Off My Chest

Whine Whine Twang Twang

2011-04-12T10:13:00.000-07:00

An open letter to the CEO,COO and non-Nashvillian board members of the Nashville Predators.
First of all, let me make perfectly clear that I adore the team. In fact I would bake cookies any day for Pekka Rinne. Most everyone on the team is absolutely awesome! The coaching staff? Well? Well, the are ok, also. But-- there is something that bothers me a lot that I need to GET OFF MY CHEST. It's the constant pushing of Country Music that the organization seems to be doing. As a 71 year old native, I can assure you that not everyone enjoys listening to or watching Cotton-Eyed Joe being performed by the Deliverance Gang on the jumbotron! For years, Nashvillians of my generation pretended Country Music did not exist or just wished it would go away. Unfortunately, money was more powerful and the Hillbilly pushers won. Now Hillbilly CRAP is on every block of lower Broad. It is a shame the Predators' Organization does not realize what an embarrassment this is for many. People far and wide poke fun at us and believe the people of Nashville are all Redneck Hillbillies. When in reality most of the talent originating in Nashville goes far beyond Country Music.
Just take a look around the city at all the museums, private galleries, opera, ballet,the symphony and many many other things Nashville has to offer. Then please cut out some of the Whine Whine Twang Twang and let the rest of the Hockey World know what we are really all about.
By the way, before all of the WWTT Nashville was called the Athens of the South.

Stanley Cup Rant

2010-06-14T16:45:00.000-07:00

Although it has been a few days since the Stanley Cup finals, I am still fuming over the Blackhawks' win. I probably should say the Marian Hossa win since he is really the reason I was again cheering for an Eastern Conference team instead of a team from the Western Conference.

All I have to say is Marianne PLEASE retire! You've finally got what you set out for. Go back to Slavakia and get out of the US. Most Americans are sick of listening to you whine and looking at your warty face. Maybe people in the Chicago area don't feel this way but I have to wonder how some of some of your teammates really feel about the contract that you landed with their team. If I were Kane, Sharp, Toews and a few others I'm sure I would not be too happy.

I'll say it again Marianne Hoser please retire!! You have the ring. You have your name on the Cup. Now it's time to go home.

By the way, congratulations to the rest of the Blackhawks. I really pulled for you guys last year in the playoffs over Detroit. Too bad 2008-09 wasn't your year.

Hockey Rant for April 9.2010

2010-04-09T15:34:00.001-07:00

My hockey rants for the 2009-10 season have been limited to my own family's ears. I am not only driving them crazy but all of this pent-up frustration is making my blood pressure rise and my whole demeanor to seem cranky and mean.

My first and foremost rant is how much I dislike Coyotes. And I don't mean the four legged ones who have migrated from the Western U.S. and taken up residence in our beautiful hilly Middle Tennessee countryside. No, I mean the NHL franchise in Arizona.

Why do I dislike this team so much? Especially since Scottie Upshall and Vern Fiddler, two players I like and respect so much, are on this team. Maybe it's more of a case of frustration instead of dislike but I'll try to explain.

I have heard that since the Coyotes have been declared bankrupt that the NHL has taken over ownership of the team. If this true, then I suppose every NHL Franchise in the U.S.A. and Canada are technically the owners of the Coyotes. And I do sympathize with their money problems.

This brings me to reason number one for my displeasure. This team is acquiring high priced players with high priced bonuses while other teams supporting them are struggling to acquire players on the cheap. They seem to be reaping big rewards at all the other teams expense. Is this right?

Which brings me to number two, the way they are ranked for the playoffs. Since they are owned by every franchise, should they even be allowed the privilege of being in the playoffs. This seems almost like a conflict of interest to me!

Third and the most compelling reason of all is their creepy coach! He could barely contain his laughter when players were injured when they played here in Nashville on March 25th. I don't mean just the players on the opposing team but when a Coyote player was injured as well. Believe me I'm not the only person who noticed this and mentioned it. You were caught on camera more than one time, Mr Tippitt.

After all of this ranting, I have to say that I am sure there are a lot of wonderful people and Coyote fans in Phoenix and all over Arizona as well. As I said earlier, I do sympathize with their problems and frustrations. After this season is over no matter how it ends,I hope this ownership thing gets solved and things work out in their favor. Something certainly needs to be done soon. This is totally unfair for everyone.

