May 18, 2004
Practice your innocent look first
Have some fun with
this site where you can create fake newspaper stories about your favorite (or not-so-favorite) people.
(work sensitive)
Posted by: Ted at
08:23 AM | category: Links
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Amateur Rocket Carrying Ham Radio Payload Reaches Space
The CSXT team is not competing for the X-Prize, but they've
managed to reach space on their third attempt.
Posted by: Ted at
12:55 AM | category: Rocketry
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May 17, 2004
Calling Iron Chef Klendathu
What the hell is wrong with people?!?!?!?
Cicada's are crawling out of the ground after 17 years and everywhere you look these nitwits are talking about eating them!
Recipes are printed in the newspaper, the newscasts are full of happy freaks chowing down on the insects, even the radio on the way home talked about chocolate chip cicada cookies. "First you pull off their heads and legs, then you dry roast them..." *gag*
Be honest now, March was National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, did y'all have a sudden hankerin' for chitlins?
Posted by: Ted at
04:17 PM | category: Square Pegs
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1
I used to love cicada time. Listening to their summer music and knowing that it would be a long time before they came back again.
And even if I wasn't a vegetarian I still wouldn't be eating them!
Posted by: Helen at May 18, 2004 08:17 AM (5Ty7l)
2
Ew. Ew ew ew. If I had the choice between the chitlins and the bugs, I'd be eating the cicadas, with or without chocolate chips.
I did laugh out loud yesterday hearing the afternoon newscaster say very matter-of-factly "No, I don't eat bugs," when they offered her the cookies.
I really don't remember people being this weird in 1987.
Posted by: Nic at May 18, 2004 05:31 PM (16A49)
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Virtual target practice
Thanks to
Wince and Nod for the pointer to this
online shooting range. Learn how to line up various kinds of sights on pistols and rifles. Lots of fun and edjumuhcationable too!
Posted by: Ted at
02:30 PM | category: Links
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Lessons learned and lessons taught
America learned once again, thanks to Abu Ghuraib, that our freedoms are a two-edged sword, especially when trying to instill our overreaching principles on another people.
For all the breast-beating and second-guessing that we're hearing, I'm still proud of the USA, precisely because of what happened at Abu Ghuraib.
The humiliations inflicted on the prisoners were wrong, but that is a small (albeit important) part of the story. A soldier knew that it was wrong, and reported it to his chain of command. The military immediately began an investigation. The people identified in the investigations are being brought up on charges. The media was informed of the investigation at the very beginning, by the military itself.
America proved to the world that not only do we talk the talk, but we walk the walk. We've given the whole world a lesson in American-style freedom, and it is being noticed and talked about.
From BlackFive:
Iraqi media, almost unbelievably, have in recent days begun to editorialized astonishment at how the United States has responded. No covers ups. No denials. The President of the United States, the world's most powerful man, formally apologized to the people of Iraq. The U.S. Congress grilled a senior member of the Administration and all the while the U.S. media was allowed to report on the unfolding story with full freedom and access. "Why does Arab media fail at self criticism and why can't Arab human rights NGOs pressure Arab governments the way their counterparts do in America?", asked the host of satellite news channel al-Arabiy's (one of the harshest critics of the United States) "Spotlight" news program. The follow up commentary was even more astounding, given the source. "The Americans exposed their own scandal, queried the officials and got the American Government to accept responsibility for the actions of its soldiers," stated the host before asking her guests why this sort of open and responsive action isn't taken in the Arab world.
There's
lots more, all worth reading.
Posted by: Ted at
11:48 AM | category: Square Pegs
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Altruism *is* self-interest
What's in it for me?
It's a crass way of defining the motivations of man. All mankind. Every last one. Even people like Mother Theresa operate from the same basic principles, although one might put it more delicately.
Helping someone 'from the goodness in your heart' means you do it because it makes you feel good inside, or it satisfies your code of ethics. Or maybe you do it because God tells you to, in which case your 'reward' is spiritual, but it is there. Even self-sacrifice boils down to the same base motivations.
