Tag Archive for Jeff Skinner

The Evolution of Blockbuster: A Lesson for all Businesses

Super soft unisex tshirt available at www.outeredgethreads.com

I strolled out of my local grocery store, and their lovely air conditioning, to walk into a wall of humidity and a shiny new Blockbuster kiosk. I couldn’t help but think, “Good for you Blockbuster.” The movie rental chain was once the place to go for a DVD on a Friday night (or videotape if you are old enough to recall the chunky boxes lined on the shelves).

Then the internet exploded and with it came Netflix and a new type of competition for the long-standing franchise. Like many smaller video chains, they could have folded, but they were smart and evolved with online rentals. However, that wasn’t their only test. Redbox emerge with their rental kiosks at grocery stores and even gas stations.

I recall seeing many Blockbuster locations close and thought I would see the end of the store I remember visiting often with my Dad to get the Star Wars trilogy on our father-daughter weekends. Therefore, for sentimental reasons I have been silently cheering for Blockbuster. I definitely gave a smile to the new kiosk station. I may have even given it a head nod until I realized I was communicating to a large piece of plastic. Read more

Fifty Shades of Play

Jonathan Quick of LA Kings. Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images

By now everyone has heard about the provocative romance (a.k.a, book porn) novel, Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James. Yes, I have read the first book in the diiirty trilogy. I can easily sum up the book in one sentence, “To be spanked, or to not be spanked…that is the question.” The fictional tale is about sex, just a different type of sex. Which got me thinking…

Whoa, I have to interrupt myself to say, “You know you’re a hockey fan when you think of hockey styles rather than sweaty intertwined bodies while reading smut.”

Anyways, it got me thinking about how players of same position can be equally successful with varying differences in their game. I am back to talking hockey here just in case you lost me at “sweaty intertwined bodies.” Read more

Behind the Design: Peace, Love, Puck

Unveiling an OET design before the launch makes me feel nervous and anxious. Why? So glad you asked, allow me to tell you an embarrassing story.

Travel back with me *cough* years ago to my lone semester at Kent State University in Ohio. I was a sophomore majoring in Parties & Recreation with a minor in Alcohol. One particular evening remains vivid in my memory amongst many hazy nights. I was at a house party with some friends and having a swell time. I recall my keg stands were extra erect.

I had recently gotten out of a long-term relationship with my high school sweetheart, and like most well rounded idiots, I was looking for a rebound. I was actually pretty shy around new people and was definitely rusty with the whole flirting thing. However, I saw a nice looking guy (I prayed I wasn’t suffering from beer goggles) and decided to go for it. Read more

Skating on the Edge: Tips from Jeff Skinner, Joe Corvo, and Tammie Wilson

Coach Tammie Wilson

You know the names Jeff Skinner and Joe Corvo, but you may not know Tammie Wilson. However, you should know this power skating coach as she is developing our talented youth…possibly a future Jeff Skinner. Tammie competed as a figure skating medalist contender in regional, sectional, and national competitions across the U.S. Since leaving active competition, she has focused on coaching power skating for hockey players. Tammie bases her coaching philosophy around the idea that, in order to excel, skaters must master the use of their edges. Read more

Puck by Numbers

Red hot Ilya Bryzgalov (Photo Credit: Christopher Pasatieri - Getty Images)

The NHL will host eight games Thursday evening and here’s a quick and interesting look at each matchup based on some fun numbers.

Avalanche vs Devils (7pm EST)

  • These 2 teams will be meeting for the 2nd and final time this season.
  • New Jersey has played in 2 less games than Colorado (70-72), but have 2 more victories this season than the Avalanche (40-38).
  • Colorado’s Steve Downie, Milan Hejduk, and Kyle Quincey (2 helpers) each have 2 points in the previous contest. Ryan O’Reilly is the only Avs’ player to boast more with three points. Read more