Wicked Garden

Two posts in one day! It's like Christmas. Turns out Mark and I don't just look alike, and agree on two things, but we're both planting vegetable gardens. Because of the work and pending trip I was forced to buy and plant last night in my little garden at the top of a hill. For those that don't know I have a big ol' hill in my backyard that really has no place holding a garden, yet every year I plant things on top of it, and every year but one I get things from it. The one year I failed to harvest any crops was the year I didn't plant until near July, so that was explainable. This year's entries IN MA BELLY will be:

Goodnight Loser

Note: My rant below, as brought to my attention by the Bolton Braves, was ill-stated. I have altered it appropriately. I had failed to make it clear that the non-scorekeeping was only for the youngest age level, and only last year; something I knew, but had failed to articulate in my post by accident. My thoughts on the process, of course, remain the same. My apologies for my failure to speak clearly earlier.

If Mark gets to rant, so do I. One of my regular irritants has once again reared its ugly head, and I'm interested to find out if I'm alone in this world. The background of the story for me is that I work in sponsorships and webmastering, as a volunteer, with the Bolton Braves. They're the local baseball organization for young kids here in Bolton.

Here in Canada Tim Horton's, when they're not pimping the black will they call coffee, also sponsor entire sports leagues that don't keep score and award MVP trophies to every child that participates. Last year the Braves decided to make the move towards not keeping score for T-ball (young kids) only, although they switched back to "original" format this year. The Tim Horton's idea, of course, being that kids will play the game for the joy of playing, not to win or lose. Their general belief tends to be that kids shouldn't experience losing because it's harmful to their emotional growth.

Horsecrap.

As a child who played sports, we kept score. Even when someone else wasn't keeping score, we kept score. We knew if we were losing or winning, and if we were winning, we teased the team we were beating. At the end of the year we had to win the important games or we wouldn't win an award (typically only for first through third, meaning the losers of the consolation game left with nothing). Furthermore, one child in the entire league won the MVP. Do we think children are so daft that they have no idea what the concept of an MVP is? That they don't understand if they suck at the sport they have no place holding an individual award? Is the general idea of youth sports to teach kids that mediocrity is something to accept, that we should never strive to improve, and that you never, ever, ever lose in life?

Kids can handle losing. Generations before this one have proven it. I was never a great talent at sports, although I was often decent at baseball/softball. I never won an individual award, and I didn't deserve to. Sometimes, my team came in fourth - or worse. We didn't get a generic trophy to signal we were all winners, we got nothing. The next year, we tried twice as hard to win the trophy the good teams got. Here's hoping the next generation enjoys being raised as a bunch of sore losers, because trust me when I say the time will come when they find out you don't always win. God help them all.

Today's Random Links
13-year-old arrested in fatal hit-run of snorkeler
Old school Flash adventure game.. "Cooooool !"
Brilliant But Cancelled has launched
Punk'd by Hockey Dad!

Four Wheel Weapons

Did racers kill GTA couple? Broadsided as they made their way to mark their 17th anniversary

Well here we are on the verge of the release for the third installment of the “amazing” Fast and the Furious trilogy (How could we let this happen?!?) Tokyo Drift and we are already seeing the effect these less than stellar movies have on the young and ridiculous teens out there. This weekend another 2 lives were claimed by street racers in Richmond Hill as 2 young punks with way too much money (I’m guessing from mommy and daddy) hit a car while traveling at speeds or around 150km/hr on Yonge St.

It scares me to think that there are parents out there willing to just hand over the keys to a new Hondo Civic like its some toy for them to play with. While they are at it, why don’t they just give them a gun and some ammo? Kids are turning cars into weapons all in the name of being cool on the streets. I mean what’s more important in life than your street rep?

Is there an answer to stopping all this?

