Loucifer Stamos

Lou's Top 10 Music Releases of 2009

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 21:55:04 GMT

I did a much shorter end of year list last year on the Tuesday Night Music Forum, with no explanations, so this year I wanted to go a little bit more in depth. Plus, last year's music crop was relatively weak...I think the only albums I actually went out and bought in my top 10 were Thrice, the Fitzpatrick Incident and Weezer (1, 3 and 4 respectively). This year was much, MUCH more difficult with a barrage of good music released.

That being said, since it was so hard to narrow down, honorable mentions to the following albums:

Mary and the Black Lamb - "As the City Sleeps"
Siberia - "Siberia"
alexisonfire - "Old Crows/Young Cardinals"
Thursday - "Common Existence"

10) .moneen. – the world I want to leave behind

Although the songs do tend to bleed into each other as the album takes a lull part way through, you can’t dispute that it’s nonetheless good songs and music. The album definitely starts off well with the typical moneen fire and energy. But the standout track is “Believe,” although a lighter fare, a very positive and uplifting song

9) Polarity – Polarity

In the wake of Evanescence, a lot of bands have sprouted with metal music and “strong” female vocals. For the most part, they’re bad. And while Polarity sounds nothing like Evanescence (more like Rage Against the Machine sans-crazy guitar effects), Jasmine has that powerful vocal range and style that can carry a performance. A very dynamic band, with a good stylistic range and energy, their debut album is a strong showing of music; not just another generic, radio-friendly hard rock band, but very mature songwriters as well.

8) Cedardale – Lackluster Love Songs

I’m not going to lie and pretend I’m an expert when it comes to subgenres; especially in the hardcore genre. I’m not sure what the difference between metalcore or southern hardcore or grindcore is. So I’m going to make one up for Cedardale (if it doesn’t already exist): Chaos-core. Listening to this band is like listening to a meticulously structured wall of noise. It’s everything hardcore is supposed to be; loud, chaotic, and aggressive, yet still maintains its punk rock roots. Surprisingly catchy too, especially the incredibly addictive single “Elvis Presley,” which begins with a gang vocal chant of “Let me teach you how to swing.”

7) Flee the Seen – EP

Almost didn’t consider it, since it was a 3-song EP released to coincide with the band’s final show, but I couldn’t pass it up. The much improved songs from the promotional demo, “Sleepwalker” and “Stage Lights,” as well as the new song “Good Morning” are amazing songs that represented a terrific direction the band was heading if they had the means to sustain the rock band lifestyle. Kim Anderson’s choice to drop the bass guitar and focus on singing paid dividends for a band that may not get the appreciation they truly deserve due to a short lifespan. The music business is not always glitz and glamour, people. Sometimes bands like FtS can’t make due, as amazing as they were…

6) The Glorious Unseen – the Hope That Lies in You

Not to be written off as a typical Christian Worship band, the Glorious Unseen takes their love for God, and channels it into very melodic indie song structures. Very diverse instrumentation used; strings and band instruments, and all sorts of synth progressions, very reminiscent of the Arcade Fire or Album Leaf. The vocals of Ben Crist are very moody and brooding, but fit very well with the airy soundscapes of the music. But mostly what makes this a great record is passion, which comes through with every song, even the instrumental ones. Ben Crist and GU do what they do purely out of love, which is the kind of passion missing in almost all mainstream music.

5) Magneta Lane – Gambling with God

More of the familiar from a reliable band; It’s taken Magneta Lane some time to follow up 2005’s “Dancing With Daggers,” but the wait was worth it. The music is still that dirty yet upbeat indie rock that made them who they are. Their technicality has gotten even better, and Lexi is just hitting her stride as singer. Catchy choruses, driving drumbeats and all-around great tunes make this an album definitely worth looking into.

4) Thrice – Beggars

When a band is dropped from a major label, not many of them recover. However, Thrice took the opportunity to really redefine who they are, and produce all their music themselves; the way they want it. Their first efforts on Vagrant were “the Alchemy Index” collection, released in two parts in 2007 and 2008, which was an incredible interpretive project. Still trying to determine who they are now, they’ve packed the same concepts of styles from Alchemy into one album: “Beggars.” Not as strong as Alchemy was, it’s still a very diverse and even more so different than previous efforts. The driving bass start to “All the World is Mad” is more reminiscent of early 2000s indie rock than it is of the hardcore Thrice is often associated with. But the album is a story to be listened to completely as the listener is taken on an adventure trough spacey progressions and rocky roads.

3) Paramore – Brand New Eyes

When a band puts out a very solid first record, not many surpass it in terms of songwriting. When “Riot” came out in 2007, I thought of it as a good record, but nowhere near as good as “All We Know Is Falling” was. Well, dare I say it, but Paramore has done so with “Brand New Eyes.” It’s much less experimental with styles than its predecessor, and more focused on what works; from lighter ballad songs like “Misguided Ghosts,” to the pop-punk that they’re known for like “Ignorance” and “Careful.” It’s a solid record front-to-back.

