tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61941778728700816692024-02-19T07:17:50.250-08:00Johnnie's Oil LeakA collection of thoughts on life, politics and sports from a passionate believer in all that is rightJohnnieOilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11705146131840615753noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6194177872870081669.post-21636441470802753262011-05-28T21:58:00.000-07:002011-05-28T21:58:11.898-07:00twitter Twits, Slavelake fire and the Looney leftWell it's been quite the crazy couple of weeks here in the great white north. Some good, some bad and some just plain crazy. Where to begin?<br />
Sadly we need to start at the horrific events a couple of weeks ago in Slavelake Alberta where a out of control forest fire and high winds burnt nearly half of the town to the ground. Amazingly no one died or got hurt but still an heart breaking, gut wrenching event for those who had to endure this.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg82rTmeDZPqrsVq6HhvejrunnCVYamzs5qZVXFLGL-Hnf-qd1BW15wvZcJFWhKVrLBQrut-q5zzzDAUTGl4tAlR0x4D1Ch_RFAvtgQwX02Igp26eNo4F4oPOL6-gtzzbOp117zfrO-nWo/s1600/4802540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg82rTmeDZPqrsVq6HhvejrunnCVYamzs5qZVXFLGL-Hnf-qd1BW15wvZcJFWhKVrLBQrut-q5zzzDAUTGl4tAlR0x4D1Ch_RFAvtgQwX02Igp26eNo4F4oPOL6-gtzzbOp117zfrO-nWo/s320/4802540.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>This is where the convergence of twits on twitter and the looney left started in earnest. On the night the fire hit Slavelake twitter was alive with people sending their prayers and wishes of hope to the people of Slavelake until the twits showed up. All of a sudden many tweets appeared saying it was great that a town with "Slave" in it's was burning, they deserved it and other such braindead crap. When you looked at the twitter profile of the twits spewing such vial crap it was no surprise most where of the looney left variety with such touchy feely descriptions of themselves like "standing for what is rights of all people" "making the world a better place" and other such self absorbed garbage. If they truly felt that way and used half of the brain power it takes to send a moronic cold hearted tweet they would have looked up on goggle why Slavelake has that name. It has nothing to do with common definition of the word "Slave" but discovered the town is named after the Slavie Indians that live in the area who by the way have no issue with the towns name. Sadder yet when these looney left twitter twits where told of this they in typical progressive fascist refused to acknowledge their mistake and continued to show more of their ignorance by posting more disgusting tweets of their enjoyment that a town was being destroyed.<br />
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To the credit of Albertans there was an outpouring of incredible charity and generosity to the victims of the Slavelake fire. Most charity was pure of heart that did not seek acknowledgement as it should be while other was done by those who require a tax receipt, or something else which I never will understand but it was all welcomed by those who needed the help. I have a few thoughts on charity which is pure and the business of charity that I will talk about later in another post<br />
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The lunacy of the left again came to national attention in Canada in three other very strange but all too predictable cases. First the green fascists wasted no time jumping on the global warming, climate change mantra of never let a disaster go to waste. To them the the sole cause of the Slavelake fire was due to AGW, CO2 and climate change and nothing to do with the facts the people are building farther into forests, the fact that this was not the first town ever to get caught in a forest fire nor will it be the last. Forest fires happen every year since the beginning of time and will continue to happen. This fire had very strong winds to aid it's growth and devastating path, it happens and just a fact of nature not man.<br />
Then two more stories broke that show what a sad effect progressives can have on our children. In the liberal fascist state of Quebec a family was threatened by the courts that if they didn't put their children in state controlled daycare they would be put jail for an insane reason from the judge they need the socialization. The family's children are home schooled which is legal in Canada and by all reports the children are doing just fine but not according the progressives running the Quebec social agenda. Another sad fact in this story is this family left Germany where home schooling is illegal and where under the threat of jail for home schooling their kids. They "escaped" to Canada and where granted asylum, they should stayed out of Quebec. This case is still working its way threw the courts and we can only hope common sense prevails and they family is again allowed to raise their kids as they wish.<br />
The other case is even more bizarre and of course happened in that progressive hotbed of the Greater Toronto Area. Here we have a set of parents running an social engineering experiment on their kids that would make any mad scientist proud. They are NOT letting their children know their gender! That is right, they keep the gender from their kids by not letting them know if they are a boy or a girl and are allowed to develop as they wish. This is not about sexual orientation and letting your son or daughter act as they wish. It is not letting them know that yes you are a boy and there are many ways to be a boy or the same for a girl. Now these kids are home taught kids again in a very unorthodox manner, no set rules or learning schedule but at their own pace that the kids themselves set, lucky for them they don't live in Quebec. This is wrong on so many levels I can't even begin to understand it and further amazed the kids are still in that house. You don't do a grand social engineering experiment of your kids. Gender is specific and black and white, you are female or male, it is just that simple. The question of being gay, hetro, or transexual is a different thing all together, this is just being completely dishonest to your kids for your own sick beliefs. How will these kids be with other kids who are brutally honest and call things the way they are, what phycological issues will they have as they get older and mix withe real world? Of course the luny left say it's OK and obviously have no thoughts of the implications on the children, it's all lolly pops and rainbows and what a wonderful world it would be if everyone was like this. It's not, it is not human nature or nature at all. This case to is being reviewed and hopefully it ends soon for the kids.<br />
Well that is about for now and you can see this world is losing more of it's common sense every day but I do believe the fight to make common sense more common place is growing every day, don't give up.JohnnieOilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11705146131840615753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6194177872870081669.post-44888336469101359082011-04-10T20:17:00.000-07:002011-04-10T22:18:29.403-07:00Is this unwanted Election perhaps the most important in Canadian History?May 2nd 2011 Canada goes goes to the polls to elect the next government of Canada. It is an election many have have called unnecessary, and by most unwanted but none the less the opposition parties of the house now was the time. The reasons provided by the opposition parties were based on two false pretences, first was the budget which none of them read and decided not to support before even looking at and second was a trumped up contempt of parliament issue.<br />
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Not even reading the budget and rejecting is contemptuous in of it's self, and reinforced by the fact opposition parties were already putting election signs out. As for the contempt of parliament which what the gov't fell on means nothing in my opinion. How can it be of any merit when the committee that ordered this vote was a majority of the opposition parties looking for an election and also had a large component of separatists in this committee? How can any party, politician be in more contempt of Canada than the Bloc? How can one who is a separatist and wishes to destroy Canada even be part of national policy decisions? Only in Canada and hopefully this insanity ends soon.<br />
Further to confirm this contempt is nothing more than a cheap political stunt is the fact none of the opposition parties that voted on this are bringing it during the campaign nor is the taxpayer funded, liberal PR machine the CBC. This tells me it can't be that serious of a matter and a cheap stunt as if it were the CBC, CTV and other left leaning biased media would be all other this by having this as a lead story every night instead of silly stories of people not allowed into conservative rallies who some it turned out to be very radical protesters linked to the Green and NDP party. Which by the way the main stream media forgets to report as per usual biased newscasts. Another question that needs to be asked is why haven't the Liberals, NDP, Bloc and even the fringe Green party are not bringing it up every day? The only logical answer to everyday Canadians it is just another political stunt and they just don't care as there are more important issues to deal with.<br />
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So just why is this unwanted Election about nothing possibly the most important in our history? The reasons are this;<br />
1) If Prime Minister Harper and the conservatives do not get a majority the chances are the oppositions will join with a group of separatists and form a coalition government against the wishes of the majority of Canadians. What makes this even more offensive is the leader of the Liberal party Michael Ignatieff refuse to admit he will do this despite his signing the attempted coalition a few years ago. He will do it just as he was willing to do it before. Jack Layton of the NDP has already said he will join with separatists to form this coalition.<br />
This dangerous coalition will change Canada forever and for the worse. First the economic recovery we are enjoying thanks to the current government will most likely fail. We will see see the Bloc wag the tail of this coalition donkey for all the money, benefits it can get for Quebec at the detriment of the rest of Canada. Then you will have Jack of the NDP force the coalition to spend like crazy on more entitlements for their union friends and many many special interest groups. The Liberals have released their pipe-dream programs for Canada, that alone will send Canada to a economic recession with high taxes, high unemployment and a nanny state supreme.<br />
This coalition will set the future course for Canadians and we may never turn back from. It doesn't matter coalition are popular in the EU and other areas, they are not the norm here and the big difference is that were coalitions are the norm the people know this and vote along those lines, a big difference from back dooring and lying to the Canadian public to form this coalition.<br />
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2) This coalition will adopt insane CO2 cap and trade legislation not in order to save the planet as we know it won't but will destroy the oil and gas industry in Canada but will falsely raise billions in dollars for the government as the economy will die with this. This is apparent in the EU as the CO2 cap & trade experiment has failed by nearly destroying some EU economies. In all likely hood will also see a new NEP program that will send Canada back into double digit inflation, interest rates and unemployment much like the Trudeau days.<br />
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3) The country needs strong leadership on crime, the Harper government will introduce strong crime laws so that the law is on the side of the victims, not the criminal like we have now thanks to previous liberal governments. The coalition will stop this and move to give more rights to the criminal as they have done before and continue to do by blocking this legislation. With them there is no self responsibility, it is always someone else's fault and that is how they build their criminal justice system.<br />
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4) The country needs strong leadership on security and again the Harper government will do this by it's continued strong support of the military that the NDP and Liberals will destroy if elected like they nearly did before. We need to F-35 not only for national security but for our international commitments with NATO and the UN. The jobs it will create are also another great benefit along allowing Canada to showcase its technological advances and capabilities.<br />
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5) Healthcare, the Liberals, NDP will destroy healthcarehealthcare issue, a slash of billions to the provinces by the previous Liberal government.<br />
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Canada is at a crossroads with this election. Do we do the right thing, vote for a strong Canada, strong as it's people that just go get it done, believe in a hand up, not hand outs, believe in self reliance and self responsibility or do we elect a coalition of progressive leftist elites who think only they know what is best for us and increase dependence on government handouts while inflicting Canadians with high taxes, more restrictions and less freedoms.<br />
