One Year Later ............



Trevor Linden - Forever a Canuck

Hockey Moments

Marty McSorley assaults Donald Brashear

Years before Chris Simon used Ryan Hollweg's head as a piñata, Boston Bruins enforcer Marty McSorley became the symbol of NHL violent irresponsibility when he swung his stick at the head of Donald Brashear of the Vancouver Canucks on Feb. 21, 2000. Brashear was knocked out when his head hit the ice. McSorely was suspended by the NHL for the rest of the season, but that was the least of his worries.

McSorely was charged with assault, a rare intrusion by law enforcement into the rink with which the NHL understandably disagreed. McSorley was found guilty of assault with a weapon and served 18 months of probation. His NHL career was over; Brashear ended the decade playing for the New York Rangers.

The incident was a significant moment for the NHL, which had escaped the legal ramifications of its players' actions since Dino Ciccarelli's stick incident in 1988. But it would find one of his players back in court a few years later, as you'll see in a few spots down the ranking.

Death of Dan Snyder

Snyder was a 25-year-old center for the Atlanta Thrashers who was just starting his NHL career when his life tragically ended in a sad, horrific moment for hockey. From Sports Illustrated in 2003:

Dany Heatley(notes), 22, the star right winger, was driving from an evening meet-and-greet with season ticket holders in his black Ferrari 360 Modena with Dan Snyder, the Thrashers' 25-year-old fourth-line center who was staying at his house. Suddenly, on a curvy road in Atlanta's Buckhead neighborhood, Heatley lost control and the car, going 80 mph, skidded into a brick pillar and iron fence. Snyder was thrown from the vehicle and fractured his skull. After six days in a coma he died on Sunday night.

Heatley, at the time one of the League's brightest young stars, was also injured in the crash but was charged with a felony count of vehicular homicide, which carried a maximum sentence of 15 years. Snyder's family offered forgiveness and didn't want Heatley to go to jail; the judge took that into account when Heatley pled guilty to four of six charges and received three years probation -- with the felony charge dropped.

The incident has remained a permanent part of Heatley's career and subsequent stardom, including a move by EA Sports to drop him from a video game cover after the incident. Snyder's memory has been honored through awards and an arena name in his hometown.

The Todd Bertuzzi(notes) Incident

How infamous was Todd Bertuzzi's blindside punch that ended the career of Colorado Avalanche winger Steve Moore? NBC's "The Today Show" had a segment about it after the March 8, 2004 legendary moment of brutality, and they cover hockey about as often as Haley's Comet does a flyby.

So that's what mainstream America knew about the NHL in 2004. Tragic.

It began a few weeks earlier in Feb. 2004, when Moore gave Vancouver Canucks star Markus Naslund(notes) a hit to the head that drew the ire of the Canucks. From CBC Sports:

The Canucks were unsympathetic, and their threats of retribution came to a head during the third period of a game later that season in Vancouver. Unsuccessful in his attempts to goad Moore into a fight, the six-foot-three, 242-pound Bertuzzi skated up behind his smaller adversary, grabbed a handful of jersey and used his free hand to knock Moore unconscious before piling atop the fallen player.

When the ensuing melee finally ceased, Moore was being carted off on a stretcher and Bertuzzi was on his way to receiving a lengthy suspension from the NHL.

Lengthy as in 17 months, which carried through the lockout and kept Bertuzzi ineligible to play in international events. Moore was hospitalized with three broken vertebrae and a concussion that ended his hockey career.

Bertuzzi pled guilty to criminal charges filed in Vancouver, getting probation. Moore has had multiple lawsuits against Bertuzzi and Canucks coaches and management, some of which are still pending. Bertuzzi himself brought former Coach Marc Crawford, now with the Dallas Stars, into the legal entanglement by allegedly claiming that Moore "pay the price" for his actions.

Simply put: One of the blackest of black eyes for hockey, both in the severity of the injury and the damage the time-honored "Code" suffered as a hockey institution.

When Hockey goal celebrations go wrong ....

Henrik Andersen the 18-year old winger was celebrating his first goal of the season for Swedish Tier 2 team Leksand when he attempted to channel his inner Ovechkin and things went terribly wrong:

Here are a few of my favorite Hockey moments ...

