Well, still feeling full after Christmas and the presents now sit waiting to be used. Christmas is rolling on, and my vacation back home is progressing nicely.
And my record still holds. Last year I saw 2 Phoenix games, and the Phoenix went 1-1, and again this year! The first game was against the Steelers. The Phoenix started well, and despite the Steelers being the better team, the Phoenix got in their grill, and gave the Steelers all they could handle, and where justly rewarded with a lead heading into the second period.
In the second, I dont know what happened, but the Phoenix never got back on the gas like they did in the first. The Steelers stepped up their game, and clawed back into the game. OK, OK, the Phoenix could take the break, clear their heads, and set it up for an exciting third. Unfortunately, we let ourselves slip further back! Ah well.
I travelled 9,000 miles for that...
Anyhoo. Open the presents, and on to the second game against Newcastle. Well, what a difference. This time, in special green Christmas jerseys, the Phoenix start brightly with Newcastle matching us. A moment of panic when there was a round of handbags on the 5 minute mark with Cloots getting a game penalty for 3rd man in. Little harsh. Still, did not seem to affect the team as the Phoenix bagged 2 within seconds on the 10 minute mark, and a third towards the end of the first.
Newcastle, to their credit, could have got really chippy, but didnt. They tightened up, and got on with it, and the final score was 3-2. So, really close nail-biting stuff. Interspersed with an on-ice game of people running round on the ice carrying stuff, including yours truly. I didnt do too well, trailing in last. However, my shoes are new and the sole does not bend! Running on ice is hard! However, I was the only one not to fall over! So, a moral victory for me anyway!
Still, had a great time. My thanks to all at the Phoenix for making my girlfriend feel so welcome. She will return to Japan with a lot of wonderful memories from this trip! So, my thanks to all, Gambatte to the Phoenix for the rest of the season, and see you all again! Some day!
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Christmas run-in
Well, Christmas is almost upon us. The Hockey season is gearing up, and the Phoenix are in for a busy month, though with the cancellation of the game against Coventry on the 22nd, the Phoenix have gained a little respite. Selfishly, I am deeply disappointed, since it cuts the number of games I get to see! However, I do understand the logic around it, and the fixtures cannot be planned around 1 fan (though I think it should!).
However, this will be my last blog for a bit, and just want to use the opportunity to tie up a few loose threads rattling round in my head before I sign off for a while.
1. The Phoenix look to be settling into 5th in the league, with a little inconsistancy creeping in. Beating the Capitals in a close game on a very cold night, sandwiched between defeats to two of the "Big 4." Guess we will see what the outcome will be against the Bison. Given how the "Big 4" have basically not changed, I do think more has to be done to even the playing field! Those 4 obviously have the financial ability to pull away from the rest of us, even though the gap is a little closer this year, there is still that gap!
2. The Winter Classic in the NHL is coming up soon. A big game between the Chicago Blackhawks, and Detroit Redwings taking place at Chicago Red Sox' Wrigley Field. Promises to be fantastic, with Winter games allready being hosted in Edmonton, and Buffalo. These games have been big successes, and this game looks like taking this, and being even bigger still. Even if you ignore the fact that its at one of America's most storied venues, its a game between 2 of the "Origional 6," and that the Redwings are the current Champions!
The debate is raging on about the Winter Classic, over the pond. It is popular, and the fans are largely happy with it. However, a lot of people want it to be a "special event" rather than something that loses its "specialness" by happening too much, and losing its lustre.
I dont believe that it will lose its shine, since there are 32 teams in the NHL, and plenty of games to choose from! If there is just one game a year, Then it will take you 16 years just to feature every team once. Then across North America you have a number of venues that could be used for such a game. Yankee Stadium for one! Can anyone see the possibility of a Rangers/Islanders Winter Classic??
OK, a little tricky to have a Winter Classic game in Phoenix, Arizona, where its till flippin warm come winter. However, these problems are not allways insurmountable. As long as the NHL has the guts to try. As the 4th sport in North America, the NHL do have to try something big to move the game on, and try to develop further.
However, I would like it to continue as a regular thing. Rangers v Islanders at Yankee Stadium sounds cool, as does Tampa Bay v Florida at Raymond James Stadium. Who says the Winter Classic has to be cold!? I am sure the players would not mind! Though getting the ice to freeze could be an issue!
3. Pre-Christmas busyness. As I said before I am using this blog to wrap up a few things. Once I have made it through this weekend, I will, at some point, post pics of the Geos Christmas shindigs. Unfortunately, it wont be for a while! Monday is final shopping day before my vacation. Tuesday is last laundry and packing day. Wednesday is packing day, though this time, assisting my girlfriend, since this is her first trip, and she will want to pack everything! The Thursday is go-day, so will be incommunicado until I finally arrive at my parents house on the 21st!