Tune in tomorrow for why I believe some Nashville Predators get lazy when they are ahead.

Bad Jersey Mojo

2009-11-28T14:27:00.000-08:00

I swore I would never again write another hockey blog, but after last nights Predator-Blues game here I am blogging again.

First of all for an organization who is constantly poor mouthing, I don't understand the expense of a third jersey. I know, I know it's to make money from Pro Shop sales. I certainly hope they make enough money to warrant the expense. And I'm sure they will, what do I know.

I guess my real gripe is that I really have bad vibes concerning the jerseys. When I first saw them last night, I told Jas that I really didn't like them. She said, "why not, I think they are neat."I just said," well I certainly hope they make it to number eight wearing them."

The truth is they remind of the old Dallas Cowboy unlucky navy jerseys of the '70's. The ones that the Washington Redskins always finagled them into wearing. Remembering those days, I could not even watch the rest of the game after SL scored their first goal.

Anyway, let's hope the real reason for losing the game was the Preds had too much uh, Thanksgiving turkey the day before and the jerseys had nothing whatsoever to do with the results.

But, just to be on the safe side Preds, I really wish you would go back to wearing your old jerseys and back to your old winning ways.

Good luck Preds. I wish you the best. Um, maybe I'll burn a candle for you tonight.

Hockey in Nashville

2009-08-11T12:04:00.000-07:00

Several years ago I worked for a popular tourist attraction here in Nashville. Some of my favorite guest were from Canada. They were the most delightful, best mannered and kindest people I have ever encountered.They were so interested in our southern culture and always said how much they loved visiting the U.S. and the Nashville area in particular.Also. we have an NHL team here which is comprised mostly of Canadian players. These guys and their families are great. also.Most of them have stated how much they like living here and they are very active in community outreach.We love our Preds and want them to stay! Therefore, we certainly understand how people in Canada who have lost their hometown teams can be upset over losing them. But, remember , you have to support what you have or you will lose it. That goes for any sport. They will go where the money and support is.That said,I do not understand why Canadians or at least some Canadians think Pred's fans are their enemies. What happened to all of those great people from all over Canada that I used to talk with who liked us so much? We are supporting an expansion team , not one we "stole" from you!Oh, I know some will probably say hockey is a Canadian sport and I can appreciate that. Well, baseball is supposed to be an American sport but it huge in Japan and I have never yet heard anyone complain about that. For that matter I've never heard anyone say anything negative about the Blue Jays being in Toronto. It really does bother me that people from two civilized countries on the same continent can resort to such pettiness and name calling . If everyone would get out and support a team in their area then hopefully everyone would soon get a team in their own hometown or state or province or whatever and everyone would be happy again

GO PREDS!

p.s. Oilers please keep your hands off of our Tootoo !

Hockey Rants for June 20,2009

2009-06-20T10:03:00.000-07:00

Gosh! I thought I was through ranting about hockey for at least four month.Then what happens? I find myself watching the awards program and who should "hog " the stage but Ovegetable! Jeese, what is it with you Guys? Do you think he is God? Quite frankly, I usually think of him as a real smart-ass with a bad haircut, a huge nose , a snaggle tooth grin and a real show-off on the ice. I'm sure he could not avoid losing the tooth but with his salary he surely can afford a dentist and a good hair stylist. You know the saying "what happens in Las Vegas, stays in Las Vegas. Maybe one of the casinos will offer him a job as a dealer or working a game table and he will decide to stay!
Another annoying thing about the show was Kevin Smith! He really needs to button his lip and sit down!
And then there there were the boys from Beantown. Do they ever know when to stop? Even their coach! They go on and on and on! No wonder they were not Stanley Cup recipients. They probably cannot stop talking long enough to concentrate on the game!
Of course, the highlight of the evening was our own, Steve Sullivan! He took the stage, made a great speech, thanked everyone and sat down. You are a real classy guy, Sully! Congratulations! You certainly deserved to win. We think you are one of the best and hope you never want to leave Nashville!
I guess that just about wraps up my hockey rants for now. Maybe I'll find another subject just as annoying as Marianne Hoser, Ovegetable and the rest of the gang. If not, I'll see you back here in the fall for '09-'10 hockey season .
Later,
Dirtsister
P.S.
My sincere congratulations to all of the award winners!

