Hockey Playoffs Approach

[Brant Gaede]

It's so sad to see another life consumed by its obsession.

--Brant

[caroljane]

It's so sad to see another life consumed by its obsession.

--Brant

But it hurts so good!

[william.scherk]

My friend Raj at the local Mac's Milk convenience store is an indicator of the insidious penetration of Hockey into every home in this benighted nation.

A nice fellow, doing a full-time job, full-time studies (in Finance), single -- and when I met him last year, he told me he did not give a shit about Hockey, only asking customers about "The Game" to fit in and drive Mac's local reputation as The Friendliest All-Sikh Convenience Store on the Semiahmoo Peninsula. He let me know that Cricket was the Game, would always be The Game, and hockey was a bore (except for India's official sport, field hockey (on the grass/dirt). He coached young kids in cricket and played in our Surrey cricket league ...

Fast forward to that terrible night six months ago, when he asked me about The Game. I replied with my usual mockery. He looked me in the eyes the way only tall Punjabi-speaking youngsters can look you in the eye, and dashed into the back.

He returned with his new Canucks jersey. The hair stood up on the back of my neck. I paid for my smokes and scuttled home.

Last week he instructed me to stop calling him Raj. He is now to be known as Gary. He has been in Canada for less than five years. He has no family here. He is dooooooooomed. He has become Canadian. The final proof was when he stopped loving Mozhdah, denied wanting to marry her, and asked for my help in finding him a nice blonde girlfriend who ... likes hockey.

And now ... I am out of smokes, I have no idea if the Canucks won or lost and I must cycle that dark road to meet up with Raj Gary at the till ...

In other extremely boring news, Daunce, why have you not featured the incredible snoozefest election in Alberta? Is it not remarkable that the first libertarian premier may be elected tomorrow? Is it not boring enough that the two front-runners are both female? Is it not remarkably uninteresting that the hard-right libertarian supports gay marriage and decriminalization (if not legalization) of marijuana, and that she will not allow votes on contentious social issues on her watch (meaning Gay Pot Lesbian Nude Protest Abortion Christian Heritage)?

(of course, news of the extremely uninteresting Muslim (dark-skinned) Mayor of Calgary has already caused numerous episodes of sleep apnea here, so this is strictly off-limits)

Is it not staggeringly boring and pointless that the Progressive Conservative's 42 years of government is at risk? Is it not coma-inducing for our non-socialist friends here that if either of the women wins the premiership, this will make how many women in the driver seat in our land?

Premier Christy Clark

Premier Alison Redford / Danielle Smith

Premier Eva Aariak

Premier

Kathy Dunderdale

If our friends refuse to succumb to the dull, soporific nature of our politics ... I again point to the inability of the Republicans to stop their plunge in support from America's independent women voters. Let the Transvaginal Express roll on ... and on ... and on ... until November.

Then we will all wake up and PARTY!

[Added:] It is well-known that the best hockey team (name) is The New Westminster Salmon Bellies ... and for whom are they the farm team? Do NOT click this link ... or you will never ever wake up.

Edited April 23, 2012 by william.scherk

[caroljane]

My friend Raj at the local Mac's Milk convenience store is an indicator of the insidious penetration of Hockey into every home in this benighted nation.

A nice fellow, doing a full-time job, full-time studies (in Finance), single -- and when I met him last year, he told me he did not give a shit about Hockey, only asking customers about "The Game" to fit in and drive Mac's local reputation as The Friendliest All-Sikh Convenience Store on the Semiahmoo Peninsula. He let me know that Cricket was the Game, would always be The Game, and hockey was a bore (except for India's official sport, field hockey (on the grass/dirt). He coached young kids in cricket and played in our Surrey cricket league ...

Fast forward to that terrible night six months ago, when he asked me about The Game. I replied with my usual mockery. He looked me in the eyes the way only tall Punjabi-speaking youngsters can look you in the eye, and dashed into the back.

He returned with his new Canucks jersey. The hair stood up on the back of my neck. I paid for my smokes and scuttled home.

Last week he instructed me to stop calling him Raj. He is now to be known as Gary. He has been in Canada for less than five years. He has no family here. He is dooooooooomed. He has become Canadian. The final proof was when he stopped loving Mozhdah, denied wanting to marry her, and asked for my help in finding him a nice blonde girlfriend who ... likes hockey.

And now ... I am out of smokes, I have no idea if the Canucks won or lost and I must cycle that dark road to meet up with Raj Gary at the till ...

