It is the year 2011 A.D and we've turned the corner in North America with respect to the accuracies of the documentation of modern day wars. For example; World War 1, World War 2, and the Vietnam War amongst other wars have been put into perspective for our young. The accuracies within these three wars will never be eliminated. Perhaps some new information will enter the picture, however, North Americans have digested enough information to be within their own formulated opinions. Take for example the most recent of the three aforementioned wars, the Vietnam War. In the eighties, many were of the opinion that this war was orchestrated by Republican President Richard Nixon. In actual fact, two terms before Nixon, Democrat President John F. Kennedy ordered American troops to fight the Viet-Cong of North Vietnam (essentially fighting communism). After Kennedy's assassination many Americans protested this war, and by the time Richard Nixon was elected into office public perception of the Vietnam War was, by majority, against the occupation of North Vietnam.
It was at the start of the second decade of the 20th century when Austrian Prince Ferdinand was killed by the German Military, and Austria alongside Hungary declared war against Germany, hence World War 1.
During World War 2, the Nazi Party set out to exterminate Jews all over the European continent, and alongside Mussolini and Japan, almost succeeded in taking over the World.
Keeping World events in perspective is paramount to our educational system. Knowing what happened historically is very socially relevant as it helps mind our conscience. Whether it be Holocaust denyers, or those that condoned Apartheid within South Africa as it occurred. We need to be cohesive historically in order for students to truly learn. Some say 'ignorance is bliss', I say 'ignorance is ignorance'. In 500 years there will be another news' story to be covered. I just want the truth of the story. Not to say that the news is 100% accurate, however, it is the confidence that we have in the reports that we see that shapes historical events. The Titanic did go down to the bottom of the ocean. This cannot be argued against. The World Trade Center Towers were destroyed in a day of reckoning on September 11, 2001, a fact that cannot be denied. While there may be some information that enters the picture after the fact, the nuts and bolts of the events is fact.
Our young need to have the confidence that a piece of the pie isn't just taken out of the equation to satisfy a new regime. History is just that, events that have occurred over time.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Fear - by Moses
Paralyzing, the stun gun effect, the force that immobilizes oneself. Many would say that fear drives a person to achieve greatness. Is that for a chosen few, or for the entire populous?
With roughly 20% of all Canadians' suffering from an acute mental health issue, it is apparent that fear does not drive everyone. Fifty years ago people didn't admit to their shortcomings, and sociologically they developed differently than today. In todays' age, pharmaceuticals are implemented into the diet treating an acute mental health issue. Fifty years ago, pharmaceuticals were still in its' inception. Most people would agree that fear has become epidemic in our society today.
To combat fear, therapies (alongside pharmaceuticals in acute cases) are introduced. Colors, writing, music, sports are but a few therapies that help shape those that are having a tough time combating fear(s). How one feels is very relevant in the analysis of fear. Honest to emotion isn't always the almighty truth. Sometimes we need to take a step back and evaluate what it is that is causing the fear. i.e - I'm very angry, and I want to punch the mirror. This does not mean to punch the mirror.
In psychiatric facilities, colors are used to stimulate a persons' mood. Greens and browns (earth colors) are used to sedate. Violet and peach are used to warm moods. Listening to calm music to slow down is another form of therapy, likewise playing a piano to feel good.
The stigma of admitting our fears, as was such fifty years ago, has slowly dissipated and today we're entering a new dawn. Group therapy is a tremendous forum as it gets people to talk about their inner fears, helping to overcome them.
What, you may ask, is the stun gun effect?
A momentary lapse of reason perhaps. Let's not hold ourselves hostage to this ongoing dilemma.
With roughly 20% of all Canadians' suffering from an acute mental health issue, it is apparent that fear does not drive everyone. Fifty years ago people didn't admit to their shortcomings, and sociologically they developed differently than today. In todays' age, pharmaceuticals are implemented into the diet treating an acute mental health issue. Fifty years ago, pharmaceuticals were still in its' inception. Most people would agree that fear has become epidemic in our society today.