Nobody does anything unless their self-interested needs are met somehow.
(this is what passes for rigorous thought in my fluffy little world, now where's my puppy...)
Posted by: Ted at
05:06 AM | category: Square Pegs
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Amen. I've been making this argument to people for quite awhile now. It's hard for them to understand that people may value their conscience or principles in exactly the same way they value money/property/time, etc.
It has important implications for philosophy and government, too.
Posted by: Jon Henke at May 17, 2004 06:27 AM (EHefn)
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May 16, 2004
Preference
I have one, and if you do I'd like to hear it. Leave it in the comments.
Pink or Avril Levigne?
Update: So far, the vote is Pink: 5 Avril: 1, although Norah Jones did get a write-in vote. We also got two "who?", including Lynn who points out that Avril sounds like the name of one of those new drugs on the market.
Posted by: Ted at
05:07 PM | category: Square Pegs
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Posted by: Lawren at May 16, 2004 06:37 PM (g32Cf)
2
both are good, but I'm getting tired of Avril-she's over played and all the singles realsed sound the same.
My votes for P!NK
Posted by: Mookie at May 16, 2004 08:45 PM (ZjSa7)
Posted by: Ozguru at May 16, 2004 10:30 PM (/acvO)
Posted by: Jennifer at May 16, 2004 11:27 PM (u7Nns)
5
I'd have to go for Pink.
Posted by: Blogeline at May 17, 2004 08:26 AM (O27QY)
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If you mean pink, the color then definitely pink. If you are talking about some band I've never heard of, well.... I've never heard of them and Avril Levigne? Uh... is that a new prescription painkiller or another SD treatment?
Posted by: Lynn S at May 17, 2004 08:39 AM (i46u2)
Posted by: Ferro Lad at May 17, 2004 10:11 AM (bqPDz)
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Hmmm... I suppose I can't vote for Norah Jones here right?... Ok then... Pink...
Posted by: Tim at May 17, 2004 11:22 AM (/e3YX)
Posted by: Wind Rider at May 17, 2004 01:12 PM (8Pv/P)
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Each gets one Mitigation Point: Pink, for writing a song that was covered by Faith Hill (!), and Avril, because "Sk8terboi" just wasn't that annoying.
Otherwise, tuberculosis or emphysema? Same difference.
Posted by: CGHill at May 17, 2004 02:42 PM (ZaLsE)
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Pink...
Avril is simply French for 'April'. She's Canadian though.
Posted by: mapgirl at May 17, 2004 02:56 PM (8MNy4)
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Well given that Avril is April and my birthday is in April, then I vote for April. I prefer blue to pink (but don't tell my daughter). As for the suggestion that they are the names of singers/bands - huh? Never heard of them.
Posted by: Ozguru at May 17, 2004 08:43 PM (/acvO)
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Online Space Related Resources
NASA History Series Publications On-Line. A whole heap o' historical documents available, including some very interesting online books about various NASA facilities (Ames, Marshall and Johnson research centers), projects (Skylab, Mariner, etc) and other aspects such as space medicine and planetary research. This is a wonderful resource for anyone interested in space and the space program.
Be sure to check out A Meeting With The Universe: Science Discoveries from the Space Program. This book has beautiful illustrations and photographs and is designed for the non-technical reader.
Also, there's an amazing history of America's "moon" rocket - the Saturn booster, which includes not just what actually came to be, but also the earliest concepts and plans as well as what might have been had we continued development of that family of rockets.
Of course there are little gems for rocket nuts like yours truly too, like this publication entitled: NASA SOUNDING ROCKETS, 1958-1968 - A Historical Summary. Bliss!
Posted by: Ted at
08:05 AM | category: Space Program
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PSA
For pete's sake people, if you're looking for partners to have cyber-sex on the internet, at least use some ordinary common sense and protect yourself.
(in the extended entry)
more...
Posted by: Ted at
06:48 AM | category: Square Pegs
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1
You got some bigger ones for Ethernet cabling?
Posted by: CGHill at May 16, 2004 02:34 PM (EZ7zK)
2
I think I know why Mookie is having problems with your home network!
