For those of you out there that like puzzle-type games, there's a nice "monopoly-type" IQ puzzle game.
ugoplayer.com/games/puzzlefreak.html
Up to four players, can play against the computer, nice variety of "IQ testing" puzzle games; what more could you ask for? Try it. Now. Do it. Do it.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Mid-season predictions (Part 1 - the East)
So I suppose you're all wondering and saying, "Oh great and wonderful Burnsy, will my team, the blankety blanks, make the playoffs this year?". Well, that's a good question, and it's what I'm here for, so let's get started. We'll start in the Eastern conference, and move into the Western conference.
1. Ottawa Senators
Undoubtedly. Despite their current goaltender controversy, this team has far too much talent to fail to make the playoffs. Jason Spezza is very likely leading the league in points per game, and if he's not, he's pretty darn close. Dany Heatley and Daniel Alfredsson are both in the league's top 10 in scoring, and they have one of the best (if not the best) top four defensemen in the league with Chris Phillips, Anton Volchenkov, Wade Redden, and Andrej Meszaros. Combine that with their "tandem" of Gerber and Emery who, while they're not playing their best hockey at the moment, are nonetheless both talented goaltenders, and you have one of the top teams in the league. It's no mystery why they're sitting atop the East almost 10 points ahead of their nearest rival.
2. New Jersey Devils
The Devils are a perennial threat, and this year is no different. It doesn't seem to matter who their players are, who their coach is, or what style of play they're taking; they just seem to keep winning. Elias? Non-factor. Gomez and Rafalski? Gone. Brodeur? Played like shit the first 15-20 games of the season. The Devils? First in the Atlantic division, second in the East. How do they do it? There are only 2 explanations. 1. The devil. 2. The mob. Everything else doesn't make sense. Will the Devils make the playoffs? Martin Brodeur. .. Wait a minute, that's not an answer, that's a name. Will the Devils be successful in the playoffs? Martin Brodeur. Will the -- Martin Brodeur. Will-- Martin Brodeur. ... ... MARTIN BRODEUR. Martin Brodeur is not just a name, it's also an answer to any question pertaining to the New Jersey Devils.
3. Carolina Hurricanes
Playing in one of the weakest divisions in the league (along with Atlanta, Florida, Washington, and Tampa Bay), the 'Canes should have no trouble in making the playoffs. Even if they don't finish first in the Southeast division, their forward depth and team defense should be enough to put them within the top 6 teams at the end of the season.
4. Pittsburgh Penguins
This team is good. Very good. Despite underachieving players like Fleury, Recchi (who was recently waived), and Staal, the Pens are still in good shape in the East. It's possible that they won't make the playoffs, but unless things go sour for the Pens, they should finish amongst the top 8 to grab a playoff spot.
5. Montreal Canadiens
The Habs had a wonderful start to the season, but have since lapsed into the perennial mediocrity that has plagued them for years now. Their strong start may be enough to push them into a playoff spot, but with the Canadiens, you never really know. Before the season started, I would have said it could go either way. 40 games in, after a strong start, it could still go either way. Look for the Canadiens to finish 6th-10th at season's end.
6. Boston Bruins
Much like the Montreal Canadiens, Boston is the poster-child for mediocrity. Whether or not they will make the playoffs is anybody's guess. They're currently 2 points up on the NYI, who are in 9th place, and 5 points up on 3 teams with 41 points. Look for Boston to finish anywhere between 7th and 10th in the East.
7. New York Rangers
Our first beloved black hole of hockey. Despite the vast talent the Rangers are able to sign year after year, they just can't seem to do anything with it. Unless the Rangers can string some wins together, it looks like they may be firing blanks again this year. With 45 points, the Rangers are currently 7th in the East and 1 point out of bubble position. However, with as much talent as the Rangers have, it should not be unrealistic to see them finish in the top 5 in the East; however, top 8 is probably more realistic.
8. Philadelphia Flyers
Considering the season the Flyers had last year, taking the 8th and final playoff spot could be considered a blessing. With Gagne returning to the lineup, and the burgeoning talent of Mike Richards, the the Flyers need only rid themselves of the traveling freakshow that is Steve Downie and get themselves some goaltending, and they should have a successful playoff team on their hands. Look for the Flyers to finish the season somewhere between 5th and 8th in the East.
9. New York Islanders
If anyone can give me a good reason why the Islanders should be in the playoffs, please advise me of your current position so I can find you and slap you in the face. And don't say "Rick DiPietro". After being single-handedly demolished by GM Mike Milbury, this team is about as low as it can possibly get. Were it not for Rick DiPietro, they would surely be in the Eastern Conference basement. Just what has Mike Milbury done, you ask? I'm just going to throw out some of the talent that Mike Milbury had (either drafted, or had the draft pick that would have resulted in), and then I'll throw out some of the names that he got back. Had: Roberto Luongo ('Nuff said). Eric Brewer, Tim Connolly, Zdeno Chara, Wade Redden, Jason Spezza, Todd Bertuzzi, Bryan McCabe, Olli Jokinen, J.P. Dumont.
(In case you're not familiar with these names, here's a brief breakdown)
Luongo: Perennial Vezina candidate.
Connolly: Point/game player.
Brewer: Gold medal winning defenseman for Team Canada.
Chara: Wrecking ball captain of the Boston Bruins and possible Norris candidate.
Redden: Another possible Norris candidate (when playing his best).
Spezza: Possible Art Ross candidate and current NHL points/game leader
Bertuzzi: While his best days are behind him (post Steve Moore), he was, for a significant length of time, considered one of the (if not the) best powerforward in the game, and rightly so.
McCabe: He gets a lot of points... I guess Bryan McCabe wasn't one of the best examples I could have used.... He's getting paid a lot of money... Does that make him good?
Olli Jokinen: Captain and leading scorer of the Florida Panthers. Point/game scorer, aggressive, good size down the middle. What more could you ask for?
Now let's see what he got back:
Zdeno Chara, Bill Muckalt, and 1st Round selection (Jason Spezza) for: Alexei Yashin. Yes, that's right. Alexei Yashin. Where is he now, you ask? I believe he's playing in Russia...
Eric Brewer, Josh Green and 2nd Round selection (Brad Winchester) for: Roman Hamrlik. One of the least offensive of all of his trades, although I'd still take Brewer any day of the week over Hamrlik.
Tim Connolly and Taylor Pyatt for: Michael Peca. Probably the least offensive trade of them all. Can't really go wrong with Michael Peca.