Hockey Rants for June 14, 2009

2009-06-14T14:25:00.000-07:00

CONGRATULATION PENS! You have made me a very very happy person! Congratulations Geno! You deserved to win the Conn Smythe award! Congratulations to the entire Pens team and staff! Especially Max Talbot!I knew in my heart you could do it! I had a gut feeling everything would go well for you guys. I was thinking back to the Eastern finals in the Reds Arena and I knew you could win if you had the desire to do so , and I believed you wanted the Cup as badly as I wanted you to win it.
I though it would be so great so see the expression on Marian Hossa's face as he shook hands with his former teammates and realized too late he had chosen the wrong team! Well, actually I felt a little sorry for him. Although, he said he had no regrets, that is a little difficult to believe. Who is going to admit to a mistake involving the contract he turned down to try to win the Cup , only to possibly lose everthing in the end. Good luck to you, Marianne Hoser!
As for Chris Osgood, he is a cocky sort of guy who is easy to dislike. I 've seen comments made that he is washed up and needs to retire. Maybe that is true. He has had his ups and downs this season but he did help lead the Wings to the finals. He's also very sympathetic to losing goalies and is always complimentary to other teams and players. So good luck to you Osbad!
Mike Babcock is an extremely talented and successful coach and I'm sure his future in Detroit is very secure. Good luck to you anyway,Babs!
As for the Wings' fans I only appologize to a handful. Why!? There are only a handful of nice Wings' fans.Most are bad sports and crybabies. I am sure it was hard to lose the Cup but hey, the Pens deserved it. So why be so rude?I'm sure the Wings will bounce back just as strong for the new season.
Actually, I am very anxious to get back to watching our Predators again! I certainly hope everyone will return to the team! And- after wating NBC and Versus (especially NBC) I realize how very much I miss Pete and Terry!

GO PREDS!

Hockey rants for June 7,2009

2009-06-07T09:11:00.000-07:00

Hey Geno, this blog is for you. I know you were frustrated with the way the game was going . I also, know that you were especially frustrated to be playing against a former teammate who has no sense of loyalty whatsoever. But- you can't win a game sitting in the penalty box!!! Forget about Marianne Hoser and concentrate on winning the game!! Believe me Babs knows exactly how to upset you guys and he will take every opportunity available to get to you. Marianne is not worth the frustration and he is exactly where he belongs- in Slum City with the UGLY people!When the camera pans the Pens bench, I see a group of handsome young men in handsome uniforms. When the camera pans the Wings I see the ugliest people on earth in Santa suits! I believe the WIngs organization must have searched the world over to find the ugliest hockey players and located them in the ugliest city in the U.S.! (Jas thinks Zetterberg is kinda cute. She has an opthomologist appointment in the A.M.) So, please Geno, stay on the ice and get the job done. When the series is over if you want to beat the crap out of Marianne , you have my blessing. Please though, leave Osbad for Joe Thornton and Shea Weber!
I'm very sorry Leggy for saying mean things about your hometown. You are one of my favorite Preds.It's just that the Redwings have a way of making me say and do mean things. In fact this morning before I realized it I found myself shooing a Cardinal away from the bird feeder- simply because he had red wings!

GO GENO!!!!!
GO PENS!!!!!

Hockey Rants for June 5,2009

2009-06-05T12:10:00.000-07:00

What a GREAT night in hockey.!!! It was such an exciting game! Sid the Kid and the Mighty Malkin were great as usual but I was thrilled to see Staal and Kennedy score as well. The Pittsburgh fans are great also. They make the game very exciting. I believe they are louder than the Pred's fans. It's hard to believe anyone can get any louder. The party outside was also exciting I would imagine. The old Slumthings looked pretty low and I hope that continues to be the case. Babs looked as bad as he looked the night the Preds shut them out 8 to zip. Way to go Osbad. Keep it up. I like to see you throw tantrums. I wonder what was going through Marianne's mind? We will just have to wait until tomorrow night and see if the good luck continues. I certainly will be pulling for the young crowd not the geritol gang. I realize the Slum City gang has a lot more experience and will be in their home arena but I will just keep my fingers crossed for the Pens. Keep up the fight Pens!