Posted by: Stephen Macklin at May 16, 2004 04:44 PM (4819r)
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May 15, 2004
Rocket Launch
I've been under the weather since wednesday, but today I'm headed out for a club rocket launch. The day is supposed to be beautiful, with possible thunderstorms rolling through tonight.
Enjoy your day, I'm going to enjoy mine.
Posted by: Ted at
07:17 AM | category: Square Pegs
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Good to see you at the launch, Ted. Excellent day. Now, if only all the equipment works as well next week for the Team America flyoff!
Posted by: Doug Pratt at May 15, 2004 03:47 PM (Ee9SX)
2
Filled the kiddie pool. blogging via wireless from the backyard while I play lifeguard. Life is good.
Posted by: Stephen Macklin at May 15, 2004 03:52 PM (4819r)
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In space, no one can hear you say stupid things
I got this comment to one of my space posts a while back, and had put it aside to respond to later. I forgot about it. Naturally, the return email was bogus, but the sentiments contained within are worth looking at again.
I believe that there should be one global space program (to help it move along quicker) However, it should be noted that if any country needs a space program, it's China.
When one and one half billion people live in an area the size of the US, and when they have to commit genocide against the Tibetans in order to resettle the Han population, I say it's about time to resettle the same Han Population onto the Moon.
Not only China, but also India, Bangladesh, Madagascar, the United States etc need to resettle their collective populaces outside the Earth for the sake of environmental recovery.
People need to settle on the Moon etc As Soon As is Possible. There are way too many people on the Earth and for each person born (especially to the wealthy) our resources are strained more and more and our environment is further decimated. It would be best if ALL the people on planet Earth left for space, save for a few indigenous peoples. That would give the Earth time to repair it's self.
Eventually all the cities towns and villages lying along the great coastal plains will have to build protective domes around them (as the ice caps melt and sea levels rise). The Space program may very well supply this technology.
The given link [here ya go - RJ] shows all the eco-regions and how, why, and to what extent they are being threatened.
Oh man, where to begin...
Posted by: Ted at
06:14 AM | category: Square Pegs
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1
It would be best if ALL the people on planet Earth left for space, save for a few indigenous peoples.
Those not indigenous to Earth, off you go!
Posted by: Nic at May 15, 2004 06:58 AM (16A49)
2
we should colinize the moon. But not for the reasons this clown says. In the words of George Carlin: "The
planet is FINE, the
people are F***ED"
Posted by: Mookie at May 15, 2004 07:20 AM (ZjSa7)
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Ummmmmmmmm....someone mistook their PCP stash for sugar...?
Sheesh. A million years of evolution, and we end up with people who take Captain Planet seriously...
--TwoDragons
Posted by: Denita TwoDragons at May 15, 2004 12:33 PM (4sYvf)
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RJ:
At least the headline you assigned was intelligent; nothing in your correspondent's post was.
I was particularly enlightened to learn that wealthy peoples' kids place more of a strain on the environment than others.
Who knew that Greenpeace recruited Mongoloids as members?
Posted by: Patton at May 16, 2004 03:26 AM (cLlFA)
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At least we have one green who supports the space program. You know, he took an aweful risk making that comment. His green masters could have him excommunicated for suggesting that we could have a technological solution to a problem. Any problem.
Posted by: buckethead at May 17, 2004 01:58 PM (ztNrs)
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May 14, 2004
Edge of space
Burt Rutan and his team are right on the edge of claiming the X-Prize. Read about their
latest successful test flight.
Posted by: Ted at
02:04 PM | category: Space Program
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Movie Review: Happiness of the Katakuris
Japanese. Horror. Subtitled. Musical. Schizophrenic. Fun. Thriller. Stupid. Subtle. Disjointed. Hilarious. Crude. Original. Sweet. Surreal.
Wow, this one is impossible to describe. It's all of the above, and more. Imagine watching the shower scene from Psycho, and immediately afterwards the police show up and the investigation is conducted as a musical number from Saturday Night Fever. It makes even less sense than that, but damn, it's odd fun.