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I say vote for a strong Canada and the only way Canada can be strong and get stronger in by electing a Harper lead conservative majority.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b>NOW GET OUT AND VOTE ON MAY 2nd! </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>people are dying today for this priceless freedom we have, don't waste such a gift</i></b></div>JohnnieOilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11705146131840615753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6194177872870081669.post-54998647160344844262011-04-09T11:15:00.000-07:002011-04-09T11:15:53.734-07:00How the NHL is Destroying the Game of Hockey (part 3-the rules)Well the NHL season is at it last weekend of regular season play before playoffs and of course it will not end without controversy. <div>There was the allowed goal by Chicago that appeared to be kicked in but not enough video evidence to over turn it or so the NHL says which funny enough may of lead to a hawks win and place in the playoffs.</div><div>Also we are still dealing with blatant hits to the head and how the NHL deals with it. </div><div>First we had the viscous hit on Montreal's Pacioretty by Boston's star defencemen Chara. Was it a blatant head shot, a dirty hit. Yes it was and for the reason that these guys are professionals, elite players and should, need to know what they are doing.</div><div>If a players gets credit for reacting in milli-seconds and tipping a shot in for a goal they also need to be held accountable for hits that cause injury. But the NHL in all it's gutless wisdom decided the hit which resulted in a severe concussion and fractured neck was not worthy of any discipline. To the media's credit and fans alike there was much outcry as it showed the hypocrisy of the NHL, one rule for stars and another for the non stars. It also showed just how unwilling the NHL is to enforce it's own rules.</div><div>A couple of weeks later Matt Cooke who just returned from a suspension for a cheap shot did the unthinkable, he delivered a elbow to the head of a Ranger player. This time due mainly to media and fan pressure the NHL did what it should have done years ago, suspended Cooke for 10 games including the first round of the playoffs.</div><div>Was this a sign the NHL has finally woke up from the fog and saw the light? Perhaps as early this week Torres from the Canucks decided not to play the puck and went for a head shot on a player in a vulnerable position. That player was Eberle of the Oilers. Now he was not hurt, was able to get up and finish the game and play in the next game.</div><div>To the NHL's credit they did not look at that, they focused on the hit. Torres was given a 5 min major and game for the hit and most thought the NHL would leave it as is but they didn't, they did the right thing and handed Torres a 4 game suspension which includes 2 first round playoff games. </div><div>Of course Canuck fans scream unfair, the NHL is against them as they always do when a call doesn't go their way but it was the right call by the NHL, they have to change the culture and apply the rules evenly to all.</div><div>Another way the NHL can fix the game is first get rid of the instigator rule, most fans would rather se a fight than these cheap head shots and it will make the players accountable for their actions as the NHL has failed to do that. Also scoring has declined since the instigator rule has been in place.</div><div>Finally the NHL needs to grow up and apply the existing rules evenly to all players and all teams no matter what their status or standing in the league. Quit insulting fans with this garbage well he is a star so he gets a break etc. It is an insult to fans all over. When there are bad calls make the official accountable, suspend them , fine them, don't let them ref big games as the NCAA, NFL etc do. Quit hiding from the issue, take it head on and deal with it, the fans and media will appreciate it</div><div><br />
</div><div>NOW DROP THE PUCK ALREADY!</div>JohnnieOilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11705146131840615753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6194177872870081669.post-65920797108424757692011-02-11T21:23:00.000-08:002011-04-09T10:39:35.304-07:00How the NHL is Destroying the Game of Hockey (part 2-the refs)<div style="clear: right; float: right; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Yes it is a very fast sport and the officials have a very tough job. They get lots of abuse, most of the time it is uncalled for and I have enormous for the job they do. But in recent years their role has appeared to have changed in the NHL and has not changed for the good of the game, quite the opposite. Recently with poor calls and what looks like arrogance they have played a key role in many games which is wrong. In a properly officiated game it should appear that there was no refs even present but more and more in the NHL the refs are a big part of post game chats. </span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><b></b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">How is this an NHL issue? Well let me tell you. In every other professional sports league there is constructive criticism allowed by the media, the teams without worry of fines and such but not in the NHL. If you are a player, coach or part of management expect huge fines for any disparaging remarks about the refs. If you are in the media expect sanctions by the NHL, be it getting barred from official NHL events and or pressure from the NHL to have you removed from covering the NHL. I do not have any actual cases of that but it has been long rumoured and players, coaches are always getting fined, that is common knowledge. The NHL in all it's arrogance may think this helps keep the NHL in a good light but it is far from it, it makes it looks worse. </span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">As for examples of how bad the officiating has got well that is easy. the list goes on and on. Just the other night when the Oilers lost to the Hawks. The bad officiating did not cause the Oilers to lose but it sure didn't help. To start the the game the Oilers got 6 penalties in a row and of those 6 perhaps two were legit calls, the other four were questionable at best. By the end of the 6th penalty the Oilers were down by 3 goals. Then in the third period when after missed calls against the Hawks and another upcoming to the Oilers their frustrations got the best of them. Well in the refs wisdom one ref handed out two 10 minute misconducts to 2 different players which is unheard of. When the ref was asked why by the Oiler captian S Horcoff he got told by the ref he didn't have time to explain. After that there was a couple of make up calls to the Hawks and no calls to the Oilers in a lame, failed attempt to even it up. Sad thing is games like that are not rarity, they are common place in the NHL and is the main reason bowling gets higher TV rating in the states than hockey does.</span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><br />
</span> </b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">So after such a horrible display of officiating what the media say? Well pretty much nothing. Yes there was some very soft mentions on the double misconduct and oh the poor refs were young and worse of all well the Oilers are a team of rookies so they don't get any breaks. Total gutless bullshit dribble from a sissy media kissing NHL ass. It insults any hockey fan when they know what has happened and the media just repeats ordered NHL bullshit! Again this just hurts the image of the NHL. The officials need to be criticised o they can improve, as they improve the game improves and as the game improves the NHL grows. Without good, fair assessment of the officials performance all aspects of the game suffers. The NFL, MLB, NCAA etc constantly rate their officials. Too many bad calls they get suspended, banned from playoffs etc and that is a major reason why those sports are so popular as by doing that it makes the games that much better. But not in the NHL, the league and media coddle the officials like a sacred cow, no criticism or discipline of their mistakes allowed which is so very wrong on so many levels and in turn destroys the great game of hockey. </span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">If the NHL is serious about improving the game well start by improving the basics of the game and that is the officiating. No more of this crap of the sacred cow refs, no more "well the calls even out" no more "well he is a rookie, he doesn't get the same breaks as a veteran" no more "you have to play threw it" no more banning honest criticism of refs by media, teams, no more the refs deciding the game, let it be the players, NOT the refs.</span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><br />
</span> </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">NOW DROP THE PUCK ALREADY!</span></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><br />
</span> </i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Coming soon - How the NHL is Destroying the Game of Hockey Part 3 - the rules?</span></i></b></span></div></span>JohnnieOilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11705146131840615753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6194177872870081669.post-55725973955972336222011-02-04T17:56:00.000-08:002011-04-09T10:40:26.183-07:00Oilers January '11 Review<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Well it's a New Year full of hope and promise for the young Oilers but sadly they started the New Year in much the same form as they ended it.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">The first month of the year brought a huge snow fall for the city of edmonton and the Oilers have acting they got buried in it much the city has. It was 8 losses and 3 wins for the Oil in January but mind there is hope as most games were lost by 1 goal except for an embarrassing performance against the Canucks.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Injuries have played a role, Eberle and Hemsky have been out for most of the month but I say the loss of Eberle was much harder on the team than the loss of Hemsky. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">It is a different team with Hemsky in the line up and it is not a good different. With Hemsky being a veteran and a leader on this team he brings a passiveness to their play, a pass first shoot maybe later attitude. This team needs more of the agressive , willingness to take the game over play by the likes displayed by T. Hall and the other kids of the future, not the pass first-try for the highlite goal instead of a good solid garbage goal that Hemsky brings. Yes he has talent but he is the poster boy of potential unrealized just as Dustin penner's inconsistent play has done for him. Both players need to be traded and the sooner the better. I truely believe most of the fans high opinion of Hemsky is a misplaced desire, dream that he is guy to take us to the promise land, well he isn't and it's time to move on and continue the rebuild, starting with a new, hard to play against, aggressive attitude. Hemsky and Penner do not bring that to the team, they bring passive play.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Here's the Grades for the Oilers January '11;</span></span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11.6667px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">SPECIAL TEAMS</span></u></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"> </span><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">"F"</span></u></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"> - Well what can you say. 0 - 50 on the PP WTF!? The Oilers PP has been about as effective as the city of Edmonton snow clearing effort, both a complete failures. The Oilers have left as many chances to win a games as the city has left 4 foot snow windrows. Any increase in productivity on special teams would translate into a lot more wins, watch out when it happens</span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">ROOKIES </span></u></b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">"C+"</span></u></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"> - Still showing promise and responsible for most of the good play. I really like how Omark follows up his shot to the net and doesn't peel off. Peckham and Petry show promise on defense along with solid play by MPS. A lot to look forward to.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><br />
</span> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><br />
</span> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">OFFENSE </span></u></b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">"C-"</span></u></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"> - Get ugly, crash the net, get aggressive and shoot the puck!!! I have to say they have been doing this more but again it seems to disappear when Hemsky is in the line up. Basics boys! ugly goals count the same as pretty ones.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><br />
</span> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><br />
