Hockey: Bit of a late post, but everyone within the hockey world knows what has started... it's free agency 2010. I disagree with many, many people saying this is a pathetic pool, a shallow pool, or limited pool, etc. This is a great pool for teams looking for that extra something-something to elevate the rest of their team into the play offs, conference finals, cup champions. Nonetheless, I want to watch where the not-big-names go and to guess their impact.
The Canucks are still looking for another defenceman, even at 7 signed +2 in the minors. Vancouver needs centers. Madden is available now, and it'd be interesting to see what Vancouver will offer for him. He fits what Gillis needs: experience, 4th line center. Kyle Wellwood is a fan-friendly player, and ought to received some consideration.
It's going to be a fun day and I'm looking forward to writing about those role players going to new homes.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Monday, June 28, 2010
June 28: Re-ignition
Hockey: To follow up on the earlier post, Calgary has extended qualifying offers to several players. The three notables are White, Sutter (omg noe wai!), and the new 26-year old goaltender Karlsson. I can't find what the offers are pegged at right now, but I can guess that White (who made $800,000 last year) is likely to get an increase in pay, as is Sutter (who made $500,000). Karlsson is noted to be at $1.5m, but that was from his time in the Swedish Elite League translated over. At 26 he can still be considered a rookie, which is something to note.
In all, I'm guessing this round of offers will take off $3.5m to $4.25m in the remaining $7.2m cap space. It's significant, but now Calgary does have defensive depth for both the season and trades, a back-up goaltender, and some prospects that might be trade-worthy.
In all, I'm guessing this round of offers will take off $3.5m to $4.25m in the remaining $7.2m cap space. It's significant, but now Calgary does have defensive depth for both the season and trades, a back-up goaltender, and some prospects that might be trade-worthy.
June 28: Fizzling fire
Hockey: One thing Flames' GM Daryl Sutter forgot from his childhood is that when make a fire with gas, while bright and strong to start with, will fizzle out. As of this morning, the Flames are sitting at $52.1m in salary, leaving around $7.2 left. While that chunk of change might be able to seek out a much needed forward--or the perfect center for Iginla--it still doesn't account for several pieces missing from the team. Still unsigned for the Flames are Higgins (UFA), Conroy (UFA), Nystrom (UFA), new goaltender Henrik Karlsson (RFA), and a good looking Ian White (RFA). Assuming all players remain at their last season's salary, that would be a combined cap hit of $6.3m. Obviously, seeking out a UFA center that is able to play with Iginla will cost more than the $900,000 left. Moreover, the Flames would likely want to avoid what happened during the 2008-2009 season where, because of how close they were to the cap, weren't able to call players up from the minors for the last 9 games of the season. Those last 9 games where they lost much of a 16 point lead they had on the Canucks for the division title.
Nonetheless, Calgary is lacking many pieces and is not a full team. A weak development program that saw Backlund slow and sputter. Only 9 one-way forwards are signed, with about 3 two-way players in the ranks that might be able to come up. That leaves a disjointed team with too many holes to be ignored for the sake for finding that perfect center. The back end is in far better shape. Bouwmeester, Regher, Sarich, Staios, Giordano, and Pardy are signed. As well, minor leaguers Seabrook, Brodie, and Meyers have shown good development and could fill in.
With a priority on re-signing Ian White, I wouldn't be shocked if a big name like Regher is asked which teams he wouldn't mind moving to. The Flames do have enough depth on the back end to address their lack of scoring (and structure; and balance; and heart; and toughness; and size) on the front end. A trade that might aim to bring in some big names with extras, like Savard or Spezza. However, the trade would see the Flames dumping a lot of salary in the process. This must be done to facilitate the restructuring (and not rebuilding) of the team.
Remember, GM Sutter has said again that he's "only one player away". Which is an improbability considering he only has 12 real forwards ready to play, and even a few of them are questionable. The Flames need to plan with a Deep Blue level of strategy on how to fix their scoring up front while avoiding the red-zone of the salary cap.
Nonetheless, Calgary is lacking many pieces and is not a full team. A weak development program that saw Backlund slow and sputter. Only 9 one-way forwards are signed, with about 3 two-way players in the ranks that might be able to come up. That leaves a disjointed team with too many holes to be ignored for the sake for finding that perfect center. The back end is in far better shape. Bouwmeester, Regher, Sarich, Staios, Giordano, and Pardy are signed. As well, minor leaguers Seabrook, Brodie, and Meyers have shown good development and could fill in.
With a priority on re-signing Ian White, I wouldn't be shocked if a big name like Regher is asked which teams he wouldn't mind moving to. The Flames do have enough depth on the back end to address their lack of scoring (and structure; and balance; and heart; and toughness; and size) on the front end. A trade that might aim to bring in some big names with extras, like Savard or Spezza. However, the trade would see the Flames dumping a lot of salary in the process. This must be done to facilitate the restructuring (and not rebuilding) of the team.