2) Lights – the Listening

If this chart were taking cuteness into account, Lights probably would have won. But looks aside, Lights knows how to write a good tune. It’s hilarious, though, as the first time I saw Lights; I appreciated her chops and talents as a musician, but I said “it’s just not my style.” It’s funny how her style eventually grew on me.  As a matter of fact, Lights’ “style” of electro-pop transcends most musical boundaries and genres. Her fanbase consists of punk and hardcore fans, as well as pop music fans. Her music (and image too, honestly) appeals to a wide range of people and that’s why she has been so incredibly successful. “The Listening” is a great adventure of diverse music. From the danceable “Second Go” to the somber piano solo of “Pretend,” it’s a great album.

1) Moving Mountains – Foreword LP

I think this might be cheating a bit because the 4-song EP came out in 2008. The vinyl “LP” edition (with one extra track) came out in 2009. But since I didn’t discover their music until this year, I feel this is justified. :P But what can I say about this album. It’s only 5 songs, but it’s still 40+ minutes long, which is why it’s considered an LP. And it’s everything you want in a great album; melodic and arty when it needs to be, fast and heavy at other times too. The dynamics and changes are simply amazing; quiet to loud, upbeat to downbeat, etc. Great progressions, words are very minimal, but very profound when they are sung. This is a solid overall rock record which replay value is incredibly high. There was a period where I was listening to this all day every day without issue. It is a hard to find record, especially on vinyl, but definitely worth looking into.

Sat, 05 Dec 2009 23:19:28 GMT

Game #14: November 29th, 2009
OISE 6 - 0 Political Animals
LW Louis Tentsos #17: 0G, 0A, 0P, -3, 2 HIT, 12:00+ TOI

Game #15: December 3rd, 2009
Beefy Bastones 7 - 4 Mulleteers
LW Louis Tentsos #17: 0G, 1A, 1P, +/-0, 1 SOG, 2 BLK, 2 HIT, 9:00+ TOI

The first game was just disastrous, and I don't want want to talk about it. We came up flat in a playoff game, and that's all there was...OISE ended up winning the championship vs UTSC Thursday night.

The second game was an interesting one. I didn't play the first game vs the Mulleteers earlier this year as I was at the Paramore concert. I did get back in time to watch the 3rd period and overtime, and it had to have been one of the most ill-tempered intramural match I've ever seen. Even turing the post-game handshakes, people wanted to start fights. Needless to say, I've been looking forward to this one. :)

I can see why this was the case now. Aside from them being probably the dirtiest team in the league, they also like to yap a lot on top of it. The first faceoff our line took, their defenceman started going off about us wearing pink before the puck dropped. Beav promptly scores a highlight reel goal on that shift on a nice little give and go. :) Same guy was tripping and slashing people in the neutral zone with the refs backs turned. And in a hilarious moment, while I was standing in front the net, he was hitting me in the back; which is actually pretty common. But as the play went the other way, I'm skating out of the zone, he's STILL cross-checking me in the back. I thought it was funny, at least.

Anyhoo, we're up for most of the game, although it's very back and forth. We're up 6-3 with about 3:00 to go when one of our forwards takes a major penalty for butt-ending a player. So we're on the penalty kill for the rest of the game. They score one on their first shift, so it's now 6-4. So they pull their goalie, and our team sends Zim and I out there to shut them down. We do. :) It was a long shift, but Zim and I must have bloked 4-5 shots during that one sequence, and they don't get the goal. The very next shift, we score with an open net, and get the win!

Rink is under construction! Hoping to be operational by next weekend!

Next Games:
Political Animals - tbd
Beefy Bastones - Thursday, December 10th vs Evolution (though I'll miss the game 'cause of a Treestar show that night)

I've got a lot of catching up to do!

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 03:01:44 GMT

Game #11: November 19th, 2009
Beefy Bastones 7 - 0 JMH Juniors
LW Louis Tentsos #17: 0G, 1A, 1P, +2, 1 SOG, 11:00+ TOI

Game #12: November 22nd, 2009
Political Animals 2 - 8 UTSC
LW Louis Tentsos #17: 0G, 0A, 0P, -3, 2 SOG, 2:00 PIM, 14:00+ TOI

Game #13: November 12th, 2009
Beefy Bastones 2 - 6 Marlies
LW Louis Tentsos #17: 0G, 0A, 0P, -1, 1 SOG, 10:00+ TOI

So the first game was pretty good, as it was a pretty solid effort by the entire team. I got credited for an assist, although I think that might be a mistake. :) Good game though, although I had some defensive zone issues in the 3rd period. But they didn't go in, which is the important thing.

The Animals game was the first game I've ever "captained" with Gabe at a conference for the rest of the year. As you can see, it didn't go well. It mostly came down to bounces, as we had FAR more scoring opportunities than they did. But their goalie stopped just about everything, while the only chances we were giving up were odd-man rushes or good scoring chances. But the good news is, the Animals finished 2nd place (we would have finished 3rd, but Medicine was found to be using ineligible players, bumping us up one!), and we play in the semi-finals tomorrow night @ 8 pm at Varsity Arena!

