Why Do Sports Matter? Part II of II
Click here for my rambling Part I
I am not afraid to admit that I can be an emotional person at times. As a "man", society implies that we should be able to hide our emotions and be a "rock". Whatever that means. However, before you think I am a weeping willow and that I cry at every opportunity, I feel I need to clarify the weird specific scenarios where my emotions get the best of me.
I don't get emotional during sappy movies. I found Titanic to be completely absurd and I could not understand why everyone was crying around me. I do not like feeling manipulated by a movie, such as Patch Adams, which I deem to be "emotional pornography". I felt bad when Marissa died in "The OC" not because she died, but because I actually chuckled a bit (I know, terrible!) because I thought her character was so idiotic. Some supposed books that are sad elicit little emotion from me. I do not get affected by the usual sappy stories.
However, stories about sacrifice, friendship, and selflessness get me every time. I cannot help but get teary-eyed every time I read about Terry Fox. Last year, I was watching the really bad Canadian movie of Terry Fox and I was laughing at how bad the acting was, yet 15 minutes later I got a bit teary-eyed in a scene with Terry and his friend arguing on the road. I couldn't help but getting teary-eyed when I watched this video clip about Chris Paul (NBA basketball player) scoring 61 points in a high school game in tribute to his deceased 61 year old grandfather. After seeing this video years ago, Chris Paul became one of my favourite players and I don't know how for the life of me, an NBA executive (like the Atlanta Hawks) could have passed over this impressive young man in the NBA draft after seeing this clip. I can't watch Schindler's List anymore because of the scene where Oskar Schindler questions himself of what he could have done more even after saving the lives of so many. I remember trying not to tear up at the end of "The Return of the King" when Aragorn and the rest of Gondor kneel down to the four hobbits. I was overcome thinking about the four hobbits' long journey and their selfless acts to help the others. I get frustrated at times because I feel like there is no rhyme and reason at times with when I get emotional. Frankly, it is a bit embarrassing which situations get me choked up.
So there I was on April 5, 2008, at home by myself wiping away some tears from my eyes at the end of a CBC Hockey Night in Canada broadcast at the age of 32. What a wimp. I even laughed at how stupid I must have looked, but when Jarome Iginla and the Calgary Flames formed that line-up to shake hands with Trevor Linden, I couldn't help myself. This was a player that gave his heart to our city. He was a player that tried his best to be selfless. He was a man that I looked up to in my younger years and respected in my older years.
I have attended many Canucks games over the years, but Wednesday's retirement ceremony is one of the most anticipated games of my life. Somehow, I feel like I owe it to Trevor Linden to applaud him for how much we appreciated his work on the team and in the community over the years. I want to somehow let him know that sports matters and he matters to us. I cannot wait to be there to see his jersey retired.
So, why do we have such an attachment to this man in this day and age where winning is everything? He has never won a Stanley Cup. He never won a major NHL award. In fact, you could argue that his career was not that impressive from a statistics stand point, especially when you compare him to Mike Modano who is still playing at a high level right now even though they were both drafted one spot away from each other. I think the fact that he is so well liked in this city is a bit of a miracle. He is proof that if you do things the right way and if you treat people with respect that you can still be popular in this day and age of me-first self-promoting idiots like Terrell Owens or Sean Avery. T. Linden as I liked to call him did things the right way.
Trevor Linden: The First Meeting
I don't remember what the exact month (but it felt like fall) or the exact date, but I know the first time I met Trevor Linden in person was in 1989-1990. Though the date is vague, the details of my first meeting with Trevor Linden are vivid. I was in grade eight and I remember walking by the Safeway on 64th Avenue and Scott Road in North Delta, when I noticed an innocuous poster announcing that Trevor Linden would be appearing on a Saturday to sign autographs. I had been a loyal Canuck follower for years, but it had been tough as a child following a bunch of perennial losers that got their plates repeatedly handed to them by the heavyweights of the Smythe Division. The Calgary Flames and the Edmonton Oilers toyed with the teams that I grew up with and as a fan I never knew what it felt like to cheer for true superstars like a Wayne Gretzky or a Lanny McDonald. Sure we had Stan Smyl and Tony Tanti, but the sort of players were hard-working at best.
When Trevor Linden came to town, I was just one of many people that gravitated to this young man. Linden fit the mold of a hard working Canuck, but he possessed more skill. After coming in second place in the Calder Trophy voting, Vancouverites felt a sense of satisfaction knowing that we finally had a player that might truly become the superstar that we have never had.
I remember walking by myself to the Safeway, since it was very close to my house. This day was forever etched into my mind, because it was proof of exactly how much Trevor Linden had won over the hearts of a city so quickly. I remember the line-up snaking around the brown brick building of Safeway going right around the corner and turning down 64th Avenue. I felt like all the participants involved could not have predicted how big a turn-out there would be. I remember waiting in line for well over an hour before I entered the doors and saw that the lineup stretched up to the produce section where there was a single table with a gangly guy sitting there. Trevor Linden looked skinny to me.
The signing session was supposed to only go for a couple of hours, but it seemed like the line-up never got shorter. I started getting nervous thinking that I would make my way up to the table only to see the time cut short. As I drew closer to the table, my eyes were transfixed on Trevor Linden. I could tell he was annoyed and agitated. I could see that his body language was one of annoyance as he recognized the fact that Safeway had lost control over the crowd and the line-up would not abate. However, even though I was a bit disappointed by his curt manner (he wasn't really smiling when he was signing things nor did he really make any small talk with many of the people as they got things signed) even as a simple-minded grade eight, I could understand why he was a bit unnerved. The autograph session was running well past the alloted time and here he was stuck in North Delta of all places. I could see Trevor Linden having a discussion with some of the people in charge and his displeasure was evident. The Safeway staff announced that Linden would only be signing one thing per person. But even with the chaos, Trevor Linden stayed for the entire time and made sure he finished signing for every person in line. The huge gathering of people was a barometer of how well liked Linden was. He just connected with us. I can't think of many other bonds out there in sports that matches the affection we have for this one individual.
How did I know it was 1989-1990 when I first met Trevor Linden? I remember the one item that I got Trevor Linden to autograph. It was his rookie card and the hockey card companies back then only released a player's rookie card the year after. I can conjure up the image of the card immediately as I write this. Linden has his helmet off with his back bent and his upper body supported by his stick resting on his knees. I remember looking at his signature on the rookie card and seeing the big swooshing "T" and the cursive "L" followed by a trail of little waves as if produced by a seismograph only to be punctuated by a small circle as if rising like the sun over the waves in the Pacific. I looked at that signature a lot and I felt an immense sense of satisfaction as I walked back home. I had gotten Trevor Linden to autograph his rookie card. It was my prized possession only surpassed by my Mario Lemieux rookie card.
Our Second Meeting Followed Quickly by Our Third Meeting
I met Trevor Linden two more times in person. Both were about 4 years ago when I was volunteering at Camp Goodtimes, a place for kids with cancer or recovering from cancer. Both years, Trevor Linden came out for one day with little fanfare. He drove himself up to the camp and immediately interacted with the kids. He was amazing with the kids and you could tell he just knew how to get along with them. There was no air of pretension and he was simply there to be involved and help out as he could. He participated in all the activities with the kids and I fully expected him to leave after an hour yet there he was staying right through the afternoon. I remember the second year that he came out, we had a giant mashed potato fight and there was Linden in the midst of it all slinging mashed potatoes back and forth with everybody. I have a great group photo of Linden and a bunch of us campers covered in mashed potatoes. I only wish I could find it as it was lost when my hard drive crashed this summer. You read all this stuff about athletes like Linden that say "He was a great guy" or "He is like a regular guy helping out" and you feel a bit skeptical towards these statements. Yet, seeing Trevor Linden in action for two summers, it was clear to me why he was such a positive force in our community. How could you not like this charismatic guy? And of course, he seemed so different from the first time I saw him in public many years ago.
After his last game in April, Linden was quoted as saying:
"You know, sometimes I ask myself that because I'm overwhelmed. I'm flattered. I feel extremely fortunate, blessed, the way things have gone. But I have to be honest with you: I ask myself that, too. Sometimes I almost feel kind of like: Who deserves this? I can't begin to say the effect it had on me. I'm a guy from Medicine Hat who played a game he loved, and to get that kind of response was really amazing."
And I think Trevor Linden is being much too modest. I feel glad knowing that for once we are giving someone recognition where it is due. Yes, he is just a sports athlete, but I think many Vancouverites will agree that he has been much more than that for us over the years. And that is why I know all of us will be completely eager to cheer Linden on and say that he does deserve it. T. Linden, we applaud you.
Some of My Favourite Memories of T. Linden:
A lot of them appear in this nice video montage from the Georgia Straight. I am sure there are plenty others that I have missed.
-Raising the Campbell Conference Trophy as the lid fell off. That was back before the stupid tradition where the players don't touch the trophy anymore.
-Scoring two goals in the finals of Game 7.
