Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

WIS Productions Presents ... The Effingwoods Hockey Almanac

Collapse
X
 
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

  • #31
    Re: WIS Productions Presents ... The Effingwoods Hockey Almanac

    As noted earlier today in the older WIS thread from last offseason, I'll be reactivating this one for a reboot of the half-finished (but far from abandoned) Once Upon a Time in Hockey East epic in the coming weeks. It wasn't halted for any reason other than I got very busy, and we ran too far into a compelling hockey season that (happily) had me spend more time on games than tales.

    +++++++++++++++

    But for the time being, I'm going to post here periodically on topics or items of personal interest, and share some thoughts and observations that you may find interesting on some level. And on that front … while watching some YouTube clips over the last several days, I came across this old chestnut linked below, which was for the opening weekend of the 1970 NFL season, by way of the iconic This Week in Pro Football, featuring hosts Pat Summerall and Tom Brookshier.

    Both have since passed, but this was only a few years into their post-football careers (Summerall was a kicker for the Giants, and Brookshier an Eagles CB), and their give and take - aided by the words of NFL Films' icon Steve Sabol (also since passed), and the music of Sam Spence - gives those from younger generations a sense of what was going on to turn the NFL from "just another league" to its behemoth status. As a kid at the time, this stuff was weekly must-see viewing ...

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_W3TJ4pcL0

    Perspective - these are literally the first regular season games after the full NFL-AFL merger, which saw Baltimore, Cleveland and Pittsburgh all moving to the AFC to even out the numbers (13 teams apiece). As is the case right now, Kansas City were the defending Super Bowl champs, and the immortal Vince Lombardi - then head coach/GM of the Washington Redskins - had passed away weeks, if not days earlier. It was the last season for the Boston Patriots before they moved to Foxboro. Some other highlights or things to look for in the clip …

    * Don Shula's debut as head coach of the Miami Dolphins, against the aforementioned Patriots;
    * Terry Bradshaw's debut as QB for the Pittsburgh Steelers;
    * Minnesota thrashes Kansas City in what was a rematch of KC's SB IV victory 8 months earlier;
    * The impact of Lombardi's death on his former players in Green Bay and Washington;
    * Iconic former Buffalo coach Lou Saban (no relation) returning with Denver to kick OJ's butt;
    * New Orleans playing pre-Superdome between the hedges at Tulane Stadium ;
    * Charming, quaint discussion about midway in on some "rule changes" (plus ca change … )
    * My Giants choking in a rare Saturday night home game in what turned out to be a rare good season;
    * This was also the weekend of Monday Night Football's debut on ABC (not mentioned here);
    * Both Dallas and Baltimore - eventual SB V opponents - playing crap but finding a way to win;
    * In the ultimate instance of foreshadowing … Baltimore's rookie PK Jim O'Brien kicks a game-winning FG to rescue the Colts, a feat he would repeat four months later in Miami to beat Dallas in SB V

    If you're of my generation and loved the NFL growing up, this is a goldmine. I'm sure you'll pick up on many things I haven't mentioned or even noticed on here. If you're younger, you might find it interesting to see what Football looked like back then, even if it's just that all of the stadiums and their fields looked different - not cookie-cutter similar like these days. Enjoy!!
    Sworn Enemy of the Perpetually Offended
    Montreal Expos Forever ...

    Comment


    • #32
      Re: WIS Productions Presents ... The Effingwoods Hockey Almanac

      Yesterday was vintage NFL football … today, I'll share a hockey item, this from Sports Illustrated featuring the classic 1979 Boston v. Montreal conference finals showdown, lots of discussion about the long-standing rivalry, and a very close look at the infamous "too many men on the ice" penalty late in Game 7 that ultimately led to the Bruins's heartbreaking downfall:

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ldJLC_Dy0mM

      I'd jumped ship as a B's fan by this time, after Bobby Orr had left, but hockey is hockey, and this series - the teams' third postseason meeting in as many years - was a big deal. I remember a lot of frustration in Boston over "why the call so late" etc. but in the discussion here, it seems everyone was well aware of the problem, and it was going on for more than a few seconds. There is a lot of commentary from the B's Don Marcotte - who was assigned to shadow the Habs' Guy Lafleur - and head coach Don Cherry, and it seems that Cherry sent another left winger out (Stan Jonathan) but Marcotte never came off, following Cherry's directive to follow Lafleur "everywhere". Marcotte played a long time in relative anonymity for the B's, so seeing the focus on him here kind of caught me by surprise. Cherry (rightfully) seems to fall on his sword for the incident.

      I'm guessing many of you have seen this (or known these details) before, but for me it was kind of new info. I hesitate to say the usual "enjoy", but maybe it's of interest to a few.
      Sworn Enemy of the Perpetually Offended
      Montreal Expos Forever ...

      Comment


      • #33
        Re: WIS Productions Presents ... The Effingwoods Hockey Almanac

        Hopefully, some non-partisan laughs to be had from these COVID-19 items from the Babylon Bee

        https://babylonbee.com/news/springbr...spell-out-yolo

        https://babylonbee.com/news/burger-k...se-of-covid-19

        'Cuz we still gotta laugh …
        Sworn Enemy of the Perpetually Offended
        Montreal Expos Forever ...

        Comment


        • #34
          Re: WIS Productions Presents ... The Effingwoods Hockey Almanac

          You always think you're going to win
          Otherwise you couldn't fight at all

          Jack Dempsey


          https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9O_9ANas7NQ

          If you're a fan of vintage era heavyweight boxing … I came across this compelling CBC documentary for the first time today, The Last Round. It's an extended look at the intersecting careers of Muhammad Ali and former Canadian heavyweight champion George Chuvalo, told from the perspective of Chuvalo. I wasn't sure what to expect, and I consider myself fairly knowledgeable about boxing up thru the 1980's, so I was aware in a general sense of Chuvalo as one of a long line of challengers to Ali's heavyweight crown. But in this documentary, you not only get an in-depth look at Chuvalo's long and star-crossed career of close calls and near misses, you also get an extended glimpse into a very under-covered segment of Ali's own career.

          For hockey-related content … you discover that Chuvalo was considered the "house fighter" at the old Maple Leaf Gardens for long stretches of the late '50's/early '60's, and there are mentions of both Conn Smythe and Harold Ballard in connection with the '66 bout between Ali and Chuvalo. There were probably at least a dozen times in the length of the documentary where I had to say "hey, I didn't know that" or "I've never seen that Ali clip", considering that Ali was arguably the most densely covered athlete in the world over the second half of the last century. The focus leading up to the fight spans a period of time after the second Ali-Liston fight in Lewiston ME (!) on which not a lot of time has spent in the US media, or in other biopics of the great Ali.

          Throw in cameos of Joe Louis, Floyd Patterson, Rocky Marciano, Archie Moore and others of the era, and extended insight from Angelo Dundee … just fascinating stuff.

          WIS Ratings:

          for non-boxing fans in search of a good story
          for boxing fans interested in an under-reported bit of Ali's career
          Sworn Enemy of the Perpetually Offended
          Montreal Expos Forever ...

          Comment


          • #35
            Re: WIS Productions Presents ... The Effingwoods Hockey Almanac

            It's been a busy last few weeks, as yours truly has been communing with nature on the brook side of the WIS Estate and clearing an acre's worth of vegetation from around the long-ignored brook along the western edge of the property, to open things up for better water flow, better accessibility, and a more aesthetic presence. A lot of interesting things have been dredged out of the brook to clean the thing out, and the work I've been doing is starting to earn some rave reviews from our bordering neighbors.