The latest Bastones game was an incredibly rough one. The Marlies must be one of the chippiest teams in the league. They had one guy thrown out, and it was one of the funniest things I've ever seen. He got called for a trip, which he thought was a dive (it wasn't.) He's complaining to the ref and refuses to let it go. So the ref gives him another 2:00 for unsportsmonlike conduct. He goes absolutely ballistic; jumps out of the penalty box and goes after the ref. The ref now gives him a Harrasement of Official double misconduct; 2 10:00 penalties, gets kicked out of the game and an automatic 3-game suspension. So he's escorted off the ice, and he's STILL yelling at the referees from outside the rink. Goes into the dressing room, gets undressed, comes back out, and proceeds to mouth off some more! And when the game was over, ref comes off the ice, and he goes up to him, and won't let up! It has to be the craziest thing I've ever seen.

Near the end of the game, with the Marlies up 6-2, one of them thought he was slashed between whistles (I was just coming onto the ice to take the faceoff, I didn't see if it was true). He now wants to fight the guy who slashed him, who is now on the bench. So our whole line is holding him back along with the referees, and now HE refuses to let it go. They're winning 6-2, it's almost 1:00 am, and he's holding the game up.

That VERY next shift, I had one of the worst things happen to me in hockey thusfar. I don't know if it was a revenge thing or what it would be, but in a 6-2 game, I've got the puck behind the net. I throw it along the boards to the wing and head towards the front of the next to see if I can get a rebound. As I'm coming around the net, their guy gives me a two handed cross-check across the collar-bone...right below the base of the throat. Thankfully, my shoulder pads absorbed the worst of the hit, but it was incredibly dangerous considering if it was a couple inches higher, it would have been right across the throat. My centre Ricky, who is a great dude and an absolutely standup guy, immediately drops the gloves and goes after the guy. He ended up getting a double-minor for roughing. Although, I think he should be suspended; not that I'm hurt, I'm doing alright. Just the sheer violence of it doesn't belong in the game.

Next Games:
Political Animals - Sunday, November 29th vs OISE (Playoffs: Semi-Finals)
Beefy Bastones - Thursday, December 3rd vs Mulleteers

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 19:56:01 GMT

Game #9: November 9th, 2009
Political Animals 6 - 1 Cougars
LW Louis Tentsos #17: 0G, 0A, 0P, -1, 1 SOG, 15:00+ TOI

Game #10: November 12th, 2009
Beffy Bastones 4 - 3 Hamilton Coyotes (OT)
LW Louis Tentsos #17: 0G, 0A, 0P, -2, 3 SOG, 10:00+ TOI

Combined update this week; 2 games, 2 wins, but 2 pretty lackluster outings on my part. The first game says it all. -1 in which my team wins by 5 goals is pretty disastrous, especially when the other team only scores the one. The BB game I played a little better, but was also on the ice for all 3 goals against (and 1 for...hence -2), and two of them I was made to look silly when their defenseman deked me out and walked in from the point to score. Ugh.

To make matters worse, I had some pretty heavy heart palpatations during the Political Animals game. Now it may have been because we only had two lines, which increased my ice time. But we've played the two line game before with no issues. Last year, I was even playing upwards of 17-18 minutes a game when when we were only having 8 skaters show up for the first few games. I guess it's a sign of lack of finesse? It was much better in the BB game though, no finesse issues there (eveb though I was playing semi-sick).

I'm still sick now, or else I would be working at getting my fitness level up again. This summer I was in some of the best shape in my life. Strange how playing Hockey almost twice a week hasn't kept that up.

Next Games:
Political Animals - Sunday, Nov 22nd vs UTSC
Beefy Bastones - Thursday, Nov 19th vs JMH Juniors

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 22:57:25 GMT

Game #8: November 5th, 2009
Dumb Pucks 3 - 4 Beefy Bastones

LW Louis Tentsos #17: 0G, 0A, 0P, -1, 1 HIT, 1 BLK, 1 SOG, 10:00+ TOI

We've got to start playing 2nd period hockey. We always come out strong and finish strong, but usually hit a lull in the middle. We went up 1-0 in the first, they scored 3 in the 2nd and we scored 3 with under 5 minutes left in the third to win in regulation. Nonetheless, a win is win!

This game was definately a regression on my part compared to my last two games. I think it was in part to me getting absolutely LEVELED on my first shift. I got hit hard (either a shoulder or elbow to the throat), and after that, I never really got my game going. I think I had two decent shifts the entire game. Both in the 3rd period; one on a PK, where I blocked the shot in one end, and generated a scoring chance in the other, and my last shift of the game when we were on the ice with 2:00 to go, trying to get a tying goal and were all over the opposition.

In completely unrelated news, I started assembling the backyard rink today. It's not completely together, as I'm thinking of enlarging it, but it feels good to get it going again.

Next Games:
Political Animals - Monday, Nov 9th vs Cougars
Beefy Bastones - Thursday, Nov 12th vs Hamilton Coyotes

Movember

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:42:35 GMT

Hello friends and colleagues,

I wanted to let you know about a great initiative that I will be participating in. This November, I will be sacrificing my boy-ish good looks for the month and growing myself a terrific mustache. Now, you may be asking yourself, “How is that a great initiative?”