</span> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">DEFENSE </span></u></b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">"C-"</span></u></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"> - Getting better, getting tougher to play against and this can be seen by a change in us out shooting the opposition.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><br />
</span> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><br />
</span> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">GOALTENDING</span></u></b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"> </span></u></b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">"C" </span></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"> The defence is doing the job by allowing fewer shot but unfortunately Khabbi has been struggling and facing 12 straight losses. many are putting the blame on him alone but that is unrealistic. The defence and lack of offence is just as much to blame. many of the games he lost were close and the only reason they where close was due to his play. But, in saying that Dubnyk is showing he is our future #1. The Oilers need to play him more and give him the experience he needs.</span></span></b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><br />
</span> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><br />
</span> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">COACHES</span></u></b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"> </span></u></b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">"C+"</span></u></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"> Definite improvement despite the record, we are getting more shots and allowing less. Most of the games were 1 goal losses, the coaching staff needs to get this team to develop that killer instinct and put teams away. Finally as mentioned above the coaching staff needs to split the games evenly between goalies, play Dubnyk more!</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><br />
</span> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><br />
</span> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">OILERS AS WHOLE</span></u></b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"> "C"</span></u></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"> More frustrating nights of watching them play and learn ahead but there are signs of what's to come. Potential, potential we just need it realized.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><br />
</span> </span><br />
<div align="center" style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; line-height: 21px; text-align: center;"><em><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">NOW DROP THE PUCK ALREADY!</span></b></em></div>JohnnieOilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11705146131840615753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6194177872870081669.post-30143642923882955932011-01-30T12:55:00.000-08:002011-01-30T12:55:32.208-08:00How the NHL is Destroying the Game of Hockey (part 1)Well we are at the glorious part of the NHL season where we get to enjoy the wonderful All-Star weekend. Sure some fan like it but when you look at it, it just gets goofier every year and insults a serious hockey fan more and more every year.<br />
This years All-Star Game has reached new lows, first a garbage draft by the players that even the NHL whipped media had a very hard time promoting. Next up the "Guardian" project, a collection absolutely stupid cartoon characters that represent each NHL team. This is just beyond sad for any professional league to sink this low in a pathetic attempt to promote itself. Again Bettman and the NHL fail to understand that improving the game on the ice is the best way to to increase the games profile, NOT cheap ass gimmicks.<br />
As if this humiliation wasn't bad enough if you look back since Bettman took over the NHL one can see the slow destruction of the game's integrity and any respect of its roots.<br />
The systematic destruction of the game of hockey and it's Canadian roots can easily be chronicled here and I hope to show you how and why.<br />
<br />
First off the focus of the NHL has been US expansion in hopes of landing the big US TV contract that still eludes the NHL. The majority of the new teams play to empty buildings, have a zero fan base and even less in local TV coverage but Bettman and the NHL are still hellbend on keeping teams in these non-hockey markets like Nashville, Florida (2) Atlanta, and of course the well documented Phoenix disaster. The NHL and Bettman have a strong dislike of the canadian market and is easily seen by the refusal to move these failed franchises to a viable Canadian market. This weekend Bettman again showed his hatred for Canada by refusing to go on live with Hockey Night in Canada during the All Start Game broadcast. To read more on this read this great post; on the Bleacher Report Blog - http://bleacherreport.com/articles/590060-its-time-for-canada-to-say-goodbye-to-the-nhl<br />
<br />
Media Control - The NHL keeps very tight dictatorship style controls on how the media, players, teams can comment on anything that is not positive for the NHL. While this is a bit understandable the NHL fails again by not allowing debate on the game in the media as other leagues have such as the NFL, MLB and NBA has. Open debate on officiating, rule changes etc has made all those leagues better. Rumors abound that if any media types "dis" the NHL their press passes will be revoked and players, coaches teams get heavy fines for saying anything that does not fit in with Bettman's and the NHL propaganda guidelines. This media control does more harm then good for the game of hockey.<br />
<br />
Biased Officiating - This is perhaps the 2nd biggest issue facing the NHL and is tied in closely with the #1 issue facing the NHL. To be honest and to be blunt the officiating in the NHL is a joke on many levels and has the appearance of being corrupted to such a point it is manipulated as to effect the outcome games and playoff series. Again with the media controls put out there by the NHL it cannot be criticized publicly without fear of losing your press pass or big fines. But yet the NHL fails again to learn from other leagues where honest criticism is welcomed and acted upon.<br />
The media is just as much to blame with it's most insulting excuses for bad officiating, "well it evens up", "he is a veteran so he will get that break". All of which is just BULLSHIT! A call is a call, it should not matter id it was by a veteran or a rookie, in the first minute or last minute and make up calls are total garbage, it doesn't even and if anyone thinks it does they are total idiots. When team gets a few penalties early in the game in a row and finds itself down a couple of goals because of those bad calls the make up calls in the final couple minutes mean shit but look good on the stat sheet at the end of the night. There also never appears repercussions for bad officiating. the the NFL, NCAA, MLB bad refs gets fined, suspended, banned from playoff games but not in the NHL.<br />
<br />
Fixing of Games - Yes the NHL fixes games so they get the results they want, it is hard to say but when you look at the history of certain playoff series and games it leaves no doubt. The obvious distain the NHL and Bettman have for Canada and Canadian teams and with the 100's of millions of dollars the NHL has has invested in non-hockey markets the NHL will do anything to help those markets, even if it means fixing games with biased officiating, scheduling irregularities and anything else they can do. The worst thing that could happen to the NHL and what they fear most is to have two Canadian teams in the cup final. The ratings in the almighty US market would plummet and the NHL will do anything to prevent it.<br />
This is evident with the last three times a Canadian team made it to the Stanley Cup final. In 1994 it was Vancouver against the NY Rangers. The NHL was desperate for the Rangers to win that cup, what great news it would be for a huge US market and raise the NHL profile in the US. Well the CanucksCanucks found themselves penalized early many times in a row early in the game on very questionable calls and soon a 2 goal deficit they couldn't overcome even with a few make up calls late in the game that made the game stat sheet look good but sealed the win for the NHL and the Rangers. This was again repeated in 2004 when the Calgary Flames forced a game 7 with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Again that series was plagued by bad calls, questionable allowed-disallowed goals that mostly went in favour of Tampa. this thought was echoed by coach Sutter of the Flames who did get a huge fine by the NHL for saying so. Again the NHL was desperate the "Bolts" win the cup in order to increase the NHL profile in a loser hockey market where they had to give tickets away to cup final games. Again the final game was decided by one sided, strategic timed penalties in favour of Tampa. The last time a Canadian team made it to the Cup final was in 2006 when Edmonton Oilers went against Carolina. The Oilers climbed a huge mountain to get there throughout the playoffs with many games in previous series tainted with corrupted officiating. For example in one game against Anaheim the Oilers set a record for most 2 man down penalties in a period, the media didn't report it that way, they reported on the record 5 goals in one period by the Ducks not the garbage calls that lead to so many 5 on 3 for the Ducks. Then in the finals, game one a direct run at the the Oilers goalie that put him out for the series, no call. Through out the series there were many questionable calls and when Oiler's coach MacT questioned this he too was fined like Sutter was two years before. Through careful manipulation of how the refs call the game the NHL was able to have these series go to 7 games and assure the end result was a win for a US based team all with the goal of increasing the NHL profile in the US and in non-hockey markets.<br />
No one to admit it but it does, there is too much at stake for the NHL, too much money and they are willing to do what ever it takes. Bettman himself has said in the past his ideal NHL would only have 2 canadian teams and he seems hellbent on achieving that goal.<br />
<br />
As a season ticket holder for the Oilers I know myself as do many other Canadian team season ticket holders it is getting harder every year to renew. It is NOT because of how our team is doing but because of how the NHL is destroying the game.<br />
<br />
Stay tuned for part 2 on this where I will break down the issues with the NHL rule changes and inconsistent officiating that is leading to the destruction of hockey in the NHL<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b>NOW DROP THE PUCK ALREADY!</b></div>JohnnieOilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11705146131840615753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6194177872870081669.post-78795023972753416682011-01-02T05:52:00.000-08:002011-01-02T05:57:04.097-08:00December Oiler Review or Too Much Skill is a Bad Thing or Trade Hemsky?Well December is has come and gone along with Christmas and New Years Eve. Apparently, that is not all that has left town, as the Oilers have appeared to let go of how to shoot a puck at the net.<br />
A very basic principle of the game of hockey but no the young Oilers would rather flatter Mr. Hemsky by imitating him and the <em>"why take a shot at the net when I can try a near impossible pass and just maybe get on the TSN highlite of the night!"</em><br />
Too many Oiler fans Hemsky is our best player and perhaps he <em>has been</em> but I think it is time to trade him. A lot of the strong supporters of Hemsky are misplacing their desire to return to the days of Anderson, da Moose, Kuri and even Simpson but lets face the fact Hemsky is no where at that level. In fact, at this time I feel he is deterrent to this team of young stars getting better. They are young, they don't want to come across as selfish so being impressionable as they are they try to fit in with the team and thus follow Hemsky's lead of pass first and who gives a shit about shooting.<br />
What this team needs is for hall to grow his damn the torpedoes and get a bit more selfish, take the shot as does Ebs and MPS. There is rarely a time when the saying "nice guys finish last" has not been more true. We need some greedy assholes to take this team by the balls, get aggressive and yes selfish, and take some shots! The biggest issue with this team is the flirting of breaking an NHL record for fewest shots by a team that is just unacceptable!<br />
GRADES:<br />
<br />
<strong><u>ROOKIES </u></strong>"C" - they have gotten into the learning rut and have plateaued but should just be temporary. Omark gave us a sign of WOW with a brief appearance and SO goal that pissed of the NHL, that was good, his play not so much-back to the minors for learning.<br />
<br />
<strong><u>OFFENSE </u></strong>"C-" - shoot the puck!!! Need I say more?<br />
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<strong><u>DEFENSE </u></strong>"C-" - as with the offense - shot the puck! and get it out of our zone! The defense is struggling on many levels and injuries haven't helped. Peckham and Smid are bright spots.<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>GOALTENDING</u></b> "B" Khabbi has proved himself facing way too many shots and saving the Oilers ass on more than one occasion even with the odd win. Dubnyk has shown he is solid and deserves more playing time, great future,<br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>COACHES</u></b> "C-" again, get the team to shot the puck, get ugly and teach the defense how to get the puck out in 1 or 2 passes, not the 4-5 we now see. And play Dubnyk more!<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>OILERS AS WHOLE</u></b> "C" A lot more pain and growth ahead.<br />