Remember, GM Sutter has said again that he's "only one player away". Which is an improbability considering he only has 12 real forwards ready to play, and even a few of them are questionable. The Flames need to plan with a Deep Blue level of strategy on how to fix their scoring up front while avoiding the red-zone of the salary cap.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
June 26: Apple and Peach Pork Tenderloin
Cooking: Apple and Peach Pork Tenderloin. It's the start of summer and fruit will be coming around fast. This is an easy recipe that takes seasonal fruit and matches it with a meat that takes sweet flavours well. It has a few steps that are packed with a tonne of smaller steps. However, they are mostly technique tidbits that give you more control of your food.
Ingredients
Pork tenderloin
Apples (baking apples, not sauce apples)
Peaches
Sweet onion
A sweet white wine (e.g., gewurtzaminer)
Butter
Salt and pepper
Step 1: searing and sealing the pork
In a hot pan, add some olive oil. Don't use extra virgin because you will burn it; just simple olive oil. Season the tenderloin with some salt and pepper. To seal the meat you must sear it the entire way around. To keep it really juicy, melt a knob of butter in the pan and baste the meat. Just tip the pan up slightly to pool the liquid and spoon it over the meat. Roll the meat and repeat until golden brown the entire way around. Take the pork out of the pan and let it rest. It is very important you let it rest as you'll be cutting into it shortly.
Step 2: the fruit
Using the same pan (because all that searing left great flavours in the bottom of the pan), take your finely chopped onions and place them in the pan now at medium-high heat. If there isn't enough fat in the pan, add some more butter. Cook onions until transparent. Add sliced peaches and apples and saute. When the fruit is just getting soft, season with salt and pepper. Add enough wine to submerge the fruit. Reduce the mixture until fruit is well glazed.
Step 3: baking in flavour
Set the oven (or BBQ) pre-heated to 350*F. The pork has rested and can not be cut into without it losing a lot of juice. You want to be able to stuff the pork, so make a medial cut into the pork deep enough to facilitate adequate stuffing. The pork should still be raw inside after the searing. If it isn't then you've over cooked it. Add as much of the fruit into the cut as you can while still being able to close the meat. Place on foil for wrapping. Take the rest of the fruit and place around the pork. Tightly wrap the pork and fruit in the foil. Place in oven (or BBQ) for 12-15 minutes.
Remove and let sit. Cut into manageable portions. Serve with the wine.
Ingredients
Pork tenderloin
Apples (baking apples, not sauce apples)
Peaches
Sweet onion
A sweet white wine (e.g., gewurtzaminer)
Butter
Salt and pepper
Step 1: searing and sealing the pork
In a hot pan, add some olive oil. Don't use extra virgin because you will burn it; just simple olive oil. Season the tenderloin with some salt and pepper. To seal the meat you must sear it the entire way around. To keep it really juicy, melt a knob of butter in the pan and baste the meat. Just tip the pan up slightly to pool the liquid and spoon it over the meat. Roll the meat and repeat until golden brown the entire way around. Take the pork out of the pan and let it rest. It is very important you let it rest as you'll be cutting into it shortly.
Step 2: the fruit
Using the same pan (because all that searing left great flavours in the bottom of the pan), take your finely chopped onions and place them in the pan now at medium-high heat. If there isn't enough fat in the pan, add some more butter. Cook onions until transparent. Add sliced peaches and apples and saute. When the fruit is just getting soft, season with salt and pepper. Add enough wine to submerge the fruit. Reduce the mixture until fruit is well glazed.
Step 3: baking in flavour
Set the oven (or BBQ) pre-heated to 350*F. The pork has rested and can not be cut into without it losing a lot of juice. You want to be able to stuff the pork, so make a medial cut into the pork deep enough to facilitate adequate stuffing. The pork should still be raw inside after the searing. If it isn't then you've over cooked it. Add as much of the fruit into the cut as you can while still being able to close the meat. Place on foil for wrapping. Take the rest of the fruit and place around the pork. Tightly wrap the pork and fruit in the foil. Place in oven (or BBQ) for 12-15 minutes.
Remove and let sit. Cut into manageable portions. Serve with the wine.
Friday, June 25, 2010
June 25: Draft Day, 2010, part 2
Hockey: Vancouver is looking to make a move. Florida's D Keith Ballard may be going to Vancouver along with F Victor Oreskovich in exchange for Vancouver's first round pick (25th overall), F Michael Grabner, and F Steve Bernier. The catch is that if Vancouver's choice for is still available when their pick comes up then Vancouver with 86 the deal and use their pick. Florida picks again at 15th overall, where they will likely take Vancouver's expressed pick in order to close out the trade.
Hall goes 1st, Seguin goes 2nd.
Hall goes 1st, Seguin goes 2nd.
June 25: Draft Day, 2010, part 1
Hockey: Draft Day 2010 today in Los Angeles. The TSN mock draft and many people are under the impression that Taylor Hall will be selected 1st overall by the Oilers. This is bloody terrible. Hall is a fantastic player and has the ability to make an immediate impact on an organization; however, the value of a strong, smart, and high-skill center ought to trump that of a sniper on the wing. High end centers have the ability to make those around them better, even more so than a winger can. Seguin ought to be picked 1st overall because of the focus on rebuilding, rather than filling seats.
Then again, this is the Oilers organization.
Then again, this is the Oilers organization.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
June 24: In-laws coming?
