tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58039335059036617882024-03-14T12:53:33.249-04:00The World According to LauraMontreal Canadiens, Hockey, Photography, MusicAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01843861851741438528noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5803933505903661788.post-11515267032253734492014-01-12T18:24:00.001-05:002014-01-12T18:24:41.473-05:00Frozen Lake OntarioThe weather today was conducive to taking the short drive to Lake Ontario. Especially after being in the deep freeze for over a week.<br />
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The Lake is still frozen as I totally expected it to be - What I did not expect was all the birds that were well - walking on the lake.<br />
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There had to be hundreds of swans, mallards, seagulls and of course geese crowded near the shore.<br />
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I thought some of the ducks may get their butts frozen on that ice but I did not see that on my sojourn (you know I would have taken a pic of that or better yet a video when they tried to get up).<br />
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I did, however, take a <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurakenney/11915199783/">video of some of the birds</a> coming in for a landing - which was funny enough - and they did not crash too badly - some actually did crash land but unfortunately I was not able to capture them.<br />
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There were even some grey swans - I did not see any grey goose however - just ya know the plain old Canada ones.<br />
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I will keep you posted on more pics as the weather cooperates.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01843861851741438528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5803933505903661788.post-1181243610044482792013-09-02T20:33:00.001-04:002013-09-02T20:33:38.088-04:00For the BirdsI have had an interesting long labour day weekend. I have started a diet and took some long walks camera in hand or on neck as it were. I know me taking my camera is a huge shock to to you.. OK I jest.<br />
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Seriously taking it along makes the walk less walkish (hey .. it is a word now!!) and more like a hobby. I joined a bird watching site because you know I took several pictures of a bird and you know -- did not know what the bird was. So when in doubt ask those that know. Turns out the bird is a double crested cormorant...thanks to birdforum.net now I know ...and so do you.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Double Crested Cormorant</td></tr>
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Gotta love it when the wildlife pause and pose for you.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">proud bird smelling the lake water</td></tr>
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I have taken many pictures of birds in the past and most of them have been on nature preserves long enough to know they are safe I guess. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurakenney/9403860649/">Mrs Mallard</a><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mr Cardinal</td></tr>
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I have yet been able to capture Mrs. Cardinal though although I am sure I will at some point.</div>
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I had a fantastic relaxing weekend all the same. Hope to see you by the lake.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01843861851741438528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5803933505903661788.post-1496723095914470102013-08-24T17:17:00.000-04:002013-08-24T17:23:22.819-04:00Lift Bridge Rising<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When we are trying to escape everyday life we like to imagine that the places that our friends and followers photograph are tranquil and peaceful. For example I have been following a gentleman on Instagram who is on a long road trip through the US, his pictures are beautiful and awe-inspiring. In the images I see the wild majestic rockies sprouting out of the plains, beautiful tranquil sunsets and sunrises.<br />
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I can imagine some of you who have seen my nature photographs (and I now there are one or two of you of me five readers) imagine the same of my little town evidently beside Lake Ontario. We do have a working Lift Bridge and I decided to take a <a href="https://plus.google.com/photos/114506389387576976948/albums/5910990301716782961/5910990301028849122?authkey=CKmx98-I7ZTihQE">video</a> in case any of you have never seen one in action. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Burlington Lift Bridge </td></tr>
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The other night after a long day at work, I went down to Lake Ontario and saw the usual swans, ducks, sailboats which by the way I still enjoy watching - you would think it would be old hat by now, but no.</div>
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As I was taking in the quiet (yes this park is quiet most of the time - no playground is associated with it, just park benches, a few picnic tables and people enjoying some fresh evening air.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Park by Lake Ontario</td></tr>
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As dusk fell, I noticed the moon was indeed full and bright. (Thus answering the question - what the heck was wrong with people during the day).</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moonlight shimmering off Lake Ontario</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moonlight on Lake Ontario</td></tr>
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I also too a few (LOL) pics of the view at night from my vantage point<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Burlington Beach and the Lights of Hamilton</td></tr>
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These pics are the first time I have tried taking night pictures and I am quite pleased with the results. That is it for now. Hope to see you at the lake.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01843861851741438528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5803933505903661788.post-61028487662339454692013-08-20T22:59:00.000-04:002013-08-20T22:59:26.008-04:00Hello AgainHello once again - <div>
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It certainly has been a long time since I blogged at all. I have gotten more and more into photography as you all know and I have learned quite a few things from my tweeps and friends.</div>
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Recently I have discovered Instagram. I am enjoying following a few people there as well as Flickr. With the purchase of a new camera in March of this year, I have not been editing my pictures at all. This past weekend I decided to put some of my new pics through a <strike>shredder</strike> paintshop photo editing programme that I have used previously with my previous point and shoot cameras. As always, I am my harshest critic and I am pleased with the results.</div>
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This was taken at the Canadian Centre for Inland Waters in Burlington between storms about a month ago. </div>
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This one is a panoramic shot taken at Burlington Bay early in the morning.</div>
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I am enjoying the new camera and seem to be developing an eye for it. </div>
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There will be more photography on this blog than was here before and probably some less hockey - I am still bitter over the oops I did it again posturing of the NHL and the NHLPA. That schtick is very tiresome.</div>
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I would also like to take this opportunity to thank my tweeps for being so awesome. I have reached the 900 mark - which is surprising. If you are looking for more of my photos they can all be found on flickr a few can also be found on Instagram as well. The handle on all my online profiles is habbykins - but of course you knew that!!!</div>
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As always thanks for reading and I promise to keep you updated on my meanderings going forward.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01843861851741438528noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5803933505903661788.post-65070489290502854062012-01-08T10:03:00.001-05:002012-01-08T10:25:31.344-05:00Where Were you in 72There are some times in ones life when we are moved to smile, tears, and a hundred other emotions all at the same time. A lot people can remember where they were when they first heard that President Kennedy had been assassinated, where they were when Neil Armstrong walked on the moon. I actually do remember those events (although was four then Kennedy was assassinated-details are mixed up though- it is my earliest memory). While watching the Habs vs Lightning hockey game on RDS last night I was reminded that I remember the exact time and space I was in over forty years ago when HENDERSON SCORED FOR CANADA.<br />
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Us versus them - capitalist system versus communist system - good guys versus bad guys, all the clichés fit. I remember before the series even started the Canadians were expecting it to be a total rout. Our good guys after all were pros theirs were amateurs, they trained off ice, good guys did not have to do that. They finally arrived and the NHL would not allow them to use their equipment because it was not deemed safe - brand new equipment was given to this team from the Soviet Union. Some of the players if I remember correctly had never had new equipment always hand me downs. So they were going into finally play the professionals and had to do it with brand new equipment.<br />
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I will not bore you with all the details of the first four games in Canada - suffice it to say Soviets won games 1 and 4 in Montreal and Vancouver, Canada won in Toronto, and the game in Winnipeg was a draw. After the Vancouver game this team of Canadian National Heroes was soundly bood off the ice, I remember Phil Esposito giving the nation total crap for the booing. The mood in this nation was not good in the least.<br />
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There was a break in the series and team Canada played some exhibition games in Europe. Some players went home because they were not used by the coaching staff. The players for Team Canada were getting in shape during all this time. When they got to Moscow there were the Canadian 3000 who cheered and yelled and generally made more noise than the suits in the Moscow arena. There were telegrams and good luck wishes etc that were sent to the team to encourage them.<br />
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The games in Moscow were galvanizing to say the least. Never before had we seen the stark reality of the communist system. The Canadian 3000 were brighter, colourful, louder than their Soviet counterparts. The contrast was outstanding on television. Like looking at a black and white picture with some colour splashed on one part.<br />
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The rules stated that in the event of a tie, the team with the most goals would be declared the winner. Because of the difficulty in scoring for Team Canada, that would be the Soviets. So Canada had to win in Moscow to win the series. The last three games in Moscow were a treat, enough drama to warrant an all in feeling - Paul Henderson scored several important goals in Moscow, tying goals and winning ones. Then with less than a minute left to play and the score tied - the world as I knew it stopped for a second.<br />
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We were watching the game in school and it was time to go home - because I was a bussed student (some stayed and watched until the end) We had brought our state of the art transistor radios - the best reception was when we held them up to the windows of the bus - when the bus changed direction the radio with the best reception would be turned up. High Tech I do tell you. Then COURNWHYER TOOK A STAB AT IT AND HENDERSON HAS SCORED FOR CANDA.<br />
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The bus was at a stop light on St. Martin Boul in Laval just outside a shopping centre with Woolco (does not exist any more). All traffic stopped and it was eerily quiet for maybe a half second, then Everyone started screaming and the drivers of all vehicles started blaring their horns and everyone was yelling at the top of their lungs then with all the windows open OH Canada was not sung with more gusto than on that September afternoon.<br />