Well the government has finally decided to step in. Not more than 2 days ago it was announced that street racing would finally become a Criminal Code offense. Well no details are known yet on what will result from a conviction, I hope it’s as severe as possible. Street racing has to be one of the dumbest things a person can do and if caught in the act (I’m not even talking about if you kill someone like the latest incident) a person should do some serious jail time and lose their license FOR LIFE. Am I being too harsh here? Why don’t you ask Katie Manchester who woke up an orphan Sunday morning? There is absolutely no good that can come from street racing and people that wish to take part in it should be shown there is zero tolerance for such stupidity.

Driving is a privilege, not a right and its time for some of these punks to learn it.

Don't Fail Me Now

It's odd when excitement over some time away camping conflicts with the panic attacks I tend to get when I travel - my mind and body don't seem to know how to react today. But when I start to freak out I go and peer through my tackle box and my new tent and get worked up in a positive way again.

Mark felt it was too small but I went ahead and snagged the Eureka Solitaire, a tent so small it's almost a bivy sack. At under three pounds it'll be easy to cart around, and reviews are positive. The tackle box carries a selection of known success stories:

Add a little Spiderwire 12-lb test monofilament line and hopefully the boat will be full of pike, trout, bass, pickerel, and whitefish. Luckily I like whitefish best so if I catch the more desirable trout, bass, and pickerel I'm able to do some trading. Of course, my favourite fish to catch is pike because of the fight, but they suck to eat.

Today's Random Links
Remember those GI Joe spoofs? Someone's taking on He-Man now...
Naked sherpas? What's this world coming to...
Bonds' ball caught by man waiting for a beer
Katharine McPhee, 21, dating a 41-year-old

The Ocean Cliff Clearing

This Thursday marks my second annual pilgrimage into the middle of nowhere, perhaps an hour out of Sudbury, for a three-day-long five-day fishing trip (don't ask). Last year caught me by surprise, being my first time "roughing it", but I'm more prepared this time around. In fact, Mark and Paul came by yesterday to get to work on preparations. Well, Mark prepared, Paul played guitar and watched Katharine McPhee. I picked up a new backpack and a one-man tent, along with even more lures and some energy gels. We put together a jambalaya that smells amazing, and hopefully will taste as good. Mark's tasked with creating a pasta sauce, while I will be creating a Guinness Lamb Stew with Irish Soda Bread for my dinner.

The best part of the trip should be Mark and I roughing it overnight on the centre island of Welcome Lake. No power, no cell towers, no communication or light, nothing. Just whatever fire we can get and fish we can catch.

Today's Random Links
The 2005/06 TV Season Ratings Wrap-Up: The Top 156
Cobie Smulders is attainable hot. Don't tell my wife.
SHOCKER! Meat Loaf can't remember singing on 'Idol'
Edmonton running out of beer.. GOOO CANADA!
Get yer Taylor Hicks Lego man here!

From the Desk of the Liberal Media II

FDLM returns with some great reading material from this mornings news. Hope this gives all of you something to fill a few moments of your day. I’ll save my lecture on the good/bad of the tobacco industry for another day.
Enjoy!

Sparks Fly over Ban: Argument between anti-smoking advocate and nightclub owner in the halls of Queen's Park
Another great example of businesses crying “bloody murder” over a smoking ban. May 31st all of Ontario will get to see what some communities already know; smoking bans are a good thing.

Janet Gretzky plans lawsuit: Phoenix assistant Tocchet also suing
Ask and you shall receive. It seems that Janet Gretzky needs a little more money to bet with and what better way to get it than to sue.

Study: Chocolate may boost brain power
Apparently we can now expand our minds as we expand our waistlines. Thanks science!

When You Give It Away

Thank God for PVR, it's the only thing that made 'American Idol' watchable last night. I spent a good portion of the two hours in fast forward, but I think I got the gist of it:

• Paris and Bill Cosby have a gibberish faceoff - it sounds horrible.
  
• Katharine and Gerard Depardieu do a duet - dude can't sing.
  
• The Best Supporting Actress Golden Idol goes to Katharine's double-sided tape.
  
• Katharine's mom is wearing the same dress!? I won't complain.
  
