HockeyRhetoric

Every August in Buffalo, when sports news is slow, a familiar discussion emerges that attempts to settle which sport — hockey or football — is of more importance to the region’s culture or whatever. It’s one of those debates that never really goes anywhere and reliably antagonizes people. But, because everyone seems to have a strong opinion on the matter, it’s a regular talking point this time of year. » Read the rest of this entry «

So Chris Drury has retired from hockey. I don’t have a really neat and concise opinion on him. It seems like every time I talk about Drury with someone, the conversation goes in a unique direction. The spectrum of feelings people have for Drury has always seemed to overshadow any kind of hard analysis of his greatness. In Buffalo, there is a lot of unresolved bitterness towards Drury but most concede that he was great for the Sabres.

Some people are just inexplicable gifted at what they do. Robert Downey Jr. was put on this Earth to act in front of a camera. Bruce Springstein was put on this Earth to perform music on a stage. Chris Drury — he was put on this Earth to play competitive sports. What’s interesting about Drury is that, in comparison to other pro hockey players, he wasn’t exactly an outlier. I’m not sure if at any point during his professional career he was ever the most talented player on his team. Think about it. » Read the rest of this entry «

If there’s a writing style that is diametrically opposite of mine, this might just be it. On the Vancouver riots, Carles writes:

I am sorta wondering ‘why’ riots happen in the Western World any more. It makes sense if you have a dictator bro who is totally killing ur society’s vibe, but things are generally ‘pretty chill’ in North America and Europe.

I have not talked about the Vancouver riots here. I couldn’t think of anything really interesting to say about what happened that night and honestly the riots freaked me out a little. I don’t want to analyze them. To a point, I think Carles’ voice is a better one to use than mine when reacting to what happened in Vancouver.

Chill, Azn bro.

No seriously, chill. » Read the rest of this entry «