Pinnacles and Provisions
Listening: Wasting Light, new album by Foo Fighters. Midas-Touch Grohl has done it again.
Some people might consider this post depressing. I can be considered one of these people. But I’m going to stay positive. I’ll start off with something I’d like to call “Things that have happened since the last time the Devils missed the playoffs.” The list includes 9/11, Katrina, massive earthquakes all over earth, I graduated high school, college, had 2 career jobs, Michael Jackson and Ronnie James Dio died, and Facebook, Google, e-Bay and Twitter were born; not to mention the Rangers missing the playoffs 8 times. While it was a hard season to swallow, you had to know that one like this was coming. I don’t know a Devil fan (or player, or GM) who won’t miss Jacques Lemaire. Say what you will about responsible, sound defense; the man is a hockey genius (and most certainly deserves the Jack Adams Award this year). His name is on the Stanley Cup 9 times. To replace him, the Devils need to bring in a coach with a similar philosophy who commands instant respect.
At least the Devils won the Draft Lottery, despite their 3.6% chances of doing so. That wins them the right to get the 4th pick in this year’s draft instead of the 8th pick. Opinions are flying about who/what they should draft with such a high selection; an eventual replacement for Brodeur, a good set-up center for all our talented wingers (re-sign Zach please, Lou), or a monster-like, plus/minus, physical defenseman (my choice). Unfortunately, having such a high draft pick means that I don’t get to watch/go to any Devils’ playoff games, so that means I have to latch onto some obscure Western team that I hardly get to watch. Last year it was the Blackhawks. This year I’ll pick the Canucks to win it all over Boston. As far as other first round predictions: Sabres, Capitals, Lightning, Sharks, Red Wings, Ducks.
In my last post I talked about the new book I’m reading by David Brooks. I’m almost done with it as of now, and man can this guy write. At least, in a style I enjoy reading. Some chapters have really stood out in The Social Animal; most notably “Freedom and Commitment,” “Metis,” and “Morality.” It’s a great lesson in learning about character that everyone should read.
Also mentioned last time was my lineup for live music. Well, I’m not sure how I forgot to mention RUSH at MSG in the last post, but I saw them on Sunday night with my buddy Anthony (who was SUPPOSED to go to Royksopp with me, but had to bail; much to the delight of my other great friend, Kendra). Royksopp was a fun, interesting show; RUSH, on the other hand, was an experience of almost diety-like ability. It’s no surprise those three individuals could maintain not only a friendship, but a commitment to making the best possible music imaginable. Neil Peart can’t be human with the way he keeps time. In the coming weeks, the lineup includes Easy-Star All-Stars with JBB on 4/20, Coheed & Cambria playing their entire first album on 4/22, and Bamboozle the following weekend. No word on what band Thrice will be covering at their Hoodwink set. I await that eagerly, as you probably already know.
T-minus six weeks until Memorial Day. There are so many things I need (re: want) for this summer, and so little funds to execute. Golf season is also underway, which I love. Already one round under my belt (even if it was 8-person best ball), and got another round this Sunday. Goal is about 15-20 rounds this season. I think it can happen.
Did I miss anything? Work is work. I eclipsed the 3-month mark on Monday. Getting really close with some co-workers and making some great connections. Got some weddings to attend; they don’t seem to be slowing down, either. I’m waiting for another eclipse moment to have a big breakthrough/mental exercise. I think I’m going to start carrying some sort of pad with me to jot random thoughts down as I think them. Hate for a good thought to go to waste. Maybe it will inspire me to post more than once or twice a month, a la Peter King’s MMQB. But let’s not discuss football until a 2011 season is guaranteed. And let’s not discuss baseball because, well… this post has been depressing enough.
