Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Back, with no voice
I don't think I can call last night's game epic. I will call it hugely entertaining despite a scary-looking injury in the first period (which of course didn't turn out all that bad). However, last night firmly planted one thought into me: Leaf fans will cheer for ANYTHING.
Granted I'm writing this entry after reading Damien Cox's shredding of both the Laffs and their faithful, so it only serves to add more fuel to the fire. Even on the bus-ride home, at 3 in the morning, occassional chants of 'Go Leafs Go' were being heard from the back of the bus. (I might add that this bus was mostly full of Walkhome employees, so you can draw your own conclusions with regards to their sanity in the first place. Yet I digress.) This leads me to believe one of two things: 1) Leaf fans are the most die-hard fans on the entire planet, or 2) they are the most completely disillusioned and psychotically delusional people in this country (aside from those out there who voted conservative; odd how Toronto seems to be full of smart people politically, but when it comes to hockey, those smarts disappear.)
Right off the bat, I'm disregarding the first option. British soccer fans are the most die-hard fans on the entire planet. I don't even try to claim I've got anything on them. This leads me to fully endorse the second theory - that your average leaf fan (not including the full three quarters of the city who wear their jersey at playoff time and profess to love the team 'long time' and profess to the eternal domination of the leafs as THE power in the NHL... as long as you don't look at the last 30-some years) is completely FUCKING nuts.
Your team has lost 6 out of 6 to your provincial rivals. Steve, you can play this down all you want, but you know it stings. There have been three blowouts in those six games, two shootouts, and a game that had no business being close. Your franchise now sits in 9th place in the Eastern Conference behind Atlanta and only 3 points in front of the lowly habs and 5 in front of the awful Bruins. You are three games over .500 (an even .500 team if you take overtime losses into account.)
Yet you're winning the Cup this year. I think not.
Ottawa is a team that has the talent, the depth, the scoring, the goaltending, and most recently, the grit to win the Stanley Cup. Some people may call me delusional because of my hockey allegiances.
You want to see delusional, you need look no further than outside your front door if you live in the GTA.
Granted I'm writing this entry after reading Damien Cox's shredding of both the Laffs and their faithful, so it only serves to add more fuel to the fire. Even on the bus-ride home, at 3 in the morning, occassional chants of 'Go Leafs Go' were being heard from the back of the bus. (I might add that this bus was mostly full of Walkhome employees, so you can draw your own conclusions with regards to their sanity in the first place. Yet I digress.) This leads me to believe one of two things: 1) Leaf fans are the most die-hard fans on the entire planet, or 2) they are the most completely disillusioned and psychotically delusional people in this country (aside from those out there who voted conservative; odd how Toronto seems to be full of smart people politically, but when it comes to hockey, those smarts disappear.)
Right off the bat, I'm disregarding the first option. British soccer fans are the most die-hard fans on the entire planet. I don't even try to claim I've got anything on them. This leads me to fully endorse the second theory - that your average leaf fan (not including the full three quarters of the city who wear their jersey at playoff time and profess to love the team 'long time' and profess to the eternal domination of the leafs as THE power in the NHL... as long as you don't look at the last 30-some years) is completely FUCKING nuts.
Your team has lost 6 out of 6 to your provincial rivals. Steve, you can play this down all you want, but you know it stings. There have been three blowouts in those six games, two shootouts, and a game that had no business being close. Your franchise now sits in 9th place in the Eastern Conference behind Atlanta and only 3 points in front of the lowly habs and 5 in front of the awful Bruins. You are three games over .500 (an even .500 team if you take overtime losses into account.)
Yet you're winning the Cup this year. I think not.
Ottawa is a team that has the talent, the depth, the scoring, the goaltending, and most recently, the grit to win the Stanley Cup. Some people may call me delusional because of my hockey allegiances.
You want to see delusional, you need look no further than outside your front door if you live in the GTA.
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Fatigue
If the experts aren't right, I'm screwed.
A few fitness folks tell you that you should go hard at the gym right off the bat. You'll feel like shit for the first couple weeks, but as soon as you get into it, you'll feel a lot better. Well, I've done two days of what I consider 'hard' working out, and I feel like shit.
I better feel better soon!!!
A few fitness folks tell you that you should go hard at the gym right off the bat. You'll feel like shit for the first couple weeks, but as soon as you get into it, you'll feel a lot better. Well, I've done two days of what I consider 'hard' working out, and I feel like shit.
I better feel better soon!!!
Monday, January 16, 2006
Some thoughts...
A friend recently asked me about my priorities in life. Based on what they'd seen, they thought my life was basically a big mishmash of Senators and Lord of the Rings. While I won't discount either of those two things, I feel it would be a good idea to list my top three priorities.
1. My family. I love all of them, and I can't really say more than that.
2. My friends. I have met, at one time or another, some of the most amazing people on this planet. I was blessed with great people in my life at the high school level and again here at Queen's. I've met people here that have changed my life for the better, people that have made me more interested in the world around me, and people that have made me more aware of my own shortcomings and successes. I'm heading into another unknown with graduation looming. As long as I have friends like the ones I do now, I'm not worried about going into it without help.
