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Back from the dry cleaner’s, writing my packing list for Traverse City
by George Malik on 09/08/10 at 05:55 PM ET
Comments (83)
Update time from George. Barring any complications, I should make the trek to Traverse City sometime on Friday and be at least somewhat settled in by the prospects’ practices on Saturday morning, and I am grateful for and literally indebted to so many of you for your kind contributions that are making my trip possible…
And I honestly have very little idea as to how things will unfold. From getting my dress clothes pressed at the dry cleaner’s to purchasing my first smart phone, a fancy-schmancy HTC Evo 4G (which I’m still learning how to use—does anybody have some good “app” suggestions?) to trying to figure out how to keep myself fed living on shoestring food budget, and I haven’t planned on spending ten days in a hotel since I went to Germany in high school, so this is a bit of an adventure, to say the least. Professionally speaking, I’m not sure what form my coverage will take: I’m not quite sure how I’ll format or when I’ll file reports, posts, upload audio interviews, whether the cell phone’s camera is good enough to take pictures, etc. etc. The Abel to Yzerman and Kukla’s Korner communities have amazingly come together to help me engage in what I can best describe as a, “Go, see, and do” learning experience, and I’ll learn as I go.
I hope that’s okay with everybody. This will be my first prospect tournament and training camp, and aside from the usual level of professionalism I’ll bring to the equation, I’m certain that you can expect hiccups from time to time because I’ll learn as I go, but I definitely plan on remaining my over-detail-oriented, verbose self, and I hope to learn and improve every day, just like the prospects and players involved. I’d also welcome suggestions, constructive criticism, a few requests, and questions for the Wings’ prospects and/or management to add to my own.
In any case, I’m going to go on an adventure and I already know that the hardest parts are parallel: first, the prospects practice in the morning (bleh), and I’m no morning person, and, regrettably, I’ll be rooting for the Wings’ prospects, but won’t be allowed to cheer for them in the press box. Them’s the breaks. Naps will remedy the former, but I’ll have to figure out the latter.
All the reports from the prospect tournament and training camp will be posted here on KK, most likely on Abel to Yzerman until the new blog gets underway. Regarding that blog…
The blog still has no real name, though the “Malik Report” seems to have won out over “Malik’s Musings,” “Unbiased, Unprofessional and Verbose,” or anything else (my only idea was “Feathers and Chrome), nor a logo, so I a) would like you to weigh in on the aforementioned names and/or suggest you own and b) If there’s anyone out there with mad Photoshop skills, my idea for a banner (it must be 490 pixels wide by 75 pixels high) would be to superimpose the blog’s name on a certain goaltender’s leg pads, say, in a picture like this…
So if you’re interested, post a comment or send me an email at rtxg at yahoo dot com. The blog should be up and running sometime around the September 15th, weather permitting. Okay, maybe not so much on the weather…
That’s the news. If you’re still interested in the whole donating thing, you can still click here to send Paypal $ to rtxg at yahoo dot com. Got most of the hotel covered, but food, not so much. I hate to ask, but if you’re willing it’s always appreciated.
Filed in: | Abel to Yzerman | Permalink
Tags: I'll+be+moving+here+full-time, Sometime+around+September+15th,
Comments
The Abel to Yzerman and Kukla’s Korner communities have amazingly come together to help me engage in what I can best describe as a, “Go, see, and do” learning experience, and I’ll learn as I go.
I hope that’s okay with everybody.
It’s ok with everybody that matters, George. We picked you because you’re the best. Looking forward to the perspective you’ll be bringing us.
Posted by J.J. from Kansas on 09/08/10 at 06:18 PM ET
I’ll be rooting for the Wings’ prospects, but won’t be allowed to cheer for them in the press box.
And that’s why I’ll never be mainstream. Mick almost punched me for my fist-pump on H2H.
Posted by Guilherme from Brazsil on 09/08/10 at 06:19 PM ET
twicca for your Twitter app. Create a list of key people to follow in Twitter, then set twicca to follow your list.
Turn off updates and just manually update when needed.
Posted by Paul from Motown Area on 09/08/10 at 06:19 PM ET
And Malik, don’t worry about giving us 100% of what happens (i.e., counting how many strides Ferraro gives between the two lines). Relax, we’re doing this for you because we want to you deserve it and we count on you, so try to have fun, ok?