-Jim Robson's call of Trevor Linden during Game 6 of the 1994 playoffs. I get chills every time I hear Robson's call, "He'll be there, you know he will be there. Game seven. Madison Square Garden!"
-Seeing Trevor Linden come back to Vancouver.
-Scoring two goals last year against Calgary. That should have been enough to rally the Canucks into the playoffs. That was painful not seeing Linden get one more crack in the playoffs.
-The classy move by Iginla to form the traditional handshake line only done during the end of a playoffs series
Thanks for reading.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Why Do Sports Matter? Part I of II
Or "An Indirect Tribute to Trevor Linden"
I am a sports fanatic. There I said it. I admit it. Often, when you are a sports fanatic and this fact is revealed to people you feel like a bit childish especially at my age. I have now accepted who I am and that I like following many different types of sports. I think I have a better perspective now and I recognize that in the sports really doesn't matter when you weigh all the wonderful things in life.
Or does it?
That is essentially the crux of my discussion. With the Trevor Linden jersey retirement ceremony quickly approaching on Wednesday, I took full stock of how much of a sports fanatic I am. I casually stated that "sports don't matter", because I would feel hard-pressed trying to say that they do matter when you stack up sports against love, family, work, friends, and the other finer points of life. But I think that would be hypocritical of me to callously to blow off sports considering I read about sports everyday, listen to sports everyday, and think about sports at many points during my day. What does it say when the two more enjoyable times of the week is playing ice hockey with my group of friends? Or reading about every Vancouver Canuck article at night? Or pouring through my fantasy basketball team to carefully consider whether or not to drop Chris Duhon in favour of TJ Ford (I am real close to doing so, but I just don't trust TJ Ford's recent streak of injury free games.)
So maybe I have to say that I know for plenty of people that sports don't matter. And that is fine by me. I just don't think it is fair for others to give me grief about being a die-hard fan or to scoff and wonder why I care so much about the Vancouver Canucks (I just about wrote "my Vancouver Canucks" as somehow I had more than an emotional investment in the team). If people say that in the big scheme of things (what a cliche) that sports truly don't matter, then what does that say about me? That I don't matter? That my life doesn't matter since so much of it has been linked to sports?
And when I started to write all of this out I recognized that even my explanations feel flimsy with little substance. And that almost makes me feel a bit depressed that this is who I am at this time. My life is littered with a litany of sporting events. Some of my most vivid memories from my youth are tied to sports.
I was a late bloomer for a sports fanatic. I don't think I became a true blue Vancouver Canucks fan until grade four. My dad wasn't the biggest hockey fan, but he was always a fan of the best athlete in any sport. He could appreciate brilliance. So he was always a Jack Nicklaus fan. And for hockey in the 80s that meant he was a Wayne Gretzky fan. I being a logical kid gravitated towards the Vancouver Canucks at the time, which was a painful way to grow up. Kids these days (I sound so old) don't realize how much better they have it as a Canuck fan. We forget how much of a punching bag our teams were. How terrible we were. How the Edmonton Oilers and the Calgary Flames toyed with us. We were stuck in the Smythe Division with two of the best teams from the 80s. You know things are bad as a hockey fan when the best you could say about some of your favourite players were, "He works hard." or "Wow, he got a point tonight." or "He was amazing making 38 saves in a 6-2 loss." The fact that Frank Caprice was one of my favourite goaltenders for the Canucks speaks volumes about the dearth of quality players in comparison to the Gretzkys, Kurris, Loobs, Ottos, and MacDonalds of the world. But, commencing a tirade about the depressing times as a Canuck fan is not my goal (ie Neely trade). Let's get back on track.
My dad would take me to one game or so every year to the Pacific Coliseum. Of course, we would always see the Edmonton Oilers play against my beloved Canucks. And at times I hated it, because I knew the outcome before I even took my seat. But it was a yearly ritual that I enjoyed with my dad. I only wish I could have appreciated the sheer brilliance of seeing someone of Gretzky's stature live. Many fond memories between my dad and I were because of sports. I remember my dad taking me to an exhibition baseball game against the Montreal Expos. I can't remember the team they played against but I clearly remember the Expos hat my dad bought me. I remember staring at that weird symbol everyday wondering what the heck the red, white, and blue meant. I had no clue as a kid that the logo was an "M".
I remember in grade 6 or 7 attending my first real baseball game. It was during a family vacation driving down the West Coast from Vancouver to San Francisco. To save money, we stayed in a hotel in Oakland, which felt a little dangerous at the time. Our hotel was very close to where the Oakland Athletics played. My dad suggested that since we were there to go see a game. We walked a few blocks and got tickets to see the Athletics play the New York Yankees. I did not follow baseball that much at the time and I happened to see the Yankees when they were a brutal team. Three clear things stood out for me on that evening. One, standing up and being super confused when the singing of "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" occurred in the seventh inning stretch. I thought I had walked into a cult witnessing everybody around me standing up and signing the song with much fervor and zeal. Second, my mom and my sister stayed at the hotel, so going to the game was a true father bonding experience. It was a shared experience and it felt so special. Third, I remember my mom telling us the next day that our father was so tired, because he was so worried about our vehicle that he stayed up all night watching it through the window of our hotel. My parents were so good to us.
These small moments in time with my dad and sports makes me recognize how important these events were to me growing up. I still own five pennants that are currently hanging up in my classroom at school which are mementos from the live events that I attended with my dad. One Oilers, one Penguins, one Canucks, one Flames, and one BC Lions pennant are hanging side by side. My dad took me to see some of the greats. We saw my favourite player, Mario Lemieux, together. My father and I went to game three of the 1994 Stanley Cup Finals together. We bought them at the spur of the moment, two expensive tickets (about $100 each at the time) that were the last row of the Pacific Coliseum. And even though they were the last row, to me, in grade 12, they were simply perfect. My dad knew how much I wanted to go. And I remember with clarity so many details of that game. I can't even remember what I ate yesterday, yet I remember the spine-chilling anthem and how loud that Coliseum was. When Pavel Bure scored on a breakaway in minute into the game I literally thought I was going to pass out in excitement. The roof of that old Coliseum threatened to blow off. The sound was deafening. The euphoria of the crowd was intoxicating. I thought I was in for the best night of my life. Of course, that was the game where Bure was thrown out for elbowing Beukeboom in the face and then the Alex Kovalev show started and then Brian Leetch exerted his will. I hate that guy.
Looking back, those shared moments with my dad are invaluable. They are moments that are firmly impressed in my mind. I wouldn't trade those shared moments for anything. And writing all this I realize that it is about time I took my dad to a hockey game. We haven't been to one together in a long, long time.
Do sports matter? They do for me.
They matter enough to me that I slept outside Shoppers Drug Mart with my UBC friends overnight to purchase tickets to see the Vancouver Grizzlies play the Chicago Bulls. I simply had to see Michael Jordan in person.
They matter enough for me to drive down to Seattle to see Steve Nash and Lebron James.
They matter enough to me that I can vividly remember gathering with the entire neighbourhood to see Ben Johnson's record breaking 100 m run.
They matter enough to me that our entire family woke up to see Korea play in the World Cup at 4 am in the morning.
They matter enough to me that I can think of so many different sporting events that brought friends and I together.
I can remember hugging my friend Kavie (grown adults!) in sheer jubiliation when Trent Klatt scored the winning OT goal against the Minnesota Wild.
I remember the shocking silence in GM Place when the Ducks scored the overtime winner in the playoffs. Sudden death indeed. It was the weirdest feeling and to hear only the whooping delight of the Anaheim Ducks on the ice only made it that much more painful.
I can remember jumping and hugging my friends in Marc Gauthier's den when the Blue Jays won the World Series on Joe Carter's blast. Sports has always provided me with entertainment. Just when you think the improbably can't happen it does. I remember during that run the Jays were down in the ninth inning to Dennis Eckersley (The Oakland Athletics) the greatest closer of all time, yet somehow Roberto Alomar took him deep (he was not a home run hitter) to win the game.
I remember being in Mike Chipman's house watching Kirk McLean's amazing save and then after Bure scored the OT winner, phoning my friend, Greg Bruce, a true Calgary Flames fan and yelling at him and then simply hanging up.
The fact that I don't even have to truly explain the above sentence and what year that was shows how sports can connect us and bring us together. Sports can bring a sense of community. Sports for me is the greatest stage and is a open display to all the wonderful and ugly aspects of human nature. That 1994 run was one of the best times to live in Vancouver. You could talk to anyone on the streets. Everyone had a smile. But then to see the 1994 riots reminded us how stupid we could be as well. That 1994 run showcased the entire spectrum of human behaviour.
I could go on and on about all the examples of how much sports has been intertwined in my life over the years. Sports has mattered to me in my life. From the mundane trivia to the trash talking hockey pools that keep me connected with my friends, the fact that I had no problem writing the last couple of paragraphs and that all of these memories are streaming out of my head in a jumbled mess reminds me that sports do matter. I apologize if the last four paragraphs got sloppy. My fingers couldn't keep up with the flood of memories.