Well, to all those who do stop by, Have a merry Christmas, and a happy new year! My regards to you and yours!
Keep safe!
However, this will be my last blog for a bit, and just want to use the opportunity to tie up a few loose threads rattling round in my head before I sign off for a while.
1. The Phoenix look to be settling into 5th in the league, with a little inconsistancy creeping in. Beating the Capitals in a close game on a very cold night, sandwiched between defeats to two of the "Big 4." Guess we will see what the outcome will be against the Bison. Given how the "Big 4" have basically not changed, I do think more has to be done to even the playing field! Those 4 obviously have the financial ability to pull away from the rest of us, even though the gap is a little closer this year, there is still that gap!
2. The Winter Classic in the NHL is coming up soon. A big game between the Chicago Blackhawks, and Detroit Redwings taking place at Chicago Red Sox' Wrigley Field. Promises to be fantastic, with Winter games allready being hosted in Edmonton, and Buffalo. These games have been big successes, and this game looks like taking this, and being even bigger still. Even if you ignore the fact that its at one of America's most storied venues, its a game between 2 of the "Origional 6," and that the Redwings are the current Champions!
The debate is raging on about the Winter Classic, over the pond. It is popular, and the fans are largely happy with it. However, a lot of people want it to be a "special event" rather than something that loses its "specialness" by happening too much, and losing its lustre.
I dont believe that it will lose its shine, since there are 32 teams in the NHL, and plenty of games to choose from! If there is just one game a year, Then it will take you 16 years just to feature every team once. Then across North America you have a number of venues that could be used for such a game. Yankee Stadium for one! Can anyone see the possibility of a Rangers/Islanders Winter Classic??
OK, a little tricky to have a Winter Classic game in Phoenix, Arizona, where its till flippin warm come winter. However, these problems are not allways insurmountable. As long as the NHL has the guts to try. As the 4th sport in North America, the NHL do have to try something big to move the game on, and try to develop further.
However, I would like it to continue as a regular thing. Rangers v Islanders at Yankee Stadium sounds cool, as does Tampa Bay v Florida at Raymond James Stadium. Who says the Winter Classic has to be cold!? I am sure the players would not mind! Though getting the ice to freeze could be an issue!
3. Pre-Christmas busyness. As I said before I am using this blog to wrap up a few things. Once I have made it through this weekend, I will, at some point, post pics of the Geos Christmas shindigs. Unfortunately, it wont be for a while! Monday is final shopping day before my vacation. Tuesday is last laundry and packing day. Wednesday is packing day, though this time, assisting my girlfriend, since this is her first trip, and she will want to pack everything! The Thursday is go-day, so will be incommunicado until I finally arrive at my parents house on the 21st!
Well, to all those who do stop by, Have a merry Christmas, and a happy new year! My regards to you and yours!
Keep safe!
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Political Wordplay
Now, politicians of all hues and affiliations are often accused of using plattitudes. However, what do we expect of them? If they speak their mind, then they get critisised. If they use a platitude, they get critisised. So, I gues they use the platitude as it does not make them look quite as stupid as if they just allways spoke their mind.
One recent "slip" afflicted Gordon Brown. With his declaration that he had "Saved the world." Really Gordon? I dont see you earing a cape! Or, that is a REALLY GOOD disguise!
http://jp.youtube.com/watch?v=-BsTzXEIK2k
And here it is!
This verbal diorrhea allficts all politicians. Not just in Britain. Though being British, I love it when the incumbant embarrases themselves. Hopefully it teaches them a little humility. Especially since Gordons ego is bigger than the sun!
Its not just British politicians though. Here in Japan politicians are just as, if not more so, capable of well and truly jamming their fiit firmly in their mouth. Prime Minister Aso is famous for a little verbal slippage. When he was 'just' a minister, this was not such a problem, indeed, it encouraged positive fuzzies about him. However, now he has the top job, these moments are causing him and his party a lot of embarrasment.
Old people - "Why should I pay taxes to pay people who eat, drink, and make no effort?"
Healthcare - "Why should I pay for medical cost for people who drink and smoke?"
He as also declare Doctors have no common sense.
On Obama - "His English somehow suggests a high intelligence"
Of course, when he is on his foriegn trips, his advisors can limit the damage he can cause himself. He has called Hillary without any honorific. However, the Jpanese media understand this, but Japanese is a hard language to understand so its not widely reported in America, and his translators do go through a lot of heavy editing when they translate for the foriegn press!
