Also in the mention

Nobel Prize in Chemistry:

Yves Chauvin, Robert H. Grubbs and Richard R. Schrock all split this award for their research into olefin metathesis. Chauvin discovered the mechanism into the reaction and Grubbs and Schrock optimized the reactions by developing different systems or complexes.

The 2005 Ig Nobel Prizes have been awarded. Highlights:

• Medicine: Gregg A. Miller of Oak Grove, Missouri, for inventing Neuticles -- artificial replacement testicles for dogs, which are available in three sizes, and three degrees of firmness.
• Physics: John Mainstone and the late Thomas Parnell of the University of Queensland, Australia, for patiently conducting an experiment that began in the year 1927 -- in which a glob of congealed black tar has been slowly, slowly dripping through a funnel, at a rate of approximately one drop every nine years.
• Literature: The Internet entrepreneurs of Nigeria, for creating and then using e-mail to distribute a bold series of short stories, thus introducing millions of readers to a cast of rich characters -- General Sani Abacha, Mrs. Mariam Sanni Abacha, Barrister Jon A Mbeki Esq., and others -- each of whom requires just a small amount of expense money so as to obtain access to the great wealth to which they are entitled and which they would like to share with the kind person who assists them.

Not The Z button!!!! GAAAAAAAAAH!!!! How will we win now??? never again boys. unless of course we wait 4-6 weeks to play more hockey...

I'm studying. Really I am! I have a weird headline, though:

Injured Azertyuiop out for season

This is from horse racing. Does that name for a horse seem odd to you and, yet, somewhat familiar? I'll give you a bit of a push. First, type 'AZ'. Then, run your finger straight across from the 'E' on your keyboard all the way to the 'P'.

Of course, in Italy (or was it France?) the QW in the top corner of the keyboard is replaced by AZ (which made typing a joy).

Ok, so I haven't gotten a chance to talk to anyone about hockey, so bear with me. A couple of things of note.

First of all, I've read a lot about the Leafs in the past few weeks (ok, so I was looking for stuff online about hockey and, well, a lot of people write about the Leafs.) It seems that most of hope around the team doing well (which, this year, apparently means "make the playoffs") rested on a lot of 'if's. ('If Jason Allison plays well', 'If Lindros doesn't hurt his head', 'If Belfour's back stays in one piece', etc.) It seems there's one more 'if': if they can do well without Sundin, who fractured his orbital bone in the first period. For anyone curious about the definition of schadenfreude, this is it. (For the geekfesters, it also means the Z button won't work for 4-6 weeks.)

Secondly, I like how one of the stories from the Oilers game last night was how Horcoff broke the team record for fastest season-opening goal. You have to know that there are precious few team records that will be broken in the near future, and it always makes me laugh when sportswriters mention bullshit ones like that.

As for my thoughts on the game (which I know you're all dying to hear/read), I was pleasantly surprised. Surprised by the score when TSN finally got to the game, by the lack of penalties for the early part of the game, by the Oilers amazing new ability to maintain puck possession in the offensive zone, and by their actual, bonafide, power-play goal.

Of course, the little voice in my head -- the one that has gleefully watched the past 10 years of Oilers hockey, laughing at all the times when my hopes for a good team were dashed by the harsh realities of the Oilers characteristic ability to consistently play just below the level of their opponents (once again, schadenfreude) -- is rife with anticipation. "But Conklin let in two goals in five shots", it chimes in. "And Colorado doesn't have anyone beyond their first line, and they didn't even have Hejduk." "Besides, Horcoff's two goals were into wide open nets. What, you think he's an actual first-line center?!"

So, I reserve judgement. If I don't go to YSP!WSD! Saturday, I'll likely be somewhere in front of a TV, going insane with every goal they "didn't miss by much", head spinning at every sad-sack power play, and cringing every time Cory Cross touches the puck.

So... We Are Wolves on the 29th (I know Jsese's interested. Anyone else?) and Exclaim Tour on Nov 5th (well, 4th too, but I'd probably be going on the 5th)? Sounds like $22 well spent to me.

I may even have to go to the Victory Lounge this Saturday, for You Say Party! We Say Die! (and two other bands I think face may have mentioned once or twice.)

hmm... hurtling down icy slopes.... seems like something that I like to do.. keep me posted mister toaster

i got the new Exclaim Tour Promo CDs - Four for Fall:

here's the tracklisting:
1. Whitey Houston - Liarbird
2. Whitey Houston - They Got Cameras in their Pockets
3. Luke Doucet - Broken One
4. Luke Doucet - Brother
for those who don't know, Nick used to and may still play in Luke's band (formally known as Veal)

5. Fembots - Count down our Days
6. Fembots - My Life in the Funeral Service
7. Shout out out Out out -nobodycallsmeunlesstheywantsomething
8. shout out out out out- tiired

Fuckin eh!!!

David Sandstrom and his team strike?

A second paper in Science reveals another US team has successfully recreated the 1918 virus in mice.

The virus is contained at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention under stringent safety conditions.