• Chris performs with Live. I didn't know they were still around either.
  
• Taylor is paired up with Rudy Huxtable and her massive glasses. WTF.
  
• The girls feel like women. I feel like hugging my PVR.
  
• If I'd known they'd clone kd Lang twice I'd have fought harder during that Dolly the Sheep thing.
  
• More people vote for Idol than the President. Which is why 12 year olds aren't allowed to vote 48 times for President.
  
• Katharine and Taylor duet. Taylor wins. Katharine smiles anyways.
  
• I lose a little inside for yet another year.

Curse me and my "I'll watch until Taylor gets booted" vow. It was supposed to be a safe bet!

The Da Vinci Joke

As promised on the Zonkboard, here's a list of the non factual errors in 'The Da Vinci Code'. I've issued them in point form note because there's so many of them, but I'm more than willing to go in more detail where it's requested.

For those that say "it's a work of fiction" I present to you a comment from the early pages of the novel, prior to chapter one:

Thus, these errors concern only his descriptions of artwork, architecture, documents, and secret rituals, as well as factually based statements of legitimate organizations.

• The Priory of Sion started in 1956, not 1099.
  
• The only noted "celebrity" Grand Master was Jean Cocteau.
  
• Jesus was always considered divine by his folllowers.
  
• The Dead Sea Scrolls are not Christian records, they're Jewish.
  
• The Dead Sea Scrolls don't even mention Jesus.
  
• The Gnostic Gospels do not contain a more human portrayal of Jesus.
  
• There were not over 80 books considered for the New Testament.
  
• Constantine had nothing to do with the development of the Bible.
  
• The life of Jesus wasn't recorded by "thousands"; most followers were illiterate.
  
• Many Jewish men were single or celibate in Jesus' day.
  
• The Gospel of Philip is written in Coptic, not Aramaic.
  
• The word "companion" is not Aramaic, it's Greek.
  
• The greek word "companion" does not mean spouse or companion.
  
• The word "Yahweh" was not derived from the tetragrammaton YHWH.
  
• The church did not burn five million witches at the stake.
  
• The motions of Venus do not trace a pentacle.
  
• The motions of Venus have nothing to do with the Olympiad length.
  
• The Olympic Games were not celebrated in honour of Aphrodite.
  
• The Olympic ring logos are not a secret tribute to Aphrodite.
  
• There is no documented history of Noah being an albino.
  
• Tarot cards do not teach goddess doctrine.
  
• Playing card suits do not contain Grail symbolism.

That's all for now - take your pick.

PS: I almost forgot - if the Catholic Church has spent so much time demonizing Mary Magdalene, it seems odd they've made her a Saint. Strange method of demonizing.

PSII: I should note one thing, as just discussed on MSN with Mark. This is not necessarily a religious discussion. This is, however, a factual error discussion of basic errors taken for truth by many people. Dan Brown is not a historian, theologian, or anything but a fiction writer.

Hospital Roll Call

Last night saw the series finale of 'Alias' and season finale of '24'. First, on 'Alias', the finale was a mix of all that's been good and bad about that series. When it started it was an excellent "fish out of water" style of spy series that had some great acting that made up for some of the less believable instances. However, the further into the series we got the more I wished I'd never heard the name "Rambaldi". It's a lesson to all future aspiring TV writers that people need to be able to freely come in and out of a TV series. Even 'Lost', at least, offers up constant recaps, and exists entirely as a "soap-operatic" style of show. 'Alias' was never sold to us in that way, and it made enjoying the final two-three seasons a bit difficult.

'24' is a different story, with isolated season storylines that will sometimes cross over mildly (as the finale did). But I found myself at the end of last night making '24' an easy cross-off on my list of shows I plan to watch in the future. Sadly, their efforts to shock and awe us through constant deaths this season seemed to harden me to even enjoying the program at all, and I just found myself wanting it to end. Things may change in seven months, but for now, I can't say I'm anxiously awaiting its return.