I just had to post this song ...... Do The BearCat



Enjoy

"MICHAEL JACKSON THIS IS IT" TO BE PRESENTED EXCLUSIVELY FOR TWO-WEEK LIMITED ENGAGEMENT AROUND THE WORLD


TICKETS TO GO ON SALE SEPTEMBER 27. INTIMATE PORTRAIT OF MICHAEL JACKSON AS YOU'VE NEVER SEEN HIM BEFORE TO HIT THEATERS WORLDWIDE OCTOBER 28

CULVER CITY, Ca., August 20, 2009 - Sony Pictures Entertainment and Sony Music Entertainment announced today that Michael Jackson THIS IS IT will be released exclusively for a special, limited, two-week engagement worldwide, with the studio pushing up the debut of the film by two days, to Wednesday, October 28th. Due to the anticipated demand for this film, tickets for the two-week presentation will go on sale in most cities beginning on Sunday, September 27th.
Separately, the producers of Michael Jackson THIS IS IT announced that Kenny Ortega has been set to direct the motion picture. The film is being produced with the full support of The Estate of Michael Jackson.

Commenting on the announcement, Ortega, director of and Jackson's creative partner on the THIS IS IT concert, said, "This film is a gift to Michael's fans. As we began assembling the footage for the motion picture we realized we captured something extraordinary, unique and very special. It's a very private, exclusive look into a creative genius's world. For the first time ever, fans will see Michael as they have never seen him before – this great artist at work. It is raw, emotional, moving and powerful footage that captures his interactions with the THIS IS IT collaborators that he had personally assembled for this once in a lifetime project. This film shows a consummate performer working with and guiding singers, dancers, band members, choreographers, special effects creators and countless other creative members of the team as we all assemble this historic concert. I can think of many words to describe Michael as he rehearses for and creates THIS IS IT– inspirational, dynamic, generous, dedicated, loving and the guiding force—you see him as the true architect and driving force of this project – a true master of his craft, the Entertainer of Entertainers. I'm proud of the many years of friendship and creative association I shared with Michael and I'm happy that people will get a chance to see his spirit and drive in action. THIS IS IT may go down as the greatest concert that no one got a chance to see, but with this film, we get a rare portrait of Michael as he prepares for his final curtain call and what I believe was going to be his master work."

Michael Jackson THIS IS IT will offer Jackson fans and music lovers worldwide a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the performer as he developed, created and rehearsed for his sold-out concerts that would have taken place beginning this summer in London's O2 Arena. Chronicling the months from April through June, 2009, the film is drawn from more than one hundred hours of behind-the-scenes footage, featuring Jackson rehearsing a number of his songs for the show. Audiences will be given a privileged and private look at the singer, dancer, filmmaker, architect, and genius as he creates and perfects his final show.
"I have never been partners with a more creative, innovative or groundbreaking entertainer than Michael Jackson," said Randy Phillips, President & CEO, AEG LIVE and producer of Michael Jackson THIS IS IT. "While the concerts would have been the greatest shows in the history of music, our film will provide a historic event for Michael's fans to see for themselves the genius that he was and the creativity, talent and imagination that the entire cast devoted to create the ‘greatest concert that never happened'."

In the coming weeks, additional information about the film will be available at www.michaeljackson.com.
Dubbed the Billion Dollar Maestro by Daily Variety, Kenny Ortega has conquered Feature Films, Television, Stage, Concerts and massive Live Events such as The Olympics with equal excellence. As Michael Jackson's director and creative partner on THIS IS IT as well as the previous Jackson concert tours DANGEROUS and HISTORY, Mr. Ortega has been a friend, trusted colleague and collaborator of Michael Jackson's for over 20 years.
Kenny will segue from directing the film version of THIS IS IT to directing the Paramount feature film Footloose this fall. The multiple Emmy Award winner famously directed and visualized Disney's billion-dollar High School Musical franchise of films both for Television and as a Feature Film. Kenny directed the fastest selling concert tour in history, the Hannah Montana / Miley Cyrus "Best of Both Worlds Tour" featuring The Jonas Bros. This tour broke numerous records and extended its sell out tour by more than 20 shows. He also directed to tremendous praise the Opening and Closing Ceremonies for the 2002 Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Glambert

Adam Lambert's first post-American Idol single, the grandiose and Aerosmithian 2012 power-ballad "Time For Miracles," has been blowing up all week long--first on some international iTunes sites, then as a leak on YouTube, and then (after its official American release date was quickly moved up from October 27 to October 20 to accommodate Glambert demand) on both U.S. Amazon and iTunes.