To combat fear, therapies (alongside pharmaceuticals in acute cases) are introduced. Colors, writing, music, sports are but a few therapies that help shape those that are having a tough time combating fear(s). How one feels is very relevant in the analysis of fear. Honest to emotion isn't always the almighty truth. Sometimes we need to take a step back and evaluate what it is that is causing the fear. i.e - I'm very angry, and I want to punch the mirror. This does not mean to punch the mirror.
In psychiatric facilities, colors are used to stimulate a persons' mood. Greens and browns (earth colors) are used to sedate. Violet and peach are used to warm moods. Listening to calm music to slow down is another form of therapy, likewise playing a piano to feel good.
The stigma of admitting our fears, as was such fifty years ago, has slowly dissipated and today we're entering a new dawn. Group therapy is a tremendous forum as it gets people to talk about their inner fears, helping to overcome them.
What, you may ask, is the stun gun effect?
A momentary lapse of reason perhaps. Let's not hold ourselves hostage to this ongoing dilemma.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Perfection - by Moses
Perfection, or so they say, is summed up by tiny imperfections. 'Rome wasn't built in one day' as recited by my boss. The pressure associated next to trying to achieve perfection can be excruciating. I've never seen a Major League Baseball Player have 500 Base-Hits in 500 At-Bats. Yet many torment over unachievable goals in this body of context, and we see an influx of pressure and anxiety. Pressure and anxiety can raise endorphin flow to both/either the blood stream (related to blood pressure) and to the nervous system {(the brain - the muscles)(impulse/trigger philosophy)}. There is a higher blood pressure when your heart is pumping endorphins at a higher rate into the blood system. Blood Vessels - Capilliaries - Veins - Arteries - Aorta - Heart Valves - Heart; This is the signal flow of the blood stream and can be measured at any point. Private health institutions across America administer these tests on supply and demand, and they make a pretty penny. Arbitration is relevant in this context, as either Socialist or Capitalist societies will operate in this manner.
I suppose you could say that perfection is overated, and it is this ambivalence that accounts for many failures, and much success I must add. Having 'ice in your veins' has traditionally been a good thing in sport and pop-culture and being 'cool' in both realms solidifies the ideology that indifference is a viable option in any situation.
I suppose you could say that perfection is overated, and it is this ambivalence that accounts for many failures, and much success I must add. Having 'ice in your veins' has traditionally been a good thing in sport and pop-culture and being 'cool' in both realms solidifies the ideology that indifference is a viable option in any situation.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Greatest Goalies 1965-1984 - By Moses
Today is the World Junior Finals between Canada and Russia. To commemorate the game of Hockey I've written an article comparing the greatest Goalies of the game from 1965-1984.
Ken Dryden vs Vladislav Tretiak vs Bernie Parent vs Tony Esposito vs Rogatien Vachon
a) Ken Dryden 1970/71-1978/79 258 Wins 57 Losses 74 Ties 2.24 G.A.A 46 Shutouts (7 full years played, 6-0 in his first year) 1970/71 Conn Smythe Trophy, 1971/72 Calder Trophy, 5 Vezina's. Won a total of five Stanley Cups.
b) Vladislav Tretiak 1967/68-1983/84 3 years reported of play in the Soviet League, although it is recognized that Tretiak had a 2.35 G.A.A in eighteen years with 482 GP in the Soviet League. In the three full years reported, Tretiak was an unbelievable 81 Wins 7 Losses 4 Ties and had a G.AA of under 1.50.
c) Bernie Parent 1965/66-1978/79 Won back to back Stanley Cups, winning the Conn Smythe Trophy both years of 1973/74 and 1974/75. Parent had a 2.55 lifetime G.A.A and had 54 Shutouts, 271 Wins, and won two Vezina Trophies over his storied career.
d) Tony Esposito 1968/69-1983/84 423 Wins 306 Losses 151 Ties 2.92 G.A.A 76 Shutouts. Won the Calder Trophy in 1969/1970 and three Vezina Trophies. Started his career with the Montreal Canadiens in 1968/69 and when he was traded to the Chicago Black Hawks in the off-season he performed spectacuarly recording an unbelievable 15 Shutouts winning his first Vezina the following year.
e) Rogie Vachon 1966/67-1981/82 351 Wins 291 Losses 127 Ties 2.99 G.A.A 51 Shutouts 1967/68 Vezina Trophy 2 Stanley Cups 1976 Team Canada MVP. Had he not played in Los Angeles and in more of a Hockey Market Vachon probably would have had greater success.