Rick DiPietro: Drafted in 2000 ahead of Dany Heatley and Marian Gaborik. Yes, that's right. Two franchise players. But it's alright. He signed Rick DiPietro to a 15 year deal worth about $75 million dollars, so he covered his butt there. ... Wait a minute... That doesn't make sense...
Todd Bertuzzi, Bryan McCabe, and a 3rd Round selection (Jarkko Ruutu) for: Trevor Linden. Mind you, this was back in 1998, so Linden still had a few good years left in him, but then again, so did Todd Bertuzzi...
Luongo and Jokinen traded for: Mark Parrish and Oleg Kvasha. Mark who and who?? Exactly. This trade really sums up his career in a nutshell. Arguably the best goaltender in the league along with a superstar forward for two roster players, one who's shown sparks of mediocrity at the peak of his career, and the other who splits his time between playing in Russia and playing in North America. Wow.
J.P. Dumont and 5th round selection (Francis Belanger) for: Dmitri Nabokov. That's Dmitri Nabokov, not Evgeni Nabokov. Don't go thinking that 'ol Mike might have actually made a decent move. Yes, Mike Milbury thinks the game as well as he played it. Craptastically.
By the way, as a quick aside, Canadians and fans of TSN are now forced to watch this bonehead on NHL on TSN, where hockey pundits like Bob McKenzie, Pierre McGuire, and Darren Dreger actually have to listen to what this guy thinks about the game. If there's anyone from TSN reading this post, for the love of GOD, please don't subject us to anymore of this. The panel becomes a farce everytime this philistine opens his mouth. This guy is about as popular as Tie Domi outside of Toronto.
Oh yeah... The New York Islanders... Uh... Who cares. Every time I think of the New York Islanders, I think of Mike Milbury, and every time I think of that meathead opening his mouth, and get angrier and dumber.
10. Atlanta Thrashers
The Thrashers have never been a very successful team, and it would seem that they are doomed to be perpetual disappointment year after year. The Thrashers are either unable or unwilling to address their areas of need (ie: centre, defence), and will probably never be a viable threat until they do so. While it's possible (but unlikely) that the Thrashers will make the playoffs, making a successful run is a virtual impossibility. Atlanta will probably finish in 9th or 10th spot.
11. Buffalo Sabres
Tim Connolly, Thomas Vanek, Maxim Afinogenov, Derek Roy, Jason Pominville, Brian Campbell, Jaroslav Spacek, Tony Lydman, Dmitri Kalinen, Henrik Tallinder, Teppo Numinen, Ryan Miller. Even with the loss of Briere and Drury, the Sabres should have enough talent to compete. Then again, Lindy Ruff is the coach. The Sabres will probably finish between 4th and 7th in the East, but more than likely won't have a very successful playoff run.
12. Florida Panthers
Florida is another team with is loaded with talent, but are not achieving their potential. With players like Jokinen, Horton, Weiss, Olesz, Bouwmeester, Mezei, Van Ryn, and Vokoun, along with a solid cast of developing players, the Panthers should be doing better than their 12th place in the East position would suggest. As much as I would like to say the Panthers will make the playoffs, their history would suggest otherwise, as they have not made the playoffs in the last 6 seasons (not counting the lockout season). The Panthers will probably finish 9th to 11th in the East.
13. Washington Capitals
After just recently signing Alexander Ovechkin to one of the biggest contracts in NHL history (including the infamous Rick DiPietro 15 year contract), you might think that the future of the Capitals has been successfully assured. Hm... While the Caps have some interesting prospects including the likes of Alexander Semin, Nicklas Backstrom, Mike Green, Steve Eminger, Eric Fehr, and Karl Alzner, it's going to be a few years before we see them all in action at the same time. While their near future looks promising, their immediate future is questionable. By that time, they may need to address their goaltending position as well. If you're hoping for the Caps to make a playoff run, don't hold your breath. You might pass out.
14. Toronto Maple Leafs
What do you say about the Leafs that hasn't already been said a thousand times before? #1 The suits need to stop buying all the tickets and let the real fans into the stadium. #2 MLSE needs to sell the franchise because they've become a complete joke, and they just don't care anymore. #3 Richard Peddie, the current president of MLSE, needs to stop being such a dick, as ironic as that sounds. #4 If MLSE doesn't sell, they need to start caring about the product they are putting on the ice. Even hardcore Leaf fans have started to admit to themselves that their team is a joke, and that's like getting OJ to admit that he killed his wife. #5 EVERYONE on the Leaf roster must go. Yes. Everyone. Name one player that you would keep. Go ahead. I DARE you. You can't do it, can you? Even die-hard Leafers have to admit that nobody on that team tries anymore except for Sundin. This isn't the team that mommy and daddy loved. This is the new breed of Leaf. He's greedy, selfish, and spoiled. He cares nothing for the fans, for the tradition, or for the game. If Leaf fans want to effect change, then stop buying what MLSE is selling, because you're getting fleeced. The Leafs make the playoffs? Sadly they might. The Leafs having a successful playoff run? With 16 wins after 44 games? It's about as likely as the Republicans espousing gay marriage.
15. Tampa Bay Lightning
The question that keeps popping up ever since their Cup win in 03/04 is, "Can Vincent Lecavalier, Martin St. Louis, and Brad Richards be bigger than the rest of the NHL?" As long as the big three from Tampa Bay can play bigger than the team they are playing against, then Tampa Bay will win. And as good as the big 3 are, Tampa Bay's 16 regular season wins tell the story. If your goal is to run your star centre into the ground by playing him 25+ minutes per game, then mission accomplished. Will the big 3 have anything left in the tank come playoff time (or even a last push towards the playoffs)? Likely not. Tampa will likely finish below 12th in the East.
... Tune in next time for a Western Conference analysis. Same Bat time! Same Bat channel!
1. Ottawa Senators
Undoubtedly. Despite their current goaltender controversy, this team has far too much talent to fail to make the playoffs. Jason Spezza is very likely leading the league in points per game, and if he's not, he's pretty darn close. Dany Heatley and Daniel Alfredsson are both in the league's top 10 in scoring, and they have one of the best (if not the best) top four defensemen in the league with Chris Phillips, Anton Volchenkov, Wade Redden, and Andrej Meszaros. Combine that with their "tandem" of Gerber and Emery who, while they're not playing their best hockey at the moment, are nonetheless both talented goaltenders, and you have one of the top teams in the league. It's no mystery why they're sitting atop the East almost 10 points ahead of their nearest rival.