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It was a defining moment for Canada - All Canadians whether regardless of race, creed, language was truly united against the common foe - those Russians.<br />
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After all these years I can honestly say that the pride in our country has never been greater and may never be again. Yes there have been great goals to unite the country (Lemieux in 86 and of course Crosby in 10), but not like the one in 72.<br />
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Even last year when I met Yvan Cournoyer at an autograph session I was struck mute - could not say a word - still in awe and a fangirl. I have never met Paul Henderson or Vladislav Tretiak and I do hope to meet them. The jersey tour is coming to my town in a month or so and I will go to see it and certainly take a photo or two. I wonder sometimes what Mr. Tretiak thinks when he signs a photo of the goal that went in. Imagine having one of your worst moments captured on camera and then being reminded by signing it millions of times? Yikes I would not like it.<br />
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Thanks for reading and do not forget to add a comment or two - you know I like to read them. If you were not there ask someone who was - they would love to tell you - be prepared however for a long answer.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01843861851741438528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5803933505903661788.post-32200860246134315422012-01-01T12:58:00.002-05:002012-01-01T12:58:53.177-05:00Happy New Year 2012My Meanderings on this first afternoon of 2012.<br />
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*So long, farewell, our feet are stained, goodbye to 2011. Wish I could say been good to know you..but frankly not so much.<br />
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*Good things to happen in 2011...ummm let me see.... I would have to say going to Halifax to meet and visit my friend Roz and her fabulous family and certainly visiting the area and of course taking a ton of pictures.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eBvzdGAPokQ/TwCbvXg3FcI/AAAAAAAAAqE/EGMWwLMFPXw/s1600/080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eBvzdGAPokQ/TwCbvXg3FcI/AAAAAAAAAqE/EGMWwLMFPXw/s200/080.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hal Gill</td></tr>
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*Getting to see my beloved Habs play live in the preseason tilt - even though suckage does not even begin to describe their play. The highlight of the game - a nice shot and goal by one Scott Gomez....no really...you can look it up.<br />
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*The thing about the holiday to celebrate the earth making its way around the sun once is that it brings about the sense of renewal - a rebirth as it were. So I am starting my year off right with the first hangover I have had in over thirty years. Oy talk about your concussion-like-symptoms. So already this makes 2012 different from 2011.<br />
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*The Habs have been sucky for this season - there is no doubt about it. The fanbase were clamouring for the outright dismissal of the coach - was granted and lo and behold new guy has had even less success. I do admit though the product is more exciting (for two periods) even if the results are not there.<br />
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*Where oh where is the strength and conditioning coach- look at all the groin pulls and running out of energy in the third period. Or is it the biosteel they use not up to the rigours of an NHL game? - there I said it - now cammy will probably not sign those cards I sent him - oh well.<br />
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*Speaking of Cammy - when is someone going to tell him hey you are a member of the Habs - if you insist on wearing a ball cap please make it have the Habs logo on it. The world knows that he is a big biosteel spokesman but he is also a member of the team that pays him way too much money and when giving interviews in the room - part of the uniform. When I mentioned it on twitter I was sent messages that it is a sponsor of his etc....hey so are the Habs - main employer. Just sayin.<br />
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*Last two goals scored by PK Subban - showed very different celebrations. The first one - and it was a long time coming showed no celebration at all....nothing not even a smile or a sh*t-eating grin. He accepted the congratulations from his team mates on the ice then skated over to the bench. C'est tout folks - nothing to see here. The last goal he scored he did the jump into the glass ovi/skinner celebration - subdued by his standards but better than the previous one. For an emotional guy playing an emotional game - it is weird.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Erik Cole</td></tr>
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*The best thing to happen to the Habs this season I would say in Erik Cole. It took him a little bit to get accustomed to playing with a new team and a new system, but has flourished so far so good.<br />
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*Other good things on the Habs is the discovery of Diaz, and Emelin and the emergence of Eller - sick hands wish he had more finish - hopefully that will come. Perhaps the defence of the future will centre around those two finds we shall see what happens.<br />
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*Hopefully Geoff Molson et al decide to blow up some of the veteran corps and bring in new ideas and a new way of doing business. Clearly the current path is not working.<br />
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*I am hoping for a new direction for my favourite team and a philosophy that failure is not an option. I live in the Toronto area and have seen a team go through this - the no trade contracts crippled them for years - the last of the "no I will not waive my NTC" left the Leafs in 2010 - won a cup and is now with the Habs and played for four NHL coaches in a month and six in 2011. Hopefully the downturn in Montreal does not take as long to turn around as those in the Queen city.<br />
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*I have no predictions for the eventual Stanley Cup winner this season, I just hope the league does not puck it this season with calls and non calls in the eventual winners direction. Oh yes - NHL all calls good and bad affect all the teams not just the ones playing.<br />
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*New Years Resolution: I resolve not to make a New Years Resolution - oops that did not take long did it?<br />
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Let me wish all of you (my five readers) a Happy 2012 filled with all the good things and an abundance of Love, Luck, and Laughter. Thank you for reading in 2011 and will resolve to blog more often in 2012.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01843861851741438528noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5803933505903661788.post-65730716176842316552011-12-07T09:40:00.001-05:002011-12-07T10:11:05.505-05:00Molson Baby - Habs Christmas Song<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Here is my Christmas letter to Mr. Molson<br />
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Molson baby, tired of watching the team, they dream<br />
Through the games that they play<br />
Molson baby hurry down to the Bell tonight.<br />
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Molson Baby need a power play too, that's true<br />
This one is casse in two<br />
Molson baby hurry to the Bell tonight<br />
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Think that if the the playoffs are missed<br />
Just how much the fans will be pissed<br />
Next year it could be so good<br />
If you'd sign off on this Christmas list.<br />
Oh woe!<br />
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Molson honey, the team really needs to compete<br />
that's sweet<br />
The leadership is not fine<br />
Molson baby hurry to the Bell tonight.<br />
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Molson cutie, fill the fans stockings with hope, don't mope<br />
End this soap not too late<br />
Molson baby hurry to the Bell tonight<br />
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Come and replace the management<br />
With people with expertise would be heaven sent<br />
The fans do believe in you<br />
Let's see if you believe in us too<br />
le buuut<br />
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Molson baby forgot to mention one little thing,<br />
a ring no I don't mean on the phone<br />
Molson Baby hurry to the Bell tonight.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01843861851741438528noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5803933505903661788.post-85233902115288701752011-10-07T10:20:00.000-04:002011-10-07T10:20:28.286-04:00Thoughts about Game OneGame one is in the books - just one out of eighty-two mind you. I do not know what to say about the Habs/Leafs game last night. No, that is not totally true - it can be summed up in one word....AAARRRGGGHHH.<br />
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The good news is that in the first period the Habs dominated the Leafs. Reimer was ready for the start of the season and was not caught napping much to the delight of Ron Wilson and the fans that crammed in the ACC. The game came down to special teams with the penalty killing on both sides being superb - or was it the powerless plays that leave much to be desired. The Habs played well and dominated until the beginning of the second when PK Subban pinched in behind the Leaf net and was caught up the ice without a paddle (ok mixed metaphors but I am sure you understand). The genius coach Jacques Martin has unbelievably decided that Super-Pleky can play on the point during a power play. I say unbelievably because - he is always looking to dish off the puck and does not have a cannon as his weapon of choice. So when Mr. Subban got caught grossly out of position, the resulting two on one (short-handed mind you) resulted in a goal by Matthew Lombardi. Actually from a hockey comeback stand point - Lombardi's goal was very nice to see. He has been having challenges with a head injury and missed most of last season. He does have a set of wheels on him and I am sure he will move up the Leafs roster with time. But I digress. That short-handed goal brought life to the Leafs and the Habs deflated from there seeming to give up - and the Leafs got the scent of blood. With the way Reimer was playing that goal was all they needed.<br />
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Erik Cole was brought in to shore up the five on five scoring and played well until the shorty then disappeared quite effectively. He did not get much power play time - but he has not been a good power play performer during his career. I believe he could be with his size if he went and put his posterior in the goalie's face (maybe a huge bowl of chili would help hehehe).<br />
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Chris Campoli played a good solid game until he fell awkwardly in front of Carey Price and went to the dressing room - early information said was a hamstring injury out for three weeks approximately - but I think that was Dr. RDS that was reporting that medical tidbit. Hopefully it is that and not a groin pull.<br />
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With the Habs playing 7 pre-season games in so short a time - and playing essentially the Junior Bulldogs in those game- this team has not gelled properly at all. Mr. Martin and the forty coaches are not getting a favourable review here. This is the third year for the headmaster, and his contract is up either this season or next. With Guy Carbonneau no longer being paid not to coach, is it time for J-Mart to be paid for not coaching - I certainly hope so. I know some of you will ask who to replace - bilingual etc. - my candidate is Marc Crawford. He is not currently coaching and was the coach of the Nordiques so would be accepted by those yahoos at RDS and he would open up the play. May lose a bit with the transition but - would be exciting because Habs are playing boring defensive hockey and losing. Now perhaps if they were playing boring defensive hockey and winning it would be different...although I doubt it.<br />
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Thanks for reading and for your support. Please let me know what you think.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01843861851741438528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5803933505903661788.post-74061013643865998232011-10-02T18:48:00.000-04:002011-10-02T18:48:17.718-04:00The End of a Perfect VacationFirst full day back from my vacation in beautiful Halifax, NS. Met some lovely people and saw some beautiful sights and sites. Thank you to my mahvellous hostessesses with the mostests Roz and Ev. Your hospitality was greatly appreciated.<br />