Hockey: The moves made by Chicago are far from done, it seems. This has moved past preparing for a weekend to a court ordered house cleaning in preparation for the in-laws coming over. Chicago has not bothered to care about "the team that won the cup" and in the mode of ensuring there will be room and opportunity to start a post-cup win rebuild the year after rather than after 3 years of varying success.
The Big Buff trade went through last night.
Before the flushing of cap, Chicago was $234,164 below the cap and was technically an incomplete team. Unless Chicago is planning on filling the rest of the roster with rookies, the Blackhawks are going to need more cap room for resigning other players: Anti Niemi. The goaltender that won Chicago the cup, playing in every game (though not finishing every game), is still and unsigned RFA. Once Chicago is done dumping salary they are going to lock in Niemi. Unlike Montreal, Chicago is willing to deal away more replaceable features of their organization rather than the corner stones for long-term greatness.
Numbers, in and out:
IN: Jeremy Morin, $977,500
IN: Marty Reasoner, $1,150,000
OUT: Dustin Byfuglien, $3,000,000
OUT: Brent Sopel, $2,333,333
OUT: Ben Eager, $1,000,000
OUT: Akim Aliu, $875,400
(Subtotal from Atlanta trade: freeing up $5,081, 233)
OUT: Colin Fraser, $700,000
That's a freeing up of $5.7m cap. They aren't done yet. John Madden, Niklas Hjalmarsson, Jordon Hendry, Kim Jonsson, and Andrew Ladd are all unaccounted for. This group, on top of Anti Niemi.
Expect more to come.
The Big Buff trade went through last night.
Before the flushing of cap, Chicago was $234,164 below the cap and was technically an incomplete team. Unless Chicago is planning on filling the rest of the roster with rookies, the Blackhawks are going to need more cap room for resigning other players: Anti Niemi. The goaltender that won Chicago the cup, playing in every game (though not finishing every game), is still and unsigned RFA. Once Chicago is done dumping salary they are going to lock in Niemi. Unlike Montreal, Chicago is willing to deal away more replaceable features of their organization rather than the corner stones for long-term greatness.
Numbers, in and out:
IN: Jeremy Morin, $977,500
IN: Marty Reasoner, $1,150,000
OUT: Dustin Byfuglien, $3,000,000
OUT: Brent Sopel, $2,333,333
OUT: Ben Eager, $1,000,000
OUT: Akim Aliu, $875,400
(Subtotal from Atlanta trade: freeing up $5,081, 233)
OUT: Colin Fraser, $700,000
That's a freeing up of $5.7m cap. They aren't done yet. John Madden, Niklas Hjalmarsson, Jordon Hendry, Kim Jonsson, and Andrew Ladd are all unaccounted for. This group, on top of Anti Niemi.
Expect more to come.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
June 23: More moving?
Hockey: It appears Chicago is frantically working on preparations to tap the free agent market. The Blackhawks are in the process of trading Dustin "Big Buff" Byfuglien to the Atlanta Thrashers. What a fun move! This is how it breaks down:
To Atlanta
Byfuglien, Sopel, Eager, Aliu
To Chicago
24th and 54th overall pick at the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, Marty Reasoner, and Jeremy Morin.
My take is that Atlanta, a struggling organization from the top to bottom, is picking up three (four?) guys with massive hearts. That is an ideal situation for up and coming players like F Evander Kane (18) and D Zach Bogosian (22). Moreover, this could spur on more seasoned players, like Afinogenov and Antropov.
Chicago appears to be gearing up for the free agent market. Getting picks and ensuring that players who will be costing them more are on the out spells cap space and motive. I wouldn't be shocked if we start to hear more about Chicago's interest in big name free agents.
This trade isn't final yet.
Also, this gets Big Buff away from Vancouver and closer to Philly.
To Atlanta
Byfuglien, Sopel, Eager, Aliu
To Chicago
24th and 54th overall pick at the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, Marty Reasoner, and Jeremy Morin.
My take is that Atlanta, a struggling organization from the top to bottom, is picking up three (four?) guys with massive hearts. That is an ideal situation for up and coming players like F Evander Kane (18) and D Zach Bogosian (22). Moreover, this could spur on more seasoned players, like Afinogenov and Antropov.
Chicago appears to be gearing up for the free agent market. Getting picks and ensuring that players who will be costing them more are on the out spells cap space and motive. I wouldn't be shocked if we start to hear more about Chicago's interest in big name free agents.
This trade isn't final yet.
Also, this gets Big Buff away from Vancouver and closer to Philly.
June 23: Move done; draft preperation
I've moved into a new place after the last two days. It's cramped and cluttered (was before I moved in). A bit of an adjustment, but the hope is I will be employed somewhere soon so I can move again.
Hockey: Vancouver is picked up a new, full-time goaltending coach. Ian Clark, who was a major reason why Luongo signed long-term in Vancouver, is out and is being replaced by Roland Melasnson. The move is more for Cory Schneider than for Luongo, but after the last up-and-down season, the current Canucks captain could use a change in perspective.