2. New Jersey Devils
The Devils are a perennial threat, and this year is no different. It doesn't seem to matter who their players are, who their coach is, or what style of play they're taking; they just seem to keep winning. Elias? Non-factor. Gomez and Rafalski? Gone. Brodeur? Played like shit the first 15-20 games of the season. The Devils? First in the Atlantic division, second in the East. How do they do it? There are only 2 explanations. 1. The devil. 2. The mob. Everything else doesn't make sense. Will the Devils make the playoffs? Martin Brodeur. .. Wait a minute, that's not an answer, that's a name. Will the Devils be successful in the playoffs? Martin Brodeur. Will the -- Martin Brodeur. Will-- Martin Brodeur. ... ... MARTIN BRODEUR. Martin Brodeur is not just a name, it's also an answer to any question pertaining to the New Jersey Devils.
3. Carolina Hurricanes
Playing in one of the weakest divisions in the league (along with Atlanta, Florida, Washington, and Tampa Bay), the 'Canes should have no trouble in making the playoffs. Even if they don't finish first in the Southeast division, their forward depth and team defense should be enough to put them within the top 6 teams at the end of the season.
4. Pittsburgh Penguins
This team is good. Very good. Despite underachieving players like Fleury, Recchi (who was recently waived), and Staal, the Pens are still in good shape in the East. It's possible that they won't make the playoffs, but unless things go sour for the Pens, they should finish amongst the top 8 to grab a playoff spot.
5. Montreal Canadiens
The Habs had a wonderful start to the season, but have since lapsed into the perennial mediocrity that has plagued them for years now. Their strong start may be enough to push them into a playoff spot, but with the Canadiens, you never really know. Before the season started, I would have said it could go either way. 40 games in, after a strong start, it could still go either way. Look for the Canadiens to finish 6th-10th at season's end.
6. Boston Bruins
Much like the Montreal Canadiens, Boston is the poster-child for mediocrity. Whether or not they will make the playoffs is anybody's guess. They're currently 2 points up on the NYI, who are in 9th place, and 5 points up on 3 teams with 41 points. Look for Boston to finish anywhere between 7th and 10th in the East.
7. New York Rangers
Our first beloved black hole of hockey. Despite the vast talent the Rangers are able to sign year after year, they just can't seem to do anything with it. Unless the Rangers can string some wins together, it looks like they may be firing blanks again this year. With 45 points, the Rangers are currently 7th in the East and 1 point out of bubble position. However, with as much talent as the Rangers have, it should not be unrealistic to see them finish in the top 5 in the East; however, top 8 is probably more realistic.
8. Philadelphia Flyers
Considering the season the Flyers had last year, taking the 8th and final playoff spot could be considered a blessing. With Gagne returning to the lineup, and the burgeoning talent of Mike Richards, the the Flyers need only rid themselves of the traveling freakshow that is Steve Downie and get themselves some goaltending, and they should have a successful playoff team on their hands. Look for the Flyers to finish the season somewhere between 5th and 8th in the East.
9. New York Islanders
If anyone can give me a good reason why the Islanders should be in the playoffs, please advise me of your current position so I can find you and slap you in the face. And don't say "Rick DiPietro". After being single-handedly demolished by GM Mike Milbury, this team is about as low as it can possibly get. Were it not for Rick DiPietro, they would surely be in the Eastern Conference basement. Just what has Mike Milbury done, you ask? I'm just going to throw out some of the talent that Mike Milbury had (either drafted, or had the draft pick that would have resulted in), and then I'll throw out some of the names that he got back. Had: Roberto Luongo ('Nuff said). Eric Brewer, Tim Connolly, Zdeno Chara, Wade Redden, Jason Spezza, Todd Bertuzzi, Bryan McCabe, Olli Jokinen, J.P. Dumont.
(In case you're not familiar with these names, here's a brief breakdown)
Luongo: Perennial Vezina candidate.
Connolly: Point/game player.
Brewer: Gold medal winning defenseman for Team Canada.
Chara: Wrecking ball captain of the Boston Bruins and possible Norris candidate.
Redden: Another possible Norris candidate (when playing his best).
Spezza: Possible Art Ross candidate and current NHL points/game leader
Bertuzzi: While his best days are behind him (post Steve Moore), he was, for a significant length of time, considered one of the (if not the) best powerforward in the game, and rightly so.
McCabe: He gets a lot of points... I guess Bryan McCabe wasn't one of the best examples I could have used.... He's getting paid a lot of money... Does that make him good?
Olli Jokinen: Captain and leading scorer of the Florida Panthers. Point/game scorer, aggressive, good size down the middle. What more could you ask for?
Now let's see what he got back:
Zdeno Chara, Bill Muckalt, and 1st Round selection (Jason Spezza) for: Alexei Yashin. Yes, that's right. Alexei Yashin. Where is he now, you ask? I believe he's playing in Russia...
Eric Brewer, Josh Green and 2nd Round selection (Brad Winchester) for: Roman Hamrlik. One of the least offensive of all of his trades, although I'd still take Brewer any day of the week over Hamrlik.
Tim Connolly and Taylor Pyatt for: Michael Peca. Probably the least offensive trade of them all. Can't really go wrong with Michael Peca.
Rick DiPietro: Drafted in 2000 ahead of Dany Heatley and Marian Gaborik. Yes, that's right. Two franchise players. But it's alright. He signed Rick DiPietro to a 15 year deal worth about $75 million dollars, so he covered his butt there. ... Wait a minute... That doesn't make sense...
Todd Bertuzzi, Bryan McCabe, and a 3rd Round selection (Jarkko Ruutu) for: Trevor Linden. Mind you, this was back in 1998, so Linden still had a few good years left in him, but then again, so did Todd Bertuzzi...
Luongo and Jokinen traded for: Mark Parrish and Oleg Kvasha. Mark who and who?? Exactly. This trade really sums up his career in a nutshell. Arguably the best goaltender in the league along with a superstar forward for two roster players, one who's shown sparks of mediocrity at the peak of his career, and the other who splits his time between playing in Russia and playing in North America. Wow.
J.P. Dumont and 5th round selection (Francis Belanger) for: Dmitri Nabokov. That's Dmitri Nabokov, not Evgeni Nabokov. Don't go thinking that 'ol Mike might have actually made a decent move. Yes, Mike Milbury thinks the game as well as he played it. Craptastically.