Well, this November, men from all across the globe (affectionately known as “Mo Bros.”) will be growing out our face furniture to raise money and awareness for Prostate Cancer as part of “Movember.” My team and I are proudly raising funds for Prostate Cancer Canada.

I have set up a “MoSpace” at http://ca.movember.com/mospace/64580. There you can make donations, learn more about prostate cancer (I have attached a pamphlet as well), and even rate my mustache out of 5! (after November 15th, though. I need at least SOME time to grow it!)

In these times, I completely understand if you can’t make a donation, but the best donation of all is moral support. So, if you see a man rockin’ the upper lip plumage or the cookie duster, be a good “Mo Bro” or “Mo Sista” and shoot him a smile! After all, you know what it’s for!

Many thanks, and have a happy Movember!
http://ca.movember.com/

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:01:13 GMT

Game #7: October 29th, 2009
Beefy Bastones 5 - 6 Scarlem Stealers (OT)

LW Louis Tentsos #17: 0G, 2A, 2P, +4, 1 HIT, 1 SOG, 2:00 PIM, 9:00+ TOI

Remember last week when the Bastones won by 4 goals, yet I still finished -1 in plus/minus? Well this was pretty much the opposite. My line was reaking havoc in the offensive zone, and we were on the ice for 4 of our 5 goals. We were also waging war in the defensive zone and pretty much shut down the opposition (including a hectic flurry in the last minute) to finish at +4. Terry even said this was the best game he's every seen me play. I was making good decisions with the puck, I was forechecking and cycling well, and got the 2nd assist on two goals.

But they wouldn't let up either, they got a few lucky bounces on some long distance goals to stay in the game. They were also a very chippy team (but then again, so are we), and they got away with a lot (I got high-sticked in the first period...thankfully I always wear a visor-cage combo). The refs did a decent job considering both teams were essentially steamrolling each other regardless of it being a non-contact league, but they missed a lot of the little things. (the 2:00 penalty wasn't mine, though, I had to serve it as I was on the ice for a double minor called on Terry)

It was a bad break in overtime, though. We were on the powerplay, but when our centre won the opening draw, it skipped over the defenseman's stick, and their centre had a breakaway goal. Sucks.

But in the end, you have to take the positives with the negatives. We outplayed them by a wide margin, but they got some breaks to stay close. In the meantime, I'm playing some of the best hockey since I started. In the two games I had this week, I have 1 goal & 2 assists for 3 points, and am +6. Not bad for a defensive guy learning the game.

Next Games:
Political Animals - Monday, Nov 9th vs Cougars
Beefy Bastones - Thursday, Nov 5th vs Dumb Pucks

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:18:58 GMT

Game #6: October 28th, 2009
Political Animals 4 - 0 Victoria

LW Louis Tentsos #17: 1G, 0A, 1P, +2, 3 SOG, 13:00+ TOI

This was an interesting one as we had so many problems going into the game, and it ended up being all for naught in our favor. We were originally worried that we weren't going to have enough players, as the response for the game was moderate. Turns out we had 12 skaters, which was more than enough...

Then we find out our goalie has flu-like symptoms, and can't make it to the game. So now we're panicking because we need a goalie. Since Gabe and I are co-captains, we start calling everyone we know who has pads and Gabe eventually finds a guy willing to play.

Turns out, Victoria only had 6 skaters show up. That's good to start the game, however, 8 are required to start the 2nd period. So after playing one period, they automatically forfeited the game. So all that worrying for essentially nothing. (although since we had the ice anyways, we had ourselves a good game of shinny)

During that period, though, we played very well. Good cycling in all facets of the game. I also got a lot of time on the Penalty Kill and we went 2/2. Also potted in a good centering pass, and forechecked well in the offensive zone. Still got to work on my decision making, there were a couple times I went to make the pass to the point, and it was intercepted.

Next Games:
Political Animals - Monday, Nov 9th vs Cougars
Beefy Bastones - Thursday, Oct 29th vs Scarlem Stealers

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 17:17:29 GMT

Game #5: October 22nd, 2009
Beefy Bastones 7 - 3 Evolution

LW Louis Tentsos #17: 0G, 0A, 0P, -1, 2 BLK, 2:00 PIM, 9:00+ TOI

The good news is I think my head is in the game pretty well now, and my legs are going to the best of my abilities, and my knees held up alright. My speed isn't terrific, but I make up for that with some strong positional play. I'm also a bit better with handling the puck, made a couple passes tape to tape and a couple good clears, which has been an issue for me. I even felt comfortable enough last night to play on the Penalty Kill. So all around, my game is improving. Slowly, but improving.

Through all that, finishing -1 when your team wins by 4 goals is kind of rough. Hilariously enough, though, one of my linemates carried the ice into the zone while we were doing a line change, and scored! So it didn't count towards my stat since I just got on the bench! haha.