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<div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><em><b>NOW DROP THE PUCK ALREADY!</b></em></div>JohnnieOilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11705146131840615753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6194177872870081669.post-34973810518904171802010-12-21T18:19:00.000-08:002010-12-21T18:20:00.111-08:00A Copper Moon in a dark Navy sky and a Oilers Christmas wish..Last night in Edmonton we had a once in a multi generation experience, a Lunar Eclipse on the winter solstice! It has been some 373 years since the last and will be 400 years to the next.<br />
When I looked up into that dark midnight sky with a tint of dark navy canvas the full moon slowly became a surreal sight while it disappeared behind the planet. It was covered in a orange-copper glow against the navy canvas of a cold December 20 night on the first day on winter 2010.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi99CNe66GnVbuBmxuFGarkK9DKUfrCvtMt-gz4rQcIiV4ob8JRfWd9lB6Z69Sqi9aHpnD1-tZVxaKCtWvGB5yDHUVPnsv5COLNADoMUYHpLKclkqt_uaBXMVkpfFV4Vn7lJF0ax-swOqo/s1600/DSC_0806.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi99CNe66GnVbuBmxuFGarkK9DKUfrCvtMt-gz4rQcIiV4ob8JRfWd9lB6Z69Sqi9aHpnD1-tZVxaKCtWvGB5yDHUVPnsv5COLNADoMUYHpLKclkqt_uaBXMVkpfFV4Vn7lJF0ax-swOqo/s200/DSC_0806.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />
Could this be a sign? A first for ever event in the history of NHL were a #1 draft pick leads his team into the playoffs and makes it to the cup final?<br />
Or is it just a dream of a loyal Oiler fan?<br />
I don't know maybe it's a bit of both or the musing from someone who was up to late and had a wee bit too much too much to drink but either way it makes for an exciting bunch of hockey after the Christmas break.<br />
<br />
Perhaps the root cause of this pondering is all the recent talk from coach Renney and fellow Oilers fans on the prospect of the recent decent Oilers play leading to a play off birth. What would be best? Finish low and get another top draft pick or squeak into the playoffs only to be tossed in the first round?<br />
In order for the Oilers to make it into the playoffs they will need a bit of luck and continued hard work with the help of a trade or. The goals for would need to be at an average of 3.72 per game and power play at 20% plus.<br />
My Christmas wish for the team is to continue to grow, learn and win. If they win enough make into the playoffs, then go far or don't make it all and if the later then just miss the playoffs, get in the draft lottery and continue the rebuild.<br />
I just hope the Oilers continue to entertain and show the promise of the future this team has.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b>NOW DROP THE PUCK ALREADY!!</b></div>JohnnieOilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11705146131840615753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6194177872870081669.post-20851679058312883822010-12-16T14:54:00.000-08:002010-12-16T14:54:26.526-08:00The Trouble With WinningWell there is some sense of panic by some when it comes to the Oilers 2 game skid but then what did you any reasonable Oiler fan expect?<br />
Yes we had a very nice and surprising winning streak going but one has to be honest and understand that was not the way it will be this year. Yes the players and coaching staff want to win, play to win and expect to win every game as they should. If they didn't play that way there would be huge issues but too the fans we expect to see an effort, growth this year sprinkled with some disappointments and surprises along the way. The recent winning streak is just one of the pleasant surprises this but will not be the normal this year.<br />
The problems of this recent winning streak were reflected in the last win against tampa were the Oilers generated a whopping 1 shot in the third and even more apparent with the next two losses against vancouver and then Toronto.<br />
The team got to too confident, too cocky and fell in that crazy habit of many past Oiler teams of "why shoot when I can pass". It is like they forget what got them the wins, hard work, solid basic play, going to the net and taking the shot! The last couple of games it is like they were more concerned about making the pretty TSN HON play that actually sticking to the basics and just shooting the puck and crashing the net.<br />
The next games will be a real test of the coaching staff and the players themselves. Can they get out of this slump and be competitive again? Will we see solid efforts again? will they get back to the basics of pressure in all zones, shooting the puck and crashing the net? We can only hope that they learn from this past winning streak and shot drought of the past few games.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b>NOW DROP THE PUCK ALREADY!</b></div>JohnnieOilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11705146131840615753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6194177872870081669.post-82404350780190722592010-12-09T10:54:00.000-08:002010-12-10T13:17:11.160-08:00Oilers November ReviewYes it is a few days late but here is my Oilers review of November.<br />
It started of good with two home games we should have won against Vancouver and then Detroit but as usual we came out slow, fell behind and just couldn't catch up. Also we were haunted by an ex-oiler situation what with Torres getting a hat trick with 2/3 three goals of the fluky kind. Our defensive play was and still is lacking-to be kind.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh64qy0J37NTrWYwQQlQM8SKFnf_WCmIOU7EIPZvPBD1T4jT-J_oidwldUknwD4Z-3FfFr8e8-Ho9EXZSNdmyffEJL03KY8hvEhnwbRBd-dfLGdGVdlRLdL_YtNRGAXBWEBskugQKWrUY0/s1600/rangers-brawl2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh64qy0J37NTrWYwQQlQM8SKFnf_WCmIOU7EIPZvPBD1T4jT-J_oidwldUknwD4Z-3FfFr8e8-Ho9EXZSNdmyffEJL03KY8hvEhnwbRBd-dfLGdGVdlRLdL_YtNRGAXBWEBskugQKWrUY0/s320/rangers-brawl2.jpg" width="320" /></a>Then came our annual November rodeo road trip. It started with a another surprising road win in Chicago but went to crap in a big hurry after that. We got our asses handed to us by Carolina, Detroit. Put in an effort in Jersey only to get completely humiliated by the Rangers and a bonus experience from NHL's lead moron Avery.<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', LucidaGrande, 'Lucida Sans', Geneva, verdana, tahoma, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', LucidaGrande, 'Lucida Sans', Geneva, verdana, tahoma, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"> </span>We then came home where the Hawks got some revenge on us from the previous losses. We showed some signs of being a team with decent games against the 'yotes, a win in Duck country only to get schooled in Phoenix and a horrible display by the Oilers as a whole.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>This appears to have been a turning point. Coach Renney told it like it was and called out the team which they deserved. What I liked best was how he said there was no respect for the jersey, the history the team they were playing for. Spot on Tom!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>We appeared to be a different team after that, a good win against Colorado, solid effort in a loss against the Sharks. The month ended on the road with a win in Ottawa which carried over to two more wins in Montreal and Toronto, the start of our first four game win streak in a very long time.<br />
<br />
My grades of the team;<br />
<br />
Overall - C+ A tough month but as this year is all about growth, rebuild we seemed to have learned from our losses, mistakes and are playing like we belong. I truly believe we will look back at this month as a key month in the growth of the new Oilers.<br />
<br />
Defence - D Still looking bad and lost at times, hard times getting the puck out of our end. But some good hope there, Peckham is developing nicely, Gilbert is getting his game back and Whitney has become our leading point getter, no goals but lots of assists.<br />
<br />
Offense - B Better and better. My most pleasant surprise is Jones. Love this kid. Playing hard, getting big goals and causing trouble for other teams. Hall has got his confidence and wholly crap this kid is amazing. Eberle and MPS have cooled off but playing a key role in the exciting hockey the Oil are playing now, the future is looking great!<br />
<br />
Goal - B- Solid work by Khabbi who unfortunately got hurt. Management finally made a decision on the goalies, Dubnyk is our back up and I feel is the right choice. Gerber came up in relief of the injured Khabbi and did himself proud.<br />
<br />
Coaching & Management - B Had concerns about Renney but seems to have the team going in the right direction, playing well and learning from mistakes and growing as a team. Management finally made a decision on our goalie treble, finally down to 2 and the right two.<br />
<br />
Oiler Fans - D Have been very disappointed with this new group of bandwagon jumping, know it all so called Oiler fans. Some of the comments I have read in various media have been just disgusting, ripping apart everything Oiler. What the hell did these clowns expect? The Oilers to be a contender this year? If that is the case your as dumb as a puck! fuck off and go be a Canuck fan as we don't need your type! This and next year is all about re-building, it is going to be frustrating, hard to watch at times but will also have signs of hope for the future. If building a a contender was as easy as some of your clowns suggest why aren't you running a team in the NHL? Tape up your broken bandwagon broken ankles<br />
and put on the fish jersey from the west coast!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>NOW DROP THE PUCK ALREADY!</b></i></div>JohnnieOilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11705146131840615753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6194177872870081669.post-1101732344752954072010-11-06T23:48:00.000-07:002010-11-06T23:48:57.430-07:00Why We Fight!Thought I would repost this, this being Remembrance week. I find it to be very heartfelt and to the point from one that paid the ultimate sacrifice. I am sure you will hear and see this many times this week of remembrance but we should never tire of hearing it. We owe these brave souls and their families our deepest respect.<br />
WE WILL NEVER FORGET!<br />
<br />
Why We Fight<br />
<br />
<br />
I've often asked myself why we are here.<br />
<br />
Why my government actually agreed to send troops to this God-forsaken place.<br />
<br />
There are no natural resources.<br />
<br />
No oil, gold, or silver. Just people.<br />
<br />
People who have been at war for the last 40 plus years.<br />
<br />
People who want nothing more than their children to be safe.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoBqsEu_5ORlZaCcy5FqAe7uGzGT-wgfSXWULC3aALUz-YX2Xbi2wZPpt97Qqeyyp33F5a4fckgqcvcN3MwqynnZjP-DVtA6U2GXoseIAeSLS3Zcvo7zwz8nOGZZokAtYLyPx97lJrq7s/s1600-h/2210395.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" sr="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoBqsEu_5ORlZaCcy5FqAe7uGzGT-wgfSXWULC3aALUz-YX2Xbi2wZPpt97Qqeyyp33F5a4fckgqcvcN3MwqynnZjP-DVtA6U2GXoseIAeSLS3Zcvo7zwz8nOGZZokAtYLyPx97lJrq7s/s320/2210395.jpg" /></a><br />
People who will do anything for money; even give their own life.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I look into the eyes of these people.<br />
<br />
I see hate, destruction and depression.<br />
<br />
I see love, warmth, kindness and appreciation.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Why do we fight? For in this country, there are monsters.<br />
<br />
Monsters we could easily fight on a different battlefield, at a different time.<br />
<br />
Monsters that could easily take the fight to us.<br />
Surrounding these mud walls and huts is a country in turmoil.<br />
<br />
A country that is unable to rebuild itself.<br />
<br />
A country that cannot guarantee a bright future for its youth.<br />
<br />
Why do we fight? Because, if we don't fight today, on THIS battlefield, then our children will be forced to face these monsters on our own battlefield.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I fight because I'm a soldier.<br />
<br />
I fight because I'm ordered.<br />
<br />
I fight, so my children won't have to.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq7dJWnK0AohifOECWn43yUBtPr1MM3-0tDQqoomNaHZalFwvKp58cCRj7XLfC2XC8UyakNXL2IjqQB7SEpdiXElPvOimhUjv7EuIKim7dch4Iuf0UbFehsXvDpVS4hI_Y9HETKk4jrsE/s1600-h/c_fallen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" sr="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq7dJWnK0AohifOECWn43yUBtPr1MM3-0tDQqoomNaHZalFwvKp58cCRj7XLfC2XC8UyakNXL2IjqQB7SEpdiXElPvOimhUjv7EuIKim7dch4Iuf0UbFehsXvDpVS4hI_Y9HETKk4jrsE/s320/c_fallen.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
-By Corporal Andrew Paul Grenon (2PPCLI)<br />
<br />