So with all this blowing-up going on, it makes sense that the just-premiered video for the cranked-to-11 track is an epic and explosive affair, sort of like a mini-movie version of 2012 itself. In the doomsday clip, the leading man (matinee Idol?) is in full-on trenchcoated Mad Max

outlaw mode, fearlessly traipsing miraculously unscathed through a post-apocalyptic cityscape of looters, nosediving airplanes, freefalling great balls of fire, and imploding skyscrapers. And all the while, the camera basically makes love to him from every angle as he draws on his many years of theatrical training (not to mention braving the fiery elements of the Burning Man desert) to deliver an appropriately OTT performance.

Time For Miracles

Adam Lambert | MySpace Video

Sadly I never had an opportunity to meet Michael but like so many others around the world, came to know him through his music and admire him for his talent. I shared in the joy and happiness of his successes and was deeply sorrowed by his trials and tribulations. Through his darkest days, he stood proud and maintained his dignity and where others may have failed, he never faltered. He was simply amazing, as was his career ... always a perfectionist, always professional. His innocence was both charming and endearing. His passion for his music ... undeniable. He was a part of my life for forty four years and I am deeply grateful to him, for the incredible creativity which has provided me with countless hours of enjoyment through the years.

This world was a much better place with him in it and we all now share in the loss a truly innocent, caring and compassionate man. He was loved by many and will be missed by us all. My heart goes out to those of you who knew him best and my thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Michael Jackson

Many years hidden well,
behind glass walls for all to see.
The passing of a vision,
of what his life was meant to be.

Instead there came a man,
having suffered more than most.
Fleeting shadows on the wall
he lived his life ... as if a ghost.

The words may weave a story
leaving dust piles on his trail.
But just listen to their meaning
and they may tell a different tale.

His lips may speak the truth
yet accusations took their toll.
But take a look into his eyes
read his heart and meet his soul.

His kindness didn't matter
since it was twisted inside out.
How quickly you've forgotten
what this mans life was all about.

Angela June Stobart 1994 ©


Rest in peace dear sweet soul. xoxox

Andy Rooney is a really smart fellow

In case you missed it on 60 Minutes, this is what Andy Rooney thinks about women over 40:


60 Minutes Correspondent Andy Rooney (CBS)

As I grow in age, I value women over 40 most of all.. Here are just a few reasons why:

A woman over 40 will never wake you in the middle of the night and ask, 'What are you thinking?' She doesn't care what you think.

If a woman over 40 doesn't want to watch the game, she doesn't sit around whining about it. She does something she wants to do, and it's usually more interesting.

Women over 40 are dignified. They seldom have a screaming match with you at the opera or in the middle of an expensive restaurant. Of course, if you deserve it, they won't hesitate to shoot you if they think they can get away with it.

Older women are generous with praise, often undeserved. They know what it's like to be unappreciated.

Women get psychic as they age. You never have to confess your sins to a woman over 40.

Once you get past a wrinkle or two, a woman over 40 is far sexier than her younger counterpart.

Older women are forthright and honest. They'll tell you right off if you are a jerk, if you are acting like one. You don't ever have to wonder where you stand with her.

Yes, we praise women over 40 for a multitude of reasons. Unfortunately, it's not reciprocal. For every stunning, smart, well-coiffed, hot woman over 40, there is a bald, paunchy relic in yellow pants making a fool of himself with some 22-year old waitress. Ladies, I apologize.

For all those men who say, 'Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free? Here's an update for you. Nowadays 80% of women are against marriage. Why? Because women realize it's not worth buying an entire pig just to get a little sausage!

Andy Rooney is a really smart guy!

Possible 'Manslaughter' Charges

As of this morning Michael Jackson's doctor, Conrad Murray, has been placed under investigation for a possible manslaughter charge, relating to the death of the popular pop star, states Murrays lawyer.

A caravan of 15 cars arrived at the office on Montgomery Road in Houston shortly after 10:20 this morning. There were more than two dozen Los Angeles police detectives, DEA agents and Houston uniformed officers. All were geared up wearing raid jackets. Following the morning raid, his attorney Ed Chernoff said a search warrant "authorized law enforcement to search for and seize items, including documents, they believed constituted evidence of the offense of manslaughter."

This statement today was the first time any mention of a criminal investigation in the case has been made. Law enforcement officials "concluded their search around 12:30pm, and left with a forensic image of a business computer hard drive and 21 documents. None of the documents taken had previously been requested by law enforcement or the L.A. Coroner's office."