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Necessary picture of Dayes taking a picture </div>
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Sunday night, my friends @Tygerlylly (Roz), @cokeaddict (Dayes), Ev (Roz's Mom) @hfxhabby (Rene) and I went to see our Habs get beat soundly by the Bruins my account can be found <a href="http://thecheckingline.com/blog/habbykins/montreal-canadiens/preseason-montreal-canadiens-v-boston-bruins"><i>here.</i></a> It was very disappointing to say the least. If you read <i><a href="http://www.tygerbythetail.com/">Tyger By The Tail</a> </i>you saw pictures of yours truly and Dayes drinking in the afternoon - well here is a pic of the ringleader - doing the same.<br />
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Roz</div>
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The rest of the week went very quickly. We made our return trip to Peggy's Cove where we had a tried out some fabulous desserts after soaking in the fabulous scenery.<br />
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Lighthouse at Peggy's Cove</div>
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World's End</div>
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The mouth to Peggy's Cove</div>
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Roz and Ev waiting patiently for us tourists to take our pics</div>
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Roz did want to try pole dancing</div>
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What is a trip to Halifax without stopping to remember the Titanic</div>
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and SwissAir</div>
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I could bore you to death with more pictures however that would not be a good thing. If you would like to see more photos, please visit my<i> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurakenney/">Flickr account</a></i> and feel free to comment. I love looking at peoples vacation photos but do not think that is ordinary.</div>
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One more thing to you my faithful readers, if you see or hear anything out of the ordinary or anything embarrassing (singing/dancing etc) remember that it was NOT me. It was my evil twin. </div>
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Hockey season is once again upon us and this blog will become definitely hockey-centric.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01843861851741438528noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5803933505903661788.post-13667954857368917192011-09-25T08:30:00.000-04:002011-09-25T08:30:20.911-04:00Sunday Morning Musings<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>As some of you know I am on vacation with a couple of my friends here in Beautiful Halifax, Nova Scotia. </i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>So I arrived here in one piece after a flight delay of over an hour in Toronto on Friday. I am a white knuckle flyer at the best of times, and have not flown since the turn of the century. Therefore before the day the world changed - and not for the better. It was a domestic flight so no passport was required - I did check before I went as I do not own a passport and would have had to get one for my little trip. After the delay, including 20 minutes due to lightning in the area (when I left Billy Bishop Airport in Toronto - yes they actually named an airport after a pilot - World War I ace Billy Bishop - it was pouring rain like a cow relieving itself on a flat rock variety- you are welcome for the visual - any time.) I have decided however that the potholes in the sky definitely have to be part of the infrastructure repair. Once we got to cruising altitude and out of the Toronto area, it was smooth sailing. It was the first time I used the small airport instead of the monstrosity called Pearson International (named after a former Prime Minister and Nobel Peace Prize recipient). So the first day was a case of planes, trains, automobiles and boat - Billy Bishop airport is on an island lol. I was picked up at the airport by the fabulous duo of Roz and Dayes. </i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>The second day was rainy here is Halifax - and of course I was to blame (I tried to #blamesubban to no avail). But that did not dampen our sense of adventure. What did we do - it was very wet and rainy so we went on a ROAD TRIP. As many of you know a Road Trip with my fellow travellers is always an adventure - I was looking forward to getting lost etc. I must report that although it did have its moments - we did not get lost although we did try our absolute best.</i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>We went to Peggy's Cove and did some sight-seeing - we will go back on Monday when the weather is less damp. We then went to <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f2f2f2; color: #030303; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 19px;"><strong><span id="ContentPlaceHolderDefault_ContentPlaceHolderDefault_ContentPlaceHolderDefault_ContentPlaceHolderDefault_PlacePage1_lblPlaceCommonName">Lunenburg</span></strong></span>, which is an historic town - the weather was clearer at the beginning so we went for a walk - had some fabulous home-made ice cream and of course took some pictures in the downtown- tourist area. The houses are painted all different colours making the town look like a colourful mosaic, a picture postcard if you will. </i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>As we were driving to <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f2f2f2; color: #030303; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 19px;"><strong><span id="ContentPlaceHolderDefault_ContentPlaceHolderDefault_ContentPlaceHolderDefault_ContentPlaceHolderDefault_PlacePage1_lblPlaceCommonName">Lunenburg</span></strong></span> Academy, the fog started to roll in, which gave the Academy a surreal look. Over to the left of the Academy there was a set of swings just before the historic graveyard. I went to take a few pictures of the graveyard as I am morbidly fascinated with them. Took a photo of the swings and the graveyard. While I was taking the shot, a couple of crows decided to get in the picture making these photos very eerie indeed.</i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>When we got back to Roz's place I downloaded the pics and found the pictures were really creepy indeed. I think I see a lady in a blue dress in one of them - There is a crow on a headstone in front of her and it is squawking. Is there something really there, or just my imagination working overtime I do not know. I have not done anything to the cemetery photos other than the close up - really creepy.</i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>I am interested in hearing what you think - is there something there or purely my imagination. </i></span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01843861851741438528noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5803933505903661788.post-17215340618303195672011-09-21T10:33:00.000-04:002011-09-21T10:33:46.749-04:00Habs Game Day Radio<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I must begin by telling you I really enjoy listening to hockey on the radio. When I was a kid I would have by transistor radio tucked under my pillow so I could listen to the games as my beloved Habs would skate left to right on my radio dial.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj7H7VXLkYPbTLPq_5Iwp4_hMEw3OraOY2ApvrPOUlw1_oU5p1ne9ZiRCOMlapbCXyrjsFTbIST-Q-qpnGaVzF7KFD1Z11QkC_VkYsmXNtLItn4CDi9jPbwjwxqalYU2TvSztVr_1hPthP/s1600/transistor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj7H7VXLkYPbTLPq_5Iwp4_hMEw3OraOY2ApvrPOUlw1_oU5p1ne9ZiRCOMlapbCXyrjsFTbIST-Q-qpnGaVzF7KFD1Z11QkC_VkYsmXNtLItn4CDi9jPbwjwxqalYU2TvSztVr_1hPthP/s1600/transistor.jpg" /></a>The announcers are more important on radio than on television where the words augment the pictures on the television or computer screen. For example Mr. Bob Cole could not get away with everything is happening everywhere or oh he scored. Although I have heard that one on previous radio broadcasts.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTl_NWr2rXRxUzRI4AIhnl59e3nl-m8411d8uFQhbQSc817dsMOMpcHrwhGlrIpgvFMFYborDqHKQklKcdF_3lq8dlWW-DCBZFLzJBeGzaHIUHJNUkQHBQ_eFcETWV3URquy98sN0CXHvR/s1600/irvin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTl_NWr2rXRxUzRI4AIhnl59e3nl-m8411d8uFQhbQSc817dsMOMpcHrwhGlrIpgvFMFYborDqHKQklKcdF_3lq8dlWW-DCBZFLzJBeGzaHIUHJNUkQHBQ_eFcETWV3URquy98sN0CXHvR/s1600/irvin.jpg" /></a>Growing up listening to Dick Irvin as the english voice of the Habs somewhat spoiled me - although his french counterpart, Rene Lecavalier was certainly one of the best as well. When I moved to Edmonton in the mid-eighties, I could listen on Radio-Canada to all the Habs games on FM and could only watch maybe a handful of Habs games in English the CBC played on Saturday nights. They had decided that everyone liked the Leafs and only the Leafs at that point. But the weekly games on Radio Canada (french CBC) became my life-line to Habs fandom where I could watch les boys play.<br />
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When I came to southwestern Ontario at the beginning of the nineties, I continued to watch Radio Canada on Saturdays and there were times those were not shown - they would play bad movies or documentaries in place of the games. There were no broadcasts of the games on Radio Canada so following the Habs became more of a challenge. As the Leafs got better (Sunbeam etc) the information regarding the Habs decreased significantly.<br />
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I enjoy watching the games now on the internet but still prefer to listen, close my eyes and watch the team skate left to right on my radio dial in my minds eye. The past few years the English radio broadcasts have been not great to say the least, and last year were so bad I stopped listening altogether. I was elated when John Bartlett got the play by play duties as I have heard him call the occasional Marlies games. Not so pleased about the retention of Sergio Momesso. Last night's radio season opener was music to my ears. I awaited eagerly for the puck drop and was not disappointed in the least. Momesso however seemed like he had to be prodded to add commentary during play stoppages and did not seem in sync with the play. Hopefully that gets better (though not counting on it).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK9JxVORg65NWO_4LPM-XtkHPKJlgmfzt3b9OghyuwZiwp4ROUELe-wOhDO_Ad8hTi4l_GLBdN_kUWJRNZH1hfpIb9puizvTgjrmmf8p7cWVJuyEzR8XBshaV8QeUwtEulUAz8eeiWQDEH/s1600/markov.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK9JxVORg65NWO_4LPM-XtkHPKJlgmfzt3b9OghyuwZiwp4ROUELe-wOhDO_Ad8hTi4l_GLBdN_kUWJRNZH1hfpIb9puizvTgjrmmf8p7cWVJuyEzR8XBshaV8QeUwtEulUAz8eeiWQDEH/s1600/markov.jpg" /></a>The pre-game show did not start off promising, I must tell you. There was some Markov talk and when guests said that Markov will make the power play better than last season - they were interupted saying that as per Marinaro, not happening any time soon. Thankfully this was stopped rather abruptly as I was about to turn to check out the French broadcast. I am not a fan of Marinaro to say the least. I have been blocked on twitter not for being rude or anything - but for having the audacity of gasp - disagreeing. Heavens to mergatroid - I disagreed with some comment or another. Anyway I digress.<br />
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One area that needs to be worked on is the time lag on the internet feed. It was almost two minutes behind. It was mentioned on the post game show that there was a two second delay but on the net it was closer to 2 minutes. My twitter feed erupted a long time before I heard the call. I understand that there will always be a delay but this seems excessive.<br />
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I did listen to the post game with great trepidation as it was hosted by Marinaro - but although it does need work, it was okay. And telling us to tweet our comments to be read on the air does not help at all - how many people are blocked and not allowed to have a differing opinion? That is a rhetorical question.<br />
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Please share your opinions.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01843861851741438528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5803933505903661788.post-40974209428063643452011-08-27T11:16:00.001-04:002011-08-28T22:01:13.408-04:00Fantasy HockeyThe pre-season for me has just begun. Just when I am hoping and wishing for something positive in the hockey realm, Yahoo Sports has opened their Hockey Fantasy Pools. Last year, the first one I played fantasy hockey, I played in 6 pools as a neophyte I did not know any better. This year I am narrowing it down to probably four.<br />