Posted by Guilherme from Brazsil on 09/08/10 at 06:22 PM ET
The Abel to Yzerman and Kukla’s Korner communities have amazingly come together to help me engage in what I can best describe as a, “Go, see, and do” learning experience, and I’ll learn as I go.
I hope that’s okay with everybody.
It’s ok with everybody that matters, George. We picked you because you’re the best. Looking forward to the perspective you’ll be bringing us.
Posted by J.J. from Kansas on 09/08/10 at 07:18 PM ET
A-OK here, too, George.
And Malik, don’t worry about giving us 100% of what happens (i.e., counting how many strides Ferraro gives between the two lines). Relax, we’re doing this for you because we want to you deserve it and we count on you, so try to have fun, ok?
Posted by Guilherme from Brazsil on 09/08/10 at 07:22 PM ET
Spoken from experience, eh, Herm?
Ditto, here, George. Enjoy.
Oh(!) Did you remember your skates?
Posted by stonehands-78 from the beginning ... a WingsFan, on 09/08/10 at 06:58 PM ET
Having you there is the beginning of an excellent adventure for all of the 19 and, anyone else that is passionate aboot our beloved Dee-troit Red Wings.
The best part is that you are also a Wingaholic. Just like the rest of us bitches.
Thank you, Mr.Malik.
Lets Go Red Wings!!!!!
Posted by Kate from Pa.-made in Detroit on 09/08/10 at 07:18 PM ET
You’re the man George. We love you and your work, so just do like you do.
The Malik Report gets my vote.
Can’t help you with the banner but I have a request. Can you tug gently on Tuzzi’s ear, then just smile at him?
Posted by Osrt on 09/08/10 at 07:20 PM ET
Osrt, we really don’t want Malik going mysteriously missing, do we?
I don’t have much to spare, but I’m sure there’s a dollar menu somewhere in Traverse so I know every little bit helps. McDouble’s on me.
Posted by MarkK from Maryland on 09/08/10 at 07:23 PM ET
Glad to have you aboard George. I have been following you since I got my 1st computer in 99. That was when you posted in the Det News Wings Forum under the name rxtg. That was a decent site for a short time until some people ruined it. You always have insightful opinions on all things Red wings and look foward to more here without having to go to the snapshots website.
Wish I could make it to TC and make a run to the Boyne river for some salmon dragging me across the banks. Have a great time and just be yourself George.
Posted by cigar_nurse from Greenville South Cakalakee on 09/08/10 at 07:37 PM ET
Spoken from experience, eh, Herm?
Haha, just a little. I just want our bearded typing monkey to know we’re didn’t pick him just for work. I think we all agree that the pressure is not all on Malik, and all work and no play makes Georgie a dull boy.
Posted by Guilherme from Brazsil on 09/08/10 at 07:40 PM ET
I think we all agree that the pressure is not all on Malik, and all work and no play makes Georgie a dull boy. posted by Guilherme
Besides the Red Wing experience, I would like to hear a bit about your trip…
surprises….problems….and shifts in priorities these cause.
Maybe a little about the fans you encounter.
What a great experience this should be ....
Have a great time.
Posted by HockeyTownTodd on 09/08/10 at 08:05 PM ET
The blog still has no real name, though the “Malik Report” seems to have won out over “Malik’s Musings,” “Unbiased, Unprofessional and Verbose,”
What happened to “In a Nutshell”?
Posted by monkey from here to Timbuktu on 09/08/10 at 08:12 PM ET
HTT, talking about what happens in terms of the experience, from having to wake up when normal people do to the likely uncomfortable feelings involved in figuring out where the, “If I’m ‘media,’ can I still stand in line for an autograph with everybody else?” line is, that’s all part of the package.
And “In a Nutshell” is formally re-submitted…I just don’t like the fact that people keep on posting pictures of me. Albeit when I had more hair on my monkey head…
Posted by George Malik from South Lyon, MI on 09/08/10 at 08:35 PM ET
And yes, HTT, I’m going to get to meet a lot of people I only speak to online, so that’s going to be an experience worth documenting…at least the parts where they’re drunk and I’m coherent, anyway 
Posted by George Malik from South Lyon, MI on 09/08/10 at 08:36 PM ET
having to wake up when normal people do
Speaking from experience (always been a night person, in spite of 23 yrs on the day shift)
Just think of the week having 14 twelve hour days makes it a lot easier.
