Sunday, December 25, 2011

Please Come Home for Christmas - Eagles

Merry Christmas!

Monday, December 5, 2011

iPhone Beer App: Beer Buddy – Barcode Scanner

Although Ratebeer.com did have an iPhone App it didn’t sync with you account online. Making it a pain to keep up to date with your beer information. When you start trying many beers it can be a daunting task to not repeat yourself. Beer Buddy – Barcode Scanner v. 1.5 not only syncs with your account online you can scan the barcode to enter brew. It also gives you a Places guide to search for more brew places to visit nearby.

This makes it an indispensable device while out and trying to decide what to bring home. You can also enter beer reviews from you device. If your a beer nerd like I am that uses Ratebeer.com you love this App. Thanks and Cheers!

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Book Notebook: The Zen and Art of Motorcycle Maintenance

This was definitely an a different type of book. One part father-son journey across country, next is a philosophy discussion which is rounded out by someone having a nervous breakdown. I found the flow of reading varied also as each story line intertwined. Parts of it were a chore to read with others pure joy. I have to admit much of the philosophy discussion lost me with the jargon and heavy, what I would call, academic discussion. Perhaps if I was a philosophy student or maybe if I were to read again I would "get it".His discussion about "Quality" was at first somewhat confusing but then made more sense as he went along. I was perhaps most touched by his relationship with his son Chris who was along for the ride across country with his own baggage. The ending is somewhat bittersweet and heartbreaking when you realize he(Chris) was murdered some ten years later. It's not a book for casual readers as the terminology and ideas at times can be overwhelming if your not a student of this genre. It's certainly a book that has many places that really make you stop and think. 

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Bruin’s Notebook: Party is over

After three games into the season the defending Stanley Cup Champions are 1-2 after a dismal matinee game against the Colorado Avalanche which they lost 1-0. Not the end of the world but certainly hope it serves as wake up call as the celebration should be over and it’s time to get back to business. Even though Coach Claude Julien claims their appearance at the New England Patriots Game on Sunday had not affect on the the team you can’t help but say “Yeah right.”. I’m not against the guys basking in the experience of being a part championship team but once the season starts it’s back to business. That being said here are a few comments I have after the first three games.

Game one was a celebration and banner raising with a game as a side note. I’ll give the guy’s a pass on this one as many did as it was something that had to be done. It was nice to see the team tote the Stanley Cup around the Garden ice for the fans which they hadn’t been able to do. It was great to see members of the 1972 team and current team together to raise the banner. It seemed like a passing of the old guard to the new generation. The significance of the moment I hope was noticed as it seemed like a huge burden was lifted from those who last lifted the Cup for the Bruin’s 39 years ago.

It was the younger guy’s who took charge in the game. Though both team’s came out the gate strong it was the Bruin’s who faded first despite scoring early. With the high energy Brad Marchand continuing where he left of with his quickness and attitude. Tyler Seguin seems to have found his confidence along with building some bulk had many chances with an assist on Brad Marchand’s lone goal.

Game two with Tampa Bay Lightning, a rematch from conference final’s, the two team’s played each other very well. Bruin’s had definitely woke up for this one. Marchand and Seguin continued with there high energy play with two assists a piece. Tim Thomas definitely had to bring his “A” game to this one against the high powered offense of Tampa. It was a nice to see a good effort and 4-1 win.

Game three was like, where did they go? The Bruin’s rarely threatened as it was clear Colorado came to play. Tuukka Rask played an excellent game but was screened on a deflection to let in the games only goal. They had a few sporadic chances but were unable capitalize on them. Bruin’s repeated the same habit from last year of playing poorly in front of Tuukka Rask who is an awesome goaltender and deserves some goal support.

On a side note what is up with Milan Lucic? Although he had a decent opportunity up close against Colorado otherwise he’s almost been transparent. Despite this he’s still plugged away on the first line along with Krejci and Horton who have also been quiet. Lucic has been especially quite since last year, with some sporadic action in the playoff’s, seems to be a shadow of himself. Not sure what’s up with him.

Well I hope the this small road trip to Carolina on Wednesday and Chicago on Saturday will do them some good. The pomp and circumstance of the Cup celebration should be quieting down with more concentration on the task at hand. All that said It’s nice to see the guys back on the ice and playing the coolest game on the planet.

With all that being said here’s a nice montage I found. Enjoy!