By the way, as a quick aside, Canadians and fans of TSN are now forced to watch this bonehead on NHL on TSN, where hockey pundits like Bob McKenzie, Pierre McGuire, and Darren Dreger actually have to listen to what this guy thinks about the game. If there's anyone from TSN reading this post, for the love of GOD, please don't subject us to anymore of this. The panel becomes a farce everytime this philistine opens his mouth. This guy is about as popular as Tie Domi outside of Toronto.
Oh yeah... The New York Islanders... Uh... Who cares. Every time I think of the New York Islanders, I think of Mike Milbury, and every time I think of that meathead opening his mouth, and get angrier and dumber.
10. Atlanta Thrashers
The Thrashers have never been a very successful team, and it would seem that they are doomed to be perpetual disappointment year after year. The Thrashers are either unable or unwilling to address their areas of need (ie: centre, defence), and will probably never be a viable threat until they do so. While it's possible (but unlikely) that the Thrashers will make the playoffs, making a successful run is a virtual impossibility. Atlanta will probably finish in 9th or 10th spot.
11. Buffalo Sabres
Tim Connolly, Thomas Vanek, Maxim Afinogenov, Derek Roy, Jason Pominville, Brian Campbell, Jaroslav Spacek, Tony Lydman, Dmitri Kalinen, Henrik Tallinder, Teppo Numinen, Ryan Miller. Even with the loss of Briere and Drury, the Sabres should have enough talent to compete. Then again, Lindy Ruff is the coach. The Sabres will probably finish between 4th and 7th in the East, but more than likely won't have a very successful playoff run.
12. Florida Panthers
Florida is another team with is loaded with talent, but are not achieving their potential. With players like Jokinen, Horton, Weiss, Olesz, Bouwmeester, Mezei, Van Ryn, and Vokoun, along with a solid cast of developing players, the Panthers should be doing better than their 12th place in the East position would suggest. As much as I would like to say the Panthers will make the playoffs, their history would suggest otherwise, as they have not made the playoffs in the last 6 seasons (not counting the lockout season). The Panthers will probably finish 9th to 11th in the East.
13. Washington Capitals
After just recently signing Alexander Ovechkin to one of the biggest contracts in NHL history (including the infamous Rick DiPietro 15 year contract), you might think that the future of the Capitals has been successfully assured. Hm... While the Caps have some interesting prospects including the likes of Alexander Semin, Nicklas Backstrom, Mike Green, Steve Eminger, Eric Fehr, and Karl Alzner, it's going to be a few years before we see them all in action at the same time. While their near future looks promising, their immediate future is questionable. By that time, they may need to address their goaltending position as well. If you're hoping for the Caps to make a playoff run, don't hold your breath. You might pass out.
14. Toronto Maple Leafs
What do you say about the Leafs that hasn't already been said a thousand times before? #1 The suits need to stop buying all the tickets and let the real fans into the stadium. #2 MLSE needs to sell the franchise because they've become a complete joke, and they just don't care anymore. #3 Richard Peddie, the current president of MLSE, needs to stop being such a dick, as ironic as that sounds. #4 If MLSE doesn't sell, they need to start caring about the product they are putting on the ice. Even hardcore Leaf fans have started to admit to themselves that their team is a joke, and that's like getting OJ to admit that he killed his wife. #5 EVERYONE on the Leaf roster must go. Yes. Everyone. Name one player that you would keep. Go ahead. I DARE you. You can't do it, can you? Even die-hard Leafers have to admit that nobody on that team tries anymore except for Sundin. This isn't the team that mommy and daddy loved. This is the new breed of Leaf. He's greedy, selfish, and spoiled. He cares nothing for the fans, for the tradition, or for the game. If Leaf fans want to effect change, then stop buying what MLSE is selling, because you're getting fleeced. The Leafs make the playoffs? Sadly they might. The Leafs having a successful playoff run? With 16 wins after 44 games? It's about as likely as the Republicans espousing gay marriage.
15. Tampa Bay Lightning
The question that keeps popping up ever since their Cup win in 03/04 is, "Can Vincent Lecavalier, Martin St. Louis, and Brad Richards be bigger than the rest of the NHL?" As long as the big three from Tampa Bay can play bigger than the team they are playing against, then Tampa Bay will win. And as good as the big 3 are, Tampa Bay's 16 regular season wins tell the story. If your goal is to run your star centre into the ground by playing him 25+ minutes per game, then mission accomplished. Will the big 3 have anything left in the tank come playoff time (or even a last push towards the playoffs)? Likely not. Tampa will likely finish below 12th in the East.
... Tune in next time for a Western Conference analysis. Same Bat time! Same Bat channel!
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Mid-season analysis
Now that we've started the new year, we've just about hit the midpoint of the hockey season, and what's the verdict? Like many other seasons, there have been pleasant surprises, and many teeth-grinding disappointments. Yes, it's time for the mid-season analysis. Teams that have moved above and beyond all expectations, and others that have tanked straight out of the gate. Some of those struggling teams have made a recovery, and others have not. So the question you're all asking is, "Oh Swami, great predictor of predictors, and knower of a lot of great knowledge, what do you foresee for the Blankety Blanks?" Well, I'm glad you asked, because here it comes.
The Montreal Canadiens
After the first 20 games of the season, even the great cmburns thought he might have to apologize to Habs fans around the world for not believing. Their deadly powerplay, and second-line scoring, along with great performances from Andrei Markov and Mark Streit to fill the shoes of the departed Sheldon Souray were almost enough to propel them to tops in the league. Unfortunately, the perennial mediocrity that has plagued the Habs for the past 10 years has once again reared it's ugly head. The powerplay has lost it's effectiveness, and have dropped from being within 4 points of first in the East, to 9 points back.
Analysis: Regardless of the play of Kovalev, Huet, or Markov, the Canadiens will challenge for the 7th or 8th playoff spot, as long as Saku Koivu remains with the team, and remains healthy.