The Eleventh Hour

So at the urging of EVERYONE I actually read 'The Da Vinci Code' on the train to and from Montreal last week. Oddly, and as someone who rarely shares loves with anyone around him, I didn't really enjoy it. I found it dragged considerably and consisted almost entirely of dialogue. In fact, the only reason I could imagine people would enjoy it so much were the very elements of it causing so much controversy.

Which brings me to a question of the gang - how many people believe that the many "facts" presented by Dan Brown are in some way true? Things such as Jesus not being divine, Jesus marrying Mary Magdalene and having children with her, Constantine creating the Bible, anything in particular. More out of curiosity for myself.

In the interest of full disclosure I am obviously, to readers of the site, a devout Christian who does believe in the Bible (notably the New Testament). Reading the book I found many of Dan Brown's claims to be of questionable basis in some cases, outright false in others, and even intriguing in a few cases. But the captivation of the masses is the most intriguing of all to me - so what are your thoughts?

NHL06: Round Three

Carolina in 6.

Anaheim in 6.

Brasseurs du Nord

Allo from Montreal. Came in yesterday on the train, a nice way to travel. However, for those contemplating it I suggest you book early and snag the Via class when it's cheap - the perks make it worthwhile. I'm hoping to upgrade for the trip home tomorrow, it'll net me a meal, better seating, wireless internet, and more. Took a little over four hours to get here, and once I arrived, I couldn't find anything open to eat. Burger King it was. *sigh*

Up today to get over to the Palais de Congres for the convention, and that went well. Lots of good leads for the big guys, which is the reason I'm here to begin with. But who cares about the work, right?

Tonight I was asked to find "a good restaurant with meat", so I went with one of the best - Gibby's. This is a must see when in Montreal. It's located in the old city and features low ceilings, harsh brick walls inside, dim lighting, and likely the best steak you've ever tasted. I had the Steak au Poivre (for $45.. ack..) cooked medium rare, as it should be. Started with the Gibby's Salad, and they treat you to some lemon sorbet between courses to clean the palate. The bread is crazy good as well.

Afterwards, while my colleagues headed over to the Golden Palace party, I took a walk looking for a Quebec microbrew. My hope was the St-Ambroise Oatmeal Stout Kip mentioned in comments of my previous post, but it wasn't to be. I did, however, find a bar called Pub McLean's and they offered an excellent selection of imports. He pointed out a local called Boréale Rousse he recommended personally. Not bad, but I'm not a big fan of ale it's turning out. But it's fun to track down something local, no matter how obscure.

Time for bed - tomorrow I hope to hit the strip by Catherine, and then over to Steve's before the show. Hopefully Evan and Mark can keep you sane until then.

Cheers!

From the Desk of the Liberal Media

With the head cheese out of the picture (though apparently still lurking in the dark corners of the blogs) I have decided that its time to get away with whatever I want while I still can. He is going to be upset (and I'm sure I will hear about it upon his return) that I continue to read the newspapers, but really do I care? Here are some interesting stories that I was looking at this morning.

First off it seems that things have finally ended for original survivor winner Richard Hatch as he was sentenced to 51 months in prison for tax evasion on the $1 million dollar grand prize. I really wonder how he figured he was going to hide that one from the IRS?
Prison sentence: 51 months down the Hatch

There has been a lot in the news lately regarding the gun registration laws passed by the Liberals. The Conservatives have opposed it from the start, stating that it costs way too much money and really solves nothing. As someone who has given more thought to hunting lately I am almost inclined to agree. The next few days will be interesting, as the opposition parties in Ottawa seem to hold all the cards on this one. Remember kids guns don’t kill people. People kill people.
Misfires found at gun registry

Finally, in a story that I’m sure Rick will enjoy, troops in Afghanistan will be given a two day beer break just in time for the long weekend. I mean what’s a long weekend without a nice barbeque, a few brews and… isolated gunfire from rebel troops? Well I guess that’s almost like fireworks.
Troops allowed two-day beer break Troops allowed two-day beer break

Oh and Evan I'm still waiting for that coffee. What type of assist are you?