Friday, October 7, 2011

Book Notebook: How to Develop Self-Confidence And Influence People By Public Speaking

How to Develop Self-Confidence And Influence People By Public SpeakingHow to Develop Self-Confidence And Influence People By Public Speaking by Dale Carnegie

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Even though I loved Dale Carnegie's more well known classic "How to win friends and influence people" I found myself having to really push my way through this one.I would find this helpful if I were a public speaker or aspired to be one. Although many of the examples are dated and were perhaps more well known at the time of the original publication it's ideas and principles are still relevant

How to Win Friends & Influence People



View all my reviews

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Steve Jobs 1955-2011 : One More Thing...



"And there may be no greater tribute to Steve's success than the fact that much of the world learned of his passing on a device he invented." President Barack Obama


On my lunch break I was checking Facebook on my iPhone 4 I see someone posted a simple message that Steve Jobs had passed away. I'm sure I'm not the only one to find out in similar fashion. In the last decade I've been a bit behind in the Apple revolution if not a bit reluctant. I didn't quite understand what all the hype was about Apple products and their charismatic leader Steve Jobs. Then as an incentive to quit smoking I got a a iPhone 3G and it was over. It was sleek, elegant and cool to own. A key feature is one that's not mentioned on any spec sheet is that it's very intuitive. I don't think I've ever looked at the owners manual to use it. I think that's Steve's fingerprint in plain terms.

Steve Jobs was a true icon of our age who had a dream and pursued it with a passion. He made technology cool and easy to use. Thank you Steve!

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Movie Notebook: The Who: Live in Boston

70003854 Even as a long time Who fan this video was better than I had anticipated. I had seen them in the late 80's and thought the show's were over produced and watered down version of their former selves. They indeed proved me wrong in this video. The sound was more raw and closer to what I would anticipate from a Who show. Roger and Pete both played with an attitude and energy that puts many younger rockers to shame. Made me wish I hadn't missed these show's (actually filmed close to me). Nothing will bring John or Keith back but Roger and Pete still carry the flame. Long Live Rock!

Sunday, September 4, 2011

What is the best way to stop a child from becoming an Atheist?

This was posted by a friend of mine recently on Facebook which I couldn’t help but respond too.

 atheist

My initial response is that this is really sad and pompous at the same time. We did get into a respectful debate about the subject but it did leave me with many thoughts left over. My friend (whom shall remain anonymous) was apparently(from my understanding) heavily indoctrinated with religion when he was younger. So he has in a sense rebelled and has taken a harsh stand on religious beliefs. I don’t believe this is a new phenomenom of those brought up in heavily religious households revolting against those belief’s. I’m sure there is some truth to the old cliché that the preacher’s kids were usually the biggest trouble makers. I couldn’t fault my friend much and I respected the way he felt.

The answer above from “David M” still was on my mind very much. I’m not arguing for or against his point (although I do disagree with his main idea). I believe he shoots himself in the foot in trying to make his point and if anything he puts his cause further in the hole. His first sentence he totally insults and degrades anyone by saying they are of lower education or logic(than himself presumably).

 Do not educate them or expose them to critical thinking, logic or science.

-“David M” 

Not exactly the way to win friends or influence those of different beliefs. I’ve come to theory that “David M” wasn’t really wasn’t trying win anyone over but that this was just a forum for him rant and vent his frustration at the world. Why else would one hurl insults like “ groveling to an invisible friend”. Pretty much goes on to further demoralize and picture those not of his beliefs as uneducated and close minded.

The one idea or thought I do agree on is that of intolerance of those of other beliefs. Hardcore believers of many faiths can be intolerant if you don’t believe as they do. The ironic thing is that “David M” doesn’t appear to be very tolerant of those that don’t believe as he does. I actually feel sorry for him but at the same time admire his passion and conviction. I hope he find’s his peace someday.  

I’ll leave with a quote from someone with some experience in critical thinking, logic and science:

“I want to know how God created the world. I am not interested in this or that phenomenon, in the spectrum of this or that element. I want to know His thoughts, the rest are details.”
-Albert Einstein

Movie Notebook: High School USA

High School USA - Made for TV (1983)

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As someone who was in high school in the early eighties many of the characters in the film were very familiar. It's a trip down memory lane for those of my age seeing many of the young television stars of that period which include Michael J. Fox(Family Ties), Nancy McKeon("Facts of Life"), Todd Bridges and Dana Plato(both from "Different Strokes") and many more. It also features many young television stars from the 50's and 60's making cameos. The basic plot has our hero played by Michael J. Fox trying to win over Nancy McKeon (Whom I also had a crush on at the time.) from Anthony Edwards(before Top Gun and ER fame) who is a rich preppy kid who rules the school. It comes down to a car race at the end in which the hero gets the girl in the end. The film which was made for TV is full is light comedy and awkward teenage silliness. If your looking for a light teenage comedy without being too serious here it is. You can forget your Oscar or Emmy performances here. If your like me and grew up in the 70's and 80's it'll be a who's who of young television stars of the period. Enjoy it for what it was as a light hearted feel good teen flick.