The Toronto Maple Leafs
This team's performance isn't really a surprise, I just thought I would comment on them because of all the controversy surrounding MLSE, and the fact that Leaf fans are still brainwashed enough to think that the Leafs have a chance of making a cup run. The truth of the matter is, despite their horrendously inconsistent play, the Leafs actually do have a chance of making the playoffs. Of course, making the playoffs, making a successful run (ie: Conference finals or Cup finals), and winning a Cup are all significantly different achievements. While the Leafs may have an outside chance of making the playoffs, the Leafs winning the cup is about as likely as Al Gore getting buck wild on Spring Break in Cancun. It's just not going to happen. After 40 games, the Leafs have 16 wins, which ties them for 3rd in the league for the fewest wins. The only teams with fewer wins are the Los Angeles Kings, and the Tampa Bay Lightning, both of whom are currently sitting in the basements of their respective leagues. Yes, the Toronto Maple Leafs are still losing games, they're just not doing it in regulation. If Leaf Nation thinks they're going to get past the first round of the playoffs with 30 regular season wins, then, well... I guess it'll be just like every other year in Leaf Nation. Go Leafs Go!
Analysis: This team is about as good as everyone (except Maurice) predicted. My analysis of this team is the same as it's been for the past 7 or 8 years. This team needs to be demolished, and it needs to be done soon. Fan support for MLSE is at an all time low, but you would never know it from the number of suits that still fill the seats at the Air Canada Centre. There's not a single player on this team (save Sundin) that contribute on a consistent basis, and there's not a single player on this team (including Sundin) that comes to the rink and leaves the rink with a winning attitude. The bottom line is that the Maple Leafs have filled their roster with a group of players that just don't care about hockey, and just don't care about winning. Firesale. Now. EVERYONE must go. That means the ENTIRE roster. Change the roster. Change the coach. Sell the team, or at least find someone who possesses a modicum of knowledge about hockey. Start from scratch. 'Nuff said.
The Pittsburgh Penguins
While the Pens haven't been the year's biggest disappointment, they haven't entirely lived up to expectations either. For a team with as many offensive weapons as they showed last year, they've been surprisingly quiet. Crosby, to some extent, has been outplayed by (amongst others) Lecavalier, Kovalchuk, Spezza, Zetterberg... Fleury has been inconsistent, and the trade rumours have been surfacing. Recchi was waived, and Jordan Staal, to date, has 3 goals and 10 points in 40 games played.
Analysis: While Pittsburgh hasn't been ripping it up, they're still second in the Atlantic division, and fourth in the east. With a team goal differential of +6, if this is the worst they're going to play, things are still looking up for the Penguins.
The New York Rangers
Like the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Rangers were supposed to be a juggernaut this season, but have failed to achieve the lofty goals they have set out for themselves. However, is this really a surprise? Despite the new cap system, the New York Rangers have fallen back on old habits in trying to buy talent, and if that was their goal, then their mission has been accomplished. With Jaromir Jagr, Chris Drury, Scott Gomez, Martin Straka, Brendan Shanahan, and Henrik Lundqvist (who was actually drafted and developed by the Rangers, but they're paying him 4.25 mil/year, so I'm putting him in the same category), the New York Rangers have one of the strongest forward lineups on paper. Despite all this immense talent, the Rangers are currently last in the Atlantic division, and 9th in the East.
Analaysis: At the end of the day, the New York Rangers will be as the New York Rangers have been for the past 10 or 20 years; a black hole of hockey. Broadway is where hockey talent comes to die, and apparently, nothing has changed. Despite a brief resurgence in Jaromir Jagr a year ago, he has receeded back into his shell, and along with him, the Rangers' playoff and Cup hopes. C'est la vie.
Individual performances:
Thomas Vanek: Upon the departure of Chris Drury and Daniel Briere, Thomas Vanek was supposed to shoulder the offensive load for the Buffalo Sabres. Has anyone seen this guy play. He's good. Very, very good. However, despite his oozing talent, he is logging 16 min. per game, and has 11 goals and 24 points in 39 games played. Now, understandably he's being checked more closely this year, but anyone who's seen Vanek play knows that he's more than slick enough to slip past the tight checking. So what's causing his dreadful "sophomore slump"? God only knows. Maybe he'll pull out of it this year, and maybe he won't. There's only one thing for certain; for a guy with this much skill, it's only a matter of time. In the meantime, if there's anybody who's looking for advice on how to make him better, and how to make your team better (ie: if Lindy Ruff is reading this page), I'm going to give you some advice, free of charge:
1. You don't have the depth at centre to roll four lines like you did last year, so stop trying.
2. You're paying Thomas Vanek 10 million dollars this year. PLAY THE SHIT OUT OF HIM.
3. Get a GODDAMNED CAPTAIN. No more of this rotating captain shit. It's just gay.
Maxim Afinogenov: Here's another Buffalo Sabre who's struggling to hit his stride. 7 goals and 18 points in 38 games is a far cry from the 1.09 points per game player we saw last year. What's ailing Maxim Afinogenov? Only Maxim Afinogenov knows.
Jonathan Cheechoo: Cheechoo followed his 56 goal performance in 05/06 with a 69 point/76 game season last year. This year, Cheechoo has a mere 5 goals and 11 points in 33 games. He's looking more and more like a one-hit wonder. While he showed some great chemistry with Thornton, and a Brett Hull-like ability to find open ice in the slot, his lack of top-end skill (ie: passing, skating, puck-possession) is apparently catching up with him. Only time will tell if he can duplicate his 05/06 Rocket Richard winning performance.
Mike Richards: Between the duo of Jeff Carter and Mike Richards, I would have predicted that Jeff Carter would have been the more offensively gifted of the two. However, it seems that Mike Richards has hit his stride with significantly more "umph" than Jeff Carter. With his first two seasons totaling 66 points, Richards is ready to eclipse that combined number by being on pace for 39 goals and 93 points. It looks like he's being groomed to be the future captain of the Flyers, so his future looks bright. Also, watching him play reminds me of Daniel Alfredsson; his feet never stop moving. In case anyone is wondering, yes, he IS that good, and no, don't look for his production to stop anytime soon.
Mike Green: Mike who? Yeah, that's what everyone else is saying. This first round pick of the Washington Capitals is making a splash with 10 goals on the season, and 10 points in his last 12 games. Hot streak? Maybe, but then again, maybe not. Definetly a player to keep one's eye on in the near future.
Jordan Staal: Staal is another player with way too much talent for the number of points he's producing. I don't get to watch Staal that much, but from the few games I've seen him play, he still looks good. Methinks it's just a matter of time. Whether he breaks out of his slump this year or the next, his future is still looking bright.