In other extremely boring news, Daunce, why have you not featured the incredible snoozefest election in Alberta? Is it not remarkable that the first libertarian premier may be elected tomorrow? Is it not boring enough that the two front-runners are both female? Is it not remarkably uninteresting that the hard-right libertarian supports gay marriage and decriminalization (if not legalization) of marijuana, and that she will not allow votes on contentious social issues on her watch (meaning Gay Pot Lesbian Nude Protest Abortion Christian Heritage)?

(of course, news of the extremely uninteresting Muslim (dark-skinned) Mayor of Calgary has already caused numerous episodes of sleep apnea here, so this is strictly off-limits)

Is it not staggeringly boring and pointless that the Progressive Conservative's 42 years of government is at risk? Is it not coma-inducing for our non-socialist friends here that if either of the women wins the premiership, this will make how many women in the driver seat in our land?

Premier Christy Clark

Premier Alison Redford / Danielle Smith

Premier Eva Aariak

Premier

Kathy Dunderdale

If our friends refuse to succumb to the dull, soporific nature of our politics ... I again point to the inability of the Republicans to stop their plunge in support from America's independent women voters. Let the Transvaginal Express roll on ... and on ... and on ... until November.

Then we will all wake up and PARTY!

[Added:] It is well-known that the best hockey team (name) is The New Westminster Salmon Bellies ... and for whom are they the farm team? Do NOT click this link ... or you will never ever wake up.

My friend Raj at the local Mac's Milk convenience store is an indicator of the insidious penetration of Hockey into every home in this benighted nation.

A nice fellow, doing a full-time job, full-time studies (in Finance), single -- and when I met him last year, he told me he did not give a shit about Hockey, only asking customers about "The Game" to fit in and drive Mac's local reputation as The Friendliest All-Sikh Convenience Store on the Semiahmoo Peninsula. He let me know that Cricket was the Game, would always be The Game, and hockey was a bore (except for India's official sport, field hockey (on the grass/dirt). He coached young kids in cricket and played in our Surrey cricket league ...

Fast forward to that terrible night six months ago, when he asked me about The Game. I replied with my usual mockery. He looked me in the eyes the way only tall Punjabi-speaking youngsters can look you in the eye, and dashed into the back.

He returned with his new Canucks jersey. The hair stood up on the back of my neck. I paid for my smokes and scuttled home.

Last week he instructed me to stop calling him Raj. He is now to be known as Gary. He has been in Canada for less than five years. He has no family here. He is dooooooooomed. He has become Canadian. The final proof was when he stopped loving Mozhdah, denied wanting to marry her, and asked for my help in finding him a nice blonde girlfriend who ... likes hockey.

And now ... I am out of smokes, I have no idea if the Canucks won or lost and I must cycle that dark road to meet up with Raj Gary at the till ...

In other extremely boring news, Daunce, why have you not featured the incredible snoozefest election in Alberta? Is it not remarkable that the first libertarian premier may be elected tomorrow? Is it not boring enough that the two front-runners are both female? Is it not remarkably uninteresting that the hard-right libertarian supports gay marriage and decriminalization (if not legalization) of marijuana, and that she will not allow votes on contentious social issues on her watch (meaning Gay Pot Lesbian Nude Protest Abortion Christian Heritage)?

(of course, news of the extremely uninteresting Muslim (dark-skinned) Mayor of Calgary has already caused numerous episodes of sleep apnea here, so this is strictly off-limits)

Is it not staggeringly boring and pointless that the Progressive Conservative's 42 years of government is at risk? Is it not coma-inducing for our non-socialist friends here that if either of the women wins the premiership, this will make how many women in the driver seat in our land?

Premier Christy Clark

Premier Alison Redford / Danielle Smith

Premier Eva Aariak

Premier

Kathy Dunderdale

If our friends refuse to succumb to the dull, soporific nature of our politics ... I again point to the inability of the Republicans to stop their plunge in support from America's independent women voters. Let the Transvaginal Express roll on ... and on ... and on ... until November.

Then we will all wake up and PARTY!

[Added:] It is well-known that the best hockey team (name) is The New Westminster Salmon Bellies ... and for whom are they the farm team? Do NOT click this link ... or you will never ever wake up.

Ah Bill, you're pretty fatalistic aren't you? I like that in a man.