Thursday, August 4, 2011

Movie Notebook: Easy Rider Ending?

Just over a week ago I was finally able watch the classic film Easy Rider. I liked it for the most part. Especially the soundtrack and majestic background of America's southwest as Wyatt(Peter Fonda) and Billy(Dennis Hopper) ride along in their choppers. I can see the allure this movie has towards the motorcycle culture. It was also interesting to see a young Jack Nicholson in his role of a drunk lawyer. To be honest much of the dialogue, what their was of it, is lost on me. I get the stuff though about freedom and counterculture and it’s threat to society. The plot isn’t much either, with Wyatt and Billy riding around and meeting different people along the way, and that’s it. None of this really bothered me.I was actually enjoying the film up until the ending……….

WARNING! SPOILER ALERT!

What was Wyatt thinking?

It ends with a couple of rednecks bumping off our hero’s. That itself isn’t as upsetting as how it happens. First we see Billy get shot and Wyatt turns around, with the rednecks assumingly passing him by. Wyatt goes for help, and get this, in the direction the rednecks who just shot his friend are going. The rednecks decide to turn around and head back to the scene of the crime. I don’t understand why Wyatt heads back towards them. Is he stupid? Suicidal? Does he not see them? Did he think Billy was shot by a pissed off rabbit by the side of the road? One would assume he knew they had shot Billy yet he rides right towards them.  Common sense might say to head away from bad guys with a gun but, not Wyatt. This is the scene that still bothers me to the point it almost ruins the rest of the film for me. I understand they had to end the film somehow, but why this way? It kind of reminds me of “Vanishing Point” where our hero kills himself in the end, I understand that more than this.  Can a film student or at least someone “gets” this ending explain it to me. Thanks.

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Bruin’s Notebook: Boston Bruin’s Stanley Cup DVD Review

I finally received my copy of the Boston Bruin’s Stanley Cup video released by NHL.Com and NHL Network. I immediately popped it in my laptop(Ok actually my wife’s) and started reliving history. It gives a little back story and then dives into their historic playoff run ending with the Stanley Cup.It certainly was nice to review all of this but it seemed to come up short as far as emotion is involved. That was what the Bruin’s thrived on but unfortunately didn’t translate very well to this video. Here’s the good and the bad.

Don’t get me wrong I love the video and it certainly had it’s good points. One was background to how this team came about. Not just starting from 2010’s crushing loss to the Flyer’s but back to the Joe Thornton trade which many believe was the low point of this franchise(I actually think it was when Ray Bourque was traded to Colorado to try for the Cup). We get a good picture of how low this team had gone before evolving into Cup winners.

What was disappointing about the video was more about what was missing or glossed over. Chara’s controversial hit on Montreal Canadien’s Max Paciorrety wasn’t even hinted at. The Bruin’s and Canadien’s rivalry is already intense even before the ensuing soap opera that followed this. This was still in the mind of the players and fans as the faced each other in the first round of the playoff’s.

Nothing is mentioned on how Coach Claude Julien’s job was in jeopardy if the Bruin’s made another disappointing exit from the playoff’s. This especially heated up when the Bruin’s lost the first two game’s at home. It started some speculating who the new coach was going to be next year.

 35__1308198108_2460

I think his job is safe for quite awhile now.

IMG_0636

Andrew Ference saluting the Canadien fans is surprisingly missing.

You also won’t find Max Paciorrety(see above) Tweeting about Brad Marchand’s nose. Montreal player’s trying out for the the Canadian diving team and Oscar nomination’s for best acting on ice. It was all part of the intensity that these two teams always bring when they play each other.

Of course when they faced the Philadelphia Flyer’s much was made about last year’s historic collapse. Aside from game two when the Flyer’s came the closest to making it a contest the series seemed to be over before it started.  The Flyer’s seemed to be shadow’s of themselves compared to last year. Veteran defenseman Chris Pronger’s injury and Philly’s revolving door in goal did them in. It was certainly sweet to see them sweep them in four. The only sour note was Bergeron’s concussion in game four.