Killed in action 3 September 2008. Zhari District, Afghanistan.JohnnieOilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11705146131840615753noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6194177872870081669.post-76714265372344927282010-11-06T11:47:00.000-07:002010-11-06T11:47:41.493-07:00The Poppy, The Poem The History of Remembrance Day's Honoured Symbol<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><u>In Flanders Fields </u></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><strong><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><u></u></strong><div style="text-align: center;"><u><strong>By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918) </strong><strong>Canadian Army </strong></u></div><br />
In Flanders Fields the poppies blow <br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaA9_GvBgOb4qXyH3Xp9nvIEtOHwJLg8pRimsG-YkPlK10lKxtQeTSiqkvOBT6NLaPoQMq5oXsj3dPinXjxVcnTmVynqc12oX6GJ7G2RWoZbTVhe2ovz_7r6BJ7xM1kU4ZoEUPyDdYL-k/s1600/509px-In_Flanders_Fields_(1921)_page_1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; height: 391px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; width: 359px;"><img border="0" height="400" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaA9_GvBgOb4qXyH3Xp9nvIEtOHwJLg8pRimsG-YkPlK10lKxtQeTSiqkvOBT6NLaPoQMq5oXsj3dPinXjxVcnTmVynqc12oX6GJ7G2RWoZbTVhe2ovz_7r6BJ7xM1kU4ZoEUPyDdYL-k/s400/509px-In_Flanders_Fields_(1921)_page_1.png" width="338" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Between the crosses row on row, </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>That mark our place; and in the sky <br />
<br />
The larks, still bravely singing, fly <br />
<br />
Scarce heard amid the guns below. <br />
We are the Dead. Short days ago <br />
<br />
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, <br />
<br />
Loved and were loved, and now we lie <br />
<br />
In Flanders fields. <br />
Take up our quarrel with the foe: <br />
<br />
To you from failing hands we throw <br />
<br />
The torch; be yours to hold it high. <br />
<br />
If ye break faith with us who die <br />
<br />
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow <br />
<br />
In Flanders fields. <br />
<br />
<br />
<em><strong>Courtesy of Bee MacGuire </strong></em><br />
<em><br />
<strong></strong></em><br />
<em><strong>Obtained From TheMcCrae Museum of The Guelph Museum </strong></em><br />
<br />
McCrae's "In Flanders Fields" remains to this day one of the most memorable war poems ever written. It is a lasting legacy of the terrible battle in the Ypres salient in the spring of 1915. Here is the story of the making of that poem: <br />
<br />
Although he had been a doctor for years and had served in the South African War, it was impossible to get used to the suffering, the screams, and the blood here, and Major John McCrae had seen and heard enough in his dressing station to last him a lifetime. <br />
As a surgeon attached to the 1st Field Artillery Brigade, Major McCrae, who had joined the McGill faculty in 1900 after graduating from the University of Toronto, had spent seventeen days treating injured men -- Canadians, British, Indians, French, and Germans -- in the Ypres salient. <br />
<br />
It had been an ordeal that he had hardly thought possible. McCrae later wrote of it: <br />
<br />
"I wish I could embody on paper some of the varied sensations of that seventeen days... Seventeen days of Hades! At the end of the first day if anyone had told us we had to spend seventeen days there, we would have folded our hands and said it could not have been done." <br />
<br />
One death particularly affected McCrae. A young friend and former student, Lieut. Alexis Helmer of Ottawa, had been killed by a shell burst on 2 May 1915. Lieutenant Helmer was buried later that day in the little cemetery outside McCrae's dressing station, and McCrae had performed the funeral ceremony in the absence of the chaplain. <br />
<br />
The next day, sitting on the back of an ambulance parked near the dressing station beside the Canal de l'Yser, just a few hundred yards north of Ypres, McCrae vented his anguish by composing a poem. The major was no stranger to writing, having authored several medical texts besides dabbling in poetry. <br />
<br />
In the nearby cemetery, McCrae could see the wild poppies that sprang up in the ditches in that part of Europe, and he spent twenty minutes of precious rest time scribbling fifteen lines of verse in a notebook. <br />
<br />
A young soldier watched him write it. Cyril Allinson, a twenty-two year old sergeant-major, was delivering mail that day when he spotted McCrae. The major looked up as Allinson approached, then went on writing while the sergeant-major stood there quietly. "His face was very tired but calm as we wrote," Allinson recalled. "He looked around from time to time, his eyes straying to Helmer's grave." <br />
<br />
When McCrae finished five minutes later, he took his mail from Allinson and, without saying a word, handed his pad to the young NCO. Allinson was moved by what he read: <br />
<br />
"The poem was exactly an exact description of the scene in front of us both. He used the word blow in that line because the poppies actually were being blown that morning by a gentle east wind. It never occurred to me at that time that it would ever be published. It seemed to me just an exact description of the scene." <br />
<br />
In fact, it was very nearly not published. Dissatisfied with it, McCrae tossed the poem away, but a fellow officer retrieved itJohnnieOilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11705146131840615753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6194177872870081669.post-36971468258326674772010-11-02T12:14:00.000-07:002010-11-02T12:14:07.165-07:00Oilers October ReviewWell the first month of the new Edmonton Oilers is complete and it has been quite a first month of the new look Oilers. Was it good, bad, ugly? well in my view is has been two out of the three.<br />
The 2010-11 NHL season got off with a bang for the Oilers with an incredible 4-0 opening night win over provincial rivals Calgary Flames. They then followed that up with a 3-2 win over Florida.<br />
The fans were happy, some way too happy and thus started the unrealistic expectations of a playoff season. So wrong that was on many levels. They forgot the meaning of season of rebuild that the Oilers are presently in and started to sound like Canuck fans, completely out of touch. On que the Oilers appeared to sense this raising voice of unrealistic expectations and promptly went on a 6 game losing streak which was far more of a realistic result for the young team.<br />
The low point of this skid was the home game against the Sharks, to say it bluntly we got our asses handed to us, got pushed around like boys playing against men with very little push back by the Oilers. That game was probably the best thing to happen to this team, a good ass kicking appeared to have woke them up as it was a different team the next two games. In the next game against the Flames the Oil were down 4-1 late in the second, then a big goal by Eberle late in the 2nd. The oilers came out with determination in the third, tied the but failed to close the deal in OT or the SO but gained a lot of confidence in the process. Two nights later in Columbus a much better effort throughout the game but with the same result, a SO loss. The highlite of the game was Hall finally getting his first goal, a great hard working, go to the net defection goal. Not highlite reel goal material but the monkey was lifted from his back.<br />
But in saying that there was much for the Oiler faithful to be happy about in those 6 loses, the last two losses being in shot outs. There was many signs of great things to come from the new kids, such promise, such hope for the future. This year is a learning process for the young Oilers and as with life the Oilers learnt more from those losses than they did from those first two wins.<br />
Then came the last game of October against the Stanley Cup champs, the Chicago Blackhawks on the second night of back to back road games. What a start for the Oilers, they came out with speed and confidence which lead to Hall getting his second goal to start the scoring. At the end of the game the came away with a 7-4 win with all 4 lines contributing, key players getting thier first goal of the year and others having multiple point night. What a great way to end the month, 3 games in a week where they showed heart, determination and played hard.<br />
The month of October and the first 9 games also showed a few problems with the Oilers that will have to be addressed soon. Mainly the issue seems to be on defence where many times they appeared very disorganized, out of position and just a lot of bad give aways. I see this improving as they get used to the new system of Coach Renney and to each other.<br />
Below is my review of some different parts of the Oiler machine;<br />
<br />
<b><i><u>Oiler Management</u></i></b><br />
<br />
<ul><li>PLUS - no humiliating bad PR episodes like we had with Souray in September. re: training camp and whom they send down to the AHL to play on the Caps farm team in Hersey, PA. Another PLUS for management was at the time of this post they put JDD on waivers, which he promptly cleared and s was assigned to OKC. Finally the Oilers have only 2 goalies which opens a spot on the rooster for an defenseman or forward. I also agree that they kept the guy as back up, Dubnyk shows great promise as the Oiler goalie of the future.</li>
</ul><div><b><i><u>Coaching Staff</u></i></b></div><div><ul><li>EVEN - Showing great patience with the kids and giving them the opportunity to learn in the real world of the NHL. The special team coaching needs a lot of work and has been the biggest issue facing this team so far. Perhaps it is the new systems, the lack of skill on defence or both but it clearly reflects on the coaching staff.</li>
</ul><div><b><i><u>Oiler Veterans</u></i></b></div></div><div><ul><li>EVEN - Some veterans have been good, some have not. Hemsky, Horcoff, Smid, Whitney and now old timer Gagne have been solid. Horcoff has shown good leadership as the new Oiler captain but I would to see him be a bit more aggressive in leading this team on and off the ice. Smid and Whitney have been good on defence, playing a bit mean and hard but still suffering from some bad give aways and poor positional play, primarily on the PK. Hemsky has been quietly scoring and Gagne as well setting up some great scoring chances. Cogs, Burle deserve an honourable mention, they have been playing hard, coming close on many occasions while playing with Hall and MPS. On the minus side is Penner, Gilbert and Stortini as well as a couple of the new guys in town (Jones, Foster, Fraser, Vandemeer) I give a pass to the new guys, new city, new system and seem to be coming around but Penner on most nights seems to be skating in sand, slow, not aggressive and now where near to how he was playing last year. Gilbert has been guilty of many bad give aways and bad positional play which have led to goals. Zack has also not been playing with his solid style that we saw the past couple of years but does appear to be coming around.</li>
</ul><div><b><i><u>Oiler Rookies - "The Kids"</u></i></b></div></div><div><ul><li>PLUS PLUS - Well what can you say about the kids but holy crap are they good! First you have Eberle with that amazing first goal in the first game and then ending up as the NHL rookie point leader for October. He plays hard every night, gets a chance our two every game, plays smart without the puck as well. MPS has been solid as well with 2goals and 4 assists. On defence we have Peckham who has been playing very hard, shows no fear and will be a feared defenceman as he learns the game. Them we have our #1 pick, Taylor Hall. Much has been writing and said about him, much of it to me was completely unrealistic expectations and completely out of touch comments like sending him back to Windsor, insane, crazy thoughts. He finally shut up his critics by scoring in Columbus and then again in Chicago. But more important to me is and was his play before he scored. In the 4-2 loss at home to the Wild he blew many people away. He had many great rushes, going around Wild veterans like they were standing still. Hall has been aggressive on the puck, creating many chances for his linemates and has played well without the puck. There has been much made by some media types of Horcoff so called calling out Hall for taking long shifts. Just garbage to me and if that is all you got then shut up as it is nothing. What I see there is exactly what this team desperately needed, a player that wants to win every night, every shift and is willing to do what it takes. You can see as he gets older and better he will become one of those rare players that will grab the team by the short hairs and lead them by just going out and getting the job done, he will be the face and leader of the Oilers soon and keeping him up with the team is the only logical thing to do. The only thing left I can say about the Oilers rookies is, watch out NHL! we are going to blow you away before you know it!</li>
</ul><div><b><i><u>Oiler Goaltending</u></i></b></div></div><div><ul><li>PLUS - 8 of the first 9 games have been played by a healthy and determined Khabibulan and he was key to our first two wins and despite the 6 losses was solid in net. In those losses he didn't get much help from the defence or rest of the team. he faced way too many shots every night and didn't get much assistance in tight from the defence. I get a sense he wants to show the Oiler faithful he is better than what happened in Phoenix and so far he has. He has been playing so well I would like to buy him a beer! Dubnyk has played one game and that was in Columbus. In that game he showed why he was picked by Oiler management as the main back up and it is the right choice. He has potential and I am confident he will soon be our #1 goalie.</li>