Montreal has made the move to keep two contributors from last season. "Young" Matthieu Darche, who is 33, has finally earned a one-way contract. He'll be spending the next season on the 4th line, rare appearances on the 3rd, and healthy scratched then; or, he'll be picked up off waivers. Montreal has also resigned Tomas Plekanec. Sticking with his recently announced paradigm, Gauthier is signing veteran players to big contracts, which is going to leave little room for the free agent signings they are going to need for another playoff run. Remember, this year they don't have Halak, which means Montreal will have to do even more on the front-end defensive side of things to keep themselves in games.
Edmonton, still a reeling team from last season, has made a minor coaching change. No longer will Grizzly Quinn be leading the bench--he's been move to the front office! Tom Renney will take off as head coach now, clearing up any possible chance that the issues were derived from a "lack of coordinated effort by the coaches". Which is not the case and would not be the case in the future. Quinn and Renney were a think that that pushed ideas forward and did what they could. Edmonton lacked a lot of things last season, but good coaching wasn't one of them. I doubt this will be part of the answer. Consider how the Flyers played through the playoffs and compare that to Edmonton; Philly was a unit, always a coordinated group that trusted and relied on each other. Edmonton players didn't trust one and other, resulting in haphazard play and numerous turnovers per game. Until that team can trust they will not be able to grow. Taking Quinn out of the mix isn't going to solve the trust issue.
And, lastly for now, Scott Niedermayer has retired. He was a great player because he brought everything you wanted: smarts, skills, power, cheap tactics, and leadership. All things that help teams win in the NHL. Will Teemu retire as well? Who knows yet?
Hockey: Vancouver is picked up a new, full-time goaltending coach. Ian Clark, who was a major reason why Luongo signed long-term in Vancouver, is out and is being replaced by Roland Melasnson. The move is more for Cory Schneider than for Luongo, but after the last up-and-down season, the current Canucks captain could use a change in perspective.
Montreal has made the move to keep two contributors from last season. "Young" Matthieu Darche, who is 33, has finally earned a one-way contract. He'll be spending the next season on the 4th line, rare appearances on the 3rd, and healthy scratched then; or, he'll be picked up off waivers. Montreal has also resigned Tomas Plekanec. Sticking with his recently announced paradigm, Gauthier is signing veteran players to big contracts, which is going to leave little room for the free agent signings they are going to need for another playoff run. Remember, this year they don't have Halak, which means Montreal will have to do even more on the front-end defensive side of things to keep themselves in games.
Edmonton, still a reeling team from last season, has made a minor coaching change. No longer will Grizzly Quinn be leading the bench--he's been move to the front office! Tom Renney will take off as head coach now, clearing up any possible chance that the issues were derived from a "lack of coordinated effort by the coaches". Which is not the case and would not be the case in the future. Quinn and Renney were a think that that pushed ideas forward and did what they could. Edmonton lacked a lot of things last season, but good coaching wasn't one of them. I doubt this will be part of the answer. Consider how the Flyers played through the playoffs and compare that to Edmonton; Philly was a unit, always a coordinated group that trusted and relied on each other. Edmonton players didn't trust one and other, resulting in haphazard play and numerous turnovers per game. Until that team can trust they will not be able to grow. Taking Quinn out of the mix isn't going to solve the trust issue.
And, lastly for now, Scott Niedermayer has retired. He was a great player because he brought everything you wanted: smarts, skills, power, cheap tactics, and leadership. All things that help teams win in the NHL. Will Teemu retire as well? Who knows yet?
Saturday, June 19, 2010
June 19: Curry bison burgers
Cooking: Tonight's dinner is something awesome: curry bison burgers. I've recently stopped eating beef and have preferred the taste of bison for some time. Moreover, I enjoy the taste of curry. Bison's richness pairs well with the robust, spicy, and earthy flavors of curry. Considering I'm moving soon (where I will be without a BBQ) I decided to give it a go mixing the two for one last BBQ adventure.
Ingredients: (yields 4-5 burgers)
1.5lbs lean ground bison
2 large eggs
1/2 large onion, finely diced
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 tablespoon sour cream (my secret burger ingredient)
3 tablespoons curry powder (-ish. I added until the bison was yellow)
salt and pepper
I mixed everything but the bison together first. Added the bison after and then firmly pressed the mix into patties with my hands. Cooked on the BBQ, set to high for 15 minutes, 8-ish minutes a side to prevent them from sticking and having them bind well.
The end result is one hell of a burger. It was fantastic. Topped with some aged cheddar and easy condiments. It stands on it's own.
Ingredients: (yields 4-5 burgers)
1.5lbs lean ground bison
2 large eggs
1/2 large onion, finely diced
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 tablespoon sour cream (my secret burger ingredient)
3 tablespoons curry powder (-ish. I added until the bison was yellow)
salt and pepper
I mixed everything but the bison together first. Added the bison after and then firmly pressed the mix into patties with my hands. Cooked on the BBQ, set to high for 15 minutes, 8-ish minutes a side to prevent them from sticking and having them bind well.
The end result is one hell of a burger. It was fantastic. Topped with some aged cheddar and easy condiments. It stands on it's own.