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I have joined forces with Roz (@Tygerlylly) from <a href="http://www.tygerbythetail.com/">Tyger by the Tail</a>, and Rene (@hfxhabby) from <a href="http://lets-push-the-envelope.blogspot.com/">Pushing the Envelope</a> and am running a league called - The League of Ordinary Smartasses (would have been extraordinary but alas yahoo only allows 30 characters for a league name). The league has a capacity of 20 teams and if there is a lot of interest we are ready, willing and able to add another league.<br />
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***Update the second league is now open called the League of Unusual Tweeples. This league has a capacity of 16 teams.***<br />
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If you are interested please by all means send me a shout by <a href="mailto:habbykins@ymail.com">e-mail</a> or on twitter at @habbykins and I will send you the necessary info to torment me - nicely.<br />
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My promise you (my 5 readers) that I will not use the power of the commish to sabotage or aid any of the participants in this league as much as I may want to. Now do you not wish this was the case at the NHL level.<br />
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We have decided to offer some prizes - minimal tokens to go along with bragging rights. These have yet to be determined as we are working on it. As not all entrants are Habs fans the prizes will not ALL be Habs related. We have of course excluded ourselves from winning said prizes so the other 17 players have a slightly better shot.<br />
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If you have never been in a fantasy league but want to try it. Hey why not give it a try. The downside to fantasy hockey is you may actually be hoping for a player on a rival NHL team to score - last year I did have to cheer for Bergeron on occasion - and yes it made me feel guilty - but I survived. Even if you do not know anything about the sport there is always fun to be had. I did join a basketball league last year and came in 7th out of 12 - not knowing a thing about the players - dumb luck - maybe.<br />
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I have received some comments about my team name (Les Girls) and that was totally expected - after all whom else would name a hockey team after a couple of body parts. Besides it sounded better than the dumbasses - which begs the question is it better to be a smartass or a dumbass - discuss.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01843861851741438528noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5803933505903661788.post-25682362765748426642011-08-15T11:35:00.000-04:002011-08-15T11:35:40.537-04:00Hockey Trading CardsOn my second cup of tea this morning, and looking for something to write about. I realized that I have not shared a passion I have for the almighty hockey cards.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy-9JQRSOmvc5anLpVm3934BaGQkm6nsUSg8Qfgi1NvPgIni2Quh1tmwYntPocv84eSul6RBsFwvsredcUCMnLt-HmexsIfYtqEM-bj2NEYhOw4AmhLroei_UHCwOYXKQ7NA_-heByfz57/s1600/espo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy-9JQRSOmvc5anLpVm3934BaGQkm6nsUSg8Qfgi1NvPgIni2Quh1tmwYntPocv84eSul6RBsFwvsredcUCMnLt-HmexsIfYtqEM-bj2NEYhOw4AmhLroei_UHCwOYXKQ7NA_-heByfz57/s200/espo.jpg" width="142" /></a></div>I will admit it was a passion of mine when I was much younger. I had this great collection but two things went awry. The first thing was my absolute hatred for the Boston Bruins. As a Montrealer at that time I detested anything Bruins. Even to the point where I clothes pinned all my (gulp) bruins hockey cards in the spokes of my bike because hey they deserved it AND it made a cool sound. In retrospect-perhaps that was not such a good idea. Those Bobby Orr and Phil Esposito etc. cards would be a nice complement to my collection.<br />
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Another thing we used to do besides trading them - got-em got-em - ooohhh need-em (which we all knew what we needed on sight-no cataloging required - thank you) - was flip them on the side of a cement wall. the winner of the game would have to cover as much of a card already on the ground as possible. It was a fun game but ruined a lot of cards.<br />
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The last thing from back then that happened to me card collection was my Mom. I had a wooden cigar box I kept my surviving cards in. My Mom in her infinite wisdom gave them away - to some deserving kid I am sure. (She worked in a school and must have figured someone needed them more than I did.) As a result, I no longer have that collection that included a Ken Dryden signed post card from his rookie season.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I went away from collecting them for a while and re-started collecting at the beginning of the 90's. I have several nice rookie cards that are not worth anything because the hockey card manufacturers decided they would over print those as well as the major players of the day. A card is in demand - no problem lets reprint it. They even printed coach cards and referee cards and once paired up a local celebrity with a team - I will always remember the Penguins were paired up with Mr. Rogers - somewhere out there is a Mr. Rogers hockey card. Pretty funny if you ask me.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH5EY52jDleqrbJFzoTvF5maX9Z3g4NZBFJKn941K3P6j-GgED6_QJbtwgYNP6N0Lc4gJdWGBbqYLJiNv98gSWLEkELr6u3kDCOCPPqJZ-LMVlLzDrzbdfHVO8kwyZAjSjlLQBu13rX3o-/s1600/berg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH5EY52jDleqrbJFzoTvF5maX9Z3g4NZBFJKn941K3P6j-GgED6_QJbtwgYNP6N0Lc4gJdWGBbqYLJiNv98gSWLEkELr6u3kDCOCPPqJZ-LMVlLzDrzbdfHVO8kwyZAjSjlLQBu13rX3o-/s200/berg.jpg" width="143" /></a></div>I have re-started collecting since the lockout and while most of my cards are not worth very much out there - they are fun to look at and remember the players. In some cases fondly and in others not so much, making one shake one's head and mutter why.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk9iWxoYU-WyPSdmhHrKmrYw8sMvw3yUiP2tRQs7pSdAeUxiI0ABb9StrkmaS9qTFjm9phvOTiDpLvIsGwd0mUmnI7cdyn9g9zXZlOQ87d5bPYBD3X9cIBCM9OeZ22gXj_HHPIFuDcUypM/s1600/Yzer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk9iWxoYU-WyPSdmhHrKmrYw8sMvw3yUiP2tRQs7pSdAeUxiI0ABb9StrkmaS9qTFjm9phvOTiDpLvIsGwd0mUmnI7cdyn9g9zXZlOQ87d5bPYBD3X9cIBCM9OeZ22gXj_HHPIFuDcUypM/s200/Yzer.jpg" width="144" /></a></div>I have started sending off cards to various players through the mail as in the old days. I know some will respond and some will not. I just hope if they are not going to sign personally, they just send them back not get someone else to sign them. I have read that Mike Modano does this - not only is it a failure - it ruins perfectly good cards. I am only sending cards I would not mind losing as there is no guarantee it will be returned signed. I will be keeping out abreast of developments in this area. There will be more details on the group Hockey Cards on <a href="http://planetpuckhead.com/">Planet Puckhead</a>, if you are inclined to join in the conversation or you can leave your thoughts and comments. Keep in mind, however it generally takes a while to get a response from the players sometimes months. Then you get a surprise in the mail - kind of like a mini surprise Christmas. It is all good.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01843861851741438528noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5803933505903661788.post-77003137012349855412011-07-24T12:34:00.000-04:002011-07-24T12:34:47.158-04:00Mid-Summer MusingsThere have been a few things to chat about this week in the headlines a lot of which are really horrific, some sad and some actually entertaining. Without further ado here is my take on the week.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSrOi04Z3ndzooEMx-TaGnegNVvbDZxtZTL572ifs9sKSmFfLKfwkAnAVi9ZY-kJ9s5A4HUdrUVaCANLavuYodh2RDwkf6MgImYyD4WZTO-TIMufkQT-bSGNbRgnfXmB4ELltSNm3qzA40/s1600/sun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSrOi04Z3ndzooEMx-TaGnegNVvbDZxtZTL572ifs9sKSmFfLKfwkAnAVi9ZY-kJ9s5A4HUdrUVaCANLavuYodh2RDwkf6MgImYyD4WZTO-TIMufkQT-bSGNbRgnfXmB4ELltSNm3qzA40/s200/sun.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>First off, let me say to those lying turds at Environment Canada - still no rain - but cooler today (having a cup of tea). Thank you for that - you are still turds until that promised rain gets here. Been over a month since we have had any local rain - lawns are brown and crispy need a deluge. They are lying because they give me false hope that it will rain at any time - but as my hubby says 50% chance of rain - hah maybe it will and maybe it won't. If any of my 4 readers work at environment please remember it is not personal at least on my part, will stop the name calling once rain arrives.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTE3kwvAzXXAQ5iCSd4jyyV8JsE2wphsC4mQros8CV2VbOGAlsCN8JbL5XPe07SX_7yT4nH1kotBZUpYhKMQUC6L70Qg3b9W8JkAK9FR6LzV6tGR2En-YHJZNT3EzrbVNRZk8heh-kYhXo/s1600/Norway+bombing+flags+at+half+mast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTE3kwvAzXXAQ5iCSd4jyyV8JsE2wphsC4mQros8CV2VbOGAlsCN8JbL5XPe07SX_7yT4nH1kotBZUpYhKMQUC6L70Qg3b9W8JkAK9FR6LzV6tGR2En-YHJZNT3EzrbVNRZk8heh-kYhXo/s200/Norway+bombing+flags+at+half+mast.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>A terrorist by any other name...I was shocked by the tragic events in Norway the other day. I am totally amazed that with all that damage done by the blast in downtown Oslo one would think more than 7 would have been killed. Then the terrorist went to camp and went on a 95 minute rampage killing indiscriminately kids and young people. I expect the total dead will be over a hundred. The big question is if the guy is a terrorist or a madman. As homer would say - a little from column A a little from column B. My take is this - if the perpetrator can get punished more for being a terrorist then that is what he is - if more punishment is more severe being a madman then so be it. There is a lesson to be learned somewhere in there somewhere.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAkahsOGU-9guL1oJh39caFf7Cj6raiuqIgDWwjcOBFIyesYqGuFPy1_k0OtLFg0970YI-0dotXSjI2m95HSDVLKJplrR6no2GydYPmSQJc4D46DTm39dsY6bpUH8N3zm__cEk0tbNz5Rz/s1600/winehouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAkahsOGU-9guL1oJh39caFf7Cj6raiuqIgDWwjcOBFIyesYqGuFPy1_k0OtLFg0970YI-0dotXSjI2m95HSDVLKJplrR6no2GydYPmSQJc4D46DTm39dsY6bpUH8N3zm__cEk0tbNz5Rz/s200/winehouse.jpg" width="149" /></a></div>Amy Winehouse - dead at 27 set off a debate on drugs, alcohol, too much too soon and the ridiculous idea that somehow sorrow at her death is not warranted. I feel bad for the family and friends of Ms. Winehouse just as I feel bad for the families and friends of other individuals who take their own lives on purpose as well as by accident. It does not compete with the tragedy in Norway nor should it - what it does however - is to humanize the struggles of people in dealing with their demons. Hopefully she will get the peace in death that she did not get in life.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_wQinV2LSutGiAMC0xt5xEN3vyOCJfKCZGTcQUkt1dI8FGEIdGtwL0GDYc8f9SbizsvOCgQBiUEH8L6gVGe1-C5h4oTxP4BCT0gHjlPbIoO9E8dXRm64b0xhxK6xTtlZVAKlXmEgYJhbA/s1600/boogaard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="108" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_wQinV2LSutGiAMC0xt5xEN3vyOCJfKCZGTcQUkt1dI8FGEIdGtwL0GDYc8f9SbizsvOCgQBiUEH8L6gVGe1-C5h4oTxP4BCT0gHjlPbIoO9E8dXRm64b0xhxK6xTtlZVAKlXmEgYJhbA/s200/boogaard.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Have been wondering how the people who made the decision on having Aaron Boogaard announce the Rangers first selection at the draft are feeling about that decision now. Does this change how we feel about Derek's death at age of 28? and why the coming together after Derek's death and the division over Amy Winehouse? It is like one is acceptable and one is not but the result is the same - gone too soon.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiac1abk397G54OXnfLwDetYlbSuWEqf-1ceE-vpFwt3aascECq3fyyGlSCEbNb77koM66_vOQEhGDp2i4Edjb7WG10Qq2JULTsjcg79FAC-u1AHJZhfD-WB_kzEZqMLgun6yXsiy1e80qa/s1600/asstcoach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiac1abk397G54OXnfLwDetYlbSuWEqf-1ceE-vpFwt3aascECq3fyyGlSCEbNb77koM66_vOQEhGDp2i4Edjb7WG10Qq2JULTsjcg79FAC-u1AHJZhfD-WB_kzEZqMLgun6yXsiy1e80qa/s200/asstcoach.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>On a lighter note - The Habs got randier and uglier behind the bench. No offense to Randy Ladouceur and Randy Cunneyworth but Kirk Muller is definitely prettier. The consolation here regarding the prettiness of the coaches - the duo of Keith Acton and Tim Hunter last season with the Leafs were certainly uglier. They were not hired to be pretty. At least with the mis-named Ladouceur there is a big defenseman who knows how to play with an edge and is good with the younger players. Randy Cunneyworth is also a beauty who is good with the youngsters and did great with the kids last year and knows what the group can do. He coaches to get the best out of his players which is not a bad thing. Hopefully they can bring emotion to a bland staff.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ9xI6s2g-51SL1gKMm-fwqF6QwiJwrnaT4tJWb95SrGzbZUhItUEmP4Qrth6qZZLyrSuGoaduM5WBK7xh2fPdzgtD0Sm83WxNU5bSeWDpUUz8hGUrAqffBKjWyUSTcC10tl5Y5Z_ndNoM/s1600/gorges" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="124" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ9xI6s2g-51SL1gKMm-fwqF6QwiJwrnaT4tJWb95SrGzbZUhItUEmP4Qrth6qZZLyrSuGoaduM5WBK7xh2fPdzgtD0Sm83WxNU5bSeWDpUUz8hGUrAqffBKjWyUSTcC10tl5Y5Z_ndNoM/s200/gorges" width="200" /></a></div>Josh Gorges has signed for one year 2.5M as a RFA before going to arbitration. I am thinking that is a good thing for both sides. I am glad he is around this year of transition with a much younger defensive corps than last year. His next contract with the habs may be tied to how the kids do this year. A strong year by Yemelin may mean a different team next year- who really knows. There is a reason it is called the dead season in french too much speculation now the season has to start soon. We still have a week in July and the whole month of August before preseason.<br />