The penalty minutes were for Too Many Men on the Ice, which is technically a bench minor, but I served it, so it applies to me. It was funny though, I think we were up 6-3 at that point anyways. We had just killed a penalty, and the player skated to the bench, and I took his place. He, however, didn't see me take his place, and came back out a few seconds later. But that's a bench and communication thing, which will come over time.

Next Games:
Political Animals - Wednesday, Oct 28th vs Victoria
Beefy Bastones - Thursday, Oct 29th vs Scarlem Stealers

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 15:23:34 GMT

Game #4: October 19th, 2009
Political Animals 3 - 3 OISE

LW Louis Tentsos #17: 0G, 0A, 0P, +/-0, 2 SOG, 10:00+ TOI

The stats may not be all that impressive, but it was a pretty solid game all around. Our defense and goalie played amazing, blocking shots and making saves, and really held us in there. All the scoring came from the top line of JC and the Guerrisi bros. I was on the 3rd line with David and Chris, and the three of us played a solid 2-way game. Played well in our own zone, kept the puck to the outside, and generated a few scoring chances in the offensive zone as well. The 3rd goal was generated from us hemming OISE in their own zone, and changing on the fly to keep the pressure.

The same can be said about my game. The stats are decent, and didn't excel in any particular area, but played a good all round game; stayed positionally sound taking the pointmen away, and found the seams in the offensive zone to get a few chances on the cycle. So even though there were no goals and no points, this was probably my best game of the young season.

I did not get a good stretch beforehand though, and yesterday had to make deliveries to each college on campus, so my left knee is in pretty rough shape. To make matters worse, I put on Lokata, which was great at first, but in the middle of the night started to burn my skin, so I had to wash it off. I'm wearing a knee brace right now, and I'm hoping to be alright for tomorrow. I might have to take some joint relief/pain killers and really manage/limit my minutes on Thursday.

Next Games:
Political Animals - Wednesday, Oct 28th vs Victoria
Beefy Bastones - Thursday, Oct 22nd vs Evolution

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 22:39:54 GMT

Game #3 (and 3.5): October 5th, 2009
Marlies 4 - 3 Beefy Bastones

LW Louis Tentsos #1: 0G, 0A, 0P, +/-0, 8:00+ TOI

Better late than never, I guess. Though this game was incredibly forgetable. Just horrible refereeing. They were calling marginal stuff on us, and the other team was getting away with some blatant calls. It was just...ugh. My game here was much like the first one...just couldn't get my game going, and couldn't get the momentum from the good game w/ the goal I had a few days prior.

The Beefy Bastones played last night though vs the Mulleteers. I sat out the game (I was at the Paramore concert), but I got back to watch the 3rd period from the stands. The trend of bad refereeing continued as we had a teammate kicked out of the game for "kicking" (he actually just lost his balance, but the referee thought it was pretty "blatant") putting the Bastones down another man for the game. Somehow, though, they managed the victory, 5-4 in Overtime! So that's good news!

Back to the ice on Monday!

Next Games:
Political Animals - Monday, Oct 19th vs OISE
Beefy Bastones - Thursday, Oct 22nd vs Evolution

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 04:47:07 GMT

Game #2: October 5th, 2009
Music 4 - 9 Political Animals

LW Louis Tentsos #17: 1G, 0A, 1P, 2SOG, +1, 14:00+ TOI

There it is! My first goal ever! I am so incredibly happy right now!

I can't tell you how awesome the feeling is. I still remember my first home run back when I played little league, and my first ever goal in soccer; it's the same feeling. There was a big smile that I still haven't wiped off my face! And all my line mates, JC and Chris, Dave and Gabe (the latter who set up my goal) came and mugged me afterwards. It was great!

Overall game was pretty good, although I'm still needing to get my legs going. I was outmuscled on a backcheck trying to get a loose puck out of our crease, which directly led to a goal against. So I need to play a bit harder in my own zone. Also, was handling the puck a bit like a grenade, and had a few too many giveaways. Need to calm down and look for the pass a bit more in the offensive zone. Positioning was not bad, though, I was where I pretty much needed to be in all 3 zones.

So, that's pretty much it. Since the backyard rink isn't up and running yet, I can't really practice. But with more games this year will come more experience. Right back at it this Thursday with the Beefy Bastones!

Next Games:
Political Animals - Monday, Oct 19th vs OISE
Beefy Bastones - Thursday, Oct 8th vs Marlies

Time to start it up again!

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 14:33:18 GMT

Two leagues this year, so expect more frequent updates! hahaha...

Game #1: October 1st, 2009
Beefy Bastones 2 - 5 JMH Juniors

LW Louis Tentsos #11: 0G, 0A, 0P, +/-0, 2 HIT

Personal Notes: Man, it's been a while. Couldn't seem to get things going tonight in all 3 facets of the game. Offensive zone was not bad, there were a few times where we hemmed them in their end, scored a goal, and I had a good chance for a tap in that I missed. But my neutral zone play and defensive zone play were pretty substandard. Just have to get my head and body into the game more.