Ozzfest is coming to T.O

Most likley none of you guys are gonna care about this, but OZZFEST is coming to Toronto.

Ozzy will be headlining the amazing tour of course. With amazing heavy metal bands such as System of a down, Hatebreed, Disturbed, Lucuna Coil, Ateryu, and.......... SLIPKNOT and much more indy metal bands. This is going to a be a crazy concert. tickets are going to be from $50-$75 and it is going to be at the molsen amphitheatre on Tuesday July 25. check it out it will be a crazy concert.

Untill next post this is Vitamin E signing out

PEACE

Evan's first blog

Hey, rick has appointed me as being marks assistant in writing weblogs on this site. o wait is this the time where im suppose to say. yeye and gooooo overanything.com? well it aint happening. lol.

Lets talk about the NHL Playoffs *sigh*, they have been pretty interesting, not. who really wanted the Anahiem Ducks to go this far? Honestly, they have got to be one of the most boring teams in the NHL. My guess for who to win the Cup was Colorado. Only becuase i thought history was to repeat itself with Theodore coming to Colorado. Ah well. Here are my picks for the rest of the Playoffs.

Edmonton over the ducks in 7(Players to watch): Psiani, Pronger, Smyth, Smith
The ducks: Seleanne, Lupul, S. Niedermyer

Buffalo over Carolina in 6 (players to watch)

Buffalo: Afinigenov, Briere, Connolly, Miller
Carolina: Staal, C.Ward, cullen, Brind'amour

Stanley Cup finals:

Edmonton over buffalo in 7 games.

i think this becuase Edmontons defense is basically what is keeping them in the playoffs still. if you watched game 4 or 5 against San Sose you would realize what i am saying makes perfect sense. Even though Buffalo has crushed teams with good defense like philly and the sens. I think Edmontons will be to strong for them. Pronger, Smith, Staios, Spacek, And Tarnstrum. Thats a pretty good defense.

well this is the end of my first of many posts.

This is Vitamin E signing off.

PEACE

Le Pauvre Chanteur de la Rive-Sud

Well, the time has come for the annual GIGSE show in Montreal, so I'm off until late Thursday night. In a stroke of good luck I've found a guest blogger to assist Mark in entertaining you all in my absence. Rob was also kind enough to lend me his laptop, so should I be able to track down some internet connections I might be able to offer up some remote posts as well. Either way, the site's in good hands.

By the way, eagle-eyed beer fans may have noticed a new addition to my RateBeer page - Lion's Stout, aka Sinha Stout. I found it in the single can/bottle area of the LCBO, and if any of you enjoy stouts, I highly recommend it. It's from Sri Lanka and has an exceptionally high score on that site, which is rare. Maybe I'll luck out and find a nice local Quebec microbrew on tap to sample, although free time on this trip is usually non-existent. At least I'm taking the train for a bit of a new experience.

Yes, More Hockey Stuff...

So at last I have found someone else who believes the race for the Calder Trophy this season is not a fair one. For months I had been saying that Alexander Ovechkin should not be held at the same leave as Sidney Crosby and in fact should not be considered a rookie in the NHL at all. Ovechkin has spent the last few seasons playing with Dynamo of the Russian Superleague, developing his skills against the best players in Russia as well as some of the top players in the NHL thanks to the lockout last season.

So why is it that he is still up for the rookie of the year honors? The criteria for the award is clearly stated: “To be eligible for the award, a player cannot have played more than 25 games in any single preceding season nor in six or more games in each of any two preceding seasons in any major professional league. The player must not be older than 26 years before September 15 of the season in which he is eligible.” It seems that the NHL for some reason fails to recognize any other league as being at the “professional” level. Sad, seeing as North America is not the only place where elite hockey players can find work.