As I spend most of my life amongst the Rajs/Garies I feel for you. (I remember the nice photo last year of the just-arrived immigrant family in Vancouver, wearing their Canucks jerseys and waving their Maple Leaves, relief, hope and utter bewilderment in their eyes}.

My fave RG is one Fathima, a research chemist from Sri Lanka, who has now taken my academic writing course three times. She says she keeps learning more and improving her writing ( although I never teach anything new) but I suspect it is so that we can expostulate over hockey. ( I explain this to the rest of the class as an example of "Canadian small talk" which provides good listening practice). Her children like mine tend to roll their eyes and grab the channel changer as we enthuse, so we have to vent in other venues.

In Canada hockey is our greatness, and being the collectivists we are, we thrust it upon not just a few but everyone.

I have been giving some thought to my costume for the Election Night Party. My usual attire could be easily adapted for Laura Secord, but perhaps that would be untactful. As a neutral international observer, I should not adopt American dress I suppose. But if I did - how about a Stars and Stripes sarong, maybe with goalie pads and a helmet, as Barbara Frietchie: "Shoot if you must (at) this old grey head/but spare our country's flag!" she said.

[william.scherk]

Here is the next Premier of Alberta ... (if she wins today). Libertarian, gun-lover, small-government hound, and -- apparently -- now married into RajGary's extended family.

Pic from the Globe and Mail.

[william.scherk]

Another revealing picture of her with her cousins, in-laws, or possible voters.

Edited April 23, 2012 by william.scherk

[caroljane]

In Canadian politics, even in Alberta you're nobody till some Bodhi loves you.

[caroljane]

WSS, the Salmon Bellies are indeed the best team name in minor, major, junior or extraterrestrial hockey. Even up against LoBraico & Flynn Happy Teeth (OK, it was our dentist who sponsored the team) or East York Easi-Waste. I expect soon that Saeed's Halal Chicken Wings (bock bock baaawwk) and Mr Yummy's (home made Gummys) will enter the fray.

[caroljane]

So it has come to this. I must now fulfill my vow and support the Kings against whomever next comes their way in the Western Conference. O god O Vancouver! Well, it is no use pretending they were an original 6 or anything. Michael Buble is probably sobbing on-key into his lambswool Canucks blankie and drumming his Louboutins into the marble floor...but its just the West Coast, after all

[william.scherk]

Ho bloody hum, y'all. The Progressive Conservative government was returned with a majority, according to projections from the four national desks.

False alarm. Back to Milton and the Transvaginal Republican Express!

[william.scherk]

Carol, another name that takes me back. My best gal friend in High School out here lo these many years ago, was Mariann Brace. I was the campaign manager for her run for Student President (she lost). She then went on to run for Miss White Rock. She lost.

She should have won. I take responsibility for the first (imagine me being a campaign manager), but not for the second bitter loss. (she did not win even Miss Congeniality, because, well, although she looked like Greta Garbo (I did her makeup), she was not actually, um, congenial at all.

But, you know what stopped her from victory, and the right to be glued to the dolphin on the Sea Festival float? Her sash. Or more correctly, what her sash said:

Miss Penguin Meats.

Edited April 24, 2012 by william.scherk

[caroljane]

Carol, another name that takes me back. My best gal friend in High School out here lo these many years ago, was Mariann Brace. I was the campaign manager for her run for Student President (she lost). She then went on to run for Miss White Rock. She lost.

She should have won. I take responsibility for the first (imagine me being a campaign manager), but not for the second bitter loss. (she did not win even Miss Congeniality, because, well, although she looked like Greta Garbo (I did her makeup), she was not actually, um, congenial at all.

But, you know what stopped her from victory, and the right to be glued to the dolphin on the Sea Festival float? Her sash. Or more correctly, what her sash said:

Miss Penguin Meats.

Carol, another name that takes me back. My best gal friend in High School out here lo these many years ago, was Mariann Brace. I was the campaign manager for her run for Student President (she lost). She then went on to run for Miss White Rock. She lost.

She should have won. I take responsibility for the first (imagine me being a campaign manager), but not for the second bitter loss. (she did not win even Miss Congeniality, because, well, although she looked like Greta Garbo (I did her makeup), she was not actually, um, congenial at all.

But, you know what stopped her from victory, and the right to be glued to the dolphin on the Sea Festival float? Her sash. Or more correctly, what her sash said:

Miss Penguin Meats.

I can't believe you didn't make that up.