Posted by HockeyTownTodd on 09/08/10 at 08:44 PM ET
a night stalking vampire like yourself may be able to get by during the day if you stay in the rink, just don’t get caught in daylight.
have fun and look for unusual things, what’s going on in the benches with the young pups.
Posted by RWBill from the Land of 12 in 12. on 09/08/10 at 08:53 PM ET
Hey Malik,
Hit me up when you come to TC, I will show you the ropes. I have volunteered working the front enterance at the Prospects Tourney and The Big Club Camp for years.
I know I can help you out with the food thing.
I will be attending a coaching clinic for local hockey coaches hosted by the DRW staff on Saturday morning. 9-11.
hookandhaul@gmail
Posted by Bhernhard Bhudznev from Traverse City, MI on 09/08/10 at 09:10 PM ET
Alright, George…I am springing for another $5.00 foot long.
I’d send more money, but I’m worried you’ll drop it on blackjack…and hookers.
Actually, no…I know you’ll do us all proud.
For your blog name, I’m thinking “Cuppy, Cuppy, Cuppy”.
Travel safely.
Posted by VikingDoc on 09/08/10 at 09:29 PM ET
I’ve received everything from $1 to $100, and I appreciate everything. I’m just unbelievably grateful for everything.
Posted by George Malik from South Lyon, MI on 09/08/10 at 09:34 PM ET
My company has a few android apps. search for mspot in the marketplace. The music syncing one is great for getting your music from home onto your android handset as well as streaming music while your on the road. Its free and you get 2 gigs of storage on our servers as well.
Posted by FatEric2000 from From Game 7 at the Shart Tank on 09/08/10 at 09:56 PM ET
Howie on the banner,
thats gonna be a damn good blog
Posted by edillac from isolation on 09/09/10 at 02:02 AM ET
And Malik, don’t worry about giving us 100% of what happens (i.e., counting how many strides Ferraro gives between the two lines). Relax, we’re doing this for you because we want to you deserve it and we count on you, so try to have fun, ok?
Posted by Guilherme from Brazsil on 09/08/10 at 07:22 PM ET
Absolutely spot on, Herm.
Enjoy the entire experience, George, and have fun. We’re excited to get your “insider” take on the camp but give us your take on what it’s like to attend.
I also like the “Malik Report.”
Posted by Cwix from Roanoke, VA on 09/09/10 at 04:55 AM ET
I really like “Malik Report” as well. I am looking forward to your take on what goes on up there, and I hope you have a blast doing it.
Posted by Forlorn in VA on 09/09/10 at 07:05 AM ET
“Malik’s Report ... in a nutshell”
Posted by stonehands-78 from the beginning ... a WingsFan, on 09/09/10 at 07:53 AM ET
not bad, Stone, because he will literally be a “wall nut” in TC.
cool to get a couple of infrequent posters in here offering tips, thanks guys.
(shouldn’t I be at work by now? yes, leaving)
Posted by RWBill from the Land of 12 in 12. on 09/09/10 at 08:15 AM ET
+1 to what Herm said about having fun and enjoying the whirlwind experience.
I’ll toss a few more buck in the coffee can for ya George, but ya gotta promise to spend most of it on beer not food. 
How about “By George” for the new blog?
Posted by MOWingsfan19 on 09/09/10 at 08:47 AM ET
I’m just super happy that you’re going. Everything else will fall into place. I can’t wait to read your reports. I’m sure they will be awesome as always. Have a great time!
Posted by jennyquarx on 09/09/10 at 08:58 AM ET
How about “By George” for the new blog?
For some reason I don’t think it’d work…
Posted by Guilherme from Brazsil on 09/09/10 at 09:14 AM ET
An app suggestion that might be useful: pick up PDANet for your Evo. It allows you to use your cell phone’s 3G internet service on a laptop by hooking your cell phone up to the laptop through its USB cable. It’s $18.95, but I find it invaluable for working from the road. Also, that way, you don’t have to worry about finding a separate internet connection in Traverse City.
Posted by Wheeler on 09/09/10 at 09:15 AM ET
that’s going to be an experience worth documenting…at least the parts where they’re drunk and I’m coherent, anyway
I’m sure the reverse situation will be worth documenting as well; it just won’t be you doing the documenting (although that would be equally entertaining).