1. Ken Dryden
2. Vladislav Tretiak
3. Bernie Parent
4. Tony Esposito
5. Rogatien Vachon
From 1965-1984 there were several great Goalies aside from the aforementioned five men. Jacques Plante, Glenn Hall, Terry Sawchuck, and Johnny Bower all played in the NHL in 1965. Likewise, there were great Goaltenders aside from the aforementioned 5 men in 1984, including Billy Smith, Grant Fuhr, and Mike Vernon. However, my picks for the gretest Goalies 1965-1984 come down to these five men. As concluded I've written a Goalie comparison of Ken Dryden and Vladislav Tretiak, as their legendary status dictates. Ironically it was these two men that were Goalies for their Nations in the original 1972 Summit Series that advented the Canada Cups to follow, and the globalization of the game of Hockey.
The Goalie I rated the highest played in the shortest period between these years. Ken Dryden was a highly touted Goalie with the Montreal Canadiens, coming from a storied College career at Cornell. Two years before he joined the 'big club' the Canadiens showcased a Goalie tandom of Rogatien Vachon and Tony Esposito. In 1970/71 the Canadiens brought up Dryden, and all he did was go 6-0 down the stretch and was awarded the starting job for the playoffs. In the post-season, Dryden led Montreal to the prized Stanley Cup and was duly named the winner of the Conn Smythe Trophy. The next year Ken Dryden took home the Calder Trophy, and between 1976-1979 he guided the Canadiens to four consecutive Stanley Cups. Ken Dryden was a true class act and at 6 foot 4 inches tall, he was imposing to the opponents he faced as there wasn't much mesh they could twine with him in the net. Also keep in mind that it was Dryden who was the go-to guy in the 1972 Summit Series, when Team Canada's backs were against the wall needing three wins on Soviet soil. Dryden defeated legendary Goalie Vladislav Tretiak as their Nations collided. In his first seven full years Ken Dryden won an incredible 5 Stanley Cups and 5 Vezina Trophies. It is for reasons like this that I place Ken Dryden as the top Goaltender in the game of Hockey from 1965-1984.
It is difficult to not place Vladislav Tretiak as the number one guy in this comparison. Tretiak was a true legend. He was instrumental and indirectly/directly responsible for Soviet players coming to play in the NHL, as it was Tretiak's aura that all Hockey fans felt when watching him play. He earned the respect of the NHL'ers that he played against in the 1972 Summit Series and Canada Cup Tournaments.
In his eighteen years playing in the Soviet League he had a 2.35 G.A.A in 482 GP. Vladislav Tretiak was the starting Goalie for the U.S.S.R Red Army for years, leading them to a Canada Cup win in 1981/1982. It leaves a sour taste in my mouth to know that Tretiak never played a game in the NHL. He is truly deserving of hoisting the prized Stanley Cup.
Ken Dryden vs Vladislav Tretiak vs Bernie Parent vs Tony Esposito vs Rogatien Vachon
a) Ken Dryden 1970/71-1978/79 258 Wins 57 Losses 74 Ties 2.24 G.A.A 46 Shutouts (7 full years played, 6-0 in his first year) 1970/71 Conn Smythe Trophy, 1971/72 Calder Trophy, 5 Vezina's. Won a total of five Stanley Cups.
b) Vladislav Tretiak 1967/68-1983/84 3 years reported of play in the Soviet League, although it is recognized that Tretiak had a 2.35 G.A.A in eighteen years with 482 GP in the Soviet League. In the three full years reported, Tretiak was an unbelievable 81 Wins 7 Losses 4 Ties and had a G.AA of under 1.50.
