Islanders’ Debacle
So if you haven’t heard, the Islanders owner Charles Wang has just made a joke out of his team. A little over a month ago they announced that Neil Smith had been hired as GM (along with Ted Nolan as head coach, and former Islanders stars Bryan Trottier and Pat LaFontaine had been as lower level executives). It was bold moves from a team that needed them.
Well, just 41 days after Smith was hired, Wang fired him. I think Smith is a bit overrated, but the man has won a Cup as a GM (Rangers in 1994). Apparently Mr. Wang’s business-by-committee approach to the team actually means that he is in charge, though admittedly knows little about the game.
To top this off, he hired Garth Snow as Smith’s replacement. Just days before Snow was hired, he was the team’s back-up goalie. As in under contract as a player. He has obviously now retired. But he has no experience, and his player’s contract still counts against the salary cap the next two seasons!
Pat LaFontaine resigned his position a few hours after this announcement. Smart move by this former classy player. You can read more about it in E. J. Hradek’s COLUMN from earlier this week via ESPN.
I really feel sorry for Isles’ fans.
T-Mac and the Rocket
OK, so this is not just about these two, but it sounded like a cool title.
Lately on SportsCenter, ESPN has been running stories associated with the “My Wish” program through the “Make-A-Wish” foundation. This is when kids with terminal and non-terminal diseases (whether cured or not) get to meet one of their sports heroes. The two that I have seen were of Matt Vosejpka meeting Roger Clemens and Daémon Hanna meeting Tracy McGrady. You can see the LIST on their web site, which includes the video on some.
I know this kind of thing has been going on for a long time, but it still always amazes me sometimes how wonderful these athletes are with these kids. Matt’s wish was to play catch with Clemens. Well when Clemens found out Matt was a pitcher himself, he took the time to go over the grips for certain pitches and work with him on them in the outfield while playing catch. And then he took him to the bullpen to further work on them and give him more tips.
As for McGrady, he invited Daémon and his mom to his house. Had them picked up in one of his SUV’s from the airport, even. Then it appeared that he spent the better part of a day with him. They played hoops. Then played video games. Then had lunch (or dinner). Then played more hoops. Throughout the day, McGrady looked like he was enjoying it as much as Daémon was.
I have met a few athletes, and not for the same reasons as those above, but just at autograph signings. And the ones that I remember best were the ones that the athletes were attentive to the fans and seemingly enjoying the time. For those kids that are suffering, to get a chance to spend some time with their sports hero, obviously that is something they will remember and treasure for the rest of their lives. And for just a few moments of that athletes time, they can create that.
Hats off to those athletes that take the time to participate in these programs. Especially those that participate because they want to, not because it’s good PR.
LaLa.Com … Again
I want to sing this site’s praises again. It is very cool! I am now up to receiving 16 CD’s and having sent out 15. For those of you that have CD’s you wish you hadn’t bought, or ones that you don’t like anymore, it’s a great way to get rid of them and get something in return. Instead of store credit from a used CD shop that gives you little in return for yours, and charges just a couple of dollars beneath the price of a new CD when you buy.
Other things to know, your identity is well hidden. The only time your personal information is revealed is to the sender after they activate an envelope number. And this is only your first name, last initial, and address. And after you inform the site that you received the CD, the address is no longer accessible by the sender. Also, your address or name is never revealed to the receiver of CD’s you send. The return address on the envelopes is LaLa’s.
If you don’t mind used CD’s, it’s a great and cheap way to get them and get rid of some in the process.
SunRocket VOIP
Marcia and I have now had SunRocket’s internet phone service for about three months. My feelings so far is that it’s been worth the money.
Mind you, there have been a few times when we haven’t been able to receive or make calls. But those have been very few instances. And given that we already have cell phones, (to me at least) it’s kind of a non-issue.
The line quality has fluctuated, but overall it has been as good as a cell phone with a good connection. At times it sounds grainy or staticy, but not so bad that you can’t hear anyone.
Given the fact that we are saving 80% on what we had with Verizon, and have the same features, I have been rather happy with the service.
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