Come back tomjavascript:void(0)orrow to read another lengthy diatribe:
Part II: Since sports matters, why does Trevor Linden matter so much to me and other fans of this city?
I am a sports fanatic. There I said it. I admit it. Often, when you are a sports fanatic and this fact is revealed to people you feel like a bit childish especially at my age. I have now accepted who I am and that I like following many different types of sports. I think I have a better perspective now and I recognize that in the sports really doesn't matter when you weigh all the wonderful things in life.
Or does it?
That is essentially the crux of my discussion. With the Trevor Linden jersey retirement ceremony quickly approaching on Wednesday, I took full stock of how much of a sports fanatic I am. I casually stated that "sports don't matter", because I would feel hard-pressed trying to say that they do matter when you stack up sports against love, family, work, friends, and the other finer points of life. But I think that would be hypocritical of me to callously to blow off sports considering I read about sports everyday, listen to sports everyday, and think about sports at many points during my day. What does it say when the two more enjoyable times of the week is playing ice hockey with my group of friends? Or reading about every Vancouver Canuck article at night? Or pouring through my fantasy basketball team to carefully consider whether or not to drop Chris Duhon in favour of TJ Ford (I am real close to doing so, but I just don't trust TJ Ford's recent streak of injury free games.)
So maybe I have to say that I know for plenty of people that sports don't matter. And that is fine by me. I just don't think it is fair for others to give me grief about being a die-hard fan or to scoff and wonder why I care so much about the Vancouver Canucks (I just about wrote "my Vancouver Canucks" as somehow I had more than an emotional investment in the team). If people say that in the big scheme of things (what a cliche) that sports truly don't matter, then what does that say about me? That I don't matter? That my life doesn't matter since so much of it has been linked to sports?
And when I started to write all of this out I recognized that even my explanations feel flimsy with little substance. And that almost makes me feel a bit depressed that this is who I am at this time. My life is littered with a litany of sporting events. Some of my most vivid memories from my youth are tied to sports.
I was a late bloomer for a sports fanatic. I don't think I became a true blue Vancouver Canucks fan until grade four. My dad wasn't the biggest hockey fan, but he was always a fan of the best athlete in any sport. He could appreciate brilliance. So he was always a Jack Nicklaus fan. And for hockey in the 80s that meant he was a Wayne Gretzky fan. I being a logical kid gravitated towards the Vancouver Canucks at the time, which was a painful way to grow up. Kids these days (I sound so old) don't realize how much better they have it as a Canuck fan. We forget how much of a punching bag our teams were. How terrible we were. How the Edmonton Oilers and the Calgary Flames toyed with us. We were stuck in the Smythe Division with two of the best teams from the 80s. You know things are bad as a hockey fan when the best you could say about some of your favourite players were, "He works hard." or "Wow, he got a point tonight." or "He was amazing making 38 saves in a 6-2 loss." The fact that Frank Caprice was one of my favourite goaltenders for the Canucks speaks volumes about the dearth of quality players in comparison to the Gretzkys, Kurris, Loobs, Ottos, and MacDonalds of the world. But, commencing a tirade about the depressing times as a Canuck fan is not my goal (ie Neely trade). Let's get back on track.
My dad would take me to one game or so every year to the Pacific Coliseum. Of course, we would always see the Edmonton Oilers play against my beloved Canucks. And at times I hated it, because I knew the outcome before I even took my seat. But it was a yearly ritual that I enjoyed with my dad. I only wish I could have appreciated the sheer brilliance of seeing someone of Gretzky's stature live. Many fond memories between my dad and I were because of sports. I remember my dad taking me to an exhibition baseball game against the Montreal Expos. I can't remember the team they played against but I clearly remember the Expos hat my dad bought me. I remember staring at that weird symbol everyday wondering what the heck the red, white, and blue meant. I had no clue as a kid that the logo was an "M".
I remember in grade 6 or 7 attending my first real baseball game. It was during a family vacation driving down the West Coast from Vancouver to San Francisco. To save money, we stayed in a hotel in Oakland, which felt a little dangerous at the time. Our hotel was very close to where the Oakland Athletics played. My dad suggested that since we were there to go see a game. We walked a few blocks and got tickets to see the Athletics play the New York Yankees. I did not follow baseball that much at the time and I happened to see the Yankees when they were a brutal team. Three clear things stood out for me on that evening. One, standing up and being super confused when the singing of "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" occurred in the seventh inning stretch. I thought I had walked into a cult witnessing everybody around me standing up and signing the song with much fervor and zeal. Second, my mom and my sister stayed at the hotel, so going to the game was a true father bonding experience. It was a shared experience and it felt so special. Third, I remember my mom telling us the next day that our father was so tired, because he was so worried about our vehicle that he stayed up all night watching it through the window of our hotel. My parents were so good to us.
These small moments in time with my dad and sports makes me recognize how important these events were to me growing up. I still own five pennants that are currently hanging up in my classroom at school which are mementos from the live events that I attended with my dad. One Oilers, one Penguins, one Canucks, one Flames, and one BC Lions pennant are hanging side by side. My dad took me to see some of the greats. We saw my favourite player, Mario Lemieux, together. My father and I went to game three of the 1994 Stanley Cup Finals together. We bought them at the spur of the moment, two expensive tickets (about $100 each at the time) that were the last row of the Pacific Coliseum. And even though they were the last row, to me, in grade 12, they were simply perfect. My dad knew how much I wanted to go. And I remember with clarity so many details of that game. I can't even remember what I ate yesterday, yet I remember the spine-chilling anthem and how loud that Coliseum was. When Pavel Bure scored on a breakaway in minute into the game I literally thought I was going to pass out in excitement. The roof of that old Coliseum threatened to blow off. The sound was deafening. The euphoria of the crowd was intoxicating. I thought I was in for the best night of my life. Of course, that was the game where Bure was thrown out for elbowing Beukeboom in the face and then the Alex Kovalev show started and then Brian Leetch exerted his will. I hate that guy.
Looking back, those shared moments with my dad are invaluable. They are moments that are firmly impressed in my mind. I wouldn't trade those shared moments for anything. And writing all this I realize that it is about time I took my dad to a hockey game. We haven't been to one together in a long, long time.
Do sports matter? They do for me.
They matter enough to me that I slept outside Shoppers Drug Mart with my UBC friends overnight to purchase tickets to see the Vancouver Grizzlies play the Chicago Bulls. I simply had to see Michael Jordan in person.
They matter enough for me to drive down to Seattle to see Steve Nash and Lebron James.
They matter enough to me that I can vividly remember gathering with the entire neighbourhood to see Ben Johnson's record breaking 100 m run.
They matter enough to me that our entire family woke up to see Korea play in the World Cup at 4 am in the morning.
They matter enough to me that I can think of so many different sporting events that brought friends and I together.
I can remember hugging my friend Kavie (grown adults!) in sheer jubiliation when Trent Klatt scored the winning OT goal against the Minnesota Wild.
I remember the shocking silence in GM Place when the Ducks scored the overtime winner in the playoffs. Sudden death indeed. It was the weirdest feeling and to hear only the whooping delight of the Anaheim Ducks on the ice only made it that much more painful.
I can remember jumping and hugging my friends in Marc Gauthier's den when the Blue Jays won the World Series on Joe Carter's blast. Sports has always provided me with entertainment. Just when you think the improbably can't happen it does. I remember during that run the Jays were down in the ninth inning to Dennis Eckersley (The Oakland Athletics) the greatest closer of all time, yet somehow Roberto Alomar took him deep (he was not a home run hitter) to win the game.
I remember being in Mike Chipman's house watching Kirk McLean's amazing save and then after Bure scored the OT winner, phoning my friend, Greg Bruce, a true Calgary Flames fan and yelling at him and then simply hanging up.
The fact that I don't even have to truly explain the above sentence and what year that was shows how sports can connect us and bring us together. Sports can bring a sense of community. Sports for me is the greatest stage and is a open display to all the wonderful and ugly aspects of human nature. That 1994 run was one of the best times to live in Vancouver. You could talk to anyone on the streets. Everyone had a smile. But then to see the 1994 riots reminded us how stupid we could be as well. That 1994 run showcased the entire spectrum of human behaviour.
I could go on and on about all the examples of how much sports has been intertwined in my life over the years. Sports has mattered to me in my life. From the mundane trivia to the trash talking hockey pools that keep me connected with my friends, the fact that I had no problem writing the last couple of paragraphs and that all of these memories are streaming out of my head in a jumbled mess reminds me that sports do matter. I apologize if the last four paragraphs got sloppy. My fingers couldn't keep up with the flood of memories.
Come back tomjavascript:void(0)orrow to read another lengthy diatribe:
Part II: Since sports matters, why does Trevor Linden matter so much to me and other fans of this city?
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Who Got What for the 2010 Olympics?