If you're a friend of mine, Thank You!!!
3. This last one is a toughie. There are a number of things in my life that are important to me on an equal level. School is important, but not a long-term priority (although short-term, Definitely!). Having a high paying job would be nice, but as long as I'm enjoying what I'm doing, I won't care if I'm not in the top income bracket. I think I'd have to go with my understanding and appreciation for music.
For those who don't know me all that well, I'm a fairly musical person. While I can't claim to have written a symphony or that I play 20 instruments (or even 4 really), I think I have an inate sense of what sounds good and what doesn't. I love making music with whatever instrument I can - usually the clarinet.
Is this last one geeky? Sure. Do I care? Not really. Has music helped me become the person I am today? Without a doubt. Once you are able to read and understand what music is all about, you look at things in a different light.
A last note - I don't usually post "deep" thoughts up here. Normally, I take potshots at some of my acquaintences and/or mock something I saw in the news/someone I saw at the gym/library/caf/etc. I see no reason to stop that, so here we go:
Steve, your mom's a whore.
I swear the next time I go to the gym, some girl will be on the treadmill in uggs. Break out the shovel!!!!
1. My family. I love all of them, and I can't really say more than that.
2. My friends. I have met, at one time or another, some of the most amazing people on this planet. I was blessed with great people in my life at the high school level and again here at Queen's. I've met people here that have changed my life for the better, people that have made me more interested in the world around me, and people that have made me more aware of my own shortcomings and successes. I'm heading into another unknown with graduation looming. As long as I have friends like the ones I do now, I'm not worried about going into it without help.
If you're a friend of mine, Thank You!!!
3. This last one is a toughie. There are a number of things in my life that are important to me on an equal level. School is important, but not a long-term priority (although short-term, Definitely!). Having a high paying job would be nice, but as long as I'm enjoying what I'm doing, I won't care if I'm not in the top income bracket. I think I'd have to go with my understanding and appreciation for music.
For those who don't know me all that well, I'm a fairly musical person. While I can't claim to have written a symphony or that I play 20 instruments (or even 4 really), I think I have an inate sense of what sounds good and what doesn't. I love making music with whatever instrument I can - usually the clarinet. Is this last one geeky? Sure. Do I care? Not really. Has music helped me become the person I am today? Without a doubt. Once you are able to read and understand what music is all about, you look at things in a different light.
A last note - I don't usually post "deep" thoughts up here. Normally, I take potshots at some of my acquaintences and/or mock something I saw in the news/someone I saw at the gym/library/caf/etc. I see no reason to stop that, so here we go:
Steve, your mom's a whore.
I swear the next time I go to the gym, some girl will be on the treadmill in uggs. Break out the shovel!!!!
Sunday, January 15, 2006
Professional Sports, and why I hate them
I witnessed a surprising victory by the Pittsburgh Steelers (sorry SAJ) over the Indianapolis Colts today. My thoughts instantly went to my beloved Ottawa Senators as a reminder of how we are constantly phenomenal during the regular season and spotty in the playoffs.
I'm trying to find parallels in other sports as well. Could the Atlanta Braves be considered in the same vein? True they have won the World Series in there. Since 1990, the Braves have appeared in the World Series 5 times, but have only closed out one series with a victory.
They won it in '95 over the Indians, but got beat out twice by the Yankees, once by the Twins, and once in a glorious moment by the Blue Jays. I don't know enough about the NBA to know if there's any team there that has performed steadily in the regular season but never won it all. Utah Jazz in the Malone/Stockton days maybe. Little help on this one?The other pro sports phenomenon that I would LOVE to see some slacker do his/her thesis on (lookin at you Johns) is the occurence of sports triangles. Case in point: Toronto has Ottawa's number in the playoffs.
It's a reality I've come to grips with. However, Ottawa has no trouble with Philly when we meet them. Toronto on the other hand can't beat Philly.
How does Philly loses to Ottawa loses to Toronto loses to Philly work??? I really don't get it.Oh, my admittance above that I have come to grips with the Leafs beating the Sens inside and out in the playoffs doesn't make me any less convinced that the Sens are winning it all this year.
'Cause they are.
Thursday, January 12, 2006
Brainfart # 1 - the introduction
In an attempt to force myself to update this blog more often, I'm just going to start posting whatever I'm feeling at a given time. It may not be topical, and it sure as hell may not make much sense. There is a good chance my ramblings will deal with either a) my love for the Sens, b) my hatred for the Laffs, or c) my loving hate for Steve Johns. If my posts concern anything other than those three topics, it is by pure coincidence.
With that, my first topic is the renaming of Ottawa's rink. The original name, the Palladium, was replaced within a month of the arena's opening. The main sponsor, Corel, took down the cool original name and replaced it with a model of sterility; the Corel Centre. It took me a long time to respect this name. As of Friday, the name of the arena will be "Scotiabank Place". As soon as I can find an image of what the arena will look like with the new lettering, I'll post it.