Did you enjoy Clerks? Fargo? Godzilla? North by Northwest? Gumby? The Sound of Music?
I saw it on the Sundance Channel. Check your local cable or satellite listings, or according to IMDB reviews, it's also available at some Blockbuster Video stores.
If you like things a lot off the wall, you'll probably enjoy this movie. Or not. Hell, I have no idea. All I know is that *I* loved it.
Did I mention the zombies?
Posted by: Ted at
07:07 AM | category: Cult Flicks
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Clerks was okay, but I loved Fargo, yah....
Posted by: Kat at May 14, 2004 11:25 AM (PwX2K)
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Did you see "Audition" on the Sundance Channel as well? Same director... easily the most disturbing movie I've ever seen, except for maybe "Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer"
Posted by: norbizness at May 14, 2004 12:05 PM (EneHm)
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I just did a search for "Audition" and it didn't come up, so I missed that one. I'll keep an eye out though, thanks for the tip!
Posted by: Ted at May 14, 2004 01:44 PM (ZjSa7)
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Zombies you say? Why didn't they show anything this good while I was subscribed to Sundance?! Hurmph!
Posted by: Liz at May 16, 2004 05:42 PM (M4aAR)
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Damn, this war is expensive!
Time for some creative thinking!
Contact your local PTA's and volunteer to head up fundraising efforts for Uncle Sam. Picture the little patriots standing out in front of the local supermarket, holding a "Pennies for Cruise Missiles" drive.
Or for organizations, how about a "Sponsor A Bomb" program? For your donation, you get pictures showing your organization's name and logo on the bomb, along with the crew who're going to load it onto the aircraft and the pilot who drops it. You also get before and after photos of the target taken out by "your" bomb, and if it's a smart bomb you get a tape with the actual video feed as it reaches out and touches someone. Up close and personal, as they say.
I know, I can hear you saying that you already pay for all those things with your tax dollars, and you're absolutely correct. Think of this as a way to direct your bucks towards something specific. Ever hear someone complain that if they could, they'd make sure their money wasn't being used for [insert whatever here]? Same idea, turned 180 degrees.
Another thought. Why isn't PETA sending doggie-flak vests to our K-9 compadres? Here's an angle that may persuade them: for every military working dog that survives, the chances are that he'll point out more humans that will be killed! Safer dogs and less people! Win - win, eh?
Come to think of it, the tree-huggers outta be thrilled with that too.
There are untapped resources out there. We just need to give until it hurts them.
Posted by: Ted at
01:28 AM | category: Square Pegs
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May 13, 2004
Operation Smile
Another
worthy cause. Read the story and if you can, please lend a hand.
Posted by: Ted at
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NHL
Mark left the following in the comments a few days ago.
1998 saw a new wave of expansion of the NHL. Nashville was selected as one of the new cities. Native Tennesseans don't grow up with hockey (period). We learn the basics of Basketball, baseball, and Football. We tend to tolerate basketball/baseball until football comes back. Hockey vocabulary isn't taught/supported in the home.
I have been a Predator fan since I saw the inagural game back in 1998. I have looked at hockey as outsider for the last six years and have come to understand a few things. I understand that Hockey suffers from a lack of funding that might see a lockout/strike next year. Hockey needs an increase in Television revenue and that will only happen when the networks increase the "newbie" factor in the broadcast commentary. Hockey rules/strategy is not basic to most of American Culture like it is around the "orginal six" cities.
Along those same line, Hockey vocabulary needs to be explained to those who don't know what biscit, top shelf, five hole, or a blue line is. Somethings aren't as aparent like the difference between a wrist or slap shot. Then there are the more obscured, but vital words like a checking line. In this age of instant information the "orgianal six" tend to ignore the obvious that they have developed a language all of their own.
The second thing that the broadcasters need to improve upon is the number of cameras covering the game. How many times durring an NFL or NASCAR event that there wasn't a camera angle avilable to show fowl/accident/excitment? Why is it extreamely better to go see a live hockey game than a Televised game? There are disparities between the two that need to be adressed before the NHL will compete effectively with the NHL.