Well, I received my email notification for the 2010 Olympics tickets. I used two accounts and I think had all my tickets actually came through, I would have been on the hook for about $8000 worth of tickets. Damn Vanoc and their cleverness knowing that someone like me would be crazy for hockey tickets.
My wife's account: NO TICKETS! Not one.
My account? Two tickets for the men's quarterfinal game. Two tickets for the finals in short track skating (Go Korea!)
I guess I should be happy with what I got, because I am only on the hook for $300, but I am disappointed that I didn't get some more hockey tickets.
Two of my friends scored semi-finals tickets. I want to know if anyone out there knows someone who actually got finals tickets (for hockey of course). My sister actually did score tickets to the second most coveted tickets in town... figure skating. She got 4 tickets to the women's free program and 2 tickets to the pairs free program. I am trying hard to convince my sister to sell the tickets for a small ransom so the Kim family can retire for one month.
OK, as I write more and more, I am getting a bit choked that one of our accounts led to zero tickets.
OK, let's hear what some of you got.
My wife's account: NO TICKETS! Not one.
My account? Two tickets for the men's quarterfinal game. Two tickets for the finals in short track skating (Go Korea!)
I guess I should be happy with what I got, because I am only on the hook for $300, but I am disappointed that I didn't get some more hockey tickets.
Two of my friends scored semi-finals tickets. I want to know if anyone out there knows someone who actually got finals tickets (for hockey of course). My sister actually did score tickets to the second most coveted tickets in town... figure skating. She got 4 tickets to the women's free program and 2 tickets to the pairs free program. I am trying hard to convince my sister to sell the tickets for a small ransom so the Kim family can retire for one month.
OK, as I write more and more, I am getting a bit choked that one of our accounts led to zero tickets.
OK, let's hear what some of you got.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
On the "Fringe"
That has to be one of the worst puns I have used in awhile.
I am still undecided about Fox's new show "Fringe". Sometimes the show gets too hokey and I don't like how the music is pretty much the soundtrack of LOST (same composer). I was encouraged by the last week's episode, so I will follow it into the new year.
I suspected that The Observer was in a lot more scenes after seeing him randomly in one episode. This nice collection of clips from Fox confirms it. If you have been watching this show, then you will know what I mean. Otherwise, this clip will just plain annoy you.
I am still undecided about Fox's new show "Fringe". Sometimes the show gets too hokey and I don't like how the music is pretty much the soundtrack of LOST (same composer). I was encouraged by the last week's episode, so I will follow it into the new year.
I suspected that The Observer was in a lot more scenes after seeing him randomly in one episode. This nice collection of clips from Fox confirms it. If you have been watching this show, then you will know what I mean. Otherwise, this clip will just plain annoy you.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Anticipation for Lost
The days are blurring very quickly and I swear my working day just goes up in flames once I enter the doors of the school. I don't know whether I am coming or going sometimes. The holidays are quickly approaching and out of the chaotic swirl that surrounds me I saw this bright light, one that represents a huge amount of anticipation within me.
January 21st can't come fast enough.
January 21st can't come fast enough.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Bruce Lee is beyond cool...
This is one of the coolest commercials I have seen in a long time. Using CGI to have Bruce Lee playing ping pong with nunchuks? Brilliant.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Need to Procrastinate? Check this out...
I discovered this link courtesy of Entertainment Weekly. I managed to waste about 15 minutes of my time and I am sure I will revisit it in the future. The premise is simple. Get the red ball into the red square. The machines you can make are anything but simple. Enjoy.
Fantastic contraption
Fantastic contraption
Friday, November 21, 2008
What the?!?
The facts are these:
Pushing Daisies and Eli Stone have been cancelled by ABC.
Sometimes I wonder how is watching what out there. Like who are the millions of people watching shows like CSI: Miami or NCIS or Two and Half Men (lately the kid is about the size of Jon Cryer so the title seems like it could use some updating). Who are the millions of people buying Nickelback albums? I don't know anyone who likes Nickelback. Or what about Jay Leno? I only know one person who actually likes The Tonight Show.
It is frustrating to figure out what survives in the entertainment world and what doesn't. It is great to see a complex and dynamic show like LOST find a foothold in the consciousness of the general populace. But often quality shows fail to appeal to the masses. A great comedy like Arrested Development didn't register a blip.
I felt that Eli Stone has really gained some ground in its storytelling. I thought each episode gained strength and I actually enjoyed the story and wanted to watch these characters. Some would say that the show might be blasphemous, but the show tries to tackle some big themes of faith and God, something that you don't really see network shows do.
Pushing Daisies is all whimsy and cuteness, but again, I found it completely entertaining. The character Olive is one of the funniest personalities in TV. Kristin Chenoweth, who plays Olive Snook, is absolutely brilliant and you can't help but have a crush on this sparkling lady. The show had also found its stride, focusing more on the characters rather than the cases. The production values and the sets are top notch. The writing is clever. The guest appearances have been solid. But no more. Bye bye.
Thanks a lot ABC. Thanks for disappointing a fan. When I read about the news yesterday I was a little mad. I know it is TV, but there are so many bad shows out there that are still on the air, which makes these cancellations seem so unfair.
Pushing Daisies and Eli Stone have been cancelled by ABC.
Sometimes I wonder how is watching what out there. Like who are the millions of people watching shows like CSI: Miami or NCIS or Two and Half Men (lately the kid is about the size of Jon Cryer so the title seems like it could use some updating). Who are the millions of people buying Nickelback albums? I don't know anyone who likes Nickelback. Or what about Jay Leno? I only know one person who actually likes The Tonight Show.
It is frustrating to figure out what survives in the entertainment world and what doesn't. It is great to see a complex and dynamic show like LOST find a foothold in the consciousness of the general populace. But often quality shows fail to appeal to the masses. A great comedy like Arrested Development didn't register a blip.
I felt that Eli Stone has really gained some ground in its storytelling. I thought each episode gained strength and I actually enjoyed the story and wanted to watch these characters. Some would say that the show might be blasphemous, but the show tries to tackle some big themes of faith and God, something that you don't really see network shows do.
Pushing Daisies is all whimsy and cuteness, but again, I found it completely entertaining. The character Olive is one of the funniest personalities in TV. Kristin Chenoweth, who plays Olive Snook, is absolutely brilliant and you can't help but have a crush on this sparkling lady. The show had also found its stride, focusing more on the characters rather than the cases. The production values and the sets are top notch. The writing is clever. The guest appearances have been solid. But no more. Bye bye.
Thanks a lot ABC. Thanks for disappointing a fan. When I read about the news yesterday I was a little mad. I know it is TV, but there are so many bad shows out there that are still on the air, which makes these cancellations seem so unfair.
Friday, November 14, 2008
007
So I managed to score free tickets to the new Bond movie on Thursday night (thanks Kavie). I enjoyed most of Casino Royale except for the laughable penultimate poker scene (I have a straight, hey I have a flush, hey I have a full house, wait I have a four of a kind, wait I have a straight flush!)
Casino Royale did employ vicious fighting scenes and had one of the coolest Bonds around in Daniel Craig. The guy was intense, rough, but managed to pull off a sophisticated edge quite flawlessly. The infusion of a character driven Bond rather than a silly special effects Bond was a welcome reprieve for Bond fans. "Die Another Day" was just a ridiculous jumble of special effects that made me feel sad. When Pierce Brosnan went wind-surfing over the cliff or when he outdrove the laser I started to feel wistful about the good old days.
I have a great affinity towards James Bond movies, because these are the movies that my dad and I watched together growing up. He was the one that got me into the series and he started me off with the Connery films. Sean Connery was the Bond that I grew up with. As a kid, not knowing much better, I also enjoyed the Roger Moore movies as well. Now I realize that he was a little too cheesy. I thought audiences were a bit too harsh towards Timothy Dalton and the only positive from the Pierce Dalton era was the creation of one of my favourite video games ever, "GoldenEye" for the Nintendo 64.
So I welcomed the reboot of the Bond franchise with the introduction of Daniel Craig. However, after the promising start of Casino Royale, I wondered about the choice of the director for Quantum of Solace. Mark Forester has done some decent movies (Finding Neverland, Kite Runner, Monster's Ball) but I thought he was a strange choice for an action blockbuster. But I think these major studios are looking for quality directors to oversee these blockbuster franchises (see Christopher Nolan and Batman) in the hopes of appealing to a wide range of people. Action plus character driven pieces are the bread winners these days and Hollywood simply likes to mimic this trend because it seems to work.
Too bad it doesn't work for Quantum of Solace. My major beef with this movie are the terrible edits of the action. It looks like someone was trying to emulate the Bourne series, but to a worse effect. So many of the set pieces were elaborate and gorgeous looking, but the money was wasted because you could rarely tell what was going on. The edits were so quick that you got no sense of danger for Bond. Scenes would be a blur which meant all the realism that was added back into the series was negated to bring about an over fizzle to the proceedings. I liked how Bond was angry and clearly disturbed by the events of Casino Royale. I liked Daniel Craig again as Bond. I liked the interaction of Bond with M (the brilliant Judi Dench). I liked the continuity of the characters, bringing back two characters from the first movie. But when the movie ended and I exited and I was not sure if I liked the movie.