            Yes, this is not a misprint. Consider this my newfound "green phase" to preserve my little corner of the planet. Having said that, not all is well in the world of the so-called "Green New Deal" and those who claim to support it for virtuous reasons. Of particular interest is the latest Michael Moore production, "Planet of the Humans", which has been posted in its entirety on YouTube.

            https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zk11vI-7czE

            https://www.salon.com/2020/05/01/why...controversial/

            Renewable energy not quite so renewable … supporters part of the corporate elite … lots of very interesting revelations to be had here for sure. Plus some ELP and King Crimson songs starting at 37 minutes in, with credits to Carl Palmer, the late Greg Lake's personal manager, and ELP's long-time manager mixed in. Fascinating and revealing, all at once, and some great footage from nearby Vermont thrown in. WIS gives this a 4 rating - enjoy!!!
            Last edited by Chuck Murray; 05-04-2020, 10:12 PM.
            Sworn Enemy of the Perpetually Offended
            Montreal Expos Forever ...

            Comment


            • #36
              Originally posted by Chuck Murray View Post
              It's been a busy last few weeks, as yours truly has been communing with nature on the brook side of the WIS Estate and clearing an acre's worth of vegetation from around the long-ignored brook along the western edge of the property, to open things up for better water flow, better accessibility, and a more aesthetic presence. A lot of interesting things have been dredged out of the brook to clean the thing out, and the work I've been doing is starting to earn some rave reviews from our bordering neighbors.

              Yes, this is not a misprint. Consider this my newfound "green phase" to preserve my little corner of the planet. Having said that, not all is well in the world of the so-called "Green New Deal" and those who claim to support it for virtuous reasons. Of particular interest is the latest Michael Moore production, "Planet of the Humans", which has been posted in its entirety on YouTube.

              https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zk11vI-7czE

              https://www.salon.com/2020/05/01/why...controversial/

              Renewable energy not quite so renewable … supporters part of the corporate elite … lots of very interesting revelations to be had here for sure. Plus some ELP and King Crimson songs starting at 37 minutes in, with credits to Carl Palmer, the late Greg Lake's personal manager, and ELP's long-time manager mixed in. Fascinating and revealing, all at once, and some great footage from nearby Vermont thrown in. WIS gives this a 4 rating - enjoy!!!
              Good work cleaning out your streambed, Chuck. Folks over in the Cafe had been wondering what happened to you. :-)

              As for Michael Moore's latest film, from reviews it sounds like I will not like it, long-term environmentalist that I am.

              Comment


              • #37
                Re: WIS Productions Presents ... The Effingwoods Hockey Almanac

                Originally posted by Snively65 View Post
                Good work cleaning out your streambed, Chuck. Folks over in the Cafe had been wondering what happened to you. :-)
                Reports of my demise have been greatly exaggerated, Snives. Truth be told, after a couple of days being hijacked over there, the discourse wasn't worth the time, and folks I figured might be up to the challenge were hiding behind their minions. Radio Free Cafe may decide to pay a few visits in the future, but the entertainment value of battling closed minds wore off quickly.

                Pulled up a stray hubcap, a golf ball, and an empty bag of mulch on Sunday afternoon alone. A few more days and it'll be clean as a whistle!!

                Originally posted by Snively65 View Post
                As for Michael Moore's latest film, from reviews it sounds like I will not like it, long-term environmentalist that I am.
                Actually, I think the movie is directed mostly at folks like you, and sides with the rank-and-file environmentalists, as opposed to those who have arguably hijacked the movement in recent years. Let's just say that folks like Gore and McKibben do not come off well (and based on the filmmaker's findings, deservedly so). Not to venture too far into the details and "spoiler alert" anyone who might be interested, but if Gibbs' point - which I believe he expresses at the end is that this is a human behavioral issue, and not a CO2 issue - then I'm probably more in agreement with his take than most folks on here might expect from me.

                If environmentalists stick to the core mission of keeping the planet clean, I'm an environmentalist too. It's when they venture out too far and invent models and tweak data to support larger socialist-leaning causes … that's where they lose me. I'd be very surprised if you didn't find the movie a worthwhile investment of your time, Snives. The targets Gibbs hits are hardly folks like you.
                Sworn Enemy of the Perpetually Offended
                Montreal Expos Forever ...