June 19: Predators strike early
Hockey: The Nashville Predators are making some early moves before draft day and free agency. Two moves have been made: first, Jason Arnott has been trade to New Jersey for Matt Halischuk and a second-round pick in the 2011 draft. Halischuck is a smaller winger, standing 5'11" and sitting at 185lbs. At age 22, he's still got plenty of time to build up his legs for speed or balance. He played in both the AHL and NHL last year, putting up 22 points in 32 games and 2 points in 20 games, respectively. The second round pick that went along with Halischuk is likely going to be a middle-of-the-pack pick. Jersey, with plenty of skill, a new head coach, and Brodeur still, are likely to make another trip to the play offs. Which is good for Nashville.
Nashville has done remarkable things over the past few seasons. They aren't a high-skill, high-priced, high-hitting, high-scoring, or power house teams. However, they make it to the play offs or close almost every year. Nashville did a masterful job against Chicago considering how heavily weighted that series was in Chicago's favor. Personally, I'd give a vote to Trotts for the Jack Adams'. Nonetheless, the lack of post-season success (being ousted in the first round) and missing the play offs one year (2008-2009), Nashville does need to consider the future.
I'd say New Jersey is closer to another cup run than Nashville, making the trade a balanced one for both teams. Trotts will do his thing again, instilling solid work ethic. Nashville needs some work and I need to put some thought into who will be the next captain. Not following the team directly I don't have an answer right now, though I'm sure it'll be obvious with a bit of research.
Also, Nashville brought in Ryan Parent (and a 7th round conditional from 2011) from Philly for the rights to Hamhuis. Hamhuis may not sign in Philly and take his chances in the open market. Nonetheless, this is a smart move by Holmgren, ensuring that he can shore up his defensive core. I believe Ryan Parent will still develop and become a better player. He has shown the ability to move the puck, lay the body, and take punishing minutes in the corners. He needs to just get his wits about him. Philly was disjointed and bloodthirsty, and that forced Parent out of the "learning" bit to the "just do better" bit. Nonetheless, another wise move by both organizations.
Nashville has done remarkable things over the past few seasons. They aren't a high-skill, high-priced, high-hitting, high-scoring, or power house teams. However, they make it to the play offs or close almost every year. Nashville did a masterful job against Chicago considering how heavily weighted that series was in Chicago's favor. Personally, I'd give a vote to Trotts for the Jack Adams'. Nonetheless, the lack of post-season success (being ousted in the first round) and missing the play offs one year (2008-2009), Nashville does need to consider the future.
I'd say New Jersey is closer to another cup run than Nashville, making the trade a balanced one for both teams. Trotts will do his thing again, instilling solid work ethic. Nashville needs some work and I need to put some thought into who will be the next captain. Not following the team directly I don't have an answer right now, though I'm sure it'll be obvious with a bit of research.
Also, Nashville brought in Ryan Parent (and a 7th round conditional from 2011) from Philly for the rights to Hamhuis. Hamhuis may not sign in Philly and take his chances in the open market. Nonetheless, this is a smart move by Holmgren, ensuring that he can shore up his defensive core. I believe Ryan Parent will still develop and become a better player. He has shown the ability to move the puck, lay the body, and take punishing minutes in the corners. He needs to just get his wits about him. Philly was disjointed and bloodthirsty, and that forced Parent out of the "learning" bit to the "just do better" bit. Nonetheless, another wise move by both organizations.
June 19: Gluttons for hunger
Food: It is an interesting proposition: we can genetically engineer food to be healthier, resistant to disease, drought, and insects, grow faster, and grow more. Considering 1 billion people are malnourished (and a total of 1.6 billion people malnourished or undernourished), genetically modified foods would seem to be the solution to our rapidly growing hunger problems. It is predicted that by 2025 that the globe will have to produce 50% more food just to stay at the status quo. However, GMO foods have received a lot of criticism. The most notable (and articulate) argument against GMO is the lack of long term research on the effects of consuming the food. There is an unofficial test underway right now: the United States.
For almost 12 years the primary crops (e.g., rice, soya, corn, cotton) has been GMO in the United States. What does that mean? Well, it means that the vast majority food Americans eat and export are or have been in contact with GMO products. Liberty corn is an example of this. Liberty corn is a specially designed corn that resists Liberty weed killer. Liberty corn has another interesting fact about it: it isn't grown for direct consumption. That's right. The primary corn crop grow across the Midwest is meant to be reprocessed into animal feed and (high fructose) corn syrup. The affect of this is that animals are being fed GMO feed, thus "contaminating" the animals (no research has shown differences between GMO grain and organic grain fed to cattle, they are both bad). GMO corn syrup is used in about everything you can imagine: soda, alcohol, chips, gum, condiments, breads, and candy bars, to give a short list. This doesn't make GMO bad, though. This is just an example of the poor management of food crops. However, the American public is alright (or ambivalent) to the issue. The American way of "more yield, more profit" seems to trump awareness.
In Europe it is exactly opposite. You have to search high and low through a British big-chain supermarket to find a product with GMO in it. The public push back about GMO has been immense, resulting in European governments restricting the growth the GMO crops. The only GMO crop that is allowed to be commercially produced in Europe is maize. The public is also very aware of GMO regulations, ensuring that all GMO products coming into Europe are clearly labeled--something Canada or the United States have yet to do. It is so aggressive in Europe that when the green movement catches wind of a GMO crop exists they will organize and vandalize the crops.