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Thank you for your time - and I would love to hear from you. Just drop me a line.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01843861851741438528noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5803933505903661788.post-53515432876091010012011-07-17T12:57:00.000-04:002011-07-17T12:57:33.854-04:00Calling all PuckheadsI recently was invited to join a promising hockey social network called <a href="http://planetpuckhead.com/">Planet Puckhead</a>. It has potential in that it caters to hockey enthusiasts of all types. Players, coaches, bloggers, fans can have discussions on the game and offer opinions and discuss the happenings around the game we all love.<br />
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Upon entering for the first time, I must admit I was taken aback on the colour scheme (being the Habs fan that I am) that it was primarily Bruins colours. There is the ability on there to change your home page - mine has almost no yellow. and the header was moved up so there is a nicer visual appeal.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvrKHsQ2UcpW2js159mbSqxlB9wa8HpPN6lWPDLNPBVHMk4tr7y2QmEqi6Mq9x3wt7VxACRvGHPm3D0GQsc8bTVzyt8kW6XhyeoXyoMU4Va4AVV76Z7amkIYqX8Azm88s2MlZfHdJJe0Rm/s1600/hockey+puck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvrKHsQ2UcpW2js159mbSqxlB9wa8HpPN6lWPDLNPBVHMk4tr7y2QmEqi6Mq9x3wt7VxACRvGHPm3D0GQsc8bTVzyt8kW6XhyeoXyoMU4Va4AVV76Z7amkIYqX8Azm88s2MlZfHdJJe0Rm/s200/hockey+puck.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>There are groups that have been started for players, coaches, sledge players, ball hockey etc. If there is nothing started that interests you - by all means start one up and people will join if they have something to say. The intent is to have one place where we can talk amongst ourselves and answer and ask any questions that may come up. I, for one, will be asking a question or two in research for upcoming blogs - and I get the feeling others will as well.<br />
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It goes live on July 18th and holds promise. I am hoping that it becomes a gathering place to discussions on various teams bloggers. There are several groups on there including two I have started - one being for Habs fans and the other for Habs bloggers. I am not sure if both groups are needed but we will have another look at it in September or October and re-evaluate at that time. There is also a group that is for hockey bloggers that is open for discussion and collaboration in the community.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9-2L2FVGy4qddr0UCJQsx4wCYC2EcU9WbbEW4cy3uedrBSqNg2ZTHYhm1rs9BwoXJ1iygffls2mcc6SGgyXHj3KMwHOKw1qoE8qS786y-bqBGQzkEoBSAYNezd6onFwABdUlmZwWf8DLh/s1600/usapuck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9-2L2FVGy4qddr0UCJQsx4wCYC2EcU9WbbEW4cy3uedrBSqNg2ZTHYhm1rs9BwoXJ1iygffls2mcc6SGgyXHj3KMwHOKw1qoE8qS786y-bqBGQzkEoBSAYNezd6onFwABdUlmZwWf8DLh/s200/usapuck.jpg" width="196" /></a></div>I am finding it very interesting that the site has almost no members as yet who are fans of the NHL teams. So far, a few people have signed up to see what it is like and have not changed their locker (page) to suit their personalities and their teams. There are quite a few pictures of people sharing their memoriabilia which is fabulous.<br />
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There are a lot of fans and players from the Tampa Bay region - which is great to see. I know the US south has taken a beating with the Canadian hockey fans and media but the fans I have come into contact with are very passionate and quite knowledgeable. The truth of the matter is that Canadian fans and the US fans from cities in the north who covet the teams find it frustrating to see half empty arenas when tickets are extremely hard to come by up here and when you can get them they cost your first born. So, you can look at it another way we are jealous of the cheap hockey and availability of tickets.<br />
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But I digress, the Planet is open for business and we who are there are awaiting the pleasure of your company. There is plenty of room on there for all hockey fans, new and experienced. Oh and please tell them Laura Kenney sent you.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01843861851741438528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5803933505903661788.post-86820614684337816072011-07-04T20:44:00.000-04:002011-07-04T20:44:11.421-04:00The Curious Case of Andrei Kostitsyn<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ1dQhmf8p88UgCxMCoe0wCK0KsgL6vviea8oSYPAQLmVlxNRiy_9jhECU39oEVaUOFf2qq9QM0p9nzLx-bF_rU0p_K0GAZFrNeW9X17uCnGJuyxibg_Zetw05mtuAwlKrBFnIKgRHyFwG/s1600/Image1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ1dQhmf8p88UgCxMCoe0wCK0KsgL6vviea8oSYPAQLmVlxNRiy_9jhECU39oEVaUOFf2qq9QM0p9nzLx-bF_rU0p_K0GAZFrNeW9X17uCnGJuyxibg_Zetw05mtuAwlKrBFnIKgRHyFwG/s200/Image1.jpg" width="143" /></a></div>As I was going over last season for my last posting, it occurred to me that the most under-rated Hab is the one and only Andrei Kostitsyn. Before you roll your eyes please hear me out.<br />
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I know the reasons for him being under-rated - especially being streaky and therefore inconsistent. Much like Alexei Kovalev, Mr. Kostitsyn is so talented and there are times when it does not look like he is putting forth the effort. There are times when he brings you out of you seat with a move or a spectacular goal, or even a huge hit.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3MfAM1zHEdlHP4NFGv7_Wp2hk92XqODg7eNGYF23ODAbxmoKmfFuG3h0PazVPIqojPchhtKOPEHoUtMJwAsuLFPIA347_jAZj0PW2frVQJGTGsMdphkh03VRtGhLxWhTVqAvW6lekVOCl/s1600/Image2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3MfAM1zHEdlHP4NFGv7_Wp2hk92XqODg7eNGYF23ODAbxmoKmfFuG3h0PazVPIqojPchhtKOPEHoUtMJwAsuLFPIA347_jAZj0PW2frVQJGTGsMdphkh03VRtGhLxWhTVqAvW6lekVOCl/s200/Image2.jpg" width="136" /></a></div>I was expecting a much better year last season for him because of the trade of his brother and therefore less distractions off the ice. In fact, when I analyze his play of this past season, I feel he had a tremendous year. He was doing extremely well at the beginning of the year, scoring regularly, going to the net and being a total beast. Then the inevitable happened for some unknown reason, he was taken away from a very productive line and placed with Mr. Gomez. The reason for this was to perhaps ignite Mr. Gomez from his slumber. Unfortunately, the slumber continued and Mr. Kostitsyn's production fell, despite him continuing to play fairly well. He was also getting involved in the physical play, an aspect of his play that came to the forefront. He has improved his play in his own end and has begun to use his size to hos advantage.<br />
<br />
Despite playing on all three lines at different parts of the season, he led the team in hits (140), was fourth in shots (196), third in goals (20), fourth in points (46), was tied with Brian Gionta for the lead in GWG (6) and only missed one game. In my estimation, he had a decent season and if he ends up elsewhere with stable line mates he will be one that got away - even more so than his brother. <br />
<br />
This coming season I expect him to continue to grow and possibly learn a trick or two from Mr. Cole, play the body more and develop a little more consistency and chemistry.<br />
<br />
I am glad he was re-signed by Mr. Gauthier for one year. If he is paired with either Mr. Eller or Mr. Plekanec for the entire year or most of it - he will be a nice signing indeed.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01843861851741438528noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5803933505903661788.post-31070941640240629092011-07-02T23:12:00.002-04:002011-07-03T00:52:25.739-04:00Two Days of NHL Free AgencyEvery year I get in a comfy chair and wait for free agency hoping for the Habs to sign the big one - always hoping hardly ever get anything fabulous - last year the big signing was Alex Auld - really. The year before the team was redesigned on the front end during free agency, as the former crop seemed uninspired. Out with the old and in with the new.<br />
<div><br />
</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUMAx9ZHLGyJmyshVjHjmN5HtJt2XJSaDbWjuBVjiEfMyKDEioDzc9ZRLzAF2Uhnvt-K1h2Tq9Aujxb8fnLJ9spMKdxIicReKDEesD2gVjmoy78PVkG8PPXDOdLpFciwd9tdJ4FbwshKqq/s1600/Image2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUMAx9ZHLGyJmyshVjHjmN5HtJt2XJSaDbWjuBVjiEfMyKDEioDzc9ZRLzAF2Uhnvt-K1h2Tq9Aujxb8fnLJ9spMKdxIicReKDEesD2gVjmoy78PVkG8PPXDOdLpFciwd9tdJ4FbwshKqq/s200/Image2.jpg" width="142" /></a></div>There was a lot of promise for this year to redesign the back end much like the front one was two summers ago. During the year however there were many devastating injuries on the defence, necessitating a procurement of more defencemen to finish the year. The Habs had so many on contract at the end of the season the question became not who would they get from other clubs but who would be kept. The decision was made too sign oft-injured Andrei Markov - an elite d-man when healthy, Yemelin - a large prospect from Russia who by all accounts plays with a mean streak, Hal Gill - a big bodied, capable but slow defenceman, Yannick Weber- a smaller sized quick guy with a wicked shot. These guys are to complement the young stud PK Subban, and the way past his prime, Spacek. The other defenceman who is still RFA and is expected to sign is Josh Gorges - a hard worker and shut down defensive specialist. These are the guys who were picked over such notables as James Wisniewsky, Brent Sopel and the fabulous Roman Hamrlik. Those three who were not signed are fabulous defencemen who will do extremely well with their new teams, I am certain. There is always some risk in choosing not to re-sign players but the quality in this case when you think about it is astounding. Hopefully history will show the choices were good ones.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGaTcpdETyceGLZWddeZj5feVL42ypY6elxiChJaN_vDlz02ab2ZDoO3F_KHQcmFHyzcszFa42Z3VTg6T1p13fJnYuy1IqBEjxC9ja8XejhNbkhOqZpMD9KMmOZIDfDmDFS2ZMvYgj3y0Z/s1600/Image3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGaTcpdETyceGLZWddeZj5feVL42ypY6elxiChJaN_vDlz02ab2ZDoO3F_KHQcmFHyzcszFa42Z3VTg6T1p13fJnYuy1IqBEjxC9ja8XejhNbkhOqZpMD9KMmOZIDfDmDFS2ZMvYgj3y0Z/s200/Image3.jpg" width="140" /></a></div>The first day of free agency in habsland brought a big winger with a penchant for coming up huge in big games and leaving it all on the ice, Erik Cole. His contract is a little hefty but not outrageous and if he continues not to take a shift off and leaves it all on the ice he will be a hero. You see, in Montreal, to be a hero one has to leave it all on the ice hence the love affair Montrealers have with players such as Darche, White, Nilan and the like. But to be one with a scoring touch wow you get vaulted into the stratosphere - Saku Koivu.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj7FDq3HOV4SnrjYwXSSzqN_Ag4X_t3tTqfMUHL1L_52m5s6ya2h_8ghdcmbLcVRJ-VnsNR37xMtPwPDCTjl8s-24YiA-Xngg9buz1B0gsERvMtwSlbZfF02a7P3L9bCGxYlJ99kwAPzTi/s1600/Image4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj7FDq3HOV4SnrjYwXSSzqN_Ag4X_t3tTqfMUHL1L_52m5s6ya2h_8ghdcmbLcVRJ-VnsNR37xMtPwPDCTjl8s-24YiA-Xngg9buz1B0gsERvMtwSlbZfF02a7P3L9bCGxYlJ99kwAPzTi/s200/Image4.jpg" width="136" /></a></div>One of the questions going into free agency was who in the heck would back up Carey Price. Last season was Alex Auld - capable but did not play enough to keep sharp despite being 6-2 at times he did not look solid. The Habs signed a capable backup in Peter Budaj from Colorado. I think it is a good signing because he will be better with the full-time goalie coach Pierre Groulx. Hopefully they get together sooner rather than later. He is signed for two years.<br />