Not just Aso has recently "made a booby." The (former) Tourism minister, Nariaki Nakayama declared that Japan was genetically homogenous, and didnt like foriegners. Well, there are plenty of Japanese that like foriegners. My girlfriend being one. And Japan is no longer a genetically homogenous country. There are the indigenous "Inu" who live on Hokkaido! Way to go Nariaki! Lets ignore a chunk of my population, and shoot my own ministry by way of dissing those who we are trying to bring in!
Under Prime Minister Abe, one of his ministers declared women to be "Baby making machines" There is a logic behind his statement. Somewhere. Maybe.
However, the big prize goes to Yoshiro Mori said America was full of gangsters, AID's is not a big problem, and offended the entire city of Osaka. It got so bad, his advisers flat out refused to let him speak in public! He had to use flash cards!
Ah well. On the bad side, if politicians think these things, what does it mean for their ability to govern? Have we pick some real doozies to run things on our behalf? On the good side, they do give comedians hours and hours of useful material to make the rest of us laugh!
One recent "slip" afflicted Gordon Brown. With his declaration that he had "Saved the world." Really Gordon? I dont see you earing a cape! Or, that is a REALLY GOOD disguise!
http://jp.youtube.com/watch?v=-BsTzXEIK2k
And here it is!
This verbal diorrhea allficts all politicians. Not just in Britain. Though being British, I love it when the incumbant embarrases themselves. Hopefully it teaches them a little humility. Especially since Gordons ego is bigger than the sun!
Its not just British politicians though. Here in Japan politicians are just as, if not more so, capable of well and truly jamming their fiit firmly in their mouth. Prime Minister Aso is famous for a little verbal slippage. When he was 'just' a minister, this was not such a problem, indeed, it encouraged positive fuzzies about him. However, now he has the top job, these moments are causing him and his party a lot of embarrasment.
Old people - "Why should I pay taxes to pay people who eat, drink, and make no effort?"
Healthcare - "Why should I pay for medical cost for people who drink and smoke?"
He as also declare Doctors have no common sense.
On Obama - "His English somehow suggests a high intelligence"
Of course, when he is on his foriegn trips, his advisors can limit the damage he can cause himself. He has called Hillary without any honorific. However, the Jpanese media understand this, but Japanese is a hard language to understand so its not widely reported in America, and his translators do go through a lot of heavy editing when they translate for the foriegn press!
Not just Aso has recently "made a booby." The (former) Tourism minister, Nariaki Nakayama declared that Japan was genetically homogenous, and didnt like foriegners. Well, there are plenty of Japanese that like foriegners. My girlfriend being one. And Japan is no longer a genetically homogenous country. There are the indigenous "Inu" who live on Hokkaido! Way to go Nariaki! Lets ignore a chunk of my population, and shoot my own ministry by way of dissing those who we are trying to bring in!
Under Prime Minister Abe, one of his ministers declared women to be "Baby making machines" There is a logic behind his statement. Somewhere. Maybe.
However, the big prize goes to Yoshiro Mori said America was full of gangsters, AID's is not a big problem, and offended the entire city of Osaka. It got so bad, his advisers flat out refused to let him speak in public! He had to use flash cards!
Ah well. On the bad side, if politicians think these things, what does it mean for their ability to govern? Have we pick some real doozies to run things on our behalf? On the good side, they do give comedians hours and hours of useful material to make the rest of us laugh!
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Manchester Phoenix, the astounding ride.
Well, last night, something beautiful and amazing happened. The Manchester Phoenix rolled into the Giants lair over at the "Big O" and rolled out again. However, the Phoenix where not beaten and bloodied, the rolled out the proud owners of 2, brand new, shiny points!
Of course, I was not there, but oh, do I wish I were! Sounds like an intense and amazing affair. Even in the first period, the scond period being also even but the Giants took the score 2-1. However, the shocker for me, the third period saw 4 unanswered goals for the PHoenix. Including 3 from Beauregard, all ably assisted by the greatest living British hockey player, Tony Hand!
Now, the SOG do seem a little odd.
Lyle (Giants) 29
Murphy (Phoenix) 45
This either points to the Phoenix defence being down-right awful, or Murphy being unutterably amazing. I do know that the Phoenix defense is not that bad, and unfortunately, Murphy is not that good (He is, however, bloody good!). So, I cannot help but wonder if the two goal judges where using different interpretations of what counted as a shot on goal. For me, I did have a few stints as a goaljudge, and I was allways told if the shot was clearly going to go through the crease, then it counts. Even if a player actively deflects it away. However, if the puck is bounced off accidently, then it does not count. Now, my fellow goaljudge was given the same definition, and lo, we ended up with broadly similar counts, unless the game really was that one-sided.
Still.
These numbers DO help Smurf numbers! As it stands;
Lyle - 82.75% save rate
Murphy - 97.78% save rate.