Two different views between North America and Europe are stark. They show that a lack of general education on the topic can lead to passive acceptable or ambivalence. Whereas in Europe, the little bit of information has been perverted and is being used as a weapon to fight GMO. GMO has not yet to be shown to cause any long term effects. It is the American diet and not the GMO which is causing the health epidemic. GMO might be the only option to ensure food production can match demand. Crop reorganization is essential, but is entirely controlled by the consumer: each time you buy a candy bar you are saying "grow more sugar, grow less vegetables".
Aside from the likely food crisis that is approaching there is still one more frightening thing to mention. The argument around GMO should be shifted away from blocking it entirely or denouncing it as "unnatural" and ought to be placed on who owns it. It shouldn't be the big corporations that own life. If you want to fight for the future of GMO, whether to keep it or destroy it, start by fighting for ownership of life. Humans own the earth. Humans should choose their food. Humans should choose how that food is grown.
For almost 12 years the primary crops (e.g., rice, soya, corn, cotton) has been GMO in the United States. What does that mean? Well, it means that the vast majority food Americans eat and export are or have been in contact with GMO products. Liberty corn is an example of this. Liberty corn is a specially designed corn that resists Liberty weed killer. Liberty corn has another interesting fact about it: it isn't grown for direct consumption. That's right. The primary corn crop grow across the Midwest is meant to be reprocessed into animal feed and (high fructose) corn syrup. The affect of this is that animals are being fed GMO feed, thus "contaminating" the animals (no research has shown differences between GMO grain and organic grain fed to cattle, they are both bad). GMO corn syrup is used in about everything you can imagine: soda, alcohol, chips, gum, condiments, breads, and candy bars, to give a short list. This doesn't make GMO bad, though. This is just an example of the poor management of food crops. However, the American public is alright (or ambivalent) to the issue. The American way of "more yield, more profit" seems to trump awareness.
In Europe it is exactly opposite. You have to search high and low through a British big-chain supermarket to find a product with GMO in it. The public push back about GMO has been immense, resulting in European governments restricting the growth the GMO crops. The only GMO crop that is allowed to be commercially produced in Europe is maize. The public is also very aware of GMO regulations, ensuring that all GMO products coming into Europe are clearly labeled--something Canada or the United States have yet to do. It is so aggressive in Europe that when the green movement catches wind of a GMO crop exists they will organize and vandalize the crops.
Two different views between North America and Europe are stark. They show that a lack of general education on the topic can lead to passive acceptable or ambivalence. Whereas in Europe, the little bit of information has been perverted and is being used as a weapon to fight GMO. GMO has not yet to be shown to cause any long term effects. It is the American diet and not the GMO which is causing the health epidemic. GMO might be the only option to ensure food production can match demand. Crop reorganization is essential, but is entirely controlled by the consumer: each time you buy a candy bar you are saying "grow more sugar, grow less vegetables".
Aside from the likely food crisis that is approaching there is still one more frightening thing to mention. The argument around GMO should be shifted away from blocking it entirely or denouncing it as "unnatural" and ought to be placed on who owns it. It shouldn't be the big corporations that own life. If you want to fight for the future of GMO, whether to keep it or destroy it, start by fighting for ownership of life. Humans own the earth. Humans should choose their food. Humans should choose how that food is grown.
Friday, June 18, 2010
June 18: Halak, the day after.
Hockey: There is a vast amount of coverage out of Montreal about the Halak trade. Many fans were enthralled with Halak during the Montreal Canadiens' late season push and remarkable playoff run. I share the same view as they do: trading Halak was bad for Montreal, both in the short and long term. Gauthier made his case that teams must be build around sturdy veterans and break-out seasons by younger players. What I gathered from his phone conference following the Halak trade was that his future plan for the Canadiens was to keep high-priced players as a major component of his organization and to pray for unbelievable seasons by entry-level players. That is a pipe dream and a system meant to attract fans and not hardware. Chicago had a rare combination that allowed a young team to make its way from the basement of the league to Cup champions. One piece of that was a brilliant effort by goaltender Anti Niemi. What did Montreal do with their goaltender that could do that? Traded him.
I've been told that it was the right thing for Montreal to do. Halak had arbitration rights. This would bump is salary from $800,000 to the $3-4m range likely. Montreal could have lost Halak for nothing. While all this is true, good management ought to have recognized at some point that Carey Price needs more work and Halak is ready, making Halak the optimal choice for the future and be willing to pay him his dues. St. Louis is now in the position of having to sign Halak. It could cost the team a significant amount if another team makes an aggressive offer sheet, but in all likelihood, St. Louis will do what Montreal wasn't willing to: sign Halak to a contract and keep him there for several years.