Jason Blake: If New York is a black hole of hockey, then Toronto is... well, a black hole as well. It's just a lot bigger. Owen Nolan, Alexander Mogilny, Joe Nieuwendyk, Eric Lindros, and now Jason Blake. Mind you, there have been players that have gone to Toronto and still played well, but we all know they've never played as well on Toronto as they had for their previous clubs. And mind you that Jason Blake was never that good to begin with. A perennial 20 goal scorer, his highest goal total (besides the 06/07 season) was 28 goals. Can we say "abberation"? Why people would expect this guy to score 40+ goals when he's only done it once in his career is beyond me. That being said, he's not really a "true" disappointment as any informed hockey mind would have known he was incapable of the expecations set upon him by MLSE. 'Nuff said.
Paul Ranger: With Dan Boyle out of the lineup all season long, Paul Ranger has done an admirable job sucking up a lot of those minutes. While he's no Dan Boyle (yet), anyone who's seen Ranger in the past will be pleased with the progress he's shown this year. He'll never be a "Chris Pronger" or a "Scott Niedermayer", but then again, no one's expecting him to be. With any luck, when Boyle returns to the lineup, Ranger will continue to log 25+ minutes, which may even develop him into top-pair talent.
Brent Burns: A surprise for some, not so much so for others. Either way, it has been fun watching this one-time-forward blossom into a #1 defenseman. In a couple years, this guy could be logging 28+ minutes. Big body presence, power play quarterback, defensively reliable, capable of logging big-time minutes. What more could one ask for?
Corey Perry: Another "half-surprise" for anyone who's seen him play before. While his on-ice antics can sometimes put his team behind the proverbial "eight-ball", his slick hands, and potential to put up big numbers is beginning to show through. His 21 goals, 33 points, and 73 pims in 43 games is a significant leap from his last year's totals of 17 goals, 44 points, 55 pims in 82 games. This guy is only going to get better.
The Montreal Canadiens
After the first 20 games of the season, even the great cmburns thought he might have to apologize to Habs fans around the world for not believing. Their deadly powerplay, and second-line scoring, along with great performances from Andrei Markov and Mark Streit to fill the shoes of the departed Sheldon Souray were almost enough to propel them to tops in the league. Unfortunately, the perennial mediocrity that has plagued the Habs for the past 10 years has once again reared it's ugly head. The powerplay has lost it's effectiveness, and have dropped from being within 4 points of first in the East, to 9 points back.
Analysis: Regardless of the play of Kovalev, Huet, or Markov, the Canadiens will challenge for the 7th or 8th playoff spot, as long as Saku Koivu remains with the team, and remains healthy.
The Toronto Maple Leafs
This team's performance isn't really a surprise, I just thought I would comment on them because of all the controversy surrounding MLSE, and the fact that Leaf fans are still brainwashed enough to think that the Leafs have a chance of making a cup run. The truth of the matter is, despite their horrendously inconsistent play, the Leafs actually do have a chance of making the playoffs. Of course, making the playoffs, making a successful run (ie: Conference finals or Cup finals), and winning a Cup are all significantly different achievements. While the Leafs may have an outside chance of making the playoffs, the Leafs winning the cup is about as likely as Al Gore getting buck wild on Spring Break in Cancun. It's just not going to happen. After 40 games, the Leafs have 16 wins, which ties them for 3rd in the league for the fewest wins. The only teams with fewer wins are the Los Angeles Kings, and the Tampa Bay Lightning, both of whom are currently sitting in the basements of their respective leagues. Yes, the Toronto Maple Leafs are still losing games, they're just not doing it in regulation. If Leaf Nation thinks they're going to get past the first round of the playoffs with 30 regular season wins, then, well... I guess it'll be just like every other year in Leaf Nation. Go Leafs Go!
Analysis: This team is about as good as everyone (except Maurice) predicted. My analysis of this team is the same as it's been for the past 7 or 8 years. This team needs to be demolished, and it needs to be done soon. Fan support for MLSE is at an all time low, but you would never know it from the number of suits that still fill the seats at the Air Canada Centre. There's not a single player on this team (save Sundin) that contribute on a consistent basis, and there's not a single player on this team (including Sundin) that comes to the rink and leaves the rink with a winning attitude. The bottom line is that the Maple Leafs have filled their roster with a group of players that just don't care about hockey, and just don't care about winning. Firesale. Now. EVERYONE must go. That means the ENTIRE roster. Change the roster. Change the coach. Sell the team, or at least find someone who possesses a modicum of knowledge about hockey. Start from scratch. 'Nuff said.
The Pittsburgh Penguins
While the Pens haven't been the year's biggest disappointment, they haven't entirely lived up to expectations either. For a team with as many offensive weapons as they showed last year, they've been surprisingly quiet. Crosby, to some extent, has been outplayed by (amongst others) Lecavalier, Kovalchuk, Spezza, Zetterberg... Fleury has been inconsistent, and the trade rumours have been surfacing. Recchi was waived, and Jordan Staal, to date, has 3 goals and 10 points in 40 games played.
Analysis: While Pittsburgh hasn't been ripping it up, they're still second in the Atlantic division, and fourth in the east. With a team goal differential of +6, if this is the worst they're going to play, things are still looking up for the Penguins.
The New York Rangers
Like the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Rangers were supposed to be a juggernaut this season, but have failed to achieve the lofty goals they have set out for themselves. However, is this really a surprise? Despite the new cap system, the New York Rangers have fallen back on old habits in trying to buy talent, and if that was their goal, then their mission has been accomplished. With Jaromir Jagr, Chris Drury, Scott Gomez, Martin Straka, Brendan Shanahan, and Henrik Lundqvist (who was actually drafted and developed by the Rangers, but they're paying him 4.25 mil/year, so I'm putting him in the same category), the New York Rangers have one of the strongest forward lineups on paper. Despite all this immense talent, the Rangers are currently last in the Atlantic division, and 9th in the East.
Analaysis: At the end of the day, the New York Rangers will be as the New York Rangers have been for the past 10 or 20 years; a black hole of hockey. Broadway is where hockey talent comes to die, and apparently, nothing has changed. Despite a brief resurgence in Jaromir Jagr a year ago, he has receeded back into his shell, and along with him, the Rangers' playoff and Cup hopes. C'est la vie.