Posted by MarkK from Maryland on 09/09/10 at 09:34 AM ET
An app suggestion that might be useful: pick up PDANet for your Evo. It allows you to use your cell phone’s 3G internet service on a laptop by hooking your cell phone up to the laptop through its USB cable. It’s $18.95, but I find it invaluable for working from the road. Also, that way, you don’t have to worry about finding a separate internet connection in Traverse City.
If you do that, make sure you have a good data plan, tethering can use A LOT of bandwidth.
Posted by rrasco from TEXAS on 09/09/10 at 09:44 AM ET
Enjoy the Traverse City experience as much as possible George. And while on the road remember… type with both hands. 
Posted by calquake on 09/09/10 at 09:58 AM ET
...trying to figure out how to keep myself fed living on shoestring food budget…
In addition to Bhernhard’s great offer, try contacting Lindy over at Red Wings Central. She’s been their reporter at the T.C. camp for years so I know she has the scoop on where all of the “cheap eats” places are.
I have been following you since I got my 1st computer in 99. That was when you posted in the Det News Wings Forum under the name rxtg.
Geez, rxtg was George? Small world.
That was a decent site for a short time until some people ruined it.
And by “some people” you can only be referring to the infamous and egomaniacal AtTiCa (or however that jackass spelled it). The Det News Forum was, indeed, a great “community” for Wings fans until Prison Guy decided to make it his 24-7-365 job to post a hundred messages a day.
Anyhoo, have a great time in T.C., George. Looking forward to your posts.
Posted by OlderThanChelios on 09/09/10 at 10:01 AM ET
I like the “Feathers and Chrome” name.
It’s times like this I wish I still lived in TC. Here are a couple quick suggestions for places to eat some good food and stretch that budget:
Taco House (on S Garfield): it’s like Taco Bell in terms of price and speed, but the food is fuchin good (homemade tortillas every morning, etc.). There were days I would eat there twice when I was doing construction on that side of town. (It’s also relatively close to the ICE arena).
Also relatively close to the arena: Willie’s Rear - Small diner on S. Airport, does breakfast and lunch, good prices, great food, blue-collar sort of place.
I’ll drop a few more bones into the fund to make sure
Posted by WingsFaninCO on 09/09/10 at 10:13 AM ET
you get to eat every day.
(not sure why that got cut off?)
Posted by WingsFaninCO on 09/09/10 at 10:14 AM ET
Right Brain Brewery’s happy hour is 3-6, and Dillinger’s has dollar pints during their happy hour. My favorite place for cheap eats is the Taco House on Garfield; cheap and tasty tostadas.
Posted by Hippy Dave from Portland by way of Detroit on 09/09/10 at 10:23 AM ET
I just want our
bearded typing monkey
to know we’re didn’t pick him just for work.
Well, there’s the Blog name. “Bearded Typing Monkey”.
Posted by Jennemy of the Skate from putting the b*tches in the box on 09/09/10 at 12:39 PM ET
egomaniacal AtTiCa
I used to post there until I found A2Y. Yes, I remember the AtTiCa douchnozzle. I was Katieo over there. It’s been a while since I have visited that site. Bitches.
Lets Go Red Wings!!!!!
Posted by Kate from Pa.-made in Detroit on 09/09/10 at 12:53 PM ET
“Malik’s Musings” seems to soft somehow.
I will defend aTTica. I thought he always had good points and represented them well. I wish he still posted over on Wings Talk more often. I never had a problem with him. I still post over there under this same username, but I don’t post over there near as often due to all the infighting.
Posted by wedge56 on 09/09/10 at 01:26 PM ET
I know TC has an Arby’s. Can you feed yourself on hat tricks?
Posted by Stevis on 09/09/10 at 02:03 PM ET
Oh, and good luck, George. Wish I could send you something, but it’s pretty much hand to mouth over here. I pondered selling my 9 year old daughter to try to help you out, but she’s supposed to do the dishes for me tonight so I had to keep her.
Posted by wedge56 on 09/09/10 at 03:50 PM ET
Have fun in TC George. Great time to be “Up North”. I will hit the tip jar again to assist in covering your tab. Avoid the valet parking and stay outta the mini bar!!