GOOOOO PENS!

Hockey Rants for June 3,2009

2009-06-03T11:11:00.000-07:00

Game three of the Stanley Cup finals could not have been better! Well, maybe better had the Pens shut out Detroit. I'm really happy with the win, though. I just hope the good luck carries over to game four and throughout the series. It would be sooo GREAT of Pittsburgh were to win and Marianne Hoser would still be waiting to see his name engraved on the cup. Hey guys, if Detroit should win be sure you spell his name correctly. It's MARIANNE HOSER.
Jas asked me who I dislike the most, the number one Russian player or the Slumthings uh, Redwings. I told her that I'm very fond of Geno, thank you!Actually, I believe she was thinking of someone else. It really is a toss up. I think it would be a great idea if Alex played for the Crime City gang, then I could dislike all of them at one time.I'm not too sure he would get along too well with Osbad, since the two of them like to be #! so very badly. Also, I don't think Marianne would approve either. You know how Alex likes to show off with his skill with the puck and poor Marianne is such an oaf.I'm sure his tenure at the Red's Arena will last some time anyway.
Well, enough for today. I must run along and celebrate the Pittsburgh WIN! Until Thursday I'll just keep my fingers crossed and my hopes high!

GO PENS!
GO KID, GO MALKIN, GO TALBOT, GO ROCKIN' #13, GO GONCHAR
GO ALL THE PENS!

Hockey Rants for June 2,1009

2009-06-02T11:23:00.000-07:00

Game two of the Stanley Cup finals was a disaster! I could not even watch after the "interference call". Therefore, I did not see the Malkin-Zetterberg fight at the end.

Isn't strange how "when the shoe is on the other foot" so to speak, people can get all uptight and defensive? This morning I read a blog of a Wings fan and he was complaining how Malkin was not suspended for multiple games and how "star" players are treated differently from the other players.Does he not realize there are "stars" on the Wings team as well? In fact, all the NBC commentators can talk about is how great and wonderful Osbad is.(I'm betting on you Big Joe. You too Shea ! Way to go Talbot! You certainly know which blowhard , er GANG member, er Redwing to go after, don't you? Do you read my blog?)Does he not realize the Crime City stars have pulled crap all season? Maybe that is why they are where they are. Although I will give Babs credit for good coaching.
Someone mentioned to me that Sid the Kid doesn't smile enough. Probably not. I'm sure it would be pretty hard to smile when you're competing not only against the Wings but the entire NHL officiating staff as well. You certainly don't have to guess who they are for! Oh well, maybe they feel sorry for them, the Redwings , I mean, since they are located in the most crime ridden city in the U.S. No matter the results of the series I would rather be in Honkey Town and be a Predneck than Hockeytown and be a Redwing any day.

GO GET 'EM GENO!
GO PENS!

Hockey Rants for May 31,2009

2009-05-31T10:49:00.000-07:00

Night one of the Stanley Cup Finals has come and gone. Although it did not turn out to my liking I have to remember that the series is not over yet. Even though the Pens did not win, they played in a professional and gentlemanly manner against the trash talkin' GANG in Santa suits from Crime City.
By the way, I wonder who designed Detroit's home jerseys? They unbelievably surpass the Tennessee Titans' uniforms in the tackiness category. Of course, they fit Marianne Hoser and Cocky Osbad to a T.
Well, I"ll be watching the finals again today and cheering for the "Good Guys". Good luck Sid the Kid, Mighty Malkin, Gonchar, Fedotenko, Guerin, Fleur Power, and all of the GREAT PITTSBURGH team!

GO PENS!