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Day two brought nothing new to the habs and I believe they are not totally done tinkering with the lineup. I am hoping they will bring some more real grit and sandpaper to the lineup in a Konopka from the Islanders.<br />
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In my opinion the team that did the best improvements so far include Buffalo, Florida and Washington. Oh to be a hockey fan in Washington this season - hang on it will be fun.<br />
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<br />
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01843861851741438528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5803933505903661788.post-15194755904969416562011-06-24T17:07:00.000-04:002011-06-24T17:07:05.895-04:00Insanity - Part Deux<div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I was asked to submit an article to the <a href="http://downgoesavery.blogspot.com/">Down Goes Avery</a> season ending blog where 30 bloggers were challenged to take a irreverent look at their teams past season, off season and outlook for next season. Here is an expanded version of events as I see them. Without a doubt this off-season will be interesting to watch in habland. Please feel free to leave a comment-they are always appreciated by all bloggers all the time.<br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>Free </b><b>Agency: Insanity</b></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha_Hc46iwBkwWfDZDGDBmkgEjVUDRzw-6DZBT37gWIcw35CALc29cISOGlTOyCDcjcZRTYAcIDCzM12s1aMds_QpVUoX1Zl0AHYrLcGqpwi5xGKkUubjsqAQC23R5ObGWsZL6la2a3cAsK/s1600/ratchet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="117" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha_Hc46iwBkwWfDZDGDBmkgEjVUDRzw-6DZBT37gWIcw35CALc29cISOGlTOyCDcjcZRTYAcIDCzM12s1aMds_QpVUoX1Zl0AHYrLcGqpwi5xGKkUubjsqAQC23R5ObGWsZL6la2a3cAsK/s200/ratchet.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>The definition of insanity according to Einstein is to do the same thing repeatedly and expect different results – so yes my team is insane. So far Pierre Gauthier has taken to doling out one year contracts to all the same players at the same money. Last I checked none of them are getting any younger, nor are they getting any quicker and certainly are not growing vertically. They have a lot of free agents on the defence this time around, so we will sign some of the billion defensemen that were around last year, BUT only the ones so far that were around at the beginning of last season. </div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">The update on this is two restricted free agent signings on the offense – the long and the short of it, Max Pac and David Desharnais. Good signings for a good price – 2 year contracts for each of them at least they may be around at the end of next season. I expect the Habs to look at free agency to bolster the first two lines - I hope for Laich or Leino of course so does every one else. What we will get is probably Dupuis or Talbot or Jagr any of whom would be an upgrade on Pouliot whom I do not believe will be brought back.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">The defense at the time of this writing consists of Subban, Gill, Yemelin, Spacek and now Markov. RFA's are Weber, Gorges, and Picard. UFA's are Wiz, Sopel, Mara and Hamrlik. In the crystal glass I see signing of Weber (he has stated he will be at the Canadiens hockey camp for youngsters) Gorges should be either signed or dealt this week. Unfortunately this all means that Wiz, Sopel, Picard, Mara and Hamrlik will not be re-signed. the one I really hate to see go is Hamrlik - He has been able to step up to the plate whenever he has been asked and has served extraordinarily well in trying circumstances. If by some miracle Spacek can be moved or convinced to possibly retire then I would definitely have Hamrlik back in the fold no doubt about it. Wiz's rights should be moved at the draft hopefully to a western conference team.</div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Coulda/woulda/shoulda time at this time next year perhaps, but it looks like almost the whole team will be free-agents at the end of next season.</div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><br />
</b></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>2011/12 Outlook: Reality Bites<o:p></o:p></b></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgidS-nxhwlP2Mh6FXj-QNwAUtq-Xszr4_9P6VEguz8zbd0qT5bGl3VsS4smAaqDPCcsqpPlsoXFtzW7Ew8d1m7OQnGf9zjiPBaCoyir1O-zoGa_3JsQCvaIwMfUtT_co37U7NGRv5_dMA3/s1600/bites.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="63" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgidS-nxhwlP2Mh6FXj-QNwAUtq-Xszr4_9P6VEguz8zbd0qT5bGl3VsS4smAaqDPCcsqpPlsoXFtzW7Ew8d1m7OQnGf9zjiPBaCoyir1O-zoGa_3JsQCvaIwMfUtT_co37U7NGRv5_dMA3/s200/bites.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>So with essentially the same team as last year with a couple of changes it looks like same top 6 (barring any trades or signings) and some minor changes in the bottom 6. </div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I am hoping for a big free agent signing for the Habs but in reality it hardly ever happens. The big news in Montreal will be who is not coming back rather than who is added to this roster. Maybe there will be addition by subtraction. If I hear one more time this is a tight knit group I am going to scream so loud the south americans will call and advise me to keep it down. Time to step up to the plate, cowboy up, get er done because there are a whole lot of free agents at the end of this season including Price and Subban and not everybody will survive. In other words, in my humble opinion, this is the last season for this group as we know it.</div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_jjAQI3cKjEqnhYwHqAh9iZgSoEGhRs803-EtkNxFQFC8EqoXbiUMvn-LSpEBYNOQ3acCZSYC2VpSu6u1YGHBuUyyyoA83ngENf5YRtTQxBqP3pgCFAr-X6ZihRKwutABgbYv45wx4FIK/s1600/wink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_jjAQI3cKjEqnhYwHqAh9iZgSoEGhRs803-EtkNxFQFC8EqoXbiUMvn-LSpEBYNOQ3acCZSYC2VpSu6u1YGHBuUyyyoA83ngENf5YRtTQxBqP3pgCFAr-X6ZihRKwutABgbYv45wx4FIK/s200/wink.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
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Hey, let’s plan the parade. Do I think this is a possibility? Check that definition of insanity again. But then again....there is a reason they play the games.</div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01843861851741438528noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5803933505903661788.post-41002320351005527932011-06-23T13:26:00.001-04:002011-06-23T13:32:10.923-04:00Habs 2011 Recap Insanity Part Un<div class="MsoNormal">I was asked to submit an article to the <a href="http://downgoesavery.blogspot.com/">Down Goes Avery</a> season ending blog where 30 bloggers were challenged to take a irreverent look at their teams past season, off season and outlook for next season. As my blog post was getting too big (I kept adding to it all week), here is part un of events as I see them. Without a doubt this off-season will be interesting to watch in habland. Please feel free to leave a comment-they are always appreciated by all bloggers all the time. Part deux will be posted tomorrow.<br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMPoCBIePygce1EEyhFVTEaZBxATHZqpO9ffLZNjvKdClj4aOh5O93ApAZX42RmWuc45QXRP1C94njmBhvvrv8fiD93_7CRJhgDu-0KKkZvMCPE-cAwzFJNuIbMBZV8hj_7KsRm92vLNzQ/s1600/150full.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMPoCBIePygce1EEyhFVTEaZBxATHZqpO9ffLZNjvKdClj4aOh5O93ApAZX42RmWuc45QXRP1C94njmBhvvrv8fiD93_7CRJhgDu-0KKkZvMCPE-cAwzFJNuIbMBZV8hj_7KsRm92vLNzQ/s200/150full.jpg" width="130" /></a></div><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">2010/11 Recap: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br />
</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Good – </b>Finding a couple of players in the minors who were able to step up when the team needed it and having the guts to trade for a million defensemen who were all used this past season. One goes down? No worry, just pick up another. Some were upgrades; some were serviceable. Carey Price did have a very good year, and then there is Subban who took his game to a new level when pressed. There were also some finds on the offensive side of things with Eller as well as Pacioretty and Desharnais filling in admirably when the injuries started to pile up a bit.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br />
</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Bad – </b>Too small and too inconsistent; too many passengers for too much of the season; taking shifts/games/weeks/months/season off. Now I can see having a bad shift or game or even a slump happens to everybody in all skates of life, but how long do these have to last? What was that Gomer? Oh yes - you have to play better lest you let down your team mates etc. How many times did you say this during the year? As one company in a former line of work would say: Just Do It. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br />
</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Ugly</b> – While it is difficult to find ugly on my team of beauties I find myself looking squarely at JMart and his usage of the would-be marvellous top liner Travis Moen. There is nothing wrong with Moen. He plays hard etc., but beautiful hands he does not have. He gets space and takes off down the ice on a break or semi-break regularly and if he had Cammy’s hands he would score 50 goals a season. Alas that is not the case. Shakes head and rolls eyes. Can it get any uglier than some of the mean-spirited thing that have been said and done to my team - The hit from Chara was ugly but to add to it the verbal insults from the Boston media and some of the players was bad enough - BUT then the fans continued it. Patches got some disgusting things sent to him on twitter. This in my opinion is totally uncalled for hey, it is after all is said and done a game. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br />
</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br />
</b></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01843861851741438528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5803933505903661788.post-66504002544648446652011-06-16T14:25:00.000-04:002011-06-16T14:25:26.553-04:00Let me say This about ThatNow that the Stanley Cup has been awarded I have some things to say (surprised?) I will be blogging all summer but intermittently because of commitments.<br />
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*The Bruins won Lord Stanley's shaving mug - pretty fitting. In my opinion, it was preordained by the WWE oops I mean NHL. And my congratulations to the winners.<br />
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*Twitter is once again saying Benoit Brunet is not going back to RDS. Is that not what we heard last year? So, until official - same as usual expect no changes.<br />
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*Markov to sign with the habs is another good one. It has been imminent for a while - wake me up when it is done please or when it is decided he should take a hike. FYI I think it does get done.<br />
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*Gorges and Pacioretty are RFA. (Duh-I know) They should be signed soon I hope.<br />
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*Does anyone know or care what happens on Hockey Night in Canada vis-a-vis Bob Cole and the Bruins broadcast team? That sounds like a bad band name. - And now ladies and gents give it up for Bob Cole and the Cherry Bruins Corporation.<br />
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*Wonder how the Bruins fans feel about screaming Diver and Faker to Kesler now - do they care?<br />
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*Kaberle- after all the but i don't wanna leave - he has his name on the Stanley shaving mug and has a chance at free agency. Maybe he will end up on a defensive pairing with Hal Gill...hmmmm on second thought no that would be too bizarre and besides we already have too many.<br />
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*Gomez will have a better 2011/12 season....I mean can he possibly do worse? we shall see won't we.<br />
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*When looking at the Habs past season please remember without Price - they would possibly be a lottery pick team. <br />
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*Ever wish you could combine players and amalgamate them - I am always looking for Pooche but not finding him on the roster. For my two non-habs fan readers it would be pouliots body and talent combined with Darche's work ethic and determination and sounds better than Darliot.<br />