I would have thought that the fans of the "original six" would seek to convert anyone into a fan instead of this elitist mentality that only they should have hockey. I will be bitterly disappointed if there isn't hockey next season because the elitist have propagated the phrase "watered down hockey" to the point that not even the die-hard fans watch anymore. -- Mark
This guy makes so much sense he should be hired by the NHL to market the league.
To their credit, hockey started a series of televised games called "NHL Rules" where they explain what's going on during the course of the game. When icing is called, you get a quick explanation of what it is and what happens next. Two line pass? Same deal, an on-the-fly explanation, sometimes with a diagram to help explain the concepts. Unfortunately, hockey isn't televised all that much in the US unless you live near one of the teams, and the local teams don't do "NHL Rules", it's a national thing.
The league also does celebrity commercials - little quickies where they go over the slang and bits about how things work. Shania Twain does a couple, as do Jim Belushi and Keifer Sutherland and others. But again, they show these during hockey games, when many of the people watching are already at least somewhat familiar with the rules. They need a generic version to play during NASCAR races and NBA games and reruns of Friends.
Speaking of, the NHL is where NASCAR languished for years. People think hockey means fighting, like auto racing used to mean crashing. The league needs to play up the athletic angles without taking away from the crunch. The hitting in hockey is as intense as pro football, the sustained pace of the game can be compared to NASCAR, and the grace and moves of the players rivals basketball. The downside is the lack of scoring which might make viewers think of soccer, except that soccer doesn't have nearly the number of shots attempted. In addition, the NHL is implementing some rule changes to goalie equipment that should make scoring a little easier.
I learned most of my hockey knowlege from watching live games, and having the season-ticket holders sitting nearby explain things to me. I saw the same half dozen people time after time, and they were great people.
As for extra cameras, I'd settle for better placement. In some arenas in the NHL, the cameras are so badly located that the glare from the ice washes out the action. Or they're placed so high up that it's like watching from the upper deck.
Robert Heinlein once said something like "The answer to most any question is 'money'" (yeah, I butchered that quote). The NHL is trying to survive in markets that aren't intuitive. This year could see a Stanley Cup final between the traditional hockey hotbeds of Tampa Bay, Florida and San Jose, California (hope springs eternal). In the meantime, competition for players has driven salaries up like in every other sport, which in turn has driven ticket prices up. I don't see many live hockey games anymore, because it's just too damn expensive. I wish we had a minor league team closer - I think Atlantic City or Wilkes-Barre are the closest, and both of those are several hours away.
Cap the salaries guys, and if you lose a few stellar European players who decide to stay home, I can live with that.
Face shields should be mandatory. Who wins when a star takes a puck to the face and is knocked out for weeks (Roenick) or even forever (Chelios)?
Market the game, market the rivalries, market the stars - in that order. In fact, there should be a whole lot more emphasis placed on the history of hockey. Everyone knows what the Stanley Cup looks like, even non-hockey fans. Do you know what the World Series trophy looks like? How about the Super Bowl trophy? Hell, the Super Bowl team rings get more attention than the trophy. But the Stanley Cup is like everyman's trophy. It's the perfect link to the history of the game. Use it!
Posted by: Ted at
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I haven't attended a pro ice hockey game in years; ticket prices for the NY Rangers are astronomical, and the last time I made it to one of their games, was put-off by the 'extravaganza' production and light show (this is supposed to be a hockey game, not a figure skating competition.)
The last game I attended was in Arizona for some now-defunct minor league team. It was great and hockey as it should be.
Ted, have you ever given thought to creating a separate blog about ice hockey? (I've not searched to see if any exist.)
Posted by: Cindy at May 13, 2004 01:06 PM (Sq5pW)
2
Whatever happened to the Chesapeake Icebreakers? Don't they play at the Show Place arena in Upper Marlboro?