Individual performances:
Thomas Vanek: Upon the departure of Chris Drury and Daniel Briere, Thomas Vanek was supposed to shoulder the offensive load for the Buffalo Sabres. Has anyone seen this guy play. He's good. Very, very good. However, despite his oozing talent, he is logging 16 min. per game, and has 11 goals and 24 points in 39 games played. Now, understandably he's being checked more closely this year, but anyone who's seen Vanek play knows that he's more than slick enough to slip past the tight checking. So what's causing his dreadful "sophomore slump"? God only knows. Maybe he'll pull out of it this year, and maybe he won't. There's only one thing for certain; for a guy with this much skill, it's only a matter of time. In the meantime, if there's anybody who's looking for advice on how to make him better, and how to make your team better (ie: if Lindy Ruff is reading this page), I'm going to give you some advice, free of charge:
1. You don't have the depth at centre to roll four lines like you did last year, so stop trying.
2. You're paying Thomas Vanek 10 million dollars this year. PLAY THE SHIT OUT OF HIM.
3. Get a GODDAMNED CAPTAIN. No more of this rotating captain shit. It's just gay.
Maxim Afinogenov: Here's another Buffalo Sabre who's struggling to hit his stride. 7 goals and 18 points in 38 games is a far cry from the 1.09 points per game player we saw last year. What's ailing Maxim Afinogenov? Only Maxim Afinogenov knows.
Jonathan Cheechoo: Cheechoo followed his 56 goal performance in 05/06 with a 69 point/76 game season last year. This year, Cheechoo has a mere 5 goals and 11 points in 33 games. He's looking more and more like a one-hit wonder. While he showed some great chemistry with Thornton, and a Brett Hull-like ability to find open ice in the slot, his lack of top-end skill (ie: passing, skating, puck-possession) is apparently catching up with him. Only time will tell if he can duplicate his 05/06 Rocket Richard winning performance.
Mike Richards: Between the duo of Jeff Carter and Mike Richards, I would have predicted that Jeff Carter would have been the more offensively gifted of the two. However, it seems that Mike Richards has hit his stride with significantly more "umph" than Jeff Carter. With his first two seasons totaling 66 points, Richards is ready to eclipse that combined number by being on pace for 39 goals and 93 points. It looks like he's being groomed to be the future captain of the Flyers, so his future looks bright. Also, watching him play reminds me of Daniel Alfredsson; his feet never stop moving. In case anyone is wondering, yes, he IS that good, and no, don't look for his production to stop anytime soon.
Mike Green: Mike who? Yeah, that's what everyone else is saying. This first round pick of the Washington Capitals is making a splash with 10 goals on the season, and 10 points in his last 12 games. Hot streak? Maybe, but then again, maybe not. Definetly a player to keep one's eye on in the near future.
Jordan Staal: Staal is another player with way too much talent for the number of points he's producing. I don't get to watch Staal that much, but from the few games I've seen him play, he still looks good. Methinks it's just a matter of time. Whether he breaks out of his slump this year or the next, his future is still looking bright.
Jason Blake: If New York is a black hole of hockey, then Toronto is... well, a black hole as well. It's just a lot bigger. Owen Nolan, Alexander Mogilny, Joe Nieuwendyk, Eric Lindros, and now Jason Blake. Mind you, there have been players that have gone to Toronto and still played well, but we all know they've never played as well on Toronto as they had for their previous clubs. And mind you that Jason Blake was never that good to begin with. A perennial 20 goal scorer, his highest goal total (besides the 06/07 season) was 28 goals. Can we say "abberation"? Why people would expect this guy to score 40+ goals when he's only done it once in his career is beyond me. That being said, he's not really a "true" disappointment as any informed hockey mind would have known he was incapable of the expecations set upon him by MLSE. 'Nuff said.
Paul Ranger: With Dan Boyle out of the lineup all season long, Paul Ranger has done an admirable job sucking up a lot of those minutes. While he's no Dan Boyle (yet), anyone who's seen Ranger in the past will be pleased with the progress he's shown this year. He'll never be a "Chris Pronger" or a "Scott Niedermayer", but then again, no one's expecting him to be. With any luck, when Boyle returns to the lineup, Ranger will continue to log 25+ minutes, which may even develop him into top-pair talent.
Brent Burns: A surprise for some, not so much so for others. Either way, it has been fun watching this one-time-forward blossom into a #1 defenseman. In a couple years, this guy could be logging 28+ minutes. Big body presence, power play quarterback, defensively reliable, capable of logging big-time minutes. What more could one ask for?
Corey Perry: Another "half-surprise" for anyone who's seen him play before. While his on-ice antics can sometimes put his team behind the proverbial "eight-ball", his slick hands, and potential to put up big numbers is beginning to show through. His 21 goals, 33 points, and 73 pims in 43 games is a significant leap from his last year's totals of 17 goals, 44 points, 55 pims in 82 games. This guy is only going to get better.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Quote of the week (Nov. 11, 2007)
I don't want to be lonely. I just want to be alone.
- Daniel Johns, Silverchair
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
The Canadian education system....
Well, here it is. I've been working on this one on and off for about a month now. I still read it over from time to time, and every time I do, I never really know if it makes sense. Be that as it may, I'm sick of trying to make sense of my thoughts on this matter, so I'm just going to throw it out there, and you can form your own opinions about our education system (not that you haven't already). Enjoy!
For a number of weeks now, I've been trying to writing a disparaging report about how screwed up the Canadian education system is compared to other countries. How far behind we are, how students these days lack the proper respect for the free education they're getting, and blah blah blah. I've tried a number of times now, and each time I've stopped short, and I've been trying ever since to get a handle on why I've been unable to complete this post.
For a number of weeks now, I've been trying to writing a disparaging report about how screwed up the Canadian education system is compared to other countries. How far behind we are, how students these days lack the proper respect for the free education they're getting, and blah blah blah. I've tried a number of times now, and each time I've stopped short, and I've been trying ever since to get a handle on why I've been unable to complete this post.
After much thought, careful reflection, and scrutinization, I believe I've finally come to a conclusion. The reason I haven't been able to tell you how completely boned our our education system is, is because in reality, it's not truly a "broken" system per se. While the output of the system may be "damaged goods", the basic rules which govern the system are in perfect working order. Truth be told, if one were to base the success of our education system on the philosophies on which it is based, then the system actually works quite well. We provide a valuable service which is predicated on a system of beliefs that recognizes that not everyone in society is aware of what is best for them, and that education and enlightenment, voluntary or not, is beneficial to all members of society.
That being said, while my original intent to scrutinze the education system may have been fundamentally misguided, it does not mean my feelings were entirely incorrect. While the system may be fundamentally sound, it does by no means acquit the product or the efficacy of the system. This is because many of the most egregious breakdowns in the system do not occur at the fundamental end, but rather on the other end of the spectrum. That is, it is not the rules that govern the system that are in error, but rather the interpretation of those rules that is responsible for this clusterfuck that is the Canadian education system.