The series against Tampa Bay was covered fairly well. Some behind the scenes stuff missing was Lightning Coach Guy Boucher playing mind games at press conferences(the facial scar was just too weird also). Another missing item was Nathan Horton giving some Tampa fans a shower from his water bottle. It was nice to see them highlight rookie Tyler Seguin’s sensational playoff debut in Bergeron’s brief absence(see above video).

One non-Bruin item that I thought worth mentioning was Tampa’s Steve Stamko’s taking a mean slap shot to the nose and then came back in the same period in game 7. His nose looked like it went through a meat grinder. It’s one of the reason’s I think hockey player’s are some of the toughest hombre’s around. If I could I’d make Stamkos an “Honorary Boston Bruin” for his guts and determination.

From Vancouver we miss Recchi and Lucic returning the fingers to the Canuck’s. Vancouver it seemed to turn into another ”Montreal” with a lot of diving and acting going on. The banter between Louongo and Thomas only get’s only briefly mentioned. We hear a bit about pumping tires but no mention of “staying in the paint”. No mention of the “Thelma and Louise” comment by commentator Mike Milbury and none about “The Sedin Sisters” on Twitter.  Even the “Green Men” were never mentioned or shown(if they were I missed it). They certainly didn’t show NHL President Gary Bettman getting booed. Although they showed clips from the parade in Boston they did miss this:

 

It may seem like I’m ranking on this video but I actually like it a lot. I saw plenty of highlights and stuff that I missed. Almost worth the price is the bonus all the Bruin’s NHL History clips are included. The video just has that rushed together feel (which it was). I’m hoping someone will do a more in depth video of the Bruin’s in 2011. It’s a very good video and worth getting but it’s just not “great”. 

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Civics Notebook: Jury Duty in Providence

Just recently I was summoned to jury duty in Providence, Rhode Island. Although some people may get annoyed by this inconvenience but look at as a break from your normal routine and also a learning experience. Most of us only see the court system from television, books or movies. This was actually my second time reporting to this same location so I wasn’t a total stranger to the procedure. I thought I’d share some of my thoughts on the whole experience.

Getting There

I took advantage of the free parking and shuttle service that is provided a short distance away from the courts. It really makes sense to use this service if possible. Traffic and parking near courts is quite congested and busy. As is common in most urban areas is that parking is at a premium. On street parking is very limited and some nearby parking lots will cost you some dough. Why spend money and deal with the hassle of finding a spot?

Security

To be warned their is security checkpoints at entrances which there is a metal detector and x-ray screening(for belongings). This can be a minor hassle coming and going from the building. All belongings watches, belts, wallets, purses, backpacks and so on must go through the scanner. I’d advise to travel light and come and go from the building a limited number of times. Don’t worry about the screeners they aren’t same group as the ones strip search 95 year old women's diapers in the airports.

Lunch

I’m not much of a lunch time eater but there are small eateries in the area. The courthouse does have a small snack bar. You could bring a lunch if you like. I didn’t notice any name brand fast food or coffee shops nearby.

Take a walk

The John Brown House: Founder of Brown University

The surrounding neighborhood was actually quite interesting. The courthouse borders Rhode Island School of Design, Brown University and the historic Benefit Street. Across the street is also park which borders the Providence River where one can hang out. It’s surprising how much is packed into this small area that is all within short walking distance. This was how I spent my lunch breaks.

Jury Selection

On the second day I was one of many selected to be to go through the process of selecting a jury. Your group is selected at random and you are brought up a courtroom where you meet the judge, prosecutor, defense lawyer and defendant. Our particular case was a criminal trial which required 14 jurors(12 plus 2 alternates). The process is somewhat tedious but the judge we had was friendly and full of humor at times. From the jury pool names were picked at random. The judge, prosecution and defendant’s lawyer asked a series of questions. Some people were excused for one reason or another. Finally when they had the right number they were sworn in and the rest of us were released. To be honest I was kind of disappointed to not be selected. I thought it would have been an excellent learning experience, maybe next time.

Summary

Like I said I looked this a break from my routine. Keep in mind their is a lot of waiting. In the lounge there are different rooms with TV’s around with some snack and soda machines. There is also a library room with plenty of books to choose from with a couple of PC’s for Internet use. Try to take advantage of opportunities around this time. It can be a rewarding experience if you want it to be.