Posted by: Rob @ L&R at May 13, 2004 01:26 PM (fQTBO)
3
There's minor leauge hockey in Virgina...off the top of my head:
Richmond RiverDogs(http://www.riverdogshockey.com/) (coached by Rod Langway last year, although they didn't renew his contract after their fast playoff exit)
Norfolk (formerly Hampton Roads) Admirals (http://www.norfolkadmirals.com/) (don't know if they still are, but they were owned in part by Craig Laughlin)
Roanoke Express
(http://www.roanokeexpress.com/)
I think the NHL should bring back Peter Puck.
Posted by: nic at May 13, 2004 01:29 PM (JijW0)
4
The Icebreakers folded (actually, I think the team moved) after the 1998-99 season. We used to go sometimes; it was fun and affordable, if not spectacular hockey. (OTOH, we just sat through a season of unspectacular hockey at twice the price.)
Posted by: nic at May 13, 2004 01:38 PM (JijW0)
5
Yeah, the ECHL 'breakers were sold (the owner lost a cool million the two seasons he owned 'em )and they became the ECHL Jacksonville Bandits. I'm 99% sure the Bandits have folded/been sold/don't exist anymore.
Posted by: Victor at May 13, 2004 01:49 PM (L3qPK)
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I was a little vague--the owner of the Icebreakers lost a cool million both seasons he owned 'em. Two mill total.
Posted by: Victor at May 13, 2004 01:50 PM (L3qPK)
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We used to watch the Skipjacks in Baltimore when visiting my in-laws. Fun fun fun.
Cindy, there are some excellent blogs out there with a strong emphasis on hockey. Over on the right column, almost all the way to the bottom are listed a group of sports blogs. The last three in particular are daily reads for me. Hockey Pundits, Off Wing Opinion, and I just finally linked Sharkspage. I highly recommend them if you're a hockey fan.
Posted by: Ted at May 13, 2004 03:17 PM (ZjSa7)
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Hmm...
Well, it is watered down hockey (and I'm not an "original six" fan.
What frustrates long-time hockey fans is not entirely the presence of teams like Nashville, Florida, Tampa Bay, et al.
But the reality that one-third of current NHL players would not have been in the league in, say, 1990, has had a damaging effect on the quality of the game overall. Especially regular season games.
Couple that with the price increases and you end up being asked to pay $50 to see Nashville vs. Atlanta when, in reality, at least 50% of the players in the game would have been in the AHL 10 years ago. And should probably be there now, which begets trap defenses, clutching, grabbing etc.
I used to go to hockey games all of the time -- 30 a year. And while the Whalers were never so good, the quality of the game itself was a lot better -- end-to-end action, etc.
But the powers that be decided the NHL had to be a coast-to-coast game and larded up the southeast with teams that, by and large, don't have anywhere near the support of teams like Detroit, Philadelphia, etc.
As for the knowledge factor, I'd expect a team like Nashville to include that in their own broadcasts. When I lived in Florida, the Panthers did that, and also offered clinics on rules of the game where you could meet a player, go on the ice, and get game tickets or whatever.
The national broadcasts should not regularly be clogged up with junk like explanations of icing, because if you want a primer on the rules of hockey, the Internet is right there. If you don't, or just want to sit and wait until its explained on the broadcast, then I would question the passion of your fandom. No offense intended, but I think typically when you want to learn about something you check it out.
As for the rivalries, well, no offense, but they take time to develop. The biggest gripe I've heard about all of the expansion was it took away games people wanted (say, the Blackhawks or Red Wings for Blues fans), and replaced them with a lesser game at a higher price (enter, say, the Columbus Blue Jackets).
Time will cure that, but it is tough to preach patience when it is $75 to get in the building.
Posted by: Scott at May 14, 2004 10:13 AM (zL4bg)
9
Scott, probably one half of today's players wouldn't be in the NHL because the European players would've taken an even bigger percentage on team rosters than they do now. Players like Lindros and Messier would've been forced to retire years ago instead of having reasonably productive seasons.
Interest in hockey has grown, which means more kids play all across the country, which means there are more players growing up and going to college or the WHA and good enough to play the pro game. I'd guess that the same has happened in Europe, as kids now dream of playing in the NHL whereas their peak ambition used to be to play on their National team, which was an even more limited opportunity.