Jordan Chandler:

"Michael Jackson Never Touched Me"

June 29, 2009 by Richie

Michael Jacksons accuser went to the press today; he said that he could no longer live the lie and keep the secret that he has been keeping since 1993. Michael never touched him. The boy claims that his father ordered him to go and report that he had been sexually abused by the pop star on several different occasions. “It was my father’s way of saving his family from the poor house; he convinced me that it was my duty to help him make us all rich, promising me anything that I wanted for doing it.” Evan Chandler reportedly confessed.

The now young man says his biggest regret was not seeking out Michael Jackson and begging him for his forgiveness. “Now I will never be able to tell him just how truly sorry I am, I was young and just doing what I was told.” Evan realizes how much he destroyed Michael and he would do anything to take back some of the pain that his father caused.



My first reaction was to burst into tears, as an overwhelming sadness settled deep within me ... I was and always have been a staunch supporter of Michael Jackson. My gut feeling years ago when first accused was that there was an ulterior motive and that he was innocent of the charges. If this statement from Chandler is fact ... I would then ask how the hell could they do that to him. Greed ... not enough of a reason to completely and utterly destroy this man, both personally and professionally. It breaks my heart that Michael went to his grave before this young man and his cohorts revealed the truth. Unforgivable ... absolutely unforgivable.

This last week has been very unsettling ... actually the last 2 weeks have. Like so many others, I was shocked to learn of Michael Jacksons death. Now two weeks later, I am still having trouble coming to terms with the fact that we have lost one of the very best entertainers of our time, I'll correct myself ... of all time.

I so vividly remember the very first time I saw Michael on the "Ed Sullivan Show" ... he was just a child, but already such a seasoned performer. Little did we know at the time, just how far that talented little boy would travel. What an incredible, amazing, fantastic journey and I thank him for making my world a much nicer place.

Although I never had the opportunity to meet this man, I shared in his happiness and joy with each milestone he reached in his musical career and I also shared the pain that he encountered along the way. We all know that his personal life was shrouded in mystery and yes we are all familiar with the accusations that disrupted so many lives ... his most of all.

What we will never know ... is exactly what did happen behind closed doors, but I am sure that there will now be all sorts of people jumping on the "Tell All" bandwagon. If you've ever wondered why people do this ... it's simple. If they ever said anything of the sort while the person was still alive, they would be sued ... plain and simple ... but now that he's gone and unable to defend himself, I'm sure he will be targeted even more than ever. Myself ... I will always see him, as I have always seen him. My thoughts and feelings for this wonderful, talented man will never change and no matter what, I will continue to hold on to my respect and admiration for him.

It is now painfully obvious just how frail he was, both emotionally and physically and I can't help but think that the ongoing negative public opinion towards him the last few years, most likely contributed to his failing health. I must say that it is nice, to now see so many people around the world really admired and loved him despite it all ... I only wish that he had been appreciated more in life than in death.

My hope is that the world will treat his children with the same love, kindness and compassion that their Dad did. Yes ... I said Dad and I don't care who may or may not step forward to claim that title. Michael Jackson was their Daddy. I am also highly offended that the woman who bore the older two children for Michael has now stepped forward to grab what she can out of the cookie jar. She accepted an unspecified settlement for them years ago, walked out of their lives and showed very little if any interest in these children for the entire time they were in Michaels care. Even after his death was announced she did not want them, that is of course until the contents of his will was made known and she realized she had been overlooked. Suddenly she wants them ... oh I think not ... she does however see it as a way to procure 40% of the estate, left to the children. I can also say with a fair amount of certainty, that the woman who bore his youngest son, will most likely show up for her cut as well now. If any of these people truly cared about these children, they would not have found it so easy to walk out of their lives.

I believe that Michael had very good reasons for leaving the children in the care of his Mother, Katherine or his dear friend Diana Ross. I believe they were the two people that he both loved and trusted most. Neither of these women would care about the financial aspect of their placement with them and either would care for the children simply because they loved Michael and would love his children as well.

If the children are split up and placed in the care of anyone other than one or the other of these woman, I would be at an absolute loss for words. It was so obvious during the memorial service, that the children are loved, cared for and are protected within the extended Jackson family. I do hope that they are left in Katherine care, but I guess we will all find out on Monday.