I am still thinking about it this movie. Maybe the grim tone and lack of humour in comparison to Casino Royale works against this movie. I have a feeling that I will look forward to the third movie due to the implications of the end events of this movie. Let's hope they find a director better suited to making decisions when concerned with action scenes.
If you want some yuks, go see Role Models. I have always been rooting for Paul Rudd, who has been terrific in so many movies. See "Clueless" or "40 Year Old Virgin". This movie that he wrote, has him playing a perfect role for his acting style. This R-rated comedy tries to be too crass at times, but there are some nice moments and a lot of laugh out loud spots. Not for everyone, but a decent comedy from the Apatow crew.
Casino Royale did employ vicious fighting scenes and had one of the coolest Bonds around in Daniel Craig. The guy was intense, rough, but managed to pull off a sophisticated edge quite flawlessly. The infusion of a character driven Bond rather than a silly special effects Bond was a welcome reprieve for Bond fans. "Die Another Day" was just a ridiculous jumble of special effects that made me feel sad. When Pierce Brosnan went wind-surfing over the cliff or when he outdrove the laser I started to feel wistful about the good old days.
I have a great affinity towards James Bond movies, because these are the movies that my dad and I watched together growing up. He was the one that got me into the series and he started me off with the Connery films. Sean Connery was the Bond that I grew up with. As a kid, not knowing much better, I also enjoyed the Roger Moore movies as well. Now I realize that he was a little too cheesy. I thought audiences were a bit too harsh towards Timothy Dalton and the only positive from the Pierce Dalton era was the creation of one of my favourite video games ever, "GoldenEye" for the Nintendo 64.
So I welcomed the reboot of the Bond franchise with the introduction of Daniel Craig. However, after the promising start of Casino Royale, I wondered about the choice of the director for Quantum of Solace. Mark Forester has done some decent movies (Finding Neverland, Kite Runner, Monster's Ball) but I thought he was a strange choice for an action blockbuster. But I think these major studios are looking for quality directors to oversee these blockbuster franchises (see Christopher Nolan and Batman) in the hopes of appealing to a wide range of people. Action plus character driven pieces are the bread winners these days and Hollywood simply likes to mimic this trend because it seems to work.
Too bad it doesn't work for Quantum of Solace. My major beef with this movie are the terrible edits of the action. It looks like someone was trying to emulate the Bourne series, but to a worse effect. So many of the set pieces were elaborate and gorgeous looking, but the money was wasted because you could rarely tell what was going on. The edits were so quick that you got no sense of danger for Bond. Scenes would be a blur which meant all the realism that was added back into the series was negated to bring about an over fizzle to the proceedings. I liked how Bond was angry and clearly disturbed by the events of Casino Royale. I liked Daniel Craig again as Bond. I liked the interaction of Bond with M (the brilliant Judi Dench). I liked the continuity of the characters, bringing back two characters from the first movie. But when the movie ended and I exited and I was not sure if I liked the movie.
I am still thinking about it this movie. Maybe the grim tone and lack of humour in comparison to Casino Royale works against this movie. I have a feeling that I will look forward to the third movie due to the implications of the end events of this movie. Let's hope they find a director better suited to making decisions when concerned with action scenes.
If you want some yuks, go see Role Models. I have always been rooting for Paul Rudd, who has been terrific in so many movies. See "Clueless" or "40 Year Old Virgin". This movie that he wrote, has him playing a perfect role for his acting style. This R-rated comedy tries to be too crass at times, but there are some nice moments and a lot of laugh out loud spots. Not for everyone, but a decent comedy from the Apatow crew.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
We are all Canucks. But I am a loser.
Oh yeah. I went to the Canucks game on Sunday night. The Canucks lost. No exaggeration, but I think over the last five years I have only seen the Canucks win once or twice live. I think I have been to about 10-15 games.
Just thought I would share that with you. I want to keep track of my losing record.
Just thought I would share that with you. I want to keep track of my losing record.
From Obama to Optimus
I am not the most political person around. At times I am a bit passive and more than skeptical of the entire political arena. I vote, but sometimes feel like our voices are not really heard. As a teacher, I see how our education system is underfunded and neglected. I see money thrown around but not invested in our youth which would be a long term solution to what ails our society.
So I couldn't help to feel a little bit... ashamed? guilty? after watching Obama in his acceptance speech. This man commands the stage and his words are so inspiring that I couldn't help but say to myself, "Am I doing enough in society?"
I think I am, but really that kind of goes hand in hand with the job that I do. After listening to Obama I thought maybe I could do more.
It was truly a historic night yesterday. To think as a Canadian I was riveted last night by the US election speaks volumes of the interest in Barack. And I found the cynic in me melting away as Obama's message provided me with some hope and inspiration that maybe the majority of our society can make better decisions and take care of each other.
I then realized that I see instances of our youth that prove to me that there is hope for all involved. Interacting with teenagers at school, I am continually impressed at the maturity and courage that they have at a young age. I know that when provided with the right opportunities that a lot of teenagers make the right choice. I see small events every day that tells me that many kids get it. Our school works as a community and I see many students contributing to that community and taking ownership of what goes in the community. And then I think of this new wave of politically active youth and where this could lead us.
It is hard for me to understand why America was so attached to JFK. Watching Obama and recognizing how strong an orator he is, I realize how one person can motivate a nation.
Last thoughts:
A great read from the New York Times tells about the well run Obama campaign. To think that 20 months ago Hillary Clinton looked like the Democratic representative, shows how quickly Obama-mania stormed through the States.
Speaking of students, I am starting to feel old. I have been teaching since 2001 and in the last couple of weeks I have bumped into so many former students. It is great to hear what they are doing... working for EA, Masters in Engineering, Biophysics, English Lit etc.
Hearing how far they are into their university/careers, gets me real depressed. I also sense that they generally seem excited to see me. Now abusive words or curses are thrown my way. No rocks or hard metallic objects are hurled my way. Instead, greeted by smiles and recognition I start to think that maybe I had a small impact on their lives. Hey teachers, yes we can.
I also hate how I can't remember names on the spot. I never forget a face, but it is stressful not to remember a student's name.
Let's name drop... mostly FVCers from the past.
Justin DeVries, Nikki Ames, Ashley, Laura (bumped to all of them at Sigur Ros concert), Graham Slot, Soo Hyun, Richard Kishimoto, Ashley Reiter, Brittany Tymos, and on Tuesday night after ice hockey out at UBC, Adam Herman.
I have lived in Vancouver all this time and have never bumped into any students until now. Then in just one month, it was so crazy to see all these students out and around UBC. Weird.
Lastly, I wanted to comment on this season's "Chuck" which has been geektastic. Last week's episode managed to make a nod to Missile Commander and Rush, but where I really went crazy is hearing "The Touch" by Stan Bush. What song is this you may ask? Why only one of the best movie songs of all time from The Transformers: The Movie. And I am not talking about that crappy Michael Bay movie (TERRIBLE!!!). I am talking about the animated movie that came out in the 80s starring the voices of Orson Welles and Leonard Nimoy among others.
If you are a Transformers fan I cannot see how you can't get goosebumps watching this clip as Optimus rolls out with "The Touch" playing in the background. Quite possibly one of my favourite clips of all time. I could watch it over and over as Optimus single-handedly takes out seven Decepticons from the 25 s mark until meeting Megatron. Now Optimus Prime was a kick-ass leader that I would follow.
And how is that for a blog entry? From Obama to Optimus, I bet you never thought you would hear those two great leaders together in one sentence.
So I couldn't help to feel a little bit... ashamed? guilty? after watching Obama in his acceptance speech. This man commands the stage and his words are so inspiring that I couldn't help but say to myself, "Am I doing enough in society?"
I think I am, but really that kind of goes hand in hand with the job that I do. After listening to Obama I thought maybe I could do more.
It was truly a historic night yesterday. To think as a Canadian I was riveted last night by the US election speaks volumes of the interest in Barack. And I found the cynic in me melting away as Obama's message provided me with some hope and inspiration that maybe the majority of our society can make better decisions and take care of each other.
I then realized that I see instances of our youth that prove to me that there is hope for all involved. Interacting with teenagers at school, I am continually impressed at the maturity and courage that they have at a young age. I know that when provided with the right opportunities that a lot of teenagers make the right choice. I see small events every day that tells me that many kids get it. Our school works as a community and I see many students contributing to that community and taking ownership of what goes in the community. And then I think of this new wave of politically active youth and where this could lead us.
It is hard for me to understand why America was so attached to JFK. Watching Obama and recognizing how strong an orator he is, I realize how one person can motivate a nation.