Sunday, June 26, 2011

Paul McCartney - Mull Of Kintyre

History Notebook: The World at War

Part of my personal interest in modern world history can be traced to this early 1970’s British documentary about World War Two. I do remember as a kid seeing parts of this documentary on television. Courtesy of Netflix I’m able to see this documentary from start to finish. It’s a must see film of this genre. Although it’s done by the British it does a well rounded view of this event that defined the Twentieth Century. Interviewed are people involved from all sides of this conflict. For history buffs this is a must see documentary.

Friday, June 24, 2011

Bruin’s Notebook: The Hangover

It’s still hard to believe they won Lord Stanley’s Cup. All the year’s of frustration, too many men on the ice, 3 game(and goals) leads lost and perhaps too many years of watching their bottom line instead spending a bit more to get final player to put them over. The Bruin’s have finally joined the Red Sox, Patriots and Celtics with the amazing championship performances in the past ten years.

Here are some thought’s of the championship run that started in April:

  • Claude Julien: After losing the first two games (at home) to the Montreal Canadien’s it looked like Claude would be looking for a new job soon. He never seemed to panic and stayed the course to his first Cup win in his career. I think his job is safe in the foreseeable future.
  •  Brad Marchand(AKA: “Marshmont” from 98.5 The Sports Hub): He’s been called everything from a rat to a Honey Badger(By team mate Andrew Ference). He  play’s with a tenacity and attitide I haven’t seen in a long time in a Bruin’s uniform. He’s the player you hate on the other team. He’s full of energy and isn’t afraid of anyone. He’s one of the pieces the B’s have been missing for many year’s. Here’s an example that I can’t help from laughing at:
  • Tomas Kaberle: This poor guy was so over hyped as the savior of the already dismal power play. I’d have to admit at first he looked like a poor fit to the Bruin’s system and soon became a scapegoat for the joke the that became the power play during the playoff’s. I thinks people forget that other players and coaches beside Kaberle were also involved in the fiasco. Luckily the Bruin’s were able to win without it. Actually it performed better than Vancouver’s power play in the Final’s. He tied Seidenberg for Bruin’s defensemen with 11 points. I think the B’s could still use his skill and offense. Don’t let his slow start blind you.
  • Tim Thomas: What else can be said about this man that hasn’t been said already. Fierce competitor but yet a very likable guy. His performance in the regular season and playoff’s were for the history books. To be honest for a long time I thought of him as a fluke or in last year of being any good. He’s got his second Vezina Trophy(and Conn Smythe Trophy) to prove me wrong. Here’s the “History” clip showing  what will go down as “The Save”:
  • Patrice Bergeron: He put on one hell of a show on Game 7 against Vancouver. Perhaps the best all around pure hockey player’s the Bruin’s have. Not the flashiest nor highest scoring. He’s a face off master and play’s very well on offence and defense. Perhaps one of the most underrated player’s in the NHL. He put’s everything on the ice every game. He scores this shorthanded goal against Vancouver in game 7 by shear will power:
  • Zdeno Chara: When he lifted Cup above his head it was an unbelievable sight. Gone were the doubts about his Captaincy or his legacy as a great player. When he came here he had the shadow of Shore, Orr and Bourque over him. He has fulfilled his destiny and solidified his place among Bruin’s defensemen greats.
  • Tyler Seguin: Originally a healthy scratch for the first two playoff rounds he wouldn’t have got a chance except for Patrice Bergeron’s unfortunate concussion against the Flyer’s in game 4. Many wondered why he wasn’t playing with a team that struggled at time’s for offence. In just his second game against Tampa Bay he showed us why he was picked #2 in the draft with a 4 point second period. He’s going to have a bright future in the black and gold.
  • Nathan Horton: With three game winning clutch goal’s in the playoff’s Bruin’s fan’s held there breathe when he was the victim of a late hit by Vancouver’s Rome. Out for the playoff’s with a concussion just how would the Bruin’s deal with losing him. “Win it for Horty” soon became the battle cry and Bruin’s finished the next two games scoring 8-1 and 4-0 respectively.  He help the Bruin’s win without being there. Here’s a touching video shown during game 6:

Thank you 2011 Boston Bruin’s for bring home the Cup!

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Bruin’s Notebook: Game 7

This has been a long day of waiting. I’m not quite sure if it’s hit me fully the weight of this day. The Cup win in 70 and 72 were when I was a small kid (3 and 5 years old respectively) so I have no memory of it. I didn’t get heavy in the Bruin’s until 80’s  culminating in the the Cup appearances in 88 and 90. Unfortunately they ran into the Edmonton Oiler dynasty was in full swing and and only managed one win in two appearances. So in just two weeks I’ve seen more Stanley Cup wins than ever seen before.