If nothing else, I pray that they repaint the building exterior. It is currently light blue and coral striped. They should paint it vibrant red and sharp black and white to reflect the Sens colours. It would look less like a giant wuss building that way.
Regardless, farewell Corel Centre!
With that, my first topic is the renaming of Ottawa's rink. The original name, the Palladium, was replaced within a month of the arena's opening. The main sponsor, Corel, took down the cool original name and replaced it with a model of sterility; the Corel Centre. It took me a long time to respect this name. As of Friday, the name of the arena will be "Scotiabank Place". As soon as I can find an image of what the arena will look like with the new lettering, I'll post it.
If nothing else, I pray that they repaint the building exterior. It is currently light blue and coral striped. They should paint it vibrant red and sharp black and white to reflect the Sens colours. It would look less like a giant wuss building that way.
Regardless, farewell Corel Centre!
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
TSN Redux
Just so you know, TSN.ca is usually the very first page I go to after looking at cbc.ca, which is my default page. That might explain why I've been refering to it so much recently. Again, here are the interesting articles for the day:
First
I'm just glad to see the old guy hasn't lost his edge. Shoulda been named to Olympic team too in my mind.
Second
Let's be clear - I have no emotional attachment to Mr. Andreychuk as so many Leaf fans do. But equally clearly, the guy has had a great career. If I'm Feaster, I let Andreychuk play out the year with the big boys, and spare him the indignity of being waived. It's not like he's making a bucketload of cash either.
My second problem with this move is the fact that there won't be a captain - just three alternates. When Ottawa lost Alfredsson for a couple weeks, Redden assumed the responsibilities of wearing the C. While he proved not to be as gutsy as Alfie in leading the team (or providing a whole lot of offense), at least he was ready to try it on for size. Why doesn't the team just name Lecavalier the new captain, which they'll do in the next offseason (which for them, begins mid-april).
Finally
The aforementioned hero returns. Best swedish captain in Ontario - Bar none.
First
I'm just glad to see the old guy hasn't lost his edge. Shoulda been named to Olympic team too in my mind.
Second
Let's be clear - I have no emotional attachment to Mr. Andreychuk as so many Leaf fans do. But equally clearly, the guy has had a great career. If I'm Feaster, I let Andreychuk play out the year with the big boys, and spare him the indignity of being waived. It's not like he's making a bucketload of cash either.
My second problem with this move is the fact that there won't be a captain - just three alternates. When Ottawa lost Alfredsson for a couple weeks, Redden assumed the responsibilities of wearing the C. While he proved not to be as gutsy as Alfie in leading the team (or providing a whole lot of offense), at least he was ready to try it on for size. Why doesn't the team just name Lecavalier the new captain, which they'll do in the next offseason (which for them, begins mid-april).
Finally
The aforementioned hero returns. Best swedish captain in Ontario - Bar none.
Monday, January 09, 2006
TSN.ca is my new humour page
When I browsed onto tsn.ca this afternoon, I saw three articles that for one reason or another, made me laugh.
First Article
This guy just can't catch a break. I don't see him starting his NFL career anytime soon.
Second Article
The best part of this entire article is Theodore's reaction. "He came at me with his head down so I just wanted to say `Welcome to the big boys.'" The guy's lucky he didn't try that shit on Hasek. The Dominator would've pulled a Happy Gilmore on the guy and tried to stab him with his skate.
Third Article
By far the most hilarious article of the bunch. I read it and giggled.
First Article
This guy just can't catch a break. I don't see him starting his NFL career anytime soon.
Second Article
The best part of this entire article is Theodore's reaction. "He came at me with his head down so I just wanted to say `Welcome to the big boys.'" The guy's lucky he didn't try that shit on Hasek. The Dominator would've pulled a Happy Gilmore on the guy and tried to stab him with his skate.
Third Article
By far the most hilarious article of the bunch. I read it and giggled.
Long time coming
Now that exams are over, I guess I have no excuse not to post something here. Everything went as well as I could have hoped for, so I'm not worried at all about my performance (despite QCARD not giving me half of my marks yet).
I'm not really sure what to post today. I'm looking at this last term with excitement and dread. On one hand, I'm finally going to be graduating! Yay!!! On the other hand, I'm going to need to find a career OTHER than being a student. I have no idea where I'll be in a year, but I'm not really worried about it. I've been worrying about this kind of thing too long to let it bug me now.
To wrap up, I want to wish everyone who reads this (Scotty, Greg, Steve-o, Irish Tim, YOU) a happy new year.
I promise I'll think of something more interesting for next time.
I'm not really sure what to post today. I'm looking at this last term with excitement and dread. On one hand, I'm finally going to be graduating! Yay!!! On the other hand, I'm going to need to find a career OTHER than being a student. I have no idea where I'll be in a year, but I'm not really worried about it. I've been worrying about this kind of thing too long to let it bug me now.
To wrap up, I want to wish everyone who reads this (Scotty, Greg, Steve-o, Irish Tim, YOU) a happy new year.
I promise I'll think of something more interesting for next time.