Last thoughts:
A great read from the New York Times tells about the well run Obama campaign. To think that 20 months ago Hillary Clinton looked like the Democratic representative, shows how quickly Obama-mania stormed through the States.
Speaking of students, I am starting to feel old. I have been teaching since 2001 and in the last couple of weeks I have bumped into so many former students. It is great to hear what they are doing... working for EA, Masters in Engineering, Biophysics, English Lit etc.
Hearing how far they are into their university/careers, gets me real depressed. I also sense that they generally seem excited to see me. Now abusive words or curses are thrown my way. No rocks or hard metallic objects are hurled my way. Instead, greeted by smiles and recognition I start to think that maybe I had a small impact on their lives. Hey teachers, yes we can.
I also hate how I can't remember names on the spot. I never forget a face, but it is stressful not to remember a student's name.
Let's name drop... mostly FVCers from the past.
Justin DeVries, Nikki Ames, Ashley, Laura (bumped to all of them at Sigur Ros concert), Graham Slot, Soo Hyun, Richard Kishimoto, Ashley Reiter, Brittany Tymos, and on Tuesday night after ice hockey out at UBC, Adam Herman.
I have lived in Vancouver all this time and have never bumped into any students until now. Then in just one month, it was so crazy to see all these students out and around UBC. Weird.
Lastly, I wanted to comment on this season's "Chuck" which has been geektastic. Last week's episode managed to make a nod to Missile Commander and Rush, but where I really went crazy is hearing "The Touch" by Stan Bush. What song is this you may ask? Why only one of the best movie songs of all time from The Transformers: The Movie. And I am not talking about that crappy Michael Bay movie (TERRIBLE!!!). I am talking about the animated movie that came out in the 80s starring the voices of Orson Welles and Leonard Nimoy among others.
If you are a Transformers fan I cannot see how you can't get goosebumps watching this clip as Optimus rolls out with "The Touch" playing in the background. Quite possibly one of my favourite clips of all time. I could watch it over and over as Optimus single-handedly takes out seven Decepticons from the 25 s mark until meeting Megatron. Now Optimus Prime was a kick-ass leader that I would follow.
And how is that for a blog entry? From Obama to Optimus, I bet you never thought you would hear those two great leaders together in one sentence.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Evidence of My Everlasting Immaturity
I was driving into work this morning and I saw a truck sporting the advertising:
www.wescooppoop.ca
And then I immediately said in my head: "What a crappy job."
Then I giggled.
www.wescooppoop.ca
And then I immediately said in my head: "What a crappy job."
Then I giggled.
Watching Grown Men Hug
Just caught the end of the World Series game and Philly fans must be in bedlam. I thought for sure that Brad Lidge would give up the tying run. I am happy for the Philadelphia Phillies... all those teams and no championships in the last twenty years must be tough. Us Canucks fans should know.
More importantly, I am super happy for Jamie Moyer. To see a forty plus year old pitcher finally win a championship is great. He was one of my favourite Seattle Mariners and I loved the way he pitched more junk followed by more junk. Pat Gillick winning one as GM seems a bit weird... Toronto winning over Philly in 1993 when Gillick was GM to now? Weird.
Lastly, I got a chuckle when I saw Charlie Manuel, the manager hug with three other older coaches. It was the worst geriatric hug I have ever seen and the word "awkward" doesn't even begin to describe the scene.
Must be the Chicago Cubs turn next year.
More importantly, I am super happy for Jamie Moyer. To see a forty plus year old pitcher finally win a championship is great. He was one of my favourite Seattle Mariners and I loved the way he pitched more junk followed by more junk. Pat Gillick winning one as GM seems a bit weird... Toronto winning over Philly in 1993 when Gillick was GM to now? Weird.
Lastly, I got a chuckle when I saw Charlie Manuel, the manager hug with three other older coaches. It was the worst geriatric hug I have ever seen and the word "awkward" doesn't even begin to describe the scene.
Must be the Chicago Cubs turn next year.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Heroes
Sorry folks but I thought I had to add this link from the wonderful Doc Jensen from Entertainment Weekly. He writes my favourite LOST recaps in the world, but he weighed in with five ways to fix heroes. He eloquently summed up what I was trying to say in this article. I guess that is why he is a writer and I am a science teacher.
Tip of the cap to Yvette for this article.
http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20235213,00.html
As well Yvette sent me a link to the season five trailer for LOST. I think I blacked out for a millisecond due to my excitement. Don't click if you haven't seen the fabulous season four yet.
See you later.
Tip of the cap to Yvette for this article.
http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20235213,00.html
As well Yvette sent me a link to the season five trailer for LOST. I think I blacked out for a millisecond due to my excitement. Don't click if you haven't seen the fabulous season four yet.
See you later.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Great Expectations 2
How about this for a follow-up? A short blog after my previous lengthy one, thus dashing your expectations on the cold hard ground.
I forgot... I had a bit of time before heading to volleyball, so my list of things where the follow-up did not disappoint is short as it was difficult to think of these on the fly.
I would love to hear some of your suggestions... specifically music albums where the second album met/exceeded the expectations of the first album. And the first album had to be of a substantial hit... not one that no one had heard of before.
Any other movie/TV shows would be great to hear about.
I will start off with an insignificant one:
"Frasier" met expectations as a spinoff to "Cheers".
I forgot... I had a bit of time before heading to volleyball, so my list of things where the follow-up did not disappoint is short as it was difficult to think of these on the fly.
I would love to hear some of your suggestions... specifically music albums where the second album met/exceeded the expectations of the first album. And the first album had to be of a substantial hit... not one that no one had heard of before.
Any other movie/TV shows would be great to hear about.
I will start off with an insignificant one:
"Frasier" met expectations as a spinoff to "Cheers".
Great Expectations
I often wonder if high expectations ultimately set us up for a great fall?
I believe I wrote about this last year, but I was struck by this thought thinking about "Heroes".
This show, in its first season, was must see TV. On my PVR, if I had a list of different episodes to catch up on, Heroes wouldn't have even appeared on that list, because I would have viewed it immediately. The first season was full of exciting energy, great suspense, and the viewer had a sense of wonderment that matched the characters as they discovered their powers. The show had a super cool villain (Syler) and I, being a huge comic book fan, was impressed by this slightly new take on superheroes. There were some brilliant episodes, like "Company Man" which involved flashbacks of the decisions that Mr. Benet had to make to protect his family. The series built up momentum and then had it promptly deflated by a wimpy season finale.
Of course, we had great expectations for Season 2. And maybe that is the problem with expectations, because they are usually never met. Season 2 was a mess. Too many characters were added. Sylar wasn't kick-ass Sylar. Hiro was trapped in Japan for way too long. Peter lost his memory and promptly became boring. Mohinder didn't disappear or die.
You know there was real trouble, because the show didn't even bother to come back and serve up a couple of more episodes.
This third season? Talk about heavy handed. The writing has been ponderous and laborious. The characters have no background to them. They just do whatever they need to do to fit the whims of writers who have focussed on action, but miss all the hallmarks of any great show--character development. All of the character's motivations make little sense thus far. I don't really care about any of the characters and that is a bad sign considering how many characters I can choose from. The narration by Mohinder, always clunky, makes me cringe. Are you a hero or a villain? Sheesh, talk about the worst thematic yin-yang ever. Hearing about next season's theme "Heroes: Fugitives" doesn't make me that more excited.
How far has this show fallen? I started watching Monday's episode last night (that would be a Tuesday, ONE FULL DAY after airing) and got through halfway, then decided to watch Fringe and Eli Stone instead. I don't even know if I really want to watch the rest of it. I probably will because I am a glutton for punishment. But this idea of gathering up a team of "bad guys" serves what purpose? Any show about people with special powers would appear to be ridiculous, but the first season had a sense of realism that made you relate. Now? I don't know what to make of this mess.
It is tough living with great expectations. Rarely are expectations met or exceeded.
Pearl Jam "Ten" meant "Vs" was a letdown.
The Killers second album "Sam's Town"-- letdown.
Death Cab for Cutie's second album--letdown.
Back to the Future II--letdown.
Three's Company spinoff, Three's A Crowd--letdown.
Friend's spinoff, Joey--letd... oh wait, both shows sucked.
Lost Season 2--letdown.
New Coke after Classic Coke... letdown.
Guns N Roses "Use Your Illusions 1 & 2"--letdown from "Appetite for Destruction"
But every now and then, expectations are met or exceeded.
Return of the King after Fellowship of the Ring & Two Towers
Empire Strikes Back after Star Wars
Godfather II after Godfather
Smashing Pumpkins "Siamese Dream" after "Gish"
Spiderman 2 after Spiderman
Harry Potter 4 after Harry Potter 3 (the books not the movies)
I only wish I could temper my expectations. As I wrap this up, let's finish with a "Heroes" flourish. Imagine Mohinder's British colonial accent...