<br />
*speaking of Pouliot I am hoping he does not get re-signed - or I may have to rename my twitter account to DownGoesPou...something you really should not do to your own team (It was suggested I use DownGoesSubban but ummmm NO)<br />
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*Recchi's career is finally over and he will undoubtedly make it to the hall. Too bad he had to step out of his perceived persona to do it.<br />
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*There will be a master blog coming out next week on DownGoesAvery next week and I am the Habs contributor. There will be a companion piece on this site when it is available. <br />
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Please add to the list in the comments section I 'd love to hear from you.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01843861851741438528noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5803933505903661788.post-44389354885702580612011-06-12T00:04:00.001-04:002011-06-12T00:04:52.295-04:00Open Doors Burlington 2011<div style="padding: 0; overflow: hidden; margin: 0; width: 500px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurakenney/5823382024/in/set-72157626815791757/" title="20110611_79" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5108/5823382024_b8ec76b078_s.jpg" alt="20110611_79" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurakenney/5822653653/in/set-72157626815791757/" title="20110611_1" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2735/5822653653_767db6a4aa_s.jpg" alt="20110611_1" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurakenney/5823218940/in/set-72157626815791757/" title="20110611_2" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2001/5823218940_1a0889c9ef_s.jpg" alt="20110611_2" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurakenney/5822657311/in/set-72157626815791757/" title="20110611_3" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5315/5822657311_749b2d86f8_s.jpg" alt="20110611_3" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurakenney/5822660591/in/set-72157626815791757/" title="20110611_4" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3438/5822660591_1b2f87ec3c_s.jpg" alt="20110611_4" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurakenney/5823226852/in/set-72157626815791757/" title="20110611_5" style="display: block; padding: 0 0 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3115/5823226852_fe9b1d5842_s.jpg" alt="20110611_5" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><br clear="all"/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurakenney/5823228666/in/set-72157626815791757/" title="20110611_6" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2195/5823228666_cbb378506c_s.jpg" alt="20110611_6" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurakenney/5823230260/in/set-72157626815791757/" title="20110611_7" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2391/5823230260_db4ee51a49_s.jpg" alt="20110611_7" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurakenney/5822668191/in/set-72157626815791757/" title="20110611_8" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3053/5822668191_bf4790335d_s.jpg" alt="20110611_8" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurakenney/5823234184/in/set-72157626815791757/" title="20110611_9" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2424/5823234184_4aa8ca9d07_s.jpg" alt="20110611_9" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurakenney/5822671263/in/set-72157626815791757/" title="20110611_10" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2446/5822671263_e5979ba4c5_s.jpg" alt="20110611_10" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurakenney/5822672813/in/set-72157626815791757/" title="20110611_13" style="display: block; padding: 0 0 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5186/5822672813_0612375a6d_s.jpg" alt="20110611_13" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><br clear="all"/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurakenney/5822673877/in/set-72157626815791757/" title="20110611_14" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2216/5822673877_6d1917766d_s.jpg" alt="20110611_14" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurakenney/5822674939/in/set-72157626815791757/" title="20110611_15" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3649/5822674939_f00e8d8931_s.jpg" alt="20110611_15" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurakenney/5822676071/in/set-72157626815791757/" title="20110611_16" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2278/5822676071_770882dea5_s.jpg" alt="20110611_16" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurakenney/5822677313/in/set-72157626815791757/" title="20110611_17" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5271/5822677313_ff148fbb9c_s.jpg" alt="20110611_17" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurakenney/5823241788/in/set-72157626815791757/" title="20110611_18" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5230/5823241788_a21c680a51_s.jpg" alt="20110611_18" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurakenney/5822679607/in/set-72157626815791757/" title="20110611_19" style="display: block; padding: 0 0 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2599/5822679607_c398147a37_s.jpg" alt="20110611_19" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><br clear="all"/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurakenney/5822680769/in/set-72157626815791757/" title="20110611_20" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3378/5822680769_52b45745c4_s.jpg" alt="20110611_20" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurakenney/5822681947/in/set-72157626815791757/" title="20110611_21" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3258/5822681947_6dcdf77898_s.jpg" alt="20110611_21" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurakenney/5822683127/in/set-72157626815791757/" title="20110611_23" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2326/5822683127_db53f9892f_s.jpg" alt="20110611_23" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurakenney/5823247222/in/set-72157626815791757/" title="20110611_25" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5308/5823247222_b5d096c4d6_s.jpg" alt="20110611_25" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurakenney/5823248858/in/set-72157626815791757/" title="20110611_26" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3538/5823248858_dd395a15dd_s.jpg" alt="20110611_26" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurakenney/5823249830/in/set-72157626815791757/" title="20110611_27" style="display: block; padding: 0 0 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3272/5823249830_7e8fe37eeb_s.jpg" alt="20110611_27" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><br clear="all"/></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 5px"><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurakenney/sets/72157626815791757/">Open Doors Burlington 2011</a>, a set on Flickr.</p></div><p>Here are some photos taken at today's Open Doors Burlington - Please let me know what you think.</p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01843861851741438528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5803933505903661788.post-91846899011680399752011-06-04T11:43:00.000-04:002011-06-04T11:43:31.998-04:00This and ThatAs I sit through a thunderstorm here in beautiful sunny (except when it is not) Burlington, Ontario that the next couple of weekends will be filled with local colour and flavour. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1FvzuO6p0RzbhH63c48o3Of8V02qbnqXaM3PiBTnx9rNCZjC9dzzaLUVl5-bhjLjKQTkq90Ko1mh2oFClX8p2hhCNCfQTwSE0wPV1Q3UCohb1WGwGOjnfC8L33hJ2vjvWY9w3aTC1Xm3V/s1600/3486167981_c865957d72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1FvzuO6p0RzbhH63c48o3Of8V02qbnqXaM3PiBTnx9rNCZjC9dzzaLUVl5-bhjLjKQTkq90Ko1mh2oFClX8p2hhCNCfQTwSE0wPV1Q3UCohb1WGwGOjnfC8L33hJ2vjvWY9w3aTC1Xm3V/s200/3486167981_c865957d72.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Next weekend is the <a href="http://cms.burlington.ca/Page6765.aspx">Open Doors Burlington</a> event - for those of you who are not familiar with such an event in your city/town/village..(do we really have villages any more?- besides the so called global village I mean!) It is a time usually a weekend to become a tourist where you live. Museums, Art Galleries and other places where you would normally pay a fee to visit are free. There are also other venues that are normally closed to the public that are open - an example of that here is the Burlington Public Library archives. There is also a walking tour of the older downtown core and waterfront that entails all the open door venues in that area. While a visit to the archives would definitely be interesting - I am going to take in the walking tour. Like many places on the waterfront some of these locations are said to be still inhabited by their former occupants - yes ghosties. Who knows who or what I will see - maybe even the Victorian lady in grey - on the upper floor of Joseph Brant museum - but that may be too much to ask.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Side note - I was just looking up other places to visit and pulled up Union Burying Grounds - an old cemetery - and the power went out - due to the storm - well - that settles it then - definitely worth a visit - yes that startled and maybe creeped me out a little.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-9mfrB5dkuumg_9xMrlQcJqUmqqbJ6R_VNDGQ-AmKbBrX-eW-2LuFtW4Rz5Q8wlPi3iCfhBBBVnRjrkoMgVbhFxie2um6gBya5DUbH-jxKsywoNiu5ErHx_1IUi3OfZiiZRY1zq4wMwzy/s1600/BTTBLOGO_260x198.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-9mfrB5dkuumg_9xMrlQcJqUmqqbJ6R_VNDGQ-AmKbBrX-eW-2LuFtW4Rz5Q8wlPi3iCfhBBBVnRjrkoMgVbhFxie2um6gBya5DUbH-jxKsywoNiu5ErHx_1IUi3OfZiiZRY1zq4wMwzy/s200/BTTBLOGO_260x198.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Fathers Day weekend in Burlington is the annual <a href="http://www.soundofmusic.ca/">Sound of Music Festival</a> - free outdoor concerts at various venues throughout the city - mostly by the lake - the weather is sometimes uncooperative - but hey for free concerts it is always well attended. The parade on Saturday is always highlighted by the Teen Tour Band - you know the one that I thought had disappeared on Rapture day. Apparently not.<br />
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I will, of course, be blogging and have pictures of these events in my neck of the woods.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01843861851741438528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5803933505903661788.post-10311227630652482452011-06-01T11:48:00.001-04:002011-06-01T11:54:28.957-04:00The Morning After<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisLq2qyNyFIA-5B09Wir9QfRXAKyXp7LTyExUTr6ieUcR8GszppfFhsNPn9ktB0-4I18CATKQt4XXTFOzF5mgfIegW33lPP9_TqXTF2aMPHXgcHRRNF_wTzPA_vT6cU4JMbjIRMjy_nyD3/s1600/FF_170545_s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisLq2qyNyFIA-5B09Wir9QfRXAKyXp7LTyExUTr6ieUcR8GszppfFhsNPn9ktB0-4I18CATKQt4XXTFOzF5mgfIegW33lPP9_TqXTF2aMPHXgcHRRNF_wTzPA_vT6cU4JMbjIRMjy_nyD3/s1600/FF_170545_s.jpg" /></a></div>After the NHL has been actively pulling out all stops to save the Coyotes in that hockey hotbed of Phoenix, word has finally come down that the much anticipated deal to purchase the Atlanta Thrashers by True North Sports and Entertainment and move them to the sunny and warm climate of Winnipeg.<br />
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</div><div>While watching the press conference yesterday I could not help but notice how uncomfortable the commish was. He looked like he wanted to be anywhere else but there. Does this spell the end of the dark ages of Gary Campbell and Colin Bettman? Probably not as he managed to get a quiet extension earlier this season and only time will tell. Maybe the people who matter (we know it is not fans) will see it - although it is their pockets that are being lined here. ***UPDATE appears Colin Campbell is stepping down - good news (Shanny taking over)*******</div><div><br />
</div><div>I really feel sorry for the hockey fans in Atlanta. Yes, we up here in Canada do take pot shots at attendance and the attempt at growing the game out of traditional markets. To be fair some places where hockey seems to have grabbed the attention of local populations have been surprising - on the other side of the coin - they also have had some success on the ice. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGEvFFANlf2nIzdn-4HUToKoUBZO2bUutntdKcYB4bB86bVMNf4AEH-lTpnosVN0OF0VdzD6hXzZp9pY4D373CdS9baHGQ7bqUJB2KWOw-kyo8KnfogccKBkLpd5CXbRj-uZTgm0vjhGQB/s1600/images+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGEvFFANlf2nIzdn-4HUToKoUBZO2bUutntdKcYB4bB86bVMNf4AEH-lTpnosVN0OF0VdzD6hXzZp9pY4D373CdS9baHGQ7bqUJB2KWOw-kyo8KnfogccKBkLpd5CXbRj-uZTgm0vjhGQB/s1600/images+%25281%2529.jpg" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>Backing a perennial losing team is not the easiest thing to do - it fact, it is downright awful - just ask the Leafs fans. But God love em they continue to support the local team regardless. There are not too many places where a team can put their fans through what the Leafs have. As their team continues to improve, payback for it all will be awful but necessary - it is all part of the process.</div><div><br />