This is not my attempt to shoot down Ovechkin’s accomplishments this season, but to merely draw attention to the ignorance of the awards voting this season. But I do think it makes Crosby’s season seem a little better, don’t you? Give it a read, you might find it interesting.

Ovechkin a rookie? Think again

At The Chime Of A City Clock

Allow me to introduce you to some new addictions:

My RateBeer Page
Mark and I are becoming quite the lushes it would seem, however, we typically only drink one at a time. Plus, we're posting on RateBeer to further the greater good. This is a fun little site that has every beer I've thrown at it, including some of the more rare ones I've snagged at the LCBO recently. Click on "My Rating" to sort by my favourites, if you care. Join yourself and post your rating page here.

The Life List
Likely soon to be renamed, once I finish No Opportunity Wasted by Phil Keoghan, this is my list of accomplishments and goals in life. I've long wanted to do it and finally took some time to get it underway. It will continue to grow and, hopefully, find more items removed.

Of course, my MySpace addiction continues, but on a much milder pace. I only check once every few days now. Too many musicians adding me, but the celebrity collection is really filling out nicely.

Today's Random Links
The List of Facially Challenged Celebrities
Jessica Simpson almost x-rayed her dog
Austin from Survivor has a book
Oddly inappropriate headline
Taylor Hicks Pac-Man

From the Land of Moose and Mounties

Just a quick one today, but I had to share this with everyone. (See Rick good things do come from reading the news.)

It seems that after decades of refering to Neil Young as an American our neighbors to the south are more than happy to hand him back to us. His New album entitled Living With War has received the expected welcome for such a politically charged work. Although I will never purchase this album I think it would be interesting to listen to just for kicks.

As posted on www.thestar.com:
Neil Young album irks U.S. conservatives

I especially like the quote, "If it's not Mexican fence-jumpers trying to dictate legislation to us, it’s fur trappers from the wilds of Ontario insulting our head of state."

Now if you excuse me I have a hitch up my dogsled and go check my trap line.

NHL06, Round 2: Avalanche at Mighty Ducks

Mighty Ducks Of Anaheim (43-39, 18.1%PP, 83.5%PK) vs.
Colorado Avalanche (43-39, 18.8%PP, 84.6%PK)

Result: Colorado in 7

Anaheim Player Watch: Selanne, McDonald, Niedermayer, Beauchemin
Colorado Player Watch: Brunette, Sakic, Hejduk, Blake

The logic contained below the drop.

Offense: The re-arrival of Teemu Selanne, and the arrival of Andy McDonald, is the story in Anaheim. The two have been exceptional all season, with surprising offensive production off the blueline from Scott Niedermayer and Francois Beauchemin. However, depth is lacking, and they'll be facing an entirely different team than the Flames this time around. Colorado's offense almost managed to sweep the favoured Dallas Stars with Andrew Brunette, Milan Hejduk, and Joe Sakic all scoring more points in five games than any Duck did in seven. Colorado has had hardcore scoring power all season, it just took them this long to figure out how to use it.
Edge: Colorado

Defence: Anaheim's defence is better than almost anyone gave them credit for coming into the first round, and fared well against the already anemic offense of the Calgary Flames. They're fast and they can score, anchored by veteran Niedermayer. Beauchemin is the wildcard, showing a sudden desire to fire the puck on net and create plays from the back of the ice. Colorado's defence hopes lie solely on Rob Blake who electrified the team in the first round, firing almost twice as many shots as any other Av while maintaining a strong defensive position. He'll make those around him better, but perhaps not good enough.
Edge: Anaheim

Goaltending: Anaheim is blessed with the curse of choosing between two playoff-ready goaltenders. When J-S Giguere faltered Ilya Bryzgalov put on a clinic, boasting an invisible 0.80 GAA and .968 save percentage. His new backup, Giguere, is a former Conn Smythe winner. It's incredible depth that could win games on its own. Colorado pins its hopes on the enigma, Jose Theodore, who played effectively in round one but can never be truly relied on. Is Peter Budaj ready to step in when the time comes?
Edge: Anaheim

NHL06, Round 2: Oilers at Sharks

San Jose Sharks (44-38, 18.2%PP, 80.7%PK) vs.
Edmonton Oilers (41-41, 18.1%PP, 84.1%PK)

Result: San Jose in 6

San Jose Player Watch: Marleau, Cheechoo, Preissing, Bernier
Edmonton Player Watch: Pronger, Pisani, Horcoff

The logic contained below the drop.