Hockey Rants for May 28,2009

2009-05-28T10:21:00.000-07:00

Well, I guess the fat lady really bellowed one out last night. At the beginning of the game I had hopes that the HAWKS might pull one out of the bag.No such luck. Now I'll have to see what the Kid and the Mighty Malkin can do. I know they have it in them and I'll certainly be betting on them.
Oh by the way, did anyone notice how the Hawks were looking at Osbad when he was shaking hands with them after the game.Maybe it was my imagination, but I thought they were looking like "outta my face Freak!" I know that is what I would have been thinking.
Also, I have to say that I'm not the only person who calls number 81 Marianne. Don't believe me? Listen to Keith Jones on Hockey Central on Versus. Maybe it is just the way Canadians pronounce Marian but he definitely calls him Marianne.
One last thing. This is for you, Trotsky. I noticed that both Babs and Joel Quenneville did some serious coaching during this series. Maybe if you would get into the same coaching mode as they were in, The Preds would have been there instead of one of them.
Well, got to grab my bag and get to Goodwill. It contains a red dress, a red T-shirt, and my cute little red tennies with the shiny things on them. I'm never wearing red again!

GO PENS! GO KID! GO MIGHTY ONE!

See you Saturday

Hockey rants for May 26,2009

2009-05-26T09:12:00.000-07:00

This morning after a workout in my garden, I came inside to rest a bit in the old easy chair. The TV was on, as usual. And what a shock! Babs was on and was TRYING to dance with an attractive blonde and he had actually forgotten to apply his lipstick! I think he did remember his mascara, though. I asked Jas what on earth she was watching and she said it was last year's Stanley Cup party. I went to the kitchen to get a drink and when I returned what should appear on the TV but OSBAD! Oh! let me outta here! I can't take anymore of these Mo'Town Slumthings!Watching them win over the Hawks is enough. I'm beginning to lose faith. I wonder if the Canucks ccould have beaten them. Oh well, if they win over the Hawks they more than likely will have to face Sid the Kid and the Mighty Malkin! And as I said before, it isn't over till the fat lady sings!

GO HAWKS!

Hockey Rants for May 24, 2009

2009-05-24T09:40:00.000-07:00

I agree, Jeremy! Way to go Jeremy!

GO HAWKS!

Hockey rantings for May 18,2009

2009-05-18T08:47:00.000-07:00

Well, I guess I have to hand it to the Mo'town team. They certainly did outplay Chicago and deserved to win game one. They have a smart-ass cocky goalie who says he deserves to be there. However, some people think he only deserves a puck in the groin shot by Joe Thornton or Shea Weber! With a mouth like his no wonder his team is so "well loved" by a lot of people. I'll admit he is a good goalie most of the time but I've also seen him miss a lot of shots this season. I won't mention when or where. Gotta get ready to cheer for game #2. Come on Hawks! Get tough!Show us what you can do! Remember the series ain't over till the fat lady sings and she hasn't hit a note yet!

GO HAWKS!!!!

Hockey Rants for May 16,2009

2009-05-16T14:10:00.000-07:00

All day, All night Marianne. Hopefully soon old 81 and the rest of the Mo'town team will be at the seashore sifting sand. Believe me, when those Hawks swoop down and attack they will need a little R and R at the beach.( As a birdwatcher myself, I know the damage those PREDATORS can do.)
They might consider a little vacation in San Jose or Anaheim or even at the Outer Banks. That is a really lovely place. And since all of us southleasterners are such a friendly bunch with loads of southern charm they would probably have a very enjoyable time.
Seriously, I can't wait for the Western Conference finals to begin. Of course, I'll be cheering for the Blackhawks. I'll have to admit I got more than a little frustrated at Dustin Byfuglien's behavior when they were competing against the Canucks, but all is forgiven now. I'll be in the old easy chair or on the edge of the old easy chair cheering Chicago on.

GO HAWKS!

Hockey Rantings For May 15th 2009

2009-05-15T08:35:00.000-07:00

Well. another frustrating night in hockey, watching Babs and the Mo'town Slumthings win another. I never thought I would pull for the Ducks. I guess that proves you should never say never. And something else that frustrates me are these fans who call themselves PREDWINGS. Don't you know how insulting that is? Not only to our great Predators team, but to Babs team as well! Make up your mind people. Are you for Music city or Mo'town? I guess I should not rant too much about Babs team when I am sooo happy that a Southleastern team, namely the Carolina Canes beat the Bean Boys. Way to go 'Canes! Also a million Music City USA hats to you Sid the Kid since you only got one for your hat trick in the Reds Arena. The sun is shining today for a change. Gotta get outside and hope it makes me feel a bit sunnier.

Later,
Dirtsister

PS Officials that was a very bad call you must have been sleepy.