To blame dilution of talent for the trap game and drop in scoring just doesn't stand up. The rules are the same as they were back then, so what's more likely: a drop in quality or the rules not keeping up with the current environment?
Goalies fill the net now, they're bigger and faster, plus the equipment has become overgrown. Don't like the clutching and grabbing? Call the freaking penalties that are already in the rulebook. Charra of Ottawa is 6'9"!!!! Players like St. Louis are freaks now, whereas in days past the diminuative player was more the norm. And even St. Louis is amazingly strong in comparison to the old-timers.
I also disagree with your attitude about teaching the games on television. I think this is what Mark was originally talking about. Hockey is fighting for every viewer on an already overcrowded sports schedule, and must actively recruit fans. And you do that by teaching the rules as you go along. By taking your advice, someone channel-surfing and stopping for a moment won't understand what's going on, will reach for the remote, and won't bother going back. Nor will they care to research the game on their own. A potential fan was just lost because the NHL didn't try hard enough.
I agree with you about the prices being way too high and rivalries taking time to develop. On the other hand, other pro leagues have realigned or expanded and survived. Give it time.
Great points. Thanks for commenting!
Posted by: Ted at May 14, 2004 01:38 PM (ZjSa7)
10
Wow,
Thanks for taking the time to respond. I may have mislead ya'll into thinking I didn't know the rules (what rules, the umpires discression?) I know the basics because Craig Leipold and company has done a fabulous job educating me. The Predator Club has what's called hockey 101 which includes an in house arena radio broadcast for complete newbies that explain not only the rules but the stratagy of the game during the game. My opion is that the Networks could pick up and use the SAP channel for a simular "teaching channel" durring the game. There is a hockey 101 station on the ground floor where patrons can learn the basics through a video presentation and the jumbotron has graphics that define the "latest" fowl.
I agree with Ted that the present rules aren't inforced with rigger. The NHL has a war room that monitors every game in progress, so that there are a total of five "judges" to call penalties; two referees, two linesmen, a video referee. However the Linesmen can't call the grabbing, roughing, fighting, or serious penalites that slow the game down.
The Referees of the NHL are some of the most biased officals of any professional sport. They have a great deal of discression and latitude in what they consider a penality. Barry Trotz, Head Coach of the Predators, has on many occasions indicated that he wasn't pleased with the officating of a game. The original six get peferential treatment from the Referees; Fine, I'll get over it. However, it makes them, the original six's players, a target for every expansion team; target of hate.
I know of people who go to hockey games to watch the fights more than to watch the wingers get behind the defense for a break away two on one with the goalie. I go to watch for that, or the fat rebounds in the slot that get chipped in; I never like it's when Vokoun though. Hockey is brutally poetic when the grabbing, and cheap shots are controlled though just and even calls by the officials. You want to see better played hockey, then get the officiating to match.
Ticket prices are basic supply and demand. The Laker and Nicks' fans all suffer from this afflection so it's not limited to the NHL. Nashville is in a small hockey market but a huge sports market; the Titans can attest to that. I personally invite you to come watch a game here. Ten bucks gets you in the door; On the glass tickets are $85 (two rows back it drops to $69). I've sat in the upper deck and down on the floor and have never been disappointed with by view.
I just want to point out one last thing. Less than eight percent of players make the All-star team; only 11 western confrence teams were represented. Nashville sent two players (Timonen and Vokoun) this past year. Dan Hamhuis was named to the youngstars roster too. I'm proud of these guys and look forward to watching them play next year.
Posted by: Mark at May 17, 2004 12:22 AM (bzVXr)
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R Crumb site
Some representative
samples from the artist (not safe for work). Even if you don't recognize the name, you may know the work. He did the cover of
Cheap Thrills by Janis Joplin's Big Brother & the Holding Company.
Posted by: Ted at
06:15 AM | category: Links
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He also illustrated some of Charles Bukowski's short stories. The guy is great.
Posted by: Paul at May 13, 2004 08:30 AM (dWMX0)
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