Offense: Edmonton had some of the highest scoring depth in the first round, finding goals from eight forwards. Their defensive offensive system allowed for it, with the puck trapped in neutral ice and made available to whoever could get free. Sergei Samsonov showed sudden signs of life, but it was Shawn Horcoff and blueliner Chris Pronger leading the point parade. On the Sharks it was a brand-new, unexpected system that led to success. Joe Thornton hassled and distracted and drew penalties, leading a sharp Sharks power play to capitalize. Edmonton will have trouble finding ways to stop all three of Thornton, Jonathan Cheechoo, and Patrick Marleau.
Edge: San Jose

Defence: Don't call it the trap, but Edmonton's defensive system of "trapping" Detroit in the neutral zone and taking advantage of their chances was extremely effective against a slower, older team. San Jose is neither of these, offering up youth, speed, and power to contend with. Michael Peca will be tasked with blanketing one of Thornton or Marleau, which still leaves the other of the two, Cheechoo, and the suddenly scoring-potent Sharks blueline to contend with. As just noted, the Sharks defense was more than capable against a light-scoring, small Predators team, and found sudden scoring prowess.
Edge: Edmonton

Goaltending: Dwayne Roloson was so underwhelming after arriving from Minnesota it's easy not to notice how good he's become. After settling in he became the best statistical goaltender of the season's final 10 games, then showed off a dazzling .929 save percentage against the league's best team. He will be exceptionally hard to score on, and win games by himself. On the Sharks there is surprising confidence with the arrival of Vesa Toskala as a legitimate number one goaltender, and Evgeni Nabokov in wait should things turn. It's better depth than the Oilers show with their backup, Jussi Markkanen.
Edge: Even

NHL06, Round 2: Devils at Hurricanes

Carolina Hurricanes (52-30, 17.9%PP, 81.8%PK) vs.
New Jersey Devils (46-36, 17.7%PP, 81.9%PK)

Result: New Jersey in 4

Carolina Player Watch: Williams, Cullen
New Jersey Player Watch: Elias, Langenbrunner, Rafalski, Martin

The logic contained below the drop.

Offense: The Devils, lately the whipping boys for what was wrong with the NHL, have never been known for their scoring prowess. However, the additino of Patrik Elias to the lineup near the end of the season has changed that, sparking the team to a more all-around game, and 15 straight wins dating back to the regular season. Carolina, who scored 50 more goals in the regular season than Jersey, have the better scorers who simply haven't been playing with the passion or ability they had in the regular season. However, on paper only, Elias can't beat Staal, Brind'Amour, Stillman, Cullen, Recchi, Williams, and Weight.
Edge: Carolina

Defence: The Devils have staked a 10-year reputation on being defensive specialists in the NHL, and nothing has changed. Brian Rafalski now anchors the blueline alongside little-known Paul Martin. The Hurricanes, while capable, can't compete.
Edge: New Jersey

Goaltending: While it was Martin Gerber that carried the Hurricanes to their successes, his injury-aided failure in the first two games against Montreal gave rookie Cam Ward the ball, and he ran with it. A stunning .940 save percentage with a 1.54 GAA were sterling in rallying the Canes back. However, it doesn't beat the 1.00 GAA and .965 save percentage of the best goaltender on the past 10 years, and one with over 80 playoff wins.
Edge: New Jersey

NHL06, Round 2: Sabres at Senators

Ottawa Senators (52-30, 20.9%PP, 84.7%PK) vs.
Buffalo Sabres (52-30, 21.2%PP, 86.6%PK)

Result: Ottawa Senators in 6

Ottawa Player Watch: Havlat, Spezza, Redden, Fisher
Buffalo Player Watch: Connolly, Pominville, Campbell

The logic contained below the drop.

