HLOG Q&A Update with kms2

The second Q&A update comes from kms2.  Her original Q&A is here.

1. What are you up to these days? Still blogging? Why or why not?
The blog Purple Crushed Velvet is still alive, but I've been blogging very sporadically. I don't think I did a single post during the recent off season and despite my excitement for this season I just can't seem to blog on a consistent basis. Before the start of the '10-'11 season I considered completely shutting down the blog, either deleting it entirely or making it private, but surprisingly my brother (or hermano as I call him, you know, from 'Arrested Development') contacted me and asked if he could do guests posts.

There are several reasons why my interest in blogging has waned over the past year. One is that I'm much busier at work. Another is that the Kings are finally doing well and, quite frankly, it's easier for me to write about things that piss me off and rant about Marc Crawford than it is to find new ways to say that I heart Drew Doughty or that I want Justin Williams's babies. Yes, it's easier for me to make fun of someone than it is to make a compliment....apparently I'm a horrible person. Also, there are so many more LA Kings blogs out there now than there was when I started and it's becoming more difficult to come up with unique points of view. I've thought about ways to find a niche for my blog, but it's proving more difficult than I had anticipated and I'm not quite sure I want to put in that much effort.

2. Have you changed team allegiances, or are you still in love with the team you represented on HLOG?
H-No! I've only loved the LA Kings and I will never betray them!

3. How do you feel about your team this year?
I've never felt better about them. We're finally contenders, well, maybe not for the Cup, but at least for a playoff berth and possibly a trip past the first round. It's an exciting year that is definitely stressing me out because the teams in the West are so darn close!

4. Who is your favorite player now?
Luc Robitaille is still my favorite player. However, I still do not have a favorite active player. Drew Doughty is probably leading the list of hopefuls, but I feel like he's such an easy pick and way too many people love Drew. And then I feel stoopid for thinking that I have to have a not so popular player be my favorite. I really liked Frolov, but now he's a Ranger, blue-balling Torts, making him think he'll easily be a 30-goal scorer and then trail off. Anze Kopitar is another easy pick....I don't know...it's probably Drew, but without the awful mustache.

5. Are we too old to use the term SQUEE?
I hope not! Although I do feel a little silly whenever I use it. I was talking to Finny the other day and she mentioned Penner and I immediately said "PENNERSQUEE!!!!" and then giggled uncontrollably.

6. Do you feel that the role of the female fan in keeping the game alive or picking heroes in the community has changed any since you were on HLOG?
Ehh, I don't know. I think it's about the same. Although, I think the hockey ice cheer/crew girls are bringing us down a couple notches, but whatever. One Kings personnel mentioned that it's cheaper for the Kings to have these girl shoveling snow because they're sponsored by one or more companies. Whether it's really a cost savings measure or a way to bring some sex appeal to the game really doesn't change my opinion that they're a superfluous addition to the in-game experience.

7. Hockey just isn’t the same without bench clearing brawls. Ok, so I'm sorta joking, but I love watching old videos of bench clearing brawls because they're so awesome and hilarious.

8. Favorite HLOG memory?
The holiday card swap was a great idea although I'm too lazy to participate in this year. It was really fun to receive cards from a bunch of HLOGgers.

9. How do you feel the blog community has changed since our HLOG days?
It's grown so much and it's kinda overwhelming. There are some things that I'm glad have been created and some others that I dislike. I think Twitter is a great place to follow some hockey analysts and read their opinions and almost feel like you're interacting with them. (You can follow me at Marie_Stiles but I'm usually only active during games). I think Puck Daddy on Yahoo! is also a good addition because it's like a one stop shop for a lot of good hockey stories throughout the day. I really dislike SB Nation and it's whole format. I completely agree with Jes Golbez who recently complained about SB Nation. It feels more like a forum than a blogging community. I still read some blogs that moved over there but I don't feel like the content is the same. I also really enjoy listening to a lot of hockey podcasts. When I have a tough time focusing at work the hockey podcasts usually save the day.

10. Have you reached any milestones in the last few years, personally, that you’re willing to share with us all? Do you have any upcoming milestones in the foreseeable future? (ahem, wedding? baby? book deal? etc?)
The 'boyfriend' that is mentioned in my HLOG 'About Me' section is now my husband :) And he's becoming a big Kings fan too! I wish had some sort of book deal...that would be pretty cool. Or be able to work for myself...that's probably the ultimate dream.