I've been told that it was the right thing for Montreal to do. Halak had arbitration rights. This would bump is salary from $800,000 to the $3-4m range likely. Montreal could have lost Halak for nothing. While all this is true, good management ought to have recognized at some point that Carey Price needs more work and Halak is ready, making Halak the optimal choice for the future and be willing to pay him his dues. St. Louis is now in the position of having to sign Halak. It could cost the team a significant amount if another team makes an aggressive offer sheet, but in all likelihood, St. Louis will do what Montreal wasn't willing to: sign Halak to a contract and keep him there for several years.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
June 17: Indecision to bad decision
Hockey: The Montreal Canadiens have traded Halak to the St. Louis Blues for Ian Schultz and Lars Eller. Let's go over some numbers:
Lars Eller, a 21 year old center from Denmark, stands at 6-feet tall. Not a lot of size, but he does have a 2-way upside. He's got decent speed and has shown strength in taking face offs. He played in 7 games for the Blues last season, notching 2 goals (2-0-2) and a +2 rating. He had a 25% face off record. His contract lasts through 2011-2012 at $1.275m a season.
Ian Schultz is a 20 year Canadian who played his last season with the Calgary Hitmen. In 70 games the 6'2" 200lbs. right winger put up 24 goals and 31 assists (24-31-55) with 150 PIM. He's got an aggressive streak in him, making him a good grinder and agitator. He has an entry level contract of $875,000 a season through the 2011-2012 campaign.
Jaroslav Halak. The fast Slovak had a show stealing season in Montreal. In 45 games with Montreal, Halak put up an attractive 24-13-5, 5 shutouts, 2.24 GGA, and an impressive .924 save percentage. He's dominant in the bottom of his net, has a good stick, and tracks the puck well. His weakness is his hit-and-miss glove hand, something the Flyers abused during the Conference finals. Halak did all of this at $800,000.
So, how does this trade work for Montreal? It doesn't. With the rich free agent pool this summer Montreal had a chance to go in find the grinders they needed. Price is not a #1 caliber goaltender. He had one good season followed up a roller coaster ride over the past two. Price, an RFA on July 1, would have taken a pay cut from his $2.2m salary based on his performance. That ought to have been enough cap room to keep a true number one, Halak. The dream is over Montreal. Your organization just traded away an asset with a greater worth than what you received back.
For the Blues, this is a fantastic trade. Picking up a solid goaltender to share the duties with Chris Mason/Ty Conklin is another solid building block for this team. With Alex Pietrangelo showing great strides last season, and still hope that Backes, Oshie, Berglund, and Boyes will have shaken off the freshman curse, the Blues are set for an exciting season of development. Blues fans will be hoping for a Colorado-esque season with an energetic young team backstopped by a fantastic goaltender.
Winner: St. Louis Blues.
Lars Eller, a 21 year old center from Denmark, stands at 6-feet tall. Not a lot of size, but he does have a 2-way upside. He's got decent speed and has shown strength in taking face offs. He played in 7 games for the Blues last season, notching 2 goals (2-0-2) and a +2 rating. He had a 25% face off record. His contract lasts through 2011-2012 at $1.275m a season.
Ian Schultz is a 20 year Canadian who played his last season with the Calgary Hitmen. In 70 games the 6'2" 200lbs. right winger put up 24 goals and 31 assists (24-31-55) with 150 PIM. He's got an aggressive streak in him, making him a good grinder and agitator. He has an entry level contract of $875,000 a season through the 2011-2012 campaign.
Jaroslav Halak. The fast Slovak had a show stealing season in Montreal. In 45 games with Montreal, Halak put up an attractive 24-13-5, 5 shutouts, 2.24 GGA, and an impressive .924 save percentage. He's dominant in the bottom of his net, has a good stick, and tracks the puck well. His weakness is his hit-and-miss glove hand, something the Flyers abused during the Conference finals. Halak did all of this at $800,000.
So, how does this trade work for Montreal? It doesn't. With the rich free agent pool this summer Montreal had a chance to go in find the grinders they needed. Price is not a #1 caliber goaltender. He had one good season followed up a roller coaster ride over the past two. Price, an RFA on July 1, would have taken a pay cut from his $2.2m salary based on his performance. That ought to have been enough cap room to keep a true number one, Halak. The dream is over Montreal. Your organization just traded away an asset with a greater worth than what you received back.
For the Blues, this is a fantastic trade. Picking up a solid goaltender to share the duties with Chris Mason/Ty Conklin is another solid building block for this team. With Alex Pietrangelo showing great strides last season, and still hope that Backes, Oshie, Berglund, and Boyes will have shaken off the freshman curse, the Blues are set for an exciting season of development. Blues fans will be hoping for a Colorado-esque season with an energetic young team backstopped by a fantastic goaltender.
Winner: St. Louis Blues.
June 17: Oilers doomed like BP
The title holds a lot of irony in it. Both will need to spend a lot in a massive clean up effort if their current attempts fail to contain a rapidly growing, oily mess.
Hockey: I'm a Canucks fan. I'm from the Okanagan. This year, the Canucks are holding their training camp in Penticton, BC. The Canucks hold their training camps around the province to make them like BC's team, not just Vancouver's team. The turn out to these camps are amazing. A great way to spread the popularity of a team. Teams in the shaky US market could learn from this. Washington is the dominate team in the SED, and is slowly becoming a favorite across the hockey world because of Ovechkin, Green, Backstrom, and coach Boudreau. The star power of the Capitals will continue to attract young fans to playing and watching the game. You can't say the same for the 4 other teams in the SED.