Offense: Much has been made of Buffalo's four powerful scoring lines, rolled out at anytime, and offering an almost equal amount of potent firepower. Much less has been made of the fact Ottawa has almost the same thing, with at least three lines that can score and score often. In only five games there were three Senators with 10 points, more than any Sabre was able to pull off in six.
Edge: Ottawa

Defence: Buffalo's ability to stay out of the penalty box was integral in the "new" NHL, which allows for a significant amount of scoring on special teams. The Senators weren't able to duplicate that, putting themselves at a man disadvantage a number of times. On the actual blueline the Sabres found unexpected toughness from a number of d-men, not the least of which was Brian Campbell. However, Ottawa's blueline remains bigger, stronger, a bit quicker, and playing with a lot of heart since the unfortunate passing of Wade Redden's mom; something that sparked the big Canadian to a tremendous series.
Edge: Ottawa

Goaltending: The two unproven goaltenders, neither of which seems to show signs of concern. The edge here might lie in the fact that if either was to fall, Buffalo has a highly capable backup in Martin Biron. Until Hasek can return the backup to Ray Emery in Ottawa is Michael Morrison, with a total of four games NHL experience this season. That said, Emery isn't concerned at all, and is the better goaltender of the first round. If he goes down, it's a different story.
Edge: Buffalo, based solely on depth

A Distorted Reality Is Now A Necessity To Be Free

I thought I'd heard it all yesterday when the anti-Harper folks complained about a 1% GST cut. I assumed they were just confused while watching a Canadian Government actually do something. Then the complaining because Harper sent our children to be killed in Iraq came up, which was odd seeing as it wasn't Harper that had sent them. But wait, it gets better:

The Toronto Star actually complains that today's new tougher crime legislation, tabled by Conservative Justice Minister Vic Toews, "may jam jails".

Seriously? We should continue to go light on crime because the jails are getting full? This is the best criticism the media can come up with? I seriously expected more. I have more respect for the dude that thinks Harper eats babies.

Today's Random Links
Google continues creating extremely random things
80 fake Best Buy employees invade a Best Buy
American Dad vs Family Guy Kung Fu

NHL Award Nominees Announced

Nominees for NHL awards are in. I’m sure that there are no major surprises. For those of you who placed your picks for these awards in my earlier post, I hope those individuals are listed below.

CALDER MEMORIAL TROPHY
Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins; Alexander Ovechkin, Washington Capitals; Dion Phaneuf, Calgary Flames

FRANK J. SELKE TROPHY
Rod Brind'Amour, Carolina Hurricanes; Mike Fisher, Ottawa Senators; Jere Lehtinen, Dallas Stars.

HART MEMORIAL TROPHY
Jaromir Jagr, New York Rangers; Miikka Kiprusoff, Calgary Flames; Joe Thornton, San Jose Sharks.

JACK ADAMS AWARD
Peter Laviolette, Carolina Hurricanes; Tom Renney, New York Rangers; Lindy Ruff, Buffalo Sabres.

JAMES NORRIS MEMORIAL TROPHY
Nicklas Lidstrom, Detroit Red Wings; Scott Niedermayer, Anaheim Mighty Ducks; Sergei Zubov, Dallas Stars.

LADY BYNG MEMORIAL TROPHY
Pavel Datsyuk, Detroit Red Wings; Patrick Marleau, San Jose Sharks; Brad Richards , Tampa Bay Lightning.

LESTER B. PEARSON AWARD
Jaromir Jagr, New York Rangers; Alexander Ovechkin, Washington Capitals; Joe Thornton, San Jose Sharks.

VEZINA TROPHY
Martin Brodeur, New Jersey Devils; Miikka Kiprusoff, Calgary Flames; Henrik Lundqvist, New York Rangers.