Mind Chips - 7/9/08

Okay. Just bear with me. I'm exceptionally bored, there's nothing on except "I Love the 80s" and my thoughts are scattered. I could work on yet (god help me) another softball adventure, but after spending 8 hours on the last one, I need a break.

So far this has been Big Angry Man's Summer of Concerts as we've already been to see Clapton and R.E.M. at the beach and we just attended a Billy Joel concert at Mohegan Sun. Tomorrow it's Mellencamp at the beach and my tickets for Indigenous at BB Kings the first week of September just arrived. We had to balance out the softball with something, and with no hockey in sight... the concerts won. (and they're cheaper.) But here are just some thoughts for the night.

1) If you can see a show at Mohegan Sun; GO! It's a fantastic venue and it would be great if the renovated Coliseum could have a concourse as beautiful as this one. Well appointed, clean, wide. Beautiful. And much to my surprise, kiosks for JUST wine. You heard me. WINE ONLY stands with a CHOICE!!! I almost cried.

2) Is there really a new Russian SUPER LEAGUE or just someplace for NHL guys who can't get the money they want to go? Russia's non-compliance with a transfer agreement with the IIHF has been going on for awhile now. They want big bucks to take their boys. So to fight the NHL they are PAYING big bucks to lure some players to their borders. I'm not worried about them draining our talent pool, or even driving up prices of NHL players. I'm worried about the players themselves. Check with Elias about the present he come home with from his work stoppage season. Ask Lecavelier how he liked the food. It's not going to be easy. But now that there is a nice little number of NHLers tagged for the new league, at least they'll have each other to talk to. Bye Bye Big Joe and Wade.

3) Tampa is making a splash with their new management. Hopefully it won't turn into a THUNK.

4) Hopefully the rains held off tonight in Nassau county for the STH cook out. I guess we'll get report on our message boards about how that turned out. Wonder how 4Cupz and the Queen fared.

5) Considering the schedule they have up for Okposo and Comeau, those two boys are going to be very tired in a few days.

6) So far Chris Botta has kept his promise and his NYI Point Blank has gone quiet as of the 7th. In this day and age of internet communication, I'm wondering if you can use Blog Comments as Reference Letters for your resume. I've never seen so many accolades for a corporate suit before. That can only mean one thing.... He really was too good at what he did. I'm sure he'll resurface when he's ready. If he doesn't, well... then we're just lucky to have been able to know him. Thanks to CB, I came away this season with some good advice, a great experience and very fond memories. On the other hand, there were a few evenings I came away from the barn angry and cursing. Just ask Tiger Track Tom and Islesblogger.com Mike. But I can count those nights on one hand.... okay.... maybe two.

7) I'm only going to be able to attend next week's prospect camp at Iceworks for a short time on one day. I can't take that much time off work to attend more, and of course, softball commands my weekends. What ever time I do spend there, I'll just be happy to hear the blades on the ice and feel the cold air on my face.

8) Hookless?: I'm told the locker rooms at iceworks are exactly that. With all that money spent on renovation, it seems there isn't a clothes hook to be seen. "Ranger Fan John" as I like to call him, plays there occassionally on a men's league. He said he actually brings his own suction hook with him in his gear bag. I have to check this out. Seems like a silly thing to forget during renovation.

9) Dragonless?: Uh oh. So the Dragons are up for sale? Does this mean anything to US? 'Cause that's the most important thing, isn't it? US. Who cares about Arena Football? Not enough people obviously, or Mr. Wang wouldn't be losing money on this venture too and looking to dump it. Think Jon Bon Jovi wants TWO leagues?

10) Ticketless?: Yes. That will be me this season. I see the back and forth on the board about renewing or not renewing. For me, there is no argument. Citibank doesn't care about my addiction. So until the financial situation changes, I'm on a game-by-game game plan.

I'm sure I've bored you sufficiently. My work here is done. Time for bed.
Night Night Islander Country.