</ul><div><b><i><u>Team Oilers</u></i></b></div></div><div><ul><li>PLUS - I give the team a whole a plus ranking. We once again see the effort that is the trade mark of Oiler hockey and we now see the promise of the future with the "kids" and the new attitude. As I said before it will be more down than up this year but it will be one of the most exciting and entertaining years of Oiler hockey in a long time as we have the hope and promise of a very exciting future.</li>
</ul><div style="text-align: center;"><i>NOW DROP THE PUCK ALREADY!</i></div></div>JohnnieOilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11705146131840615753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6194177872870081669.post-32347456791793956102010-10-28T12:00:00.000-07:002010-10-28T20:24:04.308-07:00Hockey Night In OmanAs some of you may know I work over in Oman on a rotation basis which makes keeping up with Oiler news a bit tough. Oman is a wonderful place, the people, the scenery and the nice, very hot sun but as you would expect hockey is not very big there. Thankfully we have satellite TV in our camp and to my surprise they broadcast hockey, well sometimes they do. I describe Oman to my friends as the Canada of the gulf as the people are Canada nice and once I saw hockey on TV the name stuck. Mostly they are US based teams as the networks are fox sports(versus) and ESPN America but it is hockey! The times are tough though, live games are on around 1 or 2 in the morning but sometimes they repeat the game in the evening so I do get my Hockey Night in Oman.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSiqY6S1A4me0nd9yIrJKj7bQxzCI9S6gXNMP5GjHXWVuUNXi7y33OqBxWvpzOYbq04RtQK8FndTmzs4JAPxHU0JjjQGBNW7GFiXEnCZs9SV3-F7dzhkZ9NQrM32Smo5dIZlSRoAMWDrA/s1600/P1010103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSiqY6S1A4me0nd9yIrJKj7bQxzCI9S6gXNMP5GjHXWVuUNXi7y33OqBxWvpzOYbq04RtQK8FndTmzs4JAPxHU0JjjQGBNW7GFiXEnCZs9SV3-F7dzhkZ9NQrM32Smo5dIZlSRoAMWDrA/s320/P1010103.JPG" width="320" /></a>I may watch the games alone in my room and at weird hours but I do get the opportunity to discuss game results with my new hockey pals who I get to see a few times a week when I am out in the field. Meet my new hockey pal : Maggie! Yes Maggie, don't ask me why Maggie but first time I saw her she just looked like a Maggie and the rest as they say is history. Now don't tell Mrs Oil, wouldn't her to get the wrong idea and same goes for you guys! She visits me regularly, is friendly and yes agrees that Hall needs to stay in the bigs and the oilers are a team to watch, she just gets it, that's more than I can say about some so called hockey experts, media and bloggers alike that think otherwise.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjpxy9wf-ieEJH0m5QIDVo9_UdCQhz5sAtpciuqG8TG9gmtequnkyiP3qopNh03Pb5ItqzTPn1o_AFmdtNe6I8boIPwppGO8QWFnSg_H8OwnQnvvKIQXq50cMur0b_fdYdcb3yuW2U8Pw/s1600/P1010109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjpxy9wf-ieEJH0m5QIDVo9_UdCQhz5sAtpciuqG8TG9gmtequnkyiP3qopNh03Pb5ItqzTPn1o_AFmdtNe6I8boIPwppGO8QWFnSg_H8OwnQnvvKIQXq50cMur0b_fdYdcb3yuW2U8Pw/s320/P1010109.JPG" width="320" /></a>We nearly had a falling out though, one day when she paid me a visit she decided she wanted to show her Oiler fan dedication by trying to eat the Oiler puck I proudly fly on the antenna of my work truck. We had a long discussion that eating Oiler gear is not the way to show your loyalty to the team, one wears it proudly - not eat it. We shared some water and fruit then I believe we came to an understanding. We will see when I get back there. I am trying to think of what I could take down for her to wear, to show her Oiler pride as she tracks threw the Oman desert but haven't decided on anything yet, any ideas?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: auto;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So as the sun sets in Oman </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcQ7DmPxN1qQAY5LLyzGZEIQKKLvcVR7_0x2u71LgTRhE1q3_mboLQZe7HfD0dVyFWAw1n7ZqN2Y1-a-rGDuEvkgd1xr2N8Gu0Rq_vdNziha1YwKRFd-Kh8yRvfPEFf459lZg407zI3Gs/s1600/P1010097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcQ7DmPxN1qQAY5LLyzGZEIQKKLvcVR7_0x2u71LgTRhE1q3_mboLQZe7HfD0dVyFWAw1n7ZqN2Y1-a-rGDuEvkgd1xr2N8Gu0Rq_vdNziha1YwKRFd-Kh8yRvfPEFf459lZg407zI3Gs/s320/P1010097.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and I turn on the TV with the hope of watching a hockey game and greater hopes that maybe one day I will see an Oiler game in Oman I want to thank all the fellow Oiler fans who keep their blogs (listed to the right on my page) up to date with all the latest Oiler news, rumours, game notes. It is almost as good as being home - almost! Without the beer, snacks and snow & cold.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Stay tuned for my October Oiler review which I will have posted early November. I have had the opportunity to observe the start of the season from a distance and by being at home for the the last few games of October, saw two at home (Wild & Sharks) and the remaining on TV. So far I have to say Hall just blew me away in that Wild game, wow! things to look forward to or what. For a full recap of my views of month 1 (October Review) of the new Oiler era please remember to come back early November.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"NOW DROP THE PUCK ALREADY!" </div> JohnnieOilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11705146131840615753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6194177872870081669.post-12495784736325392732010-09-18T11:47:00.001-07:002010-09-18T11:54:04.869-07:00Bliss or Bust? Oiler’s 2010/11 Pundication<span xmlns=""></span><br />
<span xmlns="">Well it's that time of year again, its hockey time and excitement is high in Edmonton for the "new" Edmonton Oilers! A very exciting Young Stars tourney is complete, season tickets have been sent out, and training camp has started with many new faces and missing a few others.</span><br />
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<span xmlns="">I am posting this early as with most of us work gets in the way and I will be out of town for the start of the season and not return until game 3 at home. Mrs. Oil will be enjoying our seats at Rexall for opening night when we start the season tied for first overall. I will have to keep up to date on the Oilers by the internet and following the great blogs listed on my site.<br />
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<span xmlns="">There have been many changes since the end of last year; Souray is paying the price for his selfish play and arrogant whiny rant, looks good on him. <a href="http://oilers.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8459140">Khabibulin</a> is here, sober and apparently with a healthy back and the attitude to get back on track. Some of the problem players are gone and of course what I feel is the most exciting group of rookies, prospects in the NHL. Despite the huge disappointments of the past few years one has to hand it to the Oiler scouting staff as they have assembled an amazing group of kids, the future is bright what with our first ever #1 <a href="http://oilers.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8475791">Taylor Hall</a>, dynamic <a href="http://oilers.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8474586">Jordan Eberle</a>, extremely talented <a href="http://oilers.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8475175">Magnus Paajarvi</a> , <a href="http://oilers.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8474059">Linus Omark</a> and pleasant surprise in <a href="http://oilers.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8475752">Tyler Pitlick</a>. Some the second and third year guys still trying to break into the Oiler fulltime lineup are going some great pressure from these "kids" The same is true with the goalie position. Khabibulin will in all likelihood be the #1 goalie but as for backup it looks like it may well be Gerber but do not count out <a href="http://oilers.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8470074">Jeff Deslauriers</a> and <a href="http://oilers.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8471227">Devan Dubnyk</a> with a very impressive <a href="http://oilers.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8475258">Olivier Roy</a> who sent a message at the young stars tourney. Personally I feel Dubnyk is our goalie of the future. He reminds me of the good aspects of the much overrated Loungo of the much hated, over hyped and arrogant team in the NHL, the Canucks.<br />
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<span xmlns="">There have also been some very good pick-ups by Tambellini and company at the trade deadline and during the summer. <a href="http://oilers.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8470309">Ryan Whitney</a> fits into the oiler culture very well and I expect good things from him as well with <a href="http://oilers.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8468520">Kurtis Foster</a> and <a href="http://oilers.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8468213">James Vandermeer</a> who we got in the summer. Then we have the fan favs, Gagne, Cogs, Penner, Hemsky, Gilbert and a personal favorite and under rated Smid.<br />
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<span xmlns="">So what will the 2010/11 Oiler season be? It will be mostly bliss! I fully expect to have one of the most enjoyable, fun seasons in a long time here in Oil Country! The reasons are as follows;<br />
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<li>The NEW attitude of the team. No more chasing dreams and the "one" magical free agent. I really like this "build the team from within" attitude and if you don't want to play here get lost re: Souray.<br />
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<li>The promise of a new team attitude which I feel is just as important to be a winning club as is talent. If the guys on the ice do not play for each other and put the team first you will go nowhere.<br />
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<li>I also feel with a new positive team first attitude we should much less injuries than the incredible amount we had the past few years. I honestly believe that a major cause of those injuries the crap attitude the team had the past few years and NOT the past training staff. When you are frustrated, not playing for the team being selfish your head is not in the game and you open yourself up to injuries.<br />
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<li>No false and over the top expectations that was very prevalent here after the magical '06 Stanley Cup run by not only the fans and media but also by the Oiler organization itself. Most in Oiler country doesn't have any expectations of us even making the playoffs, which is great!<br />
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<li>The opportunities to watch our young base of Oilers grow and develop and our veterans knowing that there is a group of very talented young very eager to bump our out of the lineup. Internal competition is a great motivator for all concerned! I remember back in the glory years, players from all over wanted to be part of the Oilers, many tried and few were successful of that goal. That is what we are getting back to.<br />
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</span></ol><span xmlns="">So that's it's in my view, it will be a great, fun year to be an Oiler fan! I think we will surprise a lot of people by being better than most think regardless of where we finish but I wouldn't be a bit surprised if we do squeak into the playoffs, I doubt it but will not be surprised. <br />
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<span xmlns="">My advice to Oiler fans all other is to sit back and enjoy, don't get too high after a few wins and don't get too low when we are losing. How much you enjoy or get frustrated during this year is entirely up to you and your attitude. If you focus on a false dream that we are a contender you will be disappointed, in a few years maybe but not just yet. Enjoy the development of our new stars, support them when they are down and not only when up. Don't over analyze things, if it was that easy to put together a winning team we would all be doing it for a living. Sit back, relax enjoy the re-birth of the Oilers- the good, bad and ugly of this new Oiler era and enjoy the best game in the land – NHL Hockey; in the best hockey town in the world-Edmonton!<br />
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<span xmlns="">Now, drop the puck already!<br />
