Day 368: Karpat!

With the Torino Olympics over, two of our players returned from Italy with their silver medals, proud to have represented Suomi. I am referring to Niklas Backstrom and Lasse Kukkonen, the two players from Oulun Karpat who made the Finnish national squad. Neither were signifcant factors in the games though. Backstrom was Finland's third goalie and didn't play a minute, while Kukkonen was the "taxi squad" replacement for Vancouver's Sami Salo after his unfortunate injury.

With a Finnish co-worker, I journeyed to the Oulun Jaahalli to watch our fearless Karpat battle the evil forces of the Espoo Blues. The arena was an older rink, more comparable to Memorial Arena than GM Place. It seats about 6000, and though there were some proper seats, we actually sat on cold hard benches.


Oulu's arena

The teams eventually took the ice, and the first thing I noticed was the uniforms. They looked like NASCAR drivers with advertisements wondrous and fair all over them (including on their butt). The ice was similarly speckled with ads - the faceoff dot was not a true faceoff dot but was actually an ad for Oulun Energia. It was also the Olympic-style "big ice", and I'm not sure this is better than the much-maligned "small ice" of the NHL because for the most part you're just adding space a long way from the net.

Oulun Karpat currently sit 1st in the Finnish League. There are 14 teams in the league and the top 10 make the playoffs which begin later this month. The top six teams get a first round bye. The opponent for tonight was the Espoo Blues - who are right on the playoff bubble. A strange thing they do in Finland is specially designate the leading scorer on each team by making them wear a shiny gold helmet. I liked the idea but wondered why they stopped with gold? I think the penalty minute leader should wear a red helmet, and all rookies could sport pink helmets.

The Oulu gold helmet was worn by Czech import Michal Bros, who was the most impressive player in the game. The Espoo golden helmet was worn by none other than the pride of North Vancouver, Steve Kariya! He has ditched his familiar 18 and now wears number 22, but is otherwise the same undersized forward I remember from 5 years ago when he dazzled in Canuck