"Humans are full of expectations. Expectations for themselves (cut scene of Hiro), expectations of others (cut scene of Peter Petrielli), and expectations of what life should be like (cut scene of Claire). But sometimes, in the grand tapestry of this world, our expectations may be too high (cut scene of Nathan Petrielli) and with these expectations we can only be disappointed or led astray (cut scene of Mohinder). With great expectations can come a curse, a curse that may cause us to ask ourselves, 'Are we more hero, or are we more villain?' "
End Scene. Picture of planet Earth.
I don't think there is hope for this show this season. I don't have any expectations, because at this point they have simply been quashed.
XOXO
Gossip Girl
Sorry wrong show.
I believe I wrote about this last year, but I was struck by this thought thinking about "Heroes".
This show, in its first season, was must see TV. On my PVR, if I had a list of different episodes to catch up on, Heroes wouldn't have even appeared on that list, because I would have viewed it immediately. The first season was full of exciting energy, great suspense, and the viewer had a sense of wonderment that matched the characters as they discovered their powers. The show had a super cool villain (Syler) and I, being a huge comic book fan, was impressed by this slightly new take on superheroes. There were some brilliant episodes, like "Company Man" which involved flashbacks of the decisions that Mr. Benet had to make to protect his family. The series built up momentum and then had it promptly deflated by a wimpy season finale.
Of course, we had great expectations for Season 2. And maybe that is the problem with expectations, because they are usually never met. Season 2 was a mess. Too many characters were added. Sylar wasn't kick-ass Sylar. Hiro was trapped in Japan for way too long. Peter lost his memory and promptly became boring. Mohinder didn't disappear or die.
You know there was real trouble, because the show didn't even bother to come back and serve up a couple of more episodes.
This third season? Talk about heavy handed. The writing has been ponderous and laborious. The characters have no background to them. They just do whatever they need to do to fit the whims of writers who have focussed on action, but miss all the hallmarks of any great show--character development. All of the character's motivations make little sense thus far. I don't really care about any of the characters and that is a bad sign considering how many characters I can choose from. The narration by Mohinder, always clunky, makes me cringe. Are you a hero or a villain? Sheesh, talk about the worst thematic yin-yang ever. Hearing about next season's theme "Heroes: Fugitives" doesn't make me that more excited.
How far has this show fallen? I started watching Monday's episode last night (that would be a Tuesday, ONE FULL DAY after airing) and got through halfway, then decided to watch Fringe and Eli Stone instead. I don't even know if I really want to watch the rest of it. I probably will because I am a glutton for punishment. But this idea of gathering up a team of "bad guys" serves what purpose? Any show about people with special powers would appear to be ridiculous, but the first season had a sense of realism that made you relate. Now? I don't know what to make of this mess.
It is tough living with great expectations. Rarely are expectations met or exceeded.
Pearl Jam "Ten" meant "Vs" was a letdown.
The Killers second album "Sam's Town"-- letdown.
Death Cab for Cutie's second album--letdown.
Back to the Future II--letdown.
Three's Company spinoff, Three's A Crowd--letdown.
Friend's spinoff, Joey--letd... oh wait, both shows sucked.
Lost Season 2--letdown.
New Coke after Classic Coke... letdown.
Guns N Roses "Use Your Illusions 1 & 2"--letdown from "Appetite for Destruction"
But every now and then, expectations are met or exceeded.
Return of the King after Fellowship of the Ring & Two Towers
Empire Strikes Back after Star Wars
Godfather II after Godfather
Smashing Pumpkins "Siamese Dream" after "Gish"
Spiderman 2 after Spiderman
Harry Potter 4 after Harry Potter 3 (the books not the movies)
I only wish I could temper my expectations. As I wrap this up, let's finish with a "Heroes" flourish. Imagine Mohinder's British colonial accent...
"Humans are full of expectations. Expectations for themselves (cut scene of Hiro), expectations of others (cut scene of Peter Petrielli), and expectations of what life should be like (cut scene of Claire). But sometimes, in the grand tapestry of this world, our expectations may be too high (cut scene of Nathan Petrielli) and with these expectations we can only be disappointed or led astray (cut scene of Mohinder). With great expectations can come a curse, a curse that may cause us to ask ourselves, 'Are we more hero, or are we more villain?' "
End Scene. Picture of planet Earth.
I don't think there is hope for this show this season. I don't have any expectations, because at this point they have simply been quashed.
XOXO
Gossip Girl
Sorry wrong show.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
TV Time
Well I feel I have a lot to say about the current television season, but I have been so busy with school and coaching volleyball (we won our first game tonight!) that I haven't really been able to sit down and reflect on the shows that I have been watching. So before I go to bed, I thought let's try to verbalize some of the shows that I have been following thus far. With the Vancouver Canucks season upon us I thought I would try to tie everything together.
Gossip Girl and Chuck: The Sedin Twins
Daniel and Henrik Sedin aren't flashy, but they are dependable. You can count on the twins producing almost a point a game. Whether or not they will show up in the playoffs is a different matter, but I digress. What is clear, are the twins are getting incrementally better with each passing season.
It is interesting that Gossip Girl and Chuck share the same creator, Josh Schwartz, the creator of the O.C. Some episodes in their inaugural seasons were pretty clunky. But thus far, I have found both shows have gotten into a pretty good groove. I can depend on Chuck for some good laughs. Morgan and the rejects at Buy More aren't as annoying anymore. And a throwaway character, Captain Awesome has actually been slowly fleshed out. I count on Gossip Girl for some delicious zingers and some great jabs at the social hierarchy of high school reflected in these spoiled brats of upstate New York. If we could get rid of Dan's sister (I don't even know her name) and the stupid Dan-Serena-drag-out-their-romance-by-causing-problems-when there-really-aren't-any-problems, this show could get even better.
The Next Unsung Hero Award a la Alexander Burrows:
Every season, you wonder who will be the unsung hero, the glue and grit of the team. Burrows clearly cannot be up for this award, so I look toward either Mason Raymond or Jannick Hanson. My choice would be Hanson. Why? Any time the commentators keep call you the 'Great Dane" even though he is kinda small makes you a cool choice. And by the way when did Marc Crawford's voice go down an octave? I swore his voice was higher. I had no clue he was doing colour commentary for the CBC broadcast.
Oh yeah, my unsung hero award goes to Ugly Betty, a show people continually refuse to give a chance. I find it quite funny even though it is cheesy at times. It has some of the best one-liners, and if you can turn Vanessa Williams into one of the nastiest characters on TV, really shouldn't you give it a chance?
The New Captain, Bert Luongo:
Naming Roberto Luongo, even though clearly the best player, is an awkward move. A goalie as a captain seems too gimmicky, sort of the new version of 90210. The decision to make your goalie your captain may be perceived as a dumb move. A dumb move akin to reviving 90210. What a brutal, brutal, show. I could write on and on about how bad it is. I don't mind suspending my disbelief as long as the writers take care of the small details. Right off the bat we see the family driving into Beverly Hills. The father is a principal and he is only arriving the FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL. A principal. Of a massive sized school. No way.
Every time there is an event at a club or bar, the English teacher is there and so are the students. Yes, as a teacher I always make sure I attend after hours non-school related events with my students. We saw a fight, a suggestive oral sex act, drug addiction, and plagiarism in the first episode. Then the second episode in an obvious reaction to the first one which was trying to shock viewers, centered around family values and family bowling night. Take about try-hards. I almost vomited a bit in my mouth. What a disaster. Hey lets make Kelly a school counsellor! And what about having her younger sister a high school student even though that would mean about a twenty year gap by my estimation. Did the writers just throw random darts at some notes on a wall to decide what to do? Too bad the two Canadian actors are saddled with a lame show and they won't be able to benefit like Mr. Priestley did decades before.
The Canucks Season: Boom or Bust?
After the first two Calgary games, I was shocked at seeing speed, toughness and goals scored off the rush. Then the Washington Capitals game came along, a turkey on turkey day. I still cannot comprehend how a team gets three shots over two periods. I have no idea what will happen with this year's Canucks. I don't know if I can take another year of disappointment. I don't know if people realize how tough it is to be a a lifelong Canuck fan. Twenty plus years of this is getting rather old. Sometimes I wish I was born in Boston.
So will this season be great? A return to a winning form like this season's Desperate Housewives and House? Or will it be a bust like Heroes or Grey's Anatomy? I stopped watching Grey's two weeks ago, after Christine got stabbed by an icicle. That was enough for me. And Heroes is now a collage of bad plots tied together in a reactionary result of the writers trying to pacify fans who don't have the patience to see things develop like Lost fans do. This show is so horrendous now that I can't even remember the giddiness of those first episodes of season one. Too many different characters and now I am not even interested in any of them. Sylar working for good reasons? Everything is so stupid and I think it shows that Tim Kring ripped off so many comic book themes early on, but then was at a loss of where to take the show next.
OK, I have to go to bed. I did not even bother to edit this first draft so enjoy as much as you can.