That's pretty much it. Considering the score, our goalie played really well. He had to make quite a number of good saves.

We played in league uniforms last night, but I should mention that when we get them next week, our jerseys are pink and black. In honor of the Hitman, of course! :)

Next Games:
Political Animals - Monday, Oct 5th vs Music
Beefy Bastones - Thursday, Oct 8th vs Marlies

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 18:47:32 GMT

+ Jet Boating
+ Montreal Poutine
+ Rue St. Catherine's
+ playing in the arcade at 3 a.m
+ la Ronde
+ Beautiful women EVERYWHERE (including the cops!)

= one awesome Montreal trip.

Pictures will come soon, I'm sure...

So I'm lame...

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 02:50:23 GMT

and don't really update this thing. I think with the emergence of Twitter and Facebook status updates and the like, it's easier for me than running a blog. Not to say that they're the same thing, but if you look back, my livejournal was all about stuff I did or was doing; not so much feelings or opinions of anything. It's much easier when I go with a one line: "Louis Tentsos is going to Randy's birthday party tonight!" than 4 days later "I went to Randy's on Saturday. It was fun."

So I suck. And I apologize. When hockey starts up again, I can start posting stats once more. lol.

I'm probably going to join another league this year, along with the U of T houseleague, just to get the ice time up and get as much action as possible. Playing once a week with a bye-week over 2 months wasn't enough for me to learn the team aspect of the game. Since I just started playing, I have no idea about the "systems" of the game (i.e; where I should be in a dump in, cycling situation, penalty kill, etc). So Canlan sports offers and organized league not far from my house, so I might join that and get some more playing time (and any-and-all are welcome to join me!)

Summer has been fantastic so far. I just got a promotion and raise at work not too long ago, and I'll probably be moving to the PoliSci graduate student office come September, which should be great!

Touring with the band has been fantastic as well. I may have played one of greatest shows ever in Lindsay a couple weeks back. The people there are just so passionate about live music, they really treated us to a good time. There was dancing, jumping, and even a circle pit! T'was awesome! We also played Parry Sound earlier this week; it was toned down for us because we played an acoustic set, but man, the other bands were amazing!! Echoes and Oceans, Cederdale and the Memphis West all blew me away that night!

That's pretty much been it. The summer is just whizzing by (and the weather has been disatrous...ugh) and I'm just living life and being happy. It sure is great!

although one epic fail; I bought a new car back in May (a Hyundai Elantra Touring), and it's been great. Except I keep it in the garage, and today, a shelf came off the wall and a whole bunch of stuff strached and dinged the driver's side of my car. Balls.

Wed, 08 Apr 2009 18:11:34 GMT

I thought this was hilarious. I have a picture up on a rate-my-picture website, these are some ratings I've received by age group...

Women 18-25: 2.88/10 avg

Women 40+: 8.5/10 avg.

So, where's the nearest cougar bar?

Final Hockey Stats 2008/2009

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 19:42:33 GMT

Political Animals
#17 Louis Tentsos LW/RW

Games Played: 9
Goals: 0
Assists: 3
Points: 3
Plus/Minus: -1

Penalty Minutes: 4
Hits: 14
Blocked Shots: 4 (I actually thought this was a lot higher)

Shots on Goal: 13
Shooting %: 0%

Average Ice Time: 9:30 per game.

Not bad for my first time playing the sport on ice ever. Still got a lot of work to do, though. Off-season training, yo!!!

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 19:02:30 GMT

The forfeit of the last game held up and the Political Animals are missing the playoffs, despite being the highest scoring team in a 4-way tie for 3rd place...

I need a hug...

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 04:08:11 GMT

Game #5: March 19th, 2009
Political Animals 1 - 3 UTSC

LW Louis Tentsos #17: 0G, 1A, 1P, 4SOG, -1, 3HIT,

Game Notes: I'm not going to go into too much info, as the Animals have had a rough week. After beating the Cougars last week, they filed a complaint with the league that we used ringers in our 8-1 victory. Even though we didn't (every person on the team has played a game before), they said one person appeared on the score sheet but wasn't on the sign in sheet (which we literally got minutes before hitting the ice). They said if we can't explain what happened, then we forfeit the game which costs us our playoff spot.

On top of that, the refs forfeited the game for us tonight after 1 period due to "insufficient players." The rulebook says a hockey team must have 6-8 skaters in order to play a game (which is a very loose definition), and we had 7. So technically we were eligible to play, but at intermission (we only have 2 periods as opposed to 3), the refs called it a game at 3-1, which is weird, because it wasn't an insurmountable lead.

So, that puts us in a precarious situation since forfeits count as minus 1 point in the standings. If neither forfeit counts, we're 3-2-0-0 and have 6 points and we're okay. If only tonight counts, we're 3-1-0-1 which is 5 points and in good standing but not a shoe in for the playoffs. If both games are forfeited we're 2-1-0-2, which only gives us 2 points and we're eliminated.

So we'll see what happens, and when we get the results, I'll post them here.

edit: this is the rule regarding the 6-8 forfeit; it looks like it'll count so we might end up with only 5 points:

2. When two (2) numbers are stated, the first number indicates the number of players needed to begin the game and the second indicates the number of players needed to continue after the first half, period or set.