Herm….excellent beat down of the “By George” moniker…..that foto is filed under “things that make you go Buwwwwwha”
Posted by Rumbear from Top O da Hasek, sippin rum & catchin some rays on 09/09/10 at 04:16 PM ET
MEECH CLEARS WAIVERS
No one claimed Meech, so he will start camp in TC and most likely GR. Still a glut of FAs oot there.
Posted by RWBill from the Land of 12 in 12. on 09/09/10 at 04:20 PM ET
No one claimed Meech, so he will start camp in TC and most likely GR. Still a glut of FAs oot there.
Posted by RWBill from back in God’s steambath. on 09/09/10 at 05:20 PM ET
I kinda feel bad for Meech, but this is good news from the Red Wings’ front, all things considered. I mean, it would have been better if we had gotten him traded for some value, but after that didn’t happen, him clearing waivers helps.
If meech is as committed to finally earning himself a roster spot as he said he is, then he should help push people at camp to make sure they know that there are those nipping at their heels hoping to get a shot to crack the roster. Realistically, Meech can’t crack our top-seven without injury problems popping up in camp for a few guys, but if he gives it a good go, other teams that suffer injury problems and see this guy on our roster, fighting hard to earn a spot will be forced to actually come to the table with Kenny to get a piece of the Meech.
If Meech sucks in camp and doesn’t earn himself a spot, then I guess it’s too bad for him, but at least we can send him to Grand Rapids without him being poached for free off our roster. Meech will probably never turn out to be a Kyle Quincey, but he could be at least as good as Brett Lebda if he keeps working on his game.
Posted by J.J. from Kansas on 09/09/10 at 05:00 PM ET
he could be at least as good as Brett Lebda if he keeps working
*PKEW*
Gunshots heard, Meech just shot himself…
Posted by Sullyosis from A hateful lair in Post Apocalyptic US (or Arizona) on 09/09/10 at 05:06 PM ET
Meech is going to end up in GR if the Wings can’t find a taker. Right now, there are prospects on two-way contracts that teams will assess during training camp, and after that, there are still veterans who have yet to sign and have much better resumes than Meech does.
After training camp, if injuries hit, somebody might pick him up, but at this point, I would assume that the Wings will try to waive him again if they’re allowed to do so and then send him to GR, and if he can’t be moved, he’ll stay there, lest the Wings get burned by re-entry waivers.
Posted by George Malik from South Lyon, MI on 09/09/10 at 05:15 PM ET
I will defend aTTica. I thought he always had good points and represented them well. I wish he still posted over on Wings Talk more often.
Um, AtTiCa? Is that you?
Because the Det News forum was a linear progression of posts, Prison Boy soon discovered that he could completely dominate the conversation by posting a response to every single post that was made. It’s the equivalent of someone constantly interrupting a group of people in a face-to-face conversation.
He literally would post until 3:00 a.m. and then start posting again at 6:00 a.m. And he wouldn’t stop posting until 3:00 a.m. the next day. He was one of the most pathetic individuals I have ever run across on the Internet.
And just for the record, I was being polite when I called him egomaniacal and a jackass. Kate described him much better when she called him a douchenozzle, although enimanozzle might be even more accurate.
To this day, that prick is one of two or three people I’d deck on sight if I ever met him face to face. He stole an entire Wings forum from a lot of good people. And I hope someone somewhere has given him what he deserves for that.
Posted by OlderThanChelios on 09/09/10 at 05:45 PM ET
Gunshots heard, Meech just shot himself…
Posted by Sullyosis from A hateful lair in Post Apocalyptic US (or Arizona) on 09/09/10 at 06:06 PM ET
And in true wanna be Lebbie form, he missed high and wide of the target only to live another day.
Posted by MOWingsfan19 on 09/09/10 at 06:15 PM ET
Okay, just hit the “send” button at paypal. I thought I was making my first trip to camp this year but it fell through. So here’s a few bucks to help George. For the good of the 19, the money’s better spent on George than on me. I will never send back insightful reports from camp or a game, but will always and only selfishly enjoy it all by myself.
Okay, gotta share this: just made an appointment to get a Red Wing tattoo!
Posted by chloefpuff on 09/09/10 at 07:23 PM ET
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I’m pretty new to Android too, but tweetcaster is nice for twitter. Other than that.. no clue
Posted by Andy from FightNight on 09/08/10 at 06:16 PM ET