Let’s go Bruin’s!

Monday, June 13, 2011

Bruin’s Notebook: Game 6 in Boston

The last game at the TD Garden this post season is tonight and to say it’s a “must win” is an understatement. The thought of Lapierre, Burrows or the Sedin Sister’s (aka: Thelma and Louise) hosting the Cup around the Garden makes me want to gag. If that happens the ghost of Eddie Shore will appear and pummel Burrows into a bloody pulp on the ice with the Cup itself.

I do believe the Bruin’s have a very good chance to win tonight. Throughout the regular season and playoff’s they have shown up for most part in clutch situation’s. Last Friday’s loss was pretty predictable(to me at least). Unfortunately it seems as if you give them the least bit of slack guess what happens? They lose. The only consistency has been Thomas most of the time. The offense seems to either run hot or cold.

What gives me hope is the intangible item I feel this team has missed for many years: Heart. For many years since the early 90’s I felt this team had lacked that quality in a big way. I’d see sparks along the way but they’d always seem to come up short or just fade away. Maybe it took Cam Neely’s rise to President of the club to finally bring it back. It had kept me from fully committing to this team in the past. This year I believe they brought it back. I believe this team and franchise has turned a corner and brought the team back from the depth’s of mediocrity to be within two wins of the Stanley Cup.

Go Bruin’s!

Saturday, June 11, 2011

Bruin’s Notebook: Old issues coming back?

"Well goals against isn't an issue, it's goals for that's an issue," he said. "The power play is an issue. I think the name of the game is you've still gotta score one more goal than the other team. It's not about trying to win zero-zero."

-Cam Neely

It seem like it’s the issue of the power play and scoring in general rearing it’s ugly head again. These words were spoken back in December 2010 long before the Bruin’s great playoff run who’s story isn’t finished yet. Should the Bruin’s pull off winning the Cup then it’ll go down as curious footnote in NHL(and Bruin) history. If the hated Canucks take the Cup you can almost guarantee this issue will be a glaring scapegoat. Unfortunately it’s a tough issue to try and fix when your facing elimination in the finals. Even though it may be safe to say Claude Julien’s job is safe next year you can be sure he’ll be facing some tough scrutiny if the Bruin’s don’t pull off the championship.

Bruin’s Notebook: Game 5

The Boston Bruin’s blew a nice opportunity to put the Vancouver Canucks on their heels. Sometimes working a second shift can be a mixed blessing because I miss watching a lot of games, but on the other hand if a game is a real stinker I haven’t missed much. Not much incentive to watch a game the Bruin’s lose. Here are some thought’s I had about the current Bruin’s situation:

  • The poor power play performance still continues to haunt them. Though in games 3 and 4 it didn’t matter much. In a low scoring game and 4 missed opportunities on the man advantage was a a big blow. Even if the Bruin’s win the Cup whoever is in charge of the Power Play should be fired.
  • If Bruin’s can’t win a game 5 in Vancouver how much optimism can we have about a game 7? Sorry that’s just the pessimist inside me. On the other hand I’m fairly optimistic about game 6 on Monday and I do believe they’ll be a game seven. It will be the ultimate test of this team’s resiliency.
  • Their does seem to be a unanimous feeling that Tim Thomas will win both the Vezina (best goalie) and Conn Smythe (Playoff MVP). I’m sure he’d trade both for the Stanley Cup though.
  • Tim Thomas can’t do it all. He has gotten better goal support this year than in the past. He can’t be expected to play for shutout’s every night. He needs some more goal scoring to help out at times.
  • The future looks bright for this team whatever the outcome. The nucleus of this team is till fairly young and many players are yet to hit their prime. We’ll be in the playoff’s I feel for the next few years at least.

Prediction: The Bruin’s will have a dramatic win come Monday at home. The fan’s will be insane and supportive as usual(including myself). Game seven in Vancouver though…….

Saturday, March 12, 2011

Heater Channels are coming!

IMG_4867

With some extra tax refund cash I was finally able to order a set of heater channels for my ‘71 Super Beetle. As you can see above they are quite gone(drivers side in similar shape) and I’ve got my work cut out for me(pardon the pun). I ordered them from California Import Parts online and they should be arriving in the middle of next week. The poor car has sat cold and lonely most of the winter unfortunately. The weather is warming up and I’ll be able get to work on it in earnest. Wish me luck!

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Elizabeth Hughes, 8 years old, National Anthem, Norfolk Admirals Game, ...



As a hockey fan I couldn't be helped but shed a tear at this. God bless America!