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<span xmlns=""></span>JohnnieOilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11705146131840615753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6194177872870081669.post-65095875239454064212010-09-15T01:14:00.001-07:002010-09-15T01:14:12.906-07:00Souray-Gate or Strike 2-Tambi!<span xmlns=''><p>Well well, we have another Oiler dirty laundry soap opera exposed for all to see again. This time it's <span style='text-decoration:underline'><strong>SOURAY-GATE.</strong></span><br /> </p><p>This entire episode has a very keystone cop appearance so let's take a closer at it and maybe we can figure out why, I doubt it but just maybe.<br /></p><p>First from the Oiler point of view; <br /></p><ol><li>They have the right to sit, play whomever they want - of that there is no question<br /></li><li>They have dug their heels in after Souray's rant last spring, remember- forced to play hurt, bad medical staff, no respect. Again Oiler management has that right.<br /></li><li>Souray demanded a trade and Tambellini has vowed to grant that demand, unfortunately for all concerned that has yet to be completed.<br /></li><li>At the end of the Oiler's worst finish in club history Tambellini vowed to change the present Oiler culture from top to bottom in order to get back to a team of choice.<br /></li><li>Part of that change is NO more begging for free agents, over paying players and most important getting rid of players that don't want to be here.<br /></li><li>First response from Tambi on Souray skating with the team, "we told him last week he was not welcome at camp", again they have that right.<br /></li><li>Tambellini also said they (Oilers) didn't want Souray in camp and be a huge distraction, bad influence on the new kids.<br /></li></ol><p>Now from Souray's side;<br /></p><ol><li>He has to show up for training camp, just as we do for our jobs – part of his contract. But personally I feel it is also in his best interest in showing up for camp as he does need to look willing & able to play to help get the trade he requested.<br /></li><li><div>By way of interviews with media it appeared he apologized for what he had said last spring and was eager to be part of a new, exciting Oiler team. I have no idea if <br /></div><p>a personal apology was given to Oiler brass by Souray or not.<br /></p></li><li><div>Souray did throw the Oiler's under the bus with his comments, complaining about supposedly being forced to play while hurt, bad training staff etc etc and so deserves a lot of the scorn<br /></div><p>he has received from the fans and Oiler management. One some points I can sympathize with Souray and what he said, it must have been very frustrating the past couple years to play on that team. By many accounts there were issues in the dressing room and anything wrong that could happen to a hockey team happened to the Oilers let alone the personal frustrations, the injuries, the losing, the not playing up to how you know you can play and hey we have all said stupid things in the heat of the moment, god knows I have and I am still paying for some.<br /></p></li></ol><p>The Odd Facts;<br /></p><ol><li><div>How difficult is it going to be for Tambellini to trade Souray with him not playing? It is tough to trade a pricey asset that was out for the last part of the season with injuries<br /></div><p>without showing that it is of some value. What is Tambi going to do, go to a GM's meeting, lurk in the hallways and whisper to other GM's - " hey buddy have I got a deal<br /></p><p>for you – trust me it's really good" Unfortunately Mike Milbury isn't in the league to deal with anymore so this will be tough to do.<br /></p></li><li><div>Souray and his agent said they were not told of Souray not being welcomed at camp until last Friday, not a week or so like first reported. Souray's agent wanted this in writing as<br /></div><p>it is the proper thing to do and apparently got an email on Monday, the day Souray showed up and skated with the team.<br /></p></li><li><div>As for the accusation from Oiler management that Souray would be distraction and poor influence on team well that was disproven by the report from journal writer Jim Matheson. Read here;<br /></div><p><a href='http://www.edmontonjournal.com/sports/Fellow+Oilers+weigh+Souray+training+camp+absence/3524443/story.html'>http://www.edmontonjournal.com/sports/Fellow+Oilers+weigh+Souray+training+camp+absence/3524443/story.html</a> were from all accounts the team would welcome Souray back without<br /></p><p>question.<br /></p></li><li>Perhaps one of the most interesting aspects of this is that it appears that Tambellini has acted on most of Souray's complaints, the long time training staff has been fired and replaced and a new coach and attitude has been installed. Strange isn't it and in lite of this perhaps Tambi owes Souray a big thank you. This was pointed out to me by a great twiiter follow and oiler blogger @lowetide.<br /></li></ol><p>My final say on this; --- maybe;<br /></p><ol><li><div>At first appearance it looks like a pissing contest has gripped the Oilers and Tambellini is hell bend to prove he is the big dick on campus. Not only with this but also with the replacing of Pat Quinn <br /></div><p>at the end of last year .<br /></p></li><li>Which brings me to my second point and the Strike 2-Tambi! reference. This is strangely similar to the absolutely horrible way Pat Quinn was treated by Tambellini. Again the same type of story. Tambi first said he had a nice talk with Quinn a week or so before the announcement of Quinn's demotion but yet at that same presser Quinn said he just found out moments before. How can that happen not once but twice?<br /></li><li>The third point is that, just how in the hell can a bush league media screw up like this happen not only once but a second time just a couple of months later? Is Tambellini out of touch with his staff so much he has no control? Is his staff that incompetent that they can't get faxes, email etc out in a timely manner, keep delicate matters such as this done behind closed doors and with some degree of decorum? Apparently not!<br /></li><li>As mentioned above, how are the Oilers going to properly shop Souray and get something half decent in return by sitting him? That is going so tough and a recipe for disaster trade wise. Would he not be an asset for whatever amount he played for the team? Could he not be a decent protecting force for our young, small group of rookies? Is pride and stubbornise worth paying a guy $5mil+ a year to sit at home? Guess it is a good thing Katz has such deep pockets and can afford to be so proud.<br /></li></ol><p>Conclusion;<br /></p><ol><li>Tambellini is one tough ass S.O.B and is determined to put his mark on this team. That is his right but there is a right way and a wrong way. He is definitely not following that age old advise of walk softly and carry a big stick judging by these two media blunders which they are. The firing of Quinn and sitting of Souray should have been all worked out in private long before the news is released.<br /></li><li>Both of these blunders are very black marks on the resume of Tambellini and if this happens again it should be strike 3 for Tambi and he should be sent packing. You can't be a first class organization with garbage like this making its way into the media and discrediting the team. The ultimate responsibility belongs with Tambi for the Souray and Quinn media blunder even if his staff played a role, he is in charge.<br /></li><li>The Oilers need to get better PR advice on how to do these type of actions as at this time it looks like have the same clowns that BP used for the gulf spill.<br /></li></ol><p><br /> </p><p>Now drop the puck already!</p></span>JohnnieOilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11705146131840615753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6194177872870081669.post-90860699553963421142010-09-14T20:29:00.000-07:002010-09-14T20:29:39.642-07:00Oiler Oops AgainAs you read my Oiler blog you will notice I will be writing about the emotion, nuances, the highs and lows of being a Oiler fan. The untangibles, the feeling in your gut when we win, lose and what it means to be an Oiler fan. If you came to this Oiler blog for stats, numbers and technical breakdown of the Oilers, well this is not where you want to be. There are many sites to visit that will give you all the stats you desire, see some of the sites I have listed. If you want a good read on what I believe the average die hard Oiler fan feels and my personal insight into the good, bad and ugly going on of the Oilers I hope this will be your first choice. In my blog history you can read where I have shared my opinion on Hall wearing Kevin Lowe’s # 4 and I hope to post my thoughts on the upcoming season in the next couple of days.<br />
As a fan from the beginning I could write hundreds of pages on Oiler history but that is not what this blog is about, I hope this to be a personal chronicle of a new era in Oiler history and all the hope, promise and disappointment it will surely deliver. <br />
I have been an Oiler fan since they were called the ALBERTA OILER HOCKEY CLUB in the WHA and have an embrodered patch to prove it. I still remember when at a WHA Oiler Playoff game when the fans were chanting “Gretsky, we want Gretsky” and me wondering what the hell are they calling for? I Have seen the very incredible times and the very bad times. On the incredible side I remember Peter Puck on a post game Hockey Night in Canada (the original HNIC hotstove) when the Oilers tied the Leafs and the Toronto media was just disgusted by it. Well Peter Puck said on TV that he guaranteed the cup would be in Edmonton within 5 years, well needless to say he got laughed off the set by the still very arrogant Toronto media – we all know he was right. On the bad side I have been threw the past few years after the ’06 run and the many lean years before but what stands out for me was when we were playing LA in a playoff game back in the “boys on the bus years”. Well we were leading 4-0 going into the 3rd period, someone in the bar yelled I bet $300 the Oilers lose, I took that bet and yes I lost $300 bucks.<br />
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Ok, to the present and I just have to chime in on this Souray debacle! It pisses me off to no end. Just when a guy thinks the Oilers have started a new chapter of positive press and energy this garbage comes up! It reeks of Mickey Mouse, bush league bullshit, what? - are the Oiler management that incompetent they could not have gotten this all settled with Souray before so as to not have such an embarrassing situation? After what really appeared to be the start of great things for the Oilers on the winds of change this spring and summer with some excellent signings, prospect of a new arena, fan excitement of the new prospects, a first ever #1 draft pick and some incredibly talented rookies coming to camp we go back to square one on the credibility scale. How in the hell did this happen! That is the questions that Steve Tambellini has to answer.<br />
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Yes Steve Tambellini and the Oiler management has the right to sit whomever they want, I do not question that and I support it. I like many other Oiler fans am sick & tired of all the recent Oiler and city of Edmonton bashing by many media types jealous of our previous success and by spoiled princess players who don’t even have the class to honor signed contracts. It is a huge distraction for all concerned and fully support what the mighty Quinn said last year – “if you don’t want to be here then get the hell out” to paraphrase.<br />
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It is time to bring back the pride and honor of being an Oiler! One way is by no longer chasing the white whales like the Oiler’s have done in the recent past what with Heatly, Hossa and such.<br />
That just added to the bad press the Oiler’s got, yes some deserved but most was by lazy reporters that can only make a name for themselves by running cheapshot stories. I understand why the white whales were chased, after the ’06 run the pressure was huge to get back there and admit or not we all wanted it so very bad. But times have changed and the attitude of the Oilers has changed thanks mainly to the new ownership of Daryl Katz. He was here in Edmonton from the beginning and remembers what it was like and what it meant to the players to be an Oiler, everyone in the NHL wanted to be an Oiler and many failed at trying to be one.<br />
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Anyway back the Souray soap opera. Yes he burnt bridges when he went on his self-serving rant last year and yes I agree with the feeling he should get the hell out if you don’t want to be an Oiler!<br />
Now he is or was skating with the team, good on him but I am sure there is some self serving motivation for his doing besides the requirement of his contract to show up ready for training camp.<br />
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What I do not understand is how was allowed to be there in the first place. Steve Tambellini looks like a total fool when his says we told him last week not to show up but then Souray’s agent we were not told until a day or so ago and we asked for it to be in writing before we acted on it which by the way is what any decent agent would do. Is Tambi stretching the truth? Or are the people under him incompetent and failed to take care of this? Who knows but again Tambi looks very bad just as he did when he “fired” Pat Quinn as coach. First Tambi says he had talked to <br />
Pat about it the week before but when Pat was asked he said he just found out about his “re-assignment” just hours before the press conference. What the hell is up with that and it makes Steve Tambellini look very bad. As GM he should be capable of making sure crap like this doesn’t happen, how can he say it is time for new era for the Oilers when bone-head mistakes like this happen, not once, but twice within a few months. <br />