This begs the question, where do the rules governing the system end, and the interpretation of the system begin. That is, at what point does the input become the output? The most obvious point would perhaps be at the highest level, as the administration governing any system is most directly responsible for the interpretation of the rules governing that system. Their interpretation in turn guides interpretation at the lower levels. Unfortunately for us, our administrators, particularly at the highest levels, are stupid. One might go so far as to say that it has been their nonsensical mandates and idiotic curriculum design that has singlehandedly alienated thousands of students, while setting others back by failing to prepare them for success at the next level of study. After all, it has been their idiotic initiatives that have moved education away from what has proven to be effective, and blindly forced it into scientifically untested and unproven waters in an attempt to be progressive and win voter favour.
For example, part of the Gr. 2 math curriculum requires students to learn division. Unfortunately, most students at that level cannot proficiently add or subtract, and this gap in numeracy remains until they begin to learn it naturally in Gr. 8 and 9. Since multiplication and division are functions of addition and subtraction, it is virutally impossible for students at this level to conceptually understand division and multiplication when they barely understand addition and subtraction, yet the powers that be insist on using "concrete materials" to help build conceptualization and "making meaning". Correct me if I'm wrong, but a child can calculate that 8/4=2 regardless of whether they understand why. However, according to our administrators, times tables are out, and number grids are in. Mathematics fundamentals are out, "patterns" and "making meaning" are in. Unfortunately, what our administrators fail to understand is that understanding often comes at different times for different children, but it comes nonetheless. Of course, this doesn't do the child any good if they understand why 4x2=8 in Gr. 4, when the curriculum has already moved on to other things. Sorry, Johnny, guess you should have paid more attention in Gr. 2, when we were working with coloured counters, because everyone can understand it when you can "see" it.
And how about the Gr. 10 applied science curriculum? Students who are at the end of the line with science with no intentions of carrying on, or ever returning to science (many whom will simply move into the workplace) are forced to learn how to balance chemical equations, learn about trends in the periodic table, and calculate velocity and acceleration using velocity/time and distance/time graphs. These sorts of concepts, while useful for some students who intend to move on to college (community college for those Americans out there), are uselss for most, and utterly non-sensical for those intending to enter the workforce.
All that being said, these mis-interpretations are not limited to the highest level of administration. The "trickle-down" effect is felt through all levels of administration, and even enters the teaching profession. Principals obsessed with "student success". They initiate programs such as "circles of healing" where students, teachers, and administration get together to talk about how their feelings are affecting the success of the student. Higher levels of government administration forcing students to legally remain in school until the age of 18, so that now they can disrupt the learning of other students for an additional 2 years. "Student sucess" initiatives which make it impossible for administration to remove disruptive influences from the classroom. Teachers who don't understand the value of rules or "memorization", so they teach their students to line up in a circle instead of a straight line, or sacrifice mathematics drills in favour of "hands on" learning.
And how about the Gr. 10 applied science curriculum? Students who are at the end of the line with science with no intentions of carrying on, or ever returning to science (many whom will simply move into the workplace) are forced to learn how to balance chemical equations, learn about trends in the periodic table, and calculate velocity and acceleration using velocity/time and distance/time graphs. These sorts of concepts, while useful for some students who intend to move on to college (community college for those Americans out there), are uselss for most, and utterly non-sensical for those intending to enter the workforce.
All that being said, these mis-interpretations are not limited to the highest level of administration. The "trickle-down" effect is felt through all levels of administration, and even enters the teaching profession. Principals obsessed with "student success". They initiate programs such as "circles of healing" where students, teachers, and administration get together to talk about how their feelings are affecting the success of the student. Higher levels of government administration forcing students to legally remain in school until the age of 18, so that now they can disrupt the learning of other students for an additional 2 years. "Student sucess" initiatives which make it impossible for administration to remove disruptive influences from the classroom. Teachers who don't understand the value of rules or "memorization", so they teach their students to line up in a circle instead of a straight line, or sacrifice mathematics drills in favour of "hands on" learning.
Parents within the general public also have a right to interpret the system. This has led to greater accountability towards teachers, and less accountability for students. Angry parent groups unwittingly raising and lowering standards on a whim have resulted in standardized testing becoming a joke. Instead of increasing the achievement level of our students, we have instead simply lowered the standards of our standardized testing. Curriculum changes in all the wrong places, professional development spearheaded by unqualified personel, cuts to programs which shouldn't be cut, and compromises in areas which should not be compromised. "Math coaches" who design silly "fluff" activities which, not only don't promote learning, but compromise classroom dynamics. And of course, all this is driven by political agendas designed to appease voter temperment. The creation of educational buzz words and phrases, such as "differentiated instruction", "pedagogy", or "think literacy" are all meant to show the voting public the progressive changes the education system has made to improve student success. These educational fads are not only completely ineffective, and in reality quite dumb, hindering the efficacy of teachers more than helping it, but take valuable class time away from structure, practise, and time-tested educational philosophies that educators have employed for hundreds of years. This may come to a shock to many administrators (and I'm not being sarcastic, as I believe that many administrators truly believe this), but teaching a student that x+1 and x+1=0 are different by putting it into a song one day, and then drawing a picture of it the next day doesn't actually make it any easier to learn.
After I had finished teacher's college, and before I actually started teaching, there was a time when I actually considered leaving the profession, simply because of how completely asinine the profession was about being progressive and liberal. However, I have learned a great many things about the teaching profession after being in it for a couple of years now. And one of the most important things I've learned is that, no matter how boned the system may appear, or how bad administration's interpretation of things are, there will always be a host of good honest teachers disobeying the liberal, voter pandering, asinine, complete joke, fad initiatives brought about by the government and their sniveling, sycophantic administration.
And that gives me hope. Hope for a system with noble beliefs. Hope that, while the top of the pyramid may be made of clay, ready to be washed away (and subsequently replaced), the foundation is made of solid rock. It is a system which is built on noble intentions, and built on the backs of teachers who carry those intentions to work every day. No matter how many times the top of the pyramid is washed away, chipped off, or blown down, the system will always maintain it's integrity, which is held firmly on the backs of the people that carry it. I may not be part of the profession for much longer, but I am proud to have been a part of a profession that wears it's heart on it's sleeve.
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