Maybe you should have been on hand with the blush brush for Danielle Smith. Just when I was going to take the scissors to my atlas, those silly voters in Alberta who had evaded or lied to the pollsters, acted what passes there for Canadian.

My favourite moment so far is savouring the recent words of one Gerry Nicholls, a rightwing flack and former employee of Harper's at the National Citizens Coalition, who confidently predicted the Wildrose win. Based on no knowledge, he hastened to assure the reader, but solely on his "political instincts" and the seemingly boundless willingness of the National Post to publish the likes of him.

[caroljane]

PS Please convey my commiserations about the Canucks to Gary at Macs, if he is feeling well enough to open up the store

[william.scherk]

Carol, Gary is fully turned; he said yesterday, "It's a game ... There is always next year .. It's only hockey. "

Sounding a bit like a Leafs fan after exit counselling ...

(Gary and "Harry" have taught me a Punjabi song that I sing at work with the demented: Holay Holay, hojayga byar ...)

And a special treat for you, Carol, in your socialist hell-hole: "A Woman Fights for the Right to Play Hockey."

Video courtesy of The Himalayan Hockey Foundation

Edited April 24, 2012 by william.scherk

[Dennis Hardin]

So it has come to this. I must now fulfill my vow and support the Kings against whomever next comes their way in the Western Conference. O god O Vancouver! Well, it is no use pretending they were an original 6 or anything. Michael Buble is probably sobbing on-key into his lambswool Canucks blankie and drumming his Louboutins into the marble floor...but its just the West Coast, after all

Take heart, Carol. You are joining a noble and historic cause. St. Louis will soon change its nickname to the Black & Blues.

Seventeen years later, we shall take our revenge for stealing our beloved Rams. We will show no mercy. They will rue the day.

[Selene]

And a special treat for you, Carol, in your socialist hell-hole: "A Woman Fights for the Right to Play Hockey."

Does this mean that there will be no cross breast checking allowed?

[caroljane]

Washington have ousted Tim Thomas and defending champion Bruins! Oh, that evil Washington...destroying the Good...mutters Tim Thomas as he plays table hockey in his rec room, with the radio tuned to Rush and Glenn.

[caroljane]

Shame on you Boston fans. It;s sad to see that Southie racism endures.

[caroljane]

So it has come to this. I must now fulfill my vow and support the Kings against whomever next comes their way in the Western Conference. O god O Vancouver! Well, it is no use pretending they were an original 6 or anything. Michael Buble is probably sobbing on-key into his lambswool Canucks blankie and drumming his Louboutins into the marble floor...but its just the West Coast, after all

Take heart, Carol. You are joining a noble and historic cause. St. Louis will soon change its nickname to the Black & Blues.

Seventeen years later, we shall take our revenge for stealing our beloved Rams. We will show no mercy. They will rue the day.

So it has come to this. I must now fulfill my vow and support the Kings against whomever next comes their way in the Western Conference. O god O Vancouver! Well, it is no use pretending they were an original 6 or anything. Michael Buble is probably sobbing on-key into his lambswool Canucks blankie and drumming his Louboutins into the marble floor...but its just the West Coast, after all

Take heart, Carol. You are joining a noble and historic cause. St. Louis will soon change its nickname to the Black & Blues.

Seventeen years later, we shall take our revenge for stealing our beloved Rams. We will show no mercy. They will rue the day.

So Saturday's the day. I shall wave pompoms for LA with a whole heart, since our latest OL visitor from Missouri did not make a good impression on me.

[Selene]

This situation in Massachusetts could end youth sports in the state...

http://michaelgraham.com/archives/is-this-hockey-hit-a-crime/

The hit is close to being, in my opinion, a head shot rather than a solid check. The player who hits the skater is taller though.

It does appear that he elevates his forearms to the head though.

What say you Carol?

[caroljane]

This situation in Massachusetts could end youth sports in the state...

http://michaelgraham...ey-hit-a-crime/

The hit is close to being, in my opinion, a head shot rather than a solid check. The player who hits the skater is taller though.

It does appear that he elevates his forearms to the head though.

What say you Carol?

This situation in Massachusetts could end youth sports in the state...

http://michaelgraham...ey-hit-a-crime/

The hit is close to being, in my opinion, a head shot rather than a solid check. The player who hits the skater is taller though.

It does appear that he elevates his forearms to the head though.

What say you Carol?