                Comment


                • #38
                  Re: WIS Productions Presents ... The Effingwoods Hockey Almanac

                  Apologies to the original author(s) and inspiration for the liberties I am about to take …

                  In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand and Twenty Two

                  I lie awake, staring out at the bleakness of life beyond the limits of the WIS Estate. Earth and sky become one, merging into a single plane, a vast sea of unbroken grey. The Twin Moons, just two pale orbs as they trace their way across the steely sky ... I used to think I had a pretty good life here, just plugging into the Internet, and receiving news and entertainment from a single source.

                  My friend Joey Buttons always said it was nicer here than it was during the College Hockey Dark Ages. We have had peace since 1985, when State and the Slightly Sub-Elite schools were banded together under the Red Star of the Hockey East Association. The less fortunate gave us a few new moons to join in. I believed what I was told. I thought it was a good life, I thought I was happy.

                  Then I found something that changed it all ...
                  Sworn Enemy of the Perpetually Offended
                  Montreal Expos Forever ...

                  Comment


                  • #39
                    Re: WIS Productions Presents ... The Effingwoods Hockey Almanac



                    And the geeks shall inherit the Earth ...
                    Sworn Enemy of the Perpetually Offended
                    Montreal Expos Forever ...

                    Comment


                    • #40
                      Re: WIS Productions Presents ... The Effingwoods Hockey Almanac

                      Today is my birthday, Maybe I'll listen to some rush today. After Iron Maiden, Megadeth, Judus Priest and Metallica.
                      UW Hockey NCAA Champs 73, 77, 81, 83, 90, 06

                      Comment


                      • #41
                        Re: WIS Productions Presents ... The Effingwoods Hockey Almanac

                        The massive grey tents of the circuses rise from the heart of every Association campus. I have always been awed by them, to think that every single facet of every life is regulated and directed from within! Our books, our music, our work and play, are all looked after by the benevolent wisdom of The Elites ...



                        We've taken care of everything
                        From words you read and songs you sing
                        The pictures that give pleasure to your eye
                        It's one for all and all for one
                        We work together, common sons
                        Never need to wonder how or why

                        We are The Elites of the Circus of Science
                        Our computer models fill our hallowed halls
                        We are The Elites of the Circus of Science
                        All the gifts of life are held within our walls

                        Look around this world we made
                        Equality, our stock in trade
                        Come and join the Brotherhood of Man
                        Oh, what a nice contented world
                        Let the banners be unfurled
                        Hold the Red Star proudly high in hand

                        We are The Elites of the Circus of Science
                        Our computer models fill our hallowed halls
                        We are The Elites of the Circus of Science
                        All the gifts of life are held within our walls
                        Sworn Enemy of the Perpetually Offended
                        Montreal Expos Forever ...

                        Comment


                        • #42
                          Re: WIS Productions Presents ... The Effingwoods Hockey Almanac

                          In a tilted tree by the brook, on the edge of my beloved WIS Estate, a songbird led me to a bustle in a hedgerow beneath a proud but nearly fallen oak. There, I found it. I brushed away the dust of the years, and picked it up, holding it reverently in my hands. I'd forgotten such a device even existed, but it was quite beautiful ... I learned to lay my fingers across the wires, and to turn the keys to make them sound differently. As I struck the wires with my other hand, I produced my first harmonious sounds, and soon my own music! How different it could be from the droning music emitted from the grey Circus Tents looming in the distance! Being pure of heart and entirely naïve, my first thought was, "I can't wait to share this gift, and tell The Elites all about it" ...
                          Sworn Enemy of the Perpetually Offended
                          Montreal Expos Forever ...