Which, by any judgement, is a pretty amazing save percentage! NHL netties would be ecstatic to get that sort of figure!
Any road.
The Phoenix, as one of the leagues "Little teams" (Though that is something for another debate, at another time!) walked in to the "O" and turned over arguably the best team in the league. I say arguably, since the Steelers have the points in the bag and occupy the top seat at the table at the moment.
Still. A good day to be a Phoenix fan.
Now I am off to stare at the upcoming score for the Devils/Phoenix game.
Heres hoping for a little bit of turnabout from last week!
Of course, I was not there, but oh, do I wish I were! Sounds like an intense and amazing affair. Even in the first period, the scond period being also even but the Giants took the score 2-1. However, the shocker for me, the third period saw 4 unanswered goals for the PHoenix. Including 3 from Beauregard, all ably assisted by the greatest living British hockey player, Tony Hand!
Now, the SOG do seem a little odd.
Lyle (Giants) 29
Murphy (Phoenix) 45
This either points to the Phoenix defence being down-right awful, or Murphy being unutterably amazing. I do know that the Phoenix defense is not that bad, and unfortunately, Murphy is not that good (He is, however, bloody good!). So, I cannot help but wonder if the two goal judges where using different interpretations of what counted as a shot on goal. For me, I did have a few stints as a goaljudge, and I was allways told if the shot was clearly going to go through the crease, then it counts. Even if a player actively deflects it away. However, if the puck is bounced off accidently, then it does not count. Now, my fellow goaljudge was given the same definition, and lo, we ended up with broadly similar counts, unless the game really was that one-sided.
Still.
These numbers DO help Smurf numbers! As it stands;
Lyle - 82.75% save rate
Murphy - 97.78% save rate.
Which, by any judgement, is a pretty amazing save percentage! NHL netties would be ecstatic to get that sort of figure!
Any road.
The Phoenix, as one of the leagues "Little teams" (Though that is something for another debate, at another time!) walked in to the "O" and turned over arguably the best team in the league. I say arguably, since the Steelers have the points in the bag and occupy the top seat at the table at the moment.
Still. A good day to be a Phoenix fan.
Now I am off to stare at the upcoming score for the Devils/Phoenix game.
Heres hoping for a little bit of turnabout from last week!
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Manchester Phoenix. International fan club!
If you have read my brothers blogs, you will have seen he got somewhat het up over a couple of stories in the Nottingham Post which proclaimed that the Steelers and Panthers are the best supported clubs in the UK. This, naturally, led my brother to ask "what makes the best supported club?" And he offered up a nice arguement in favour of percentages. And for the intangibles. Such as 'noise.'
However, another element could be "geographic reach." In which case, the Phoenix have an excellent shout. Not only do I live just over 9,000 miles away (Having a shirt on you on holiday in Australia does not count!), but since Kashiwazaki's ice rink has opened, I now have commitments from a bunch of kids that the Phoenix is now their second team! Mainly because they think the shirt looks really cool. And it did come as a surprise its not an NHL shirt...
And here they are!
The small one with the Hockey gloves plays for the Kashiwazaki junior team!
And here is the whole mob of them!
Also, I have a standing invitation to join the local team to train! They got very excited when I started skating. Because I am a foriegner, and more importantly, I can skate backwards! Kind of. Unfortunately, there are 2 main things hindering me from joining. The language is not such an issue. However, 1. I have no kit. 2. They train when I am working! Still, it is nice that I have an invitation!
A Follow-on from another blog
My younger brother, author of the "Angry Budgie" blog (And getting increasingly angry! Either that, or I am getting more Zen!) recently posted on his blog some images of banners which the Family have concocted over the years, ranging from our days back with the Storm, up to today, with the Phoenix!
Here are the latest 2. Both pics I have pinched, and to the respective personages, I say, "ta."
Here are the latest 2. Both pics I have pinched, and to the respective personages, I say, "ta."
Well, this is the latest UK-produced number, which my brother unveiled internationally on his blog pages. Must admit, I like the shiny material, and the logo is well done. Over all a simple, clear design. However, I do agree with my brother in that the letters do get "lost" on the shiny red. Maybe going with the same black as the face would have been better. Still. It is only fabric, and the design can be tweaked as the days move on.
Well, this is the second one (the banner on the right, with the funny squiggles). This one was produced in Japan, with some help from my students, and a lot of help from my girlfriend, Yuko. The writing is all in Katakana, and basically reads "Manchester Phoenix, ganbarro!" Ganbarro = Good luck, fight, do your best, show strength, promise your best, try! The smaller squiggles linked to the two flags are mine and my girlfriends names. Heck. The banner is great. I'm going to blow my own trumpet!
These will all be on show as of the Manchester Phoenix v Sheffield game, December 21st!
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