The NHL entry draft is on Friday June 25. Edmonton has the first overall pick--a pick they deserved. Edmonton has completely fallen apart over the past 3 years. Since their cup run in 2005-2006, Edmonton has tumbled down the standings. At the start of the 2009-2010 season, Edmonton was ranked higher than Vancouver and Colorado in the NWD by TSN. Bringing in two head coaches (Tom Renney and Pat Quinn), a resurgent goaltender (Khabibulin), and the having the belief that the long list of young players would develop earned Edmonton that ranking. However, players like Gagner, Cogliano, Brule, Pouliot, and Jacques didn't answer the call. It's a disturbing trend to see that number of young players stagnate in a division, let alone within a single organization.
That's not to say all is lost. Lowe knew he had to make changes that would turn the course of the doomed vessel, targeting and hiring Steve Tambellini as the new GM. After one season it is impossible to say if there's an impact. The 2010-2011 season will be the decision for the Oilers organization: getting the first overall pick has the chance of adding a player to your organization immediately. Whether it is Hall or Seguin remains to be seen, but both have that potential. Although a deep draft this year, Edmonton only has 1 top-30 pick. This would be one reason why Tambellini is fielding offers. The deal with the best outcome would be a deal with Boston that would ship an unhappy and discontent Sheldon Souray and the first overall pick (plus others?) for the 2nd and 15th overall picks. This strategy will only work if Edmonton does something about their development system. Hall and Seguin may be neck-and-neck for that top ranking, but I fear that whomever is chosen by Edmonton will have his value immediately diminished. While Pheonix is the financial sinkhole of the NHL, Edmonton might be the talent black hole.
A few other notes: while the draft is coming up soon, shortly after that we have free agency. The pool this year is massive. I'm predicting a lot of deals and a lot of "favors" being done to ensure that high-cap teams are able to engage the free agent market. I won't be shocked if teams like Calgary (with an incomplete team and 3.8 million away from the cap) deal with like Columbus for money-trades.
New Jersey has a new head coach. The organized hired from within, bringing up AHL affiliate coach McLean. McLean lead Lowell to a 39-31-4 regular season record before being ousted in the first round of the AHL playoffs.
Hockey: I'm a Canucks fan. I'm from the Okanagan. This year, the Canucks are holding their training camp in Penticton, BC. The Canucks hold their training camps around the province to make them like BC's team, not just Vancouver's team. The turn out to these camps are amazing. A great way to spread the popularity of a team. Teams in the shaky US market could learn from this. Washington is the dominate team in the SED, and is slowly becoming a favorite across the hockey world because of Ovechkin, Green, Backstrom, and coach Boudreau. The star power of the Capitals will continue to attract young fans to playing and watching the game. You can't say the same for the 4 other teams in the SED.
The NHL entry draft is on Friday June 25. Edmonton has the first overall pick--a pick they deserved. Edmonton has completely fallen apart over the past 3 years. Since their cup run in 2005-2006, Edmonton has tumbled down the standings. At the start of the 2009-2010 season, Edmonton was ranked higher than Vancouver and Colorado in the NWD by TSN. Bringing in two head coaches (Tom Renney and Pat Quinn), a resurgent goaltender (Khabibulin), and the having the belief that the long list of young players would develop earned Edmonton that ranking. However, players like Gagner, Cogliano, Brule, Pouliot, and Jacques didn't answer the call. It's a disturbing trend to see that number of young players stagnate in a division, let alone within a single organization.
That's not to say all is lost. Lowe knew he had to make changes that would turn the course of the doomed vessel, targeting and hiring Steve Tambellini as the new GM. After one season it is impossible to say if there's an impact. The 2010-2011 season will be the decision for the Oilers organization: getting the first overall pick has the chance of adding a player to your organization immediately. Whether it is Hall or Seguin remains to be seen, but both have that potential. Although a deep draft this year, Edmonton only has 1 top-30 pick. This would be one reason why Tambellini is fielding offers. The deal with the best outcome would be a deal with Boston that would ship an unhappy and discontent Sheldon Souray and the first overall pick (plus others?) for the 2nd and 15th overall picks. This strategy will only work if Edmonton does something about their development system. Hall and Seguin may be neck-and-neck for that top ranking, but I fear that whomever is chosen by Edmonton will have his value immediately diminished. While Pheonix is the financial sinkhole of the NHL, Edmonton might be the talent black hole.
A few other notes: while the draft is coming up soon, shortly after that we have free agency. The pool this year is massive. I'm predicting a lot of deals and a lot of "favors" being done to ensure that high-cap teams are able to engage the free agent market. I won't be shocked if teams like Calgary (with an incomplete team and 3.8 million away from the cap) deal with like Columbus for money-trades.
New Jersey has a new head coach. The organized hired from within, bringing up AHL affiliate coach McLean. McLean lead Lowell to a 39-31-4 regular season record before being ousted in the first round of the AHL playoffs.
Pre-game
I've decided to spend some time and energy making a blog. A blog about my three favorite things: hockey, psychology, and cooking. Why blog about things I like? I want to take the combined information that I've read about each of those topic, parse it out, and give my take. This blog isn't for anyone other than myself. So, the same way players get into the game, time to go out and have a first shift.
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