Is this a reason why Tambi never got the GM job in Vancouver where he was asst. GM for longer than any other asst. GM I know of?<br />
If Steve Tambellini is to stay on as GM and Katz is serious about changing the Oiler mystic back to where it was these types of incredible media blunders cannot continue. <br />
Sure I would love to have Souray in the line-up as I think many Oiler fans would but that is not to be; mainly due to his own arrogance and spoiled brat actions but still is not an excuse for the Oiler management to look so incompetent and generate such bad media optics with the Souray soap opera. I won’t even get into at this how this may or may not effect Tambi’s efforts to<br />
trade Souray, that is a entire new post.<br />
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Let’s all just hope that this will be the last time such a preventable media blunder will occur thanks to what appears to be severe error in judgment by Steve Tambellini. If it happens again perhaps<br />
it will be time Tambi has the baseball rule applied to him, three strikes and he’s out!JohnnieOilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11705146131840615753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6194177872870081669.post-54441113095473647152010-09-07T20:37:00.000-07:002010-09-07T20:37:49.447-07:00Hall the new #4?Recent reports say Kevin Lowe will give his long time not seen in copper & blue #4 to our #1 pick Taylor Hall to wear as he starts his Oiler-NHL career.<br />
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I dunno, in a way I like this and in another I don’t.<br />
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I understand the synergy of Lowe giving Hall “his” #4.<br />
Lowe being the first ever Oiler pick, scoring the first goal etc there is a lot of Oiler history with that man.<br />
Regardless of what people may think and say of Lowe now there is no denying that he has a very special place in Oiler history and his jersey should be up in the rafters, without any doubt.<br />
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And now we have Hall, our first ever #1 pick, a great talent to be sure but he is unproven in the NHL at this time. So does he deserve to take a local legends number and all that it means in the history of the oilers? I just don’t know but it does show the class and unselfishness of Lowe and his love of the team. He is demonstrating a team first attitude as president as he did when he played and I tip my Oilers hat to him.<br />
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No one was more excited when we picked Hall, definitely the right pick in my mind I just hope he lives up to the class and love of team and city that the man before him that wore that #4.<br />
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Now drop the puck already!JohnnieOilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11705146131840615753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6194177872870081669.post-61676233075613879302009-11-25T13:53:00.000-08:002009-11-25T13:55:04.663-08:00Big bucks riding on Junk Science data from CRU on Global WarmingLeaked e-mails cast doubt on global-warming strategy<br />
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By LORRIE GOLDSTEIN, TORONTO SUN<br />
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While Al Gore was preaching to the faithful at $500 a pop in Toronto last night, the explosive news on climate change leading up to the huge UN meeting starting Dec. 7 in Copenhagen was happening elsewhere. <br />
In what has been dubbed "Climategate," but more accurately resembles the surreptitious release of the Pentagon papers on the Vietnam war, computer hackers last week broke into the files of one of the world's leading climate monitoring agencies at the U.K.'s University of East Anglia. <br />
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They then aired over the Internet the self-described "dirty laundry" of many of the world's leading mainstream climate scientists. <br />
The thousands of e-mails and other documents going back over a decade have prompted calls in the U.K. and U.S. for public inquiries into the controversial material and the security breach that led to its release. <br />
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The revelations have led to a tsunami of analysis and commentary in the climate blogosphere, which is far ahead of the mainstream media on the story. That isn't surprising given the documents call into question much of the current orthodoxy on global warming many media have inaccurately reported as undisputed fact for years. <br />
One e-mail reveals leading British climatologist Phil Jones of UEA writing in November 1999 about using a "trick" to "hide the decline" in global temperatures. <br />
Jones said in a statement he used the word "trick" in the sense of "a clever thing to do" and with no intent to deceive.<br />
In another startling e-mail, U.S. climatologist Kevin Trenberth of the U.S. National Center for Atmospheric Research, commenting last month on the fact global temperatures haven't risen as they should have in recent years if the theory of man-made global warming is correct, wrote: "The fact is that we can't account for the lack of warming at the moment and it is a travesty that we can't ... Our observing system is inadequate." <br />
Trenberth has said he feels violated by the release of his correspondence and that his comments are being reported out of context and selectively. <br />
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Similar complaints by other climate scientists are unlikely to quell the controversy and not only because many previously argued the dip in global temperatures since 1998, while man-made carbon dioxide emissions have continued to rise, was insignificant. <br />
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The documents also show prominent British and American climate scientists discussing how to avoid disclosing their data to requests under their countries' freedom of information laws, including deleting information. This is concerning because sharing original data with fellow scientists is key to verifying research, since it allows others to independently replicate the results. <br />
HIDE PAPERS <br />
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The documents reveal climate scientists plotting to keep scientific papers they disagree with from being published and how to discredit scientists and scientific journals of which they disapprove. <br />
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Others, critics charge, show climate scientists committing the cardinal scientific sin of manipulating the data to fit their theories, instead of the reverse. <br />
Some e-mails simply show climate scientists can be jerks -- labelling opponents "idiots," pronouncing themselves happy over the death of an unpopular colleague and fantasizing about punching out a skeptic. <br />
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Supporters insist all this simply shows science is a messy business, doesn't prove any conspiracy to hide the truth and that too much other research has been done to discredit mainstream climate theory. <br />
But that misses the point. Much of this research -- on which tens of billions of public dollars have been spent worldwide over decades -- is the foundation upon which governments are about to put a price on emitting carbon dioxide. The result will be a massive increase in the cost of living for virtually everyone in the developed world. <br />
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Copenhagen will be a negotiation about transferring billions of dollars of wealth from the developed world to the developing one, with no guarantees it will help the planet. <br />
That's what this controversy is really all about.JohnnieOilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11705146131840615753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6194177872870081669.post-32089984762884669112009-10-22T11:33:00.000-07:002009-11-25T12:29:17.945-08:00Nuclear Power and Global Warming?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6A-McpNteJRmME6EOK6ZPn4F8XEEA6lHEHwuc41t155JKTMQitAMlWM7eNdubRrsyAcOxpUGMDnX_YwTylU5PZ8uzE2EQcSaU93uO2koclwyn9IUS_GefWRn20VSHx-nO-DL5_nsHOr8/s1600-h/green+power.gif"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395494903905377058" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6A-McpNteJRmME6EOK6ZPn4F8XEEA6lHEHwuc41t155JKTMQitAMlWM7eNdubRrsyAcOxpUGMDnX_YwTylU5PZ8uzE2EQcSaU93uO2koclwyn9IUS_GefWRn20VSHx-nO-DL5_nsHOr8/s320/green+power.gif" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 218px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px;" /></a><br /><br />If no single factor can account for the climate system, why have the extremist Greens picked on CO2? The answer is that CO2 is the best culprit because it fits in with their anti-industry and anti-capitalism bias. Another interesting point of how strange all of this is by Lee Harding, Saskatchewan Director, Fraser Insitute<br /><br />What do environmentalists and nuclear power have in common? More than you might think. Even though many with a deep concern for the environment are also opposed to nuclear power, worries about climate change are pushing the world inevitably in that direction. In fact, a sequel to Kyoto could soon become the final catalyst for a worldwide proliferation of nuclear power.<br /><br />Nuclear advocates and climate change activists have been strange bedfellows for a long time. The British documentary, “The Great Global Warming Swindle,” claims the connection started in the 1980s. British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher wanted to break the power of the coal-mining unions. And, in a two-pronged strategy, the “Iron Lady” pushed for nuclear power while funding research that suggested burning fossil fuels such as coal could warm the earth.<br /><br />The Chernobyl disaster put nuclear development on hold in Britain and almost everywhere else. Only four new nuclear plants were built worldwide between 1990 and 2005. Yet, as many as 226 new nuclear plants could be built or underway by 2020, according to Saskatchewan’s own Uranium Development Partnership (UDP) report. This dramatic shift could only happen in an era when carbon, the substance that makes up every living thing, is considered a pollutant. Only then could nuclear emerge as the “clean” energy for a power-hungry world.The UDP report states with surprising candour that the only way a nuclear plant in Saskatchewan would make financial sense is with a carbon price of at least $30 per tonne and a natural gas price above $6 per mmBTU. Otherwise, gas or coal would be preferable. The report estimates that the current price on carbon of $18 per tonne could rise to $50 per tonne following a new “global deal” on carbon.<br /><br />This means that both climate change activists and the nuclear industry are waiting with baited breath for a sequel to the Kyoto accord. This could happen as early as December as the nations gather in Copenhagen to hammer out a carbon reduction agreement. Carbon taxes or cap-and-trade schemes are just the beginning of potentially devastating consequences.<br /><br />Just ask Lord Christopher Monckton, once a science adviser to former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. Monckton says that carbon causes only one-sixth as much warming as the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change would suggest. This means it would take 2 trillion tonnes of CO2 emissions just to increase the temperature of the earth by one degree. Conversely, since human activity produces just 30 billion tonnes of C02 annually, it would take 430 years without any industry or even a man-made fire on earth just to lower the temperature a single degree.<br /><br />Monckton warns that the early drafts of the Copenhagen Accord call for nations who sign on to surrender substantial national sovereignty. An unelected United Nations would have substantial sway over domestic fiscal and environmental policy all to reduce carbon. In other words, democracy will be compromised to save the world from a problem in which the science has yet to be proven and in all likelihood not be serious at all.<br /><br />Rest assured, such an accord would make life more difficult. Food will become more expensive as crops are used for biofuels. Carbon levies would also make gas and electricity more expensive. Yet, should a Copenhagen Accord occur, two groups that will be crying the loudest at the higher costs for everything will be climate change alarmists and liberal socialist elites thinking they were saving the world, they always forget the law of unintended consequences or poorly thought out actions.JohnnieOilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11705146131840615753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6194177872870081669.post-45353626243751440992009-10-20T13:19:00.000-07:002009-11-25T12:29:17.964-08:00a new daymy first blog and first post - please be gentle!<br />back soon with articles of common sense, canadian liberatarism, beer, hockey<br />and the take on the real bulshit called global warming, climate change or whatever the eco doom prophets will call it next week when the weather doesn't match their commadore 64 computer model!JohnnieOilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11705146131840615753noreply@blogger.com0