I watched twice, and considering the age of the players and the level of play I would not call it a head shot.. If the offender thinks trying head shots is a good route to the NHL however, I hope this will deter him. As you know there has never been any need for this egregious play even in the days before helmets.

I think something similar happened in basketball (!!!) and it brings to mind the "bounty" for injuries in football. These vicioujs intentional hits are not the hockey I know or that most players play. They have to be stopped at whatever cost.

[Selene]

Carol:

Agreed, it is really close though.

This is being brought into a criminal Court though which is a huge over reach.

=================================================================

And of course the Rangers have advanced.

Even the New Jersey Devils are ahead 2-0 in their game seven (7)!

[caroljane]

Yes, they have advanced. Congrats.

This is the best playoffs ao far I have seen in years. Sob, sob.

The criminal case in my view is ambulance chasing on the part of the lawyer but at least it will point up the damage of head shots.

[Dennis Hardin]

So it has come to this. I must now fulfill my vow and support the Kings against whomever next comes their way in the Western Conference. O god O Vancouver! Well, it is no use pretending they were an original 6 or anything. Michael Buble is probably sobbing on-key into his lambswool Canucks blankie and drumming his Louboutins into the marble floor...but its just the West Coast, after all

Take heart, Carol. You are joining a noble and historic cause. St. Louis will soon change its nickname to the Black & Blues.

Seventeen years later, we shall take our revenge for stealing our beloved Rams. We will show no mercy. They will rue the day.

So Saturday's the day. I shall wave pompoms for LA with a whole heart, since our latest OL visitor from Missouri did not make a good impression on me.

Folks often display their worst side when faced with imminent doom. The Kings won 3 out of 4 of the regular season.match-ups. Local paper says the wingers must produce. I'll second that (whatever that means).

No doubt all that cheering from up north will be an inspiration for our guys. Thanks for doing your part. LA has waited a long time for this.

Who says revenge does not taste sweet???

[caroljane]

So it has come to this. I must now fulfill my vow and support the Kings against whomever next comes their way in the Western Conference. O god O Vancouver! Well, it is no use pretending they were an original 6 or anything. Michael Buble is probably sobbing on-key into his lambswool Canucks blankie and drumming his Louboutins into the marble floor...but its just the West Coast, after all

Take heart, Carol. You are joining a noble and historic cause. St. Louis will soon change its nickname to the Black & Blues.

Seventeen years later, we shall take our revenge for stealing our beloved Rams. We will show no mercy. They will rue the day.

So Saturday's the day. I shall wave pompoms for LA with a whole heart, since our latest OL visitor from Missouri did not make a good impression on me.

Folks often display their worst side when faced with imminent doom. The Kings won 3 out of 4 of the regular season.match-ups. Local paper says the wingers must produce. I'll second that (whatever that means).

No doubt all that cheering from up north will be an inspiration for our guys. Thanks for doing your part. LA has waited a long time for this.

Who says revenge does not taste sweet???

So it has come to this. I must now fulfill my vow and support the Kings against whomever next comes their way in the Western Conference. O god O Vancouver! Well, it is no use pretending they were an original 6 or anything. Michael Buble is probably sobbing on-key into his lambswool Canucks blankie and drumming his Louboutins into the marble floor...but its just the West Coast, after all

Take heart, Carol. You are joining a noble and historic cause. St. Louis will soon change its nickname to the Black & Blues.

Seventeen years later, we shall take our revenge for stealing our beloved Rams. We will show no mercy. They will rue the day.

So Saturday's the day. I shall wave pompoms for LA with a whole heart, since our latest OL visitor from Missouri did not make a good impression on me.

Folks often display their worst side when faced with imminent doom. The Kings won 3 out of 4 of the regular season.match-ups. Local paper says the wingers must produce. I'll second that (whatever that means).

No doubt all that cheering from up north will be an inspiration for our guys. Thanks for doing your part. LA has waited a long time for this.

Who says revenge does not taste sweet???

It means that if you have a star centre forward who has done most of the scoring, his linemates have to step up and try to score also, more than ever, as should the defencemen and the goalie if he gets the chance. Washington won their series on a defenceman's goal. Ward, a Toronto homie.

As you can imagine there is no joy in Iceville about an all-American Stanley Cup. Most fans without a #2 favourite left standing, are just going for whichever team has the most Cdn players. I don't know which one that would be.

Enjoy the sweet taste of anticipated revenge against St Louis. No victory if it happens will be as perfect as the pre-savouring of it.