c) Bernie Parent 1965/66-1978/79 Won back to back Stanley Cups, winning the Conn Smythe Trophy both years of 1973/74 and 1974/75. Parent had a 2.55 lifetime G.A.A and had 54 Shutouts, 271 Wins, and won two Vezina Trophies over his storied career.
d) Tony Esposito 1968/69-1983/84 423 Wins 306 Losses 151 Ties 2.92 G.A.A 76 Shutouts. Won the Calder Trophy in 1969/1970 and three Vezina Trophies. Started his career with the Montreal Canadiens in 1968/69 and when he was traded to the Chicago Black Hawks in the off-season he performed spectacuarly recording an unbelievable 15 Shutouts winning his first Vezina the following year.
e) Rogie Vachon 1966/67-1981/82 351 Wins 291 Losses 127 Ties 2.99 G.A.A 51 Shutouts 1967/68 Vezina Trophy 2 Stanley Cups 1976 Team Canada MVP. Had he not played in Los Angeles and in more of a Hockey Market Vachon probably would have had greater success.
1. Ken Dryden
2. Vladislav Tretiak
3. Bernie Parent
4. Tony Esposito
5. Rogatien Vachon
From 1965-1984 there were several great Goalies aside from the aforementioned five men. Jacques Plante, Glenn Hall, Terry Sawchuck, and Johnny Bower all played in the NHL in 1965. Likewise, there were great Goaltenders aside from the aforementioned 5 men in 1984, including Billy Smith, Grant Fuhr, and Mike Vernon. However, my picks for the gretest Goalies 1965-1984 come down to these five men. As concluded I've written a Goalie comparison of Ken Dryden and Vladislav Tretiak, as their legendary status dictates. Ironically it was these two men that were Goalies for their Nations in the original 1972 Summit Series that advented the Canada Cups to follow, and the globalization of the game of Hockey.
The Goalie I rated the highest played in the shortest period between these years. Ken Dryden was a highly touted Goalie with the Montreal Canadiens, coming from a storied College career at Cornell. Two years before he joined the 'big club' the Canadiens showcased a Goalie tandom of Rogatien Vachon and Tony Esposito. In 1970/71 the Canadiens brought up Dryden, and all he did was go 6-0 down the stretch and was awarded the starting job for the playoffs. In the post-season, Dryden led Montreal to the prized Stanley Cup and was duly named the winner of the Conn Smythe Trophy. The next year Ken Dryden took home the Calder Trophy, and between 1976-1979 he guided the Canadiens to four consecutive Stanley Cups. Ken Dryden was a true class act and at 6 foot 4 inches tall, he was imposing to the opponents he faced as there wasn't much mesh they could twine with him in the net. Also keep in mind that it was Dryden who was the go-to guy in the 1972 Summit Series, when Team Canada's backs were against the wall needing three wins on Soviet soil. Dryden defeated legendary Goalie Vladislav Tretiak as their Nations collided. In his first seven full years Ken Dryden won an incredible 5 Stanley Cups and 5 Vezina Trophies. It is for reasons like this that I place Ken Dryden as the top Goaltender in the game of Hockey from 1965-1984.
It is difficult to not place Vladislav Tretiak as the number one guy in this comparison. Tretiak was a true legend. He was instrumental and indirectly/directly responsible for Soviet players coming to play in the NHL, as it was Tretiak's aura that all Hockey fans felt when watching him play. He earned the respect of the NHL'ers that he played against in the 1972 Summit Series and Canada Cup Tournaments.
In his eighteen years playing in the Soviet League he had a 2.35 G.A.A in 482 GP. Vladislav Tretiak was the starting Goalie for the U.S.S.R Red Army for years, leading them to a Canada Cup win in 1981/1982. It leaves a sour taste in my mouth to know that Tretiak never played a game in the NHL. He is truly deserving of hoisting the prized Stanley Cup.
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