 7. I’m starting to question that, but you gotta keep the hope alive!
• Entertaining series.
• Jagr once again in this game showed why he is a big deal. Had something to do with every Rangers point: 2 goals and 1 assist. He comes through.
• I not surprised Evgeni Malkin didn’t score on his penalty shot. He’s a great forward, but not good with goalies one on one. What is his shootout percentage? I know it’s not very good. Someone should go look that up. FYI: I’m too lazy.
• Game Summary