                          Comment


                          • #43
                            Re: WIS Productions Presents ... The Effingwoods Hockey Almanac

                            As I approached the massive grey Circus tents after my distant travel, I could hear unusual sounds emanating from under those tents. Today was the annual Festival of the Common Man, hosted by The Elites. Most of the entertainment was quite droning and banal in content, with some brief exceptions ...



                            I suppose I was so focused on my own upcoming participation that I didn't notice some of the premature terminations of the more adventurous presentations amongst the preceding participants. But now it would be my turn, and being pure of heart and full of good intentions, I began to play, confident its eternal qualities would be welcomed warmly by those who programmed our lives ...
                            Sworn Enemy of the Perpetually Offended
                            Montreal Expos Forever ...

                            Comment


                            • #44
                              I know it's most unusual to come before you so,
                              But I've found an ancient miracle I thought that you should know.

                              Listen to my music, and hear what it can do.
                              There's something here as strong as life,
                              I know that it will reach you.


                              In the sudden silence as I finished playing, I looked up to a circle of grim, expressionless faces. Supreme Leader Metcalf rose to his feet, and his somnolent voice echoed throughout the cavernous Circus tent ... instead of the grateful joy that I expected, they were words of quiet rejection! Instead of praise, there was sullen dismissal.

                              Yes, we know, it's nothing new, it's just a waste of time.
                              We have no need for ancient ways, our league is doing fine.

                              Another toy will help destroy the common goal of man!
                              Forget about your silly whim, it doesn't fit the plan.


                              I watched in horror as Metcalf ground my precious instrument to splinters beneath his feet ...

                              I can't believe you're saying, these things just can't be true.
                              Our world could use this beauty, just think what we might do.

                              Listen to my music, and hear what it can do.
                              There's something here as strong as life,
                              I know that it will reach you.

                              Don't annoy us further, we have our work to do.
                              Just think about the average -- what use have they for you?


                              Another toy will help destroy the common goal of man!
                              Forget about your silly whim, it doesn't fit the plan.


                              My mind raced as I was unceremoniously ushered by the Elites' crew of lookalike toadies out the back flaps of the Circus tent, as more mundane presentations deemed more palatable for the masses by the domineering Elites no doubt followed. Disillusioned but perhaps no longer naive, I began my long trek back to the Estate, now seemingly rudderless on future ambitions, but with clarity of the true intentions of those who would rule. Every step away from the fraudulent Circus felt like a step towards freedom of spirit and hope ... but how did we end up here as a league, as fans, as a people???

                              I could never have imagined where those answers might come from, until they were upon me ...
                               
                              Last edited by Chuck Murray; 06-14-2020, 10:00 AM.
                              Sworn Enemy of the Perpetually Offended
                              Montreal Expos Forever ...

                              Comment


                              • #45
                                Perhaps it was just a dream, but even now, it all seems so vivid to me. Clearly yet I see the beckoning hand of a white-haired Oracle as he stood at the summit of the staircase ... I see still the incredible beauty, the mix of the brand new arenas and the historical old barns, and a vibrant, competitive spirit of man revealed in the lives and works of this past world. I was overwhelmed by both wonder and understanding as I saw a completely different way of life - and some raw old time hockey too - since crushed by the Elites and their mundane scripted Circuses not so long ago. I saw now how empty and meaningless things had become with the loss of all these things ...

                                I wandered home though silent streets
                                And fell into a fitful sleep
                                Escape to realms beyond the night
                                Dream can't you show me the light?

                                ...

                                I stand atop a spiral stair
                                An Oracle confronts me there
                                He leads me on light years away
                                Through astral nights, galactic days
                                I see the works of gifted hands
                                That grace this strange and wondrous land
                                I see the hand of man arise
                                With hungry mind and open eyes

                                They left our league so long ago
                                The Elders they still learn and grow
                                Their power grows with purpose strong
                                To claim the homes where they belong
                                Home to tear the Circus down...
                                Home to change ...
                                 
                                Sworn Enemy of the Perpetually Offended
                                Montreal Expos Forever ...

                                Comment

                                Working...
                                X