Stan Mikita.

I saw this post on Greatest Hockey Legends and got all excited. The author is posting about the McFarlane Stan Mikita figure and how hard it's been for him to find one.

I got all excited because I own one.

Dress codes, guns, and Chris Pronger.

KC Dress Code: Lindsey came into work the other day telling me about a story she heard on NPR about the dress code at a strip of Kansas City night clubs. My first thought was "Kansas City night clubs? Sound worse than... well, nothing." She was talking about how the code does not permit baggy or saggy clothes and people are not permitted to wear sports apparel (except on game days). The problem is that KC is a hub of black culture and the clubs are surrounded by African American neighborhoods. The people who live near the clubs cannot go "out" in there own neighborhood.

"The Power and Light District received substantial tax incentives when it was redeveloped by the Baltimore-based Cordish Company. Vice President Zed Smith says they adopted these rules on the advice of police.

SMITH: We had two specific goals in mind - public safety and decorum. It has absolutely nothing to do with race."

Right. You're implying that public safety has something to do with what people are wearing. I remember a similar code at McFadden's on 3rd st in Philly. Unfortunately, I went there a few times. The last time I went I recall my friend "Rat" Matt not being let in because he was "wearing cut-off shorts." Guess who else was? Me. His looked more "cut-off" than mine. He told them he bought the shorts at Urban Outfitters as he was turned away. McFadden's sucks. Don't go there. And don't go to Kansas City either, unless you want to visit the Negro Leagues Museum.

Guns in Church: Then I found this gem the other night. A pastor in Louisville, Kentucky encouraged his congregation to wear and bring their guns to church for a talk on gun rights and safety. Here's a live blog of the evening.

I guess that's cool. I'm not going to try to get your guns taken away. But, as the church, we're called to love our neighbors as ourselves and our enemies as well. I think those callings should lead to us get rid of the guns we own, literally and figuratively. Louisville has a large homeless population, maybe this church could focus on taking care of them rather than making sure they can carry their guns? My point is, there are more important things to be talking about, especially in church.

Chris Pronger: Last, and I guess least in the grand scheme of things, the Flyers traded for big defenseman Chris Pronger at the draft on Friday night. He's a big, tough, physical defenseman, which is something the Flyers need. However, he's 34, only has one more year left on his contract, and is well known for being a dirty player. On top of that, they traded their top defensive prospect in Luca Sbisa and Joffrey Lupul, along with 2 first round draft picks. The only way this trade works out well for them is if they win the Stanley Cup this year. They've sold a large portion of the farm for this guy. The only words that come to mind are nervous, discouraging, and frustrated.

PS: Mississippi did not ratify the 13th amendment (the abolition of slavery) until 1995. They initially rejected it and held their stance until then. Look it up. Crazy.

Peace.

NHL Awards.

The NHL's annual award show is tomorrow night in Las Vegas (which, by the way, is ridiculous). My good friend Weegie sent me an email about who I thought would bring home the hardware this year. I hadn't thought about it much, so I'm quite grateful that he brought it up. Thanks Weeg.

Vezina Trophy (top goalie): I think Tim Thomas is a good bet. The Bruins were so good in the regular season. Steve Mason is the runner up.

Norris Trophy (top defenseman): I'm reading a lot saying Chara is going to win (again, mostly due to the Bruins amazing regular season). People are saying Lidstrom was "quiet." I think that's funny, he's had a quiet year but is still in the top 3? I hope he wins it again, he's getting old for sure. Mike Green is at least a year away from winning this.

Calder Trophy (top rookie): Steve Mason is a lock for the Calder. Ryan and Versteeg are solid, but Mason was the big story this year and was a major reason the Blue Jackets made the playoffs for the first time in their history.

Selke Trophy (top defensive-forward): The Selke's one I really like. I'm real into 2-way forwards (Rod Brind'Amour, Bob Gainey was an older one, Bobby Clarke, Kris Draper, etc). My current favorite player, Mike Richards, is a first time-nominee this year. His all-around ability (and that he plays for the Flyers) is what makes him my favorite. I think Pavel Datsyuk of the Red Wings will win. He's won it last year and had another great season. Richards is definitely the second best. I think Ryan Kesler of the Vancouver Canucks was nominated because they nominate 3 players. Datsyuk and Richards are way ahead of everyone else. That being said, Datsyuk is incredible. He puts up 90-95 points a year and wins the top DEFENSIVE forward award. He is easily one of the top 4 players in the league, if not top 3 (yes, 3).

Lady Byng Trophy (sportsmanship): Datsyuk will most likely win this again (it would be his 4th). He's up against Martin St. Louis and Zach Parise. This is Parise's first nomination. St. Louis' been nominated two other times and has yet to win.

Hart Trophy (most valuable player): Ovechkin's my pick. Malkin could beat him, Datsyuk will not win.

Mark Messier Leadership Award: I love Jarome Iginla (tough, 2-way leader type), so I'm pulling for him. But I think the Cup victory will really weigh in for Sidney Crosby.

These are the ones I had thoughts on. There are some other great trophies up for grabs that I won't go in to. I look forward to seeing how it plays out.

Peace.

Philly Weekend.

This afternoon I'm headed to Philly for the weekend for a friends wedding tomorrow. Tonight Lindsey and I are going to the Paint it Black record release show at the Broad Street Mission. They're my "currently existing" favorite band. I'm really stoked to see them, especially in Philly.

Here's a sweet interview with their singer, Dr. Dan Yemin.

On top of THAT. Tonight is Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final between the Detroit Red Wings and Pittsburgh Penguins. Be still my heart. Game 6 was the kind of game that the League would want non-hockey people to see. It was an all out war, and I had a fever for most of the third period. I'm going to be sneaking away from the show to a bar to watch this (and I'm realy happy I won't smell like smoke when I leave). Here's a great picture I saw on GHL from the early 60s, it features Punk Imlach, then coach of the Maple Leafs, enjoying a moment with the Stanley Cup after his team won it (either '62, '63, or '64). I love this picture. The chalkboard says "No Practice Tomorrow." Beautiful.

Good Memories.

I just re-watched the Phillies World Series DVD and would just like to say that that celebration, particularly hugging Jonny Rashid while he repeatedly said "This is Justice!", bumping into Jeremy Samsoe, and the triple-hug with Drew Shankweiler and John Kopp, held some rather wonderful moments. The parade was amazing too. I'm so glad I was there for it all.

Peace.