3. If the number of players on a team falls below the required number due to players leaving the game (excluding injuries and ejections), the team defaults the game.

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 04:59:46 GMT

Game #4: March 10th, 2009
Political Animals 8 - 1 Cougars

RW Louis Tentsos #17: 0G, 0A, 0P, 1SOG, +2, 2HIT, 9:00+ TOI

Personal notes: WE'RE IN THE PLAYOFFS!!

With this win, we managed to clinch a playoff spot!! Fantastic news! Another win over UTSC next week would give us 1st place too, but I'm getting ahead of myself.

The play of the game is pretty much reflected by the score. We kept them hemmed in their zone pretty much the entire game, and just kept firing the puck on net. Their goalie actually played decent considering the score, but didn't get much support in terms of defense.

I was again shocked when I was put on the scoring line with Gabe and Alex, but this time on the right side. I was a bit out of my element on the right side considering I've played LW pretty much all year, I'm much more comfortable there. I did have success when paired with Alex and Gabe last time around, though, in the Law game where we wreaked havoc in the offensive zone, especially on the powerplay, but we couldn't get the same thing going tonight (although Alex had a goal, though, and I think one came from the point too) The bulk of the scoring tonight came from the 2nd line of Andrew, Daniel and Joncarlo. I think they may have had 5 goals in between the 3 of them.

With 4 minutes to go, though, in a race for the puck along the boards, I took an elbow to the throat pretty hard. Although it hurt more than the stick to the chin in the last game, this one was accidental so it was less vicious. While it took me a couple minutes to regain my breath, I ended up being fine. However, just as a precaution, I was shut down for the rest of the game, which was no big deal since we were winning 7-1 at the time anyways. I think I missed one shift total; no big deal.

So good stuff! Looking foward to the next game against my old school!! Still no goals yet, so it would be poetry if my first one came against UTSC and helped us get First Place! hahaha.

Next Game: Thursday, March 19th, 2009 vs UTSC. 9 pm @ Varsity Arena.

Essential rules for bands...

Sun, 08 Mar 2009 19:48:28 GMT

I was digging through old LJ posts and found this one, so I figured I'd share it with ya'll again!!

Never start a trio with a married couple.

Before you sign a record deal, look up the word "recoupable" in the dictionary.

No one cares who you've opened for.

When a drummer brings in his own songs and asks to perform one of them, begin looking for a new drummer IMMEDIATELY.

A string section does not make your songs sound any more "important".

If your band has gone through more than 4 bass players, it's time to break up.

When you talk on stage you are never funny.

Your manager's not helping you. Fire him/her.

If you sound like another band, don't act like you're unfamiliar with their music ("Oh, does Rage Against The Machine also do rap-rock with political lyrics?")

Asking a crowd how they're doing is just amplified small talk. Don't do it.

Don't say your video's being played if it's only on the Austin Music Network.

When you sign to a major label, claim to have inked the best contract ever.

Mention "artistic freedom" and "a guaranteed 3 record deal".

When you get dropped, insist that it was the worst contract ever and you asked to be let go.

Never name a song after your band.

Never name your band after a song.

Never enter a "battle of the bands" contest. If you do you're already a loser.

Learn to recognise scary word pairings: "rock opera", "white rapper", "blues jam", "swing band", "open mike", etc.

Drummers can take off their shirts or they can wear gloves, but not both.

Listen, either break it to your parents or we will: it's rock 'n' roll, not a soccer game. They've got to stop coming to your shows.

It's not a "showcase". It's a gig that doesn't pay.

No one cares that you have a web site.

Getting a tattoo is like sewing platform shoes to your feet.

Don't hire a publicist.

Playing in Portsmouth and Nashua doesn't mean you're on tour.

Don't join a cover band that plays Bush songs. In fact, don't join a cover band.

Although they come in different styles and colours, electric guitars all sound the same. Why do you keep changing them between songs?

Don't stop your set to ask that beers be brought up. That's what girlfriends/boyfriends are for.

If you use a smoke machine, your music stinks.

We can tell the difference between a professionally produced album cover and one you made with the iMac your mum got for Christmas.

Remember: if blues solos are so difficult, why can so many 16 year olds play them?

If you ever take a publicity photo, destroy it. You may never know where or when it will turn up.

Cut your hair, but do not shave your head.

Pierce your nose, but not your eyebrow.

Do not wear shorts onstage. Or a suit. Or a hat.

Rock oxymorons: "major label interest", "demo deal"," blues genius", "$500 guarantee", and "Fastball's second hit".

Three things that are never coming back - gongs, headbands and playing slide guitar with a beer bottle.

And most importantly, never suck!

Hey friends who may be coming tonight...

Thu, 05 Mar 2009 18:59:01 GMT

Just a heads up, the facebook event page has, as of right now, 214 people.

Capacity @ Clinton's is just over 100.