Gossip Girl and Chuck: The Sedin Twins
Daniel and Henrik Sedin aren't flashy, but they are dependable. You can count on the twins producing almost a point a game. Whether or not they will show up in the playoffs is a different matter, but I digress. What is clear, are the twins are getting incrementally better with each passing season.
It is interesting that Gossip Girl and Chuck share the same creator, Josh Schwartz, the creator of the O.C. Some episodes in their inaugural seasons were pretty clunky. But thus far, I have found both shows have gotten into a pretty good groove. I can depend on Chuck for some good laughs. Morgan and the rejects at Buy More aren't as annoying anymore. And a throwaway character, Captain Awesome has actually been slowly fleshed out. I count on Gossip Girl for some delicious zingers and some great jabs at the social hierarchy of high school reflected in these spoiled brats of upstate New York. If we could get rid of Dan's sister (I don't even know her name) and the stupid Dan-Serena-drag-out-their-romance-by-causing-problems-when there-really-aren't-any-problems, this show could get even better.
The Next Unsung Hero Award a la Alexander Burrows:
Every season, you wonder who will be the unsung hero, the glue and grit of the team. Burrows clearly cannot be up for this award, so I look toward either Mason Raymond or Jannick Hanson. My choice would be Hanson. Why? Any time the commentators keep call you the 'Great Dane" even though he is kinda small makes you a cool choice. And by the way when did Marc Crawford's voice go down an octave? I swore his voice was higher. I had no clue he was doing colour commentary for the CBC broadcast.
Oh yeah, my unsung hero award goes to Ugly Betty, a show people continually refuse to give a chance. I find it quite funny even though it is cheesy at times. It has some of the best one-liners, and if you can turn Vanessa Williams into one of the nastiest characters on TV, really shouldn't you give it a chance?
The New Captain, Bert Luongo:
Naming Roberto Luongo, even though clearly the best player, is an awkward move. A goalie as a captain seems too gimmicky, sort of the new version of 90210. The decision to make your goalie your captain may be perceived as a dumb move. A dumb move akin to reviving 90210. What a brutal, brutal, show. I could write on and on about how bad it is. I don't mind suspending my disbelief as long as the writers take care of the small details. Right off the bat we see the family driving into Beverly Hills. The father is a principal and he is only arriving the FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL. A principal. Of a massive sized school. No way.
Every time there is an event at a club or bar, the English teacher is there and so are the students. Yes, as a teacher I always make sure I attend after hours non-school related events with my students. We saw a fight, a suggestive oral sex act, drug addiction, and plagiarism in the first episode. Then the second episode in an obvious reaction to the first one which was trying to shock viewers, centered around family values and family bowling night. Take about try-hards. I almost vomited a bit in my mouth. What a disaster. Hey lets make Kelly a school counsellor! And what about having her younger sister a high school student even though that would mean about a twenty year gap by my estimation. Did the writers just throw random darts at some notes on a wall to decide what to do? Too bad the two Canadian actors are saddled with a lame show and they won't be able to benefit like Mr. Priestley did decades before.
The Canucks Season: Boom or Bust?
After the first two Calgary games, I was shocked at seeing speed, toughness and goals scored off the rush. Then the Washington Capitals game came along, a turkey on turkey day. I still cannot comprehend how a team gets three shots over two periods. I have no idea what will happen with this year's Canucks. I don't know if I can take another year of disappointment. I don't know if people realize how tough it is to be a a lifelong Canuck fan. Twenty plus years of this is getting rather old. Sometimes I wish I was born in Boston.
So will this season be great? A return to a winning form like this season's Desperate Housewives and House? Or will it be a bust like Heroes or Grey's Anatomy? I stopped watching Grey's two weeks ago, after Christine got stabbed by an icicle. That was enough for me. And Heroes is now a collage of bad plots tied together in a reactionary result of the writers trying to pacify fans who don't have the patience to see things develop like Lost fans do. This show is so horrendous now that I can't even remember the giddiness of those first episodes of season one. Too many different characters and now I am not even interested in any of them. Sylar working for good reasons? Everything is so stupid and I think it shows that Tim Kring ripped off so many comic book themes early on, but then was at a loss of where to take the show next.
OK, I have to go to bed. I did not even bother to edit this first draft so enjoy as much as you can.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
A New Beginning
Hello to the very small, but special group that actual read my previous blog: http://www.rsk1976.blogspot.com
I had a vague impression that I hadn't written a new entry in a long time, but then I looked at my last post-- a long time would be an understatement. April 8th! Wow.
What has ensued in the last six months could fill up an encyclopedia, specifically volume XYZ, the volume that was always the thinnest. The sad thing is that there are many of you reading this who have never even seen an encyclopedia. Think Wikipedia, but in a hard cover format and with real credible sources. Alas my six-month encyclopedia of events would bore most of you to death so lets give a recap in bullet format:
1) Graduated with my Masters.
2) Got married to the most absolutely beautiful lady in the world.
3) Got diagnosed with narcolepsy, a sleeping disorder which finally absolves me of all the guilt that I used to feel for being so "lazy". Now I know that my chronic habit of falling asleep anywhere was not just a symptom of tiredness. I now refer to myself as the overachieving narcoleptic. What's your excuse for not achieving more in your life?
4) Saw the greatest masterpiece of comic book moviedom in the form of "The Dark Knight".
OK, so now that the recap is out of the way, I want to introduce you to this new blog format. I wanted a name that was easier to remember so that explains the change. Why ice cream and spinach you may ask? Because these two food items represent the spectrum of my likes and dislikes. I love ice cream. And I dislike spinach. Well actually, I love spinach gomae, specifically from Toshi's on 16th, but that place can do no wrong in my eyes, so the fact of the matter is I still dislike spinach. I could ramble on and on about why I like ice cream and why I dislike spinach, which made me have realize that I am a very particular fellow and I enjoy discussing the little things in life, while fully aware of the actual lack of real importance in the overall scheme of things. And that last sentence, also highlights my poor writing style... trying to say too much in one sentence.
So if you are looking for a place to read about things to enlighten you this is not the place.
If you are looking for a place to read well-written articles this is not the place.
If you are looking for a place to read about sometimes amusing articles about television, movies, and sports then this might be the place.
All I know is I enjoy hearing myself rant about the strangest items and I am compelled to voice my opinions on such trivial matters like ice cream. So much so, that I found myself actually writing a review for Mondo Gelato on Trip Advisor after seeing it getting some poor reviews. That's me rsk76. Sad eh? I never post things on other websites, but I just couldn't help myself.
I vow to post something weekly and I do not want my readership to plunge. I learned my lesson with my previous blog. I will work hard to win back all eight of you readers.
Do me a favour and forward this to someone you don't like. It might just ruin their day.
I had a vague impression that I hadn't written a new entry in a long time, but then I looked at my last post-- a long time would be an understatement. April 8th! Wow.
What has ensued in the last six months could fill up an encyclopedia, specifically volume XYZ, the volume that was always the thinnest. The sad thing is that there are many of you reading this who have never even seen an encyclopedia. Think Wikipedia, but in a hard cover format and with real credible sources. Alas my six-month encyclopedia of events would bore most of you to death so lets give a recap in bullet format:
1) Graduated with my Masters.
2) Got married to the most absolutely beautiful lady in the world.
3) Got diagnosed with narcolepsy, a sleeping disorder which finally absolves me of all the guilt that I used to feel for being so "lazy". Now I know that my chronic habit of falling asleep anywhere was not just a symptom of tiredness. I now refer to myself as the overachieving narcoleptic. What's your excuse for not achieving more in your life?
4) Saw the greatest masterpiece of comic book moviedom in the form of "The Dark Knight".
OK, so now that the recap is out of the way, I want to introduce you to this new blog format. I wanted a name that was easier to remember so that explains the change. Why ice cream and spinach you may ask? Because these two food items represent the spectrum of my likes and dislikes. I love ice cream. And I dislike spinach. Well actually, I love spinach gomae, specifically from Toshi's on 16th, but that place can do no wrong in my eyes, so the fact of the matter is I still dislike spinach. I could ramble on and on about why I like ice cream and why I dislike spinach, which made me have realize that I am a very particular fellow and I enjoy discussing the little things in life, while fully aware of the actual lack of real importance in the overall scheme of things. And that last sentence, also highlights my poor writing style... trying to say too much in one sentence.
So if you are looking for a place to read about things to enlighten you this is not the place.
If you are looking for a place to read well-written articles this is not the place.
If you are looking for a place to read about sometimes amusing articles about television, movies, and sports then this might be the place.
All I know is I enjoy hearing myself rant about the strangest items and I am compelled to voice my opinions on such trivial matters like ice cream. So much so, that I found myself actually writing a review for Mondo Gelato on Trip Advisor after seeing it getting some poor reviews. That's me rsk76. Sad eh? I never post things on other websites, but I just couldn't help myself.
I vow to post something weekly and I do not want my readership to plunge. I learned my lesson with my previous blog. I will work hard to win back all eight of you readers.
Do me a favour and forward this to someone you don't like. It might just ruin their day.
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