</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifnLVrm1xenageLuN2kYQWreEbsOEvp7W13ve04IvMhRX47pUhdn_I-I16P_JneK__HeVjzBIflm0xBOQ28nUuzujgcdjO9OL0g9I2c1qck78Vzgn5TmPfJdcj5Ae3u8TwMzJpnV3p5TG_/s1600/images+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifnLVrm1xenageLuN2kYQWreEbsOEvp7W13ve04IvMhRX47pUhdn_I-I16P_JneK__HeVjzBIflm0xBOQ28nUuzujgcdjO9OL0g9I2c1qck78Vzgn5TmPfJdcj5Ae3u8TwMzJpnV3p5TG_/s1600/images+%25282%2529.jpg" /></a></div>Maybe the NHL and the hockey community in general has something to learn about fandom- How about less bland athletes - There are some exciting players in the game - the thing that is missing is personality. As <a href="http://dennis-kane.com/">Dennis Kane</a> pointed out on his excellent site - there used to be sex appeal to hockey players - everyone was different as night and day. Maybe we need to get some of the sex appeal back - suggestion for what is is worth - allow the players to have their helmets designed a la goalie masks - the base colour would have to be the teams colour - it may bring some individuality and personality back - (I miss hockey hair)</div><div><br />
</div><div>The NHL has a lot of things that need fixing - I know, understatement of the decade. I have also been thinking that perhaps it has become like the WWE. In that case, the referees are just following the script that was handed down to them - no conspiracies - just script nothing more nothing less. </div><div><br />
</div><div>If a franchise is not working then by all means try to save it but not in all costs as in Phoenix. That has been a nightmare for Gary Daley and his cohorts - they have been singing and dancing their way through that one. I also do not advocate franchises moving willy-nilly either but no community should have to go through unending uncertainties as what has happened in Phoenix.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Perhaps I, as a fan of the NHL for over forty years, am becoming jaded with all the inconsistencies in the officiating and the disciplinary action/inaction. <br />
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01843861851741438528noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5803933505903661788.post-10663671463372721652011-05-28T17:53:00.000-04:002011-05-28T17:53:08.286-04:00A Day at the FairPhotography is a hobby of mine - only a hobby and I have a couple of point and shoot cameras - they do the hobby job quite well for me. There are many fairs and festivals in Burlington, Ontario during the summer months - I will endeavour to keep you up to date with pictures.<br />
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There was a fair at the local mall - you know the kind - a few rides, some games and some fun. The day was cool and overcast and it was in the morning so there were not many people there. In other words a good time to take pictures.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifB2XOrBGq4PTjCoDrUNcCXhKzjet1OAiju5MT4QH83I0NzH9402vNcQzCO23oJX2NUotmUjF-EPpyLenZvNElaw8Tbyi8avJaj1CdvWfrxEnUB6uzjUxignZ2qbrmH0kbuKkoDLg2NneQ/s1600/102_0148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifB2XOrBGq4PTjCoDrUNcCXhKzjet1OAiju5MT4QH83I0NzH9402vNcQzCO23oJX2NUotmUjF-EPpyLenZvNElaw8Tbyi8avJaj1CdvWfrxEnUB6uzjUxignZ2qbrmH0kbuKkoDLg2NneQ/s320/102_0148.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">what is a fair without a ferris wheel </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtdKfkbjoiuyg-QVDB32F9PGVrWMJ_cVjNCN4W2D0RxhCm0guz7_kTSByUTyuxfQ22onLe1bFBjvpZyjddPBnsYlfQjNL2ZN7QnjZ5mcfTRD2m1joncqVHTlDDpEAp9TE0mPAKWVnmOpb9/s1600/102_0135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtdKfkbjoiuyg-QVDB32F9PGVrWMJ_cVjNCN4W2D0RxhCm0guz7_kTSByUTyuxfQ22onLe1bFBjvpZyjddPBnsYlfQjNL2ZN7QnjZ5mcfTRD2m1joncqVHTlDDpEAp9TE0mPAKWVnmOpb9/s320/102_0135.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Nemo who definitely looks like he is up to something</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRD3bhOsGbw_SPAq7CEUztsxLp_CqHQBfrSS9p-mSKC4XvA3QrpoYF8d7P0dtz7Ke2LsVx596i7YxDOislQ_Q0wJ5WWnT-8IAHe1thVi4cFsj7r3geUAjfeL6PmszpHsrywm5ki_cbdkMX/s1600/102_0144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRD3bhOsGbw_SPAq7CEUztsxLp_CqHQBfrSS9p-mSKC4XvA3QrpoYF8d7P0dtz7Ke2LsVx596i7YxDOislQ_Q0wJ5WWnT-8IAHe1thVi4cFsj7r3geUAjfeL6PmszpHsrywm5ki_cbdkMX/s320/102_0144.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> games</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB827DGO9XijxuFD1EKW90rLyBywpMBgcxY3_oURq47yi4GF-S1hiXMTyoz2pQ1P6DD3ge2kSUiM9JGuoSz8HxbmVCWCZOAF7EYhc_a955e8dNbWy9p6f9alxryvF_4zPcjUsrRxOSZMaj/s1600/102_0111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB827DGO9XijxuFD1EKW90rLyBywpMBgcxY3_oURq47yi4GF-S1hiXMTyoz2pQ1P6DD3ge2kSUiM9JGuoSz8HxbmVCWCZOAF7EYhc_a955e8dNbWy9p6f9alxryvF_4zPcjUsrRxOSZMaj/s320/102_0111.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">with prizes</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwJiWlqlw2rPXc6OxzU05D1iGOI6QzR_KuXgDVtNAa4gTPE-F2m8Her-fT4N8iOvAymXXwuNUlyMyCkTHM5-DUDY58G0zf4sZzfLInlXoIR4sPLz28zI4vbuAT5OswjAgsXCzsNeepHv5A/s1600/102_0106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwJiWlqlw2rPXc6OxzU05D1iGOI6QzR_KuXgDVtNAa4gTPE-F2m8Her-fT4N8iOvAymXXwuNUlyMyCkTHM5-DUDY58G0zf4sZzfLInlXoIR4sPLz28zI4vbuAT5OswjAgsXCzsNeepHv5A/s320/102_0106.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">including pirate bananas</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYr-1UUL6qiq0B2n7bvEwvqS3XrsJbKDHggjMxD20QcFIzK3rgPzeXf5QIc-z7KW5v5Dn4mCMAbYcB-qJp0tHCOxnUIWLlRW8lPvzocKharCMdqShc6ol7m2Xd_Ul6vsaz9nvTZTZAIN4S/s1600/102_0140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYr-1UUL6qiq0B2n7bvEwvqS3XrsJbKDHggjMxD20QcFIzK3rgPzeXf5QIc-z7KW5v5Dn4mCMAbYcB-qJp0tHCOxnUIWLlRW8lPvzocKharCMdqShc6ol7m2Xd_Ul6vsaz9nvTZTZAIN4S/s320/102_0140.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">candy made by elves </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBB6xXfm4MjuSz1d_ltz-NPYBpVBSBQgIkLRPn3FltcLfJ3LDj9apR9Dp2NApG2UMoB18Y0ZjjqzYdtGLk58pNh9mUsTiwrArQbrXdN7-e8rOD9VLOZCS-2VpPhhrhG8B7IViyoSeg5Pq4/s1600/102_0141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBB6xXfm4MjuSz1d_ltz-NPYBpVBSBQgIkLRPn3FltcLfJ3LDj9apR9Dp2NApG2UMoB18Y0ZjjqzYdtGLk58pNh9mUsTiwrArQbrXdN7-e8rOD9VLOZCS-2VpPhhrhG8B7IViyoSeg5Pq4/s320/102_0141.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">cotton candy</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr09P-TMIn5xXIulmGO9jWgjxxn1I34DtJy4S3NJ5SLPhZmIZNkhagTbTEQw5zr1RSWU6Q9LWfK-ucHYUOLYafaLfo59E6tfOB66zFiiHEWjOHMHSGAD7R3gxaiukfi5KKXslMzGo9mB2H/s1600/102_0158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr09P-TMIn5xXIulmGO9jWgjxxn1I34DtJy4S3NJ5SLPhZmIZNkhagTbTEQw5zr1RSWU6Q9LWfK-ucHYUOLYafaLfo59E6tfOB66zFiiHEWjOHMHSGAD7R3gxaiukfi5KKXslMzGo9mB2H/s320/102_0158.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">and especially popcorn</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">In Burlington, Ontario we have a Teen Tour Band - who travel all around the world representing Canada. Last Saturday (rapture day) at the park I came across this scene and wondered - Oh Dear what happened - the band is missing. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdSBVFSNhSgJa9-1FuZAr5cecxpAa1CdS9iZZX2mzam42PKPGwA15Nl8Bg8CMCWjKuw__RJYt3DO0hEjFHyNbUiHCYx2UzaL4Xzru0DqB_Lwc133BdZyMC2K2t4xUDT-xad1Qqu0_RAdWg/s1600/5743697059_90f6a02aba_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdSBVFSNhSgJa9-1FuZAr5cecxpAa1CdS9iZZX2mzam42PKPGwA15Nl8Bg8CMCWjKuw__RJYt3DO0hEjFHyNbUiHCYx2UzaL4Xzru0DqB_Lwc133BdZyMC2K2t4xUDT-xad1Qqu0_RAdWg/s1600/5743697059_90f6a02aba_m.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"> I did find them - taking a break, and having a picnic. Alas - they are teens after all and it was lunchtime. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The next big festival here is the Sound of Music festival by the lake - free concerts at various downtown and lake front locations on fathers day weekend - every year. <a href="http://www.soundofmusic.ca/">Here</a> is a link to this years festivities - If you can make it please come and if not no worries I will be there with my camera.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01843861851741438528noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5803933505903661788.post-12525284385087116722011-05-20T09:49:00.009-04:002011-05-20T14:04:26.212-04:00Utter CrapolaAs I sit here with my second cup of tea - musing about the events of this week in the hockey world - I am amused that my favorite hockey team is now fining fans for showing support to the tune of 1K per day - Hey at my age I would owe them one heck of an amount of money to be sure. There are a couple of things I could do - I could drop the H and call them Abs - if they sue, I could say I meant Avs and it is a consistent typo - That would necessitate changing my twitter name to Abbykins. This would confuse the heck out of the people who so graciously follow me there - to say nothing about what I would have to do to this blog and the pain it would be to change it to Abbykins - and people would think possibly that it is about primarily an advice column or something to do with religion. So what I have ultimately decided to do with this is to further ignore it - and if they decide to come after me - I will never in my lifetime or my childrens lifetime be able to pay it - and you can't get blood from a stone.<br />
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It was a strange week regarding life on my timeline this week - Derek Boogaard by all accounts an all around great guy is no longer with us - ***cause of death has been confirmed as accidental overdose of alcohol and Oxycodone **** I hope he rests in peace. Harmon Killebrew also passed away this week at home after stopping the cancer treatments that were prolonging his life but certainly not the quality of it I am sure. Jon Moncrief a journalist who covered the L.A. Kings also passed away at the age of 42. At the risk of sounding maudlin - may they rest in peace and God bless.<br />
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I would be remiss if I did not mention the suffering going on with floods and fires. Hopefully Ma Nature gets it all straightened out very quickly and quits her PMS or whatever is wrong with her. Gotta tilt the country pushing the water from Manitoba west to put out the ugly fires in AB -<br />
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Speaking of Manitoba, it appears that Winnipeg is getting their team back in time for next season - and it will not be the Yotes - but another team from Atlanta - Wow I feel sorry for the fans in Atlanta - that would be two teams lost to Canada - I think as do many others not fans fault but faulty ownership - I guess the Yotes was personal grudge after all - and we know how the NHL (Napoleons Hockey League) holds those - will be interesting to see if at the presser the fans of Winnipeg cheer for Napoleon - they probably will. - Just this once - then all bets are off.<br />
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My Habs have finally made some noise starting to sign some prospect and free agents who are based overseas. So far I am liking the additions, but something tells me I will not be totally enthused when it comes to the subtractions. I expect some changes on ice in Montreal for next season - hopefully for the better but stranger thing have happened. <br />
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Off ice changes continue to happen in Montreal - it seems like Mr. Molson is wearing too many hats. Yes I know he is the owner and by all appearances he will be an active one. I sense the tide starting to turn regarding Mr. Molson - first the copyright thing and now the 22% hike in the price of tickets - I guess someone decided gouging is the best way to increase the bottom line - who is now in charge of the publicity department? Okay, rhetorical question.<br />
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Next signing I want to see is Mr. Pacioretty for a long term deal. But it will probably be on the defensive side. I still think there will be a trade or two - possibly with Philly or Caps or possibly the Sharks. Remember all - in order to get quality you have to give up quality. Maybe a sign and trade or one similar to the Halak trade - I have become accustomed to expecting the unexpected -<br />
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Hope you enjoy reading this little blog and give me your thoughts - I always enjoy hearing from you. Have a fabulous Victoria Day weekend Canada - hopefully the weather cooperates - bring sun where needed and rain where needed and not vice-versa.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01843861851741438528noreply@blogger.com4