Now I think they'll be moving away all the tables and everything to make more room, but just in case, even though we're on 3rd, I would get there as early as you can. Doors are at 8 pm.

It's going to be a great night for a great cause! Hope to see the lot of you there!

p.s: for those wondering what happened to the hockey stats, it's been almost a month since my last game. But there's one this coming Tuesday. It's felt like forever. Let's hope I'm still in shape! hahaha.

Mon, 09 Feb 2009 20:11:20 GMT

Game #3: February 7th, 2009
Political Animals 9 - 2 Music

LW Louis Tentsos #17: Not Dressed

Personal Notes: So Arjun just came in and told me the good news. The Animals crushed Music!! Apparently, the guys in the locker room were really wishing I was there. 6 of the 9 goals scored on Music were basically tap-ins off rebounds and centering passes into the crease, usually where I like to park my big, old Greek butt! To quote Arjun exactly, "Not only would you have gotten your first goal, but you probably would have gotten your first hat-trick too."

But hey, the most important thing is the win. We are currently in 2nd place, 1st in the league in goals (although this game probably had something to do with that), 1st in team +/-, and we're 4th in goals against.

So next week is reading week, and then we have a bye week, so we don't play again for a while. But the next game is a big one, against the Cougars, who currently hold down 1st place overall. We need to to win one of our two remaining games to clinch a playoff spot.

Next Game: March 10th vs Cougars. 11 pm.

Sat, 31 Jan 2009 06:32:30 GMT

Game #2: January 30th, 2009
Law 2 - 1 Political Animals

LW Louis Tentsos #17: 0G, 0A, 0P, 5SOG, -1, 1HIT, 18:00+ TOI

Personal notes: So I guess this is going to be a more regular occurance, as we had 9 people again this week (5 Fwd, 3 D, 1 G), so that meant a lot of ice time. It was a bit better this week; I guess last week was good preparation and thus my finesse has gotten better. Not as hard on the lungs.

This game really was a goaltender battle, since both teams had tons of chances. I think it came down to them having a better first period, and us having a better second period, but when we needed that final push to tie it up, we were simply out of gas (although we had one that looked like it was over the line, but it was disallowed because it wasn't visible under the goalie's pads)

My game was very interesting: last week I didn't play very well, but came out with an even rating and one assist. This week was probably my best offensive game in a while, but I come away with no points and a -1 rating.

I was *THIS* close to scoring my first goal, the goalie juggled the shot and it lay on the goal line for 2 seconds. I tried to tip it in, but was tackled from behind by a 6'4, 220lbs defenseman and couldn't get a stick on it. That being said, the best part of my game tonight was drawing penalties by being a tenacious nuisance in front of the net. I actually managed to draw 3 penalties; one was a trip, and two cross-checking penalties. The hilarious thing was that one of the cross-checks was on the goalie. I didn't see because I had my back to him, but I was told it was a pretty vicious two-hander (which goalies not named Ed Belfour aren't usually known for). The goalie one caused a 5-on-3, but alas, we could not put the puck in the net (I had 3 of my 5 shots on that power play)

On the injury front, I took a pretty bad high-stick shot to the chin in the 2nd to no penalty call. I don't know if it was a butt-end (I think it may have been) or the base of the stick that caught me right undernearth my chinstrap. I thought my mouth was bleeding, but fortunately, I was okay, though it's still a little sore right now.

So back to basics, back onto the ice ASAP. I think my next piece of work is trying to lift the puck over the goalie's pads from short range.

Next Game: Saturday, Feb 7th vs Music (though I probably won't play this game due to a Treestar gig that night)

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 06:23:13 GMT

Game #1: January 20th, 2009
Victoria 2 - 4 Political Animals

LW Louis Tentsos #17: 0G, 1A, 1P, 2SOG, +/-0, 1HIT, 17:00+ TOI

Personal notes: You are not reading that wrong. I was on the ice for over 17 minutes tonight. A far cry from my usual 6-8 minutes a game. We only had 5 forwards and 3 defense, so there was a constant rotation. I would go onto the ice for 2-3 minutes, and then come off the ice for 30-60 seconds before I had to go back out again. By the second period my legs were not moving the way they were supposed to, and I was completely out of gas and just going through the motions. All my muscles have made me 1000 promises of pain for tomorrow morning.

That being said, it was a miracle that we won. It really was. We jumped to an early 2-0 lead, and just outplayed them in the opening period. And then the fatigue started to set in for the whole team, and Vic tied it up 2-2. That's when we were starting to really push all the energy we had left. It turned out to be a flukey give-and-go goal through the neutral zone from myself to Gabe to Alex shooting from behind the goal line (seriously, it was miraculous that it went in!) that gave us the go-ahead, and an empty netter after (from inside our blue line too!). So a win is a win, but man did we ever work hard to get it.

On a personal note, not to bad, but I'm definately capable of better. Even though I got the one point, I was fighting the puck a lot, and wasn't getting as much velocity as I wanted on the shots I was taking. So it'll be back to the backyard rink, working on quick passes and one timers with my dad, and I'll be ready to go next time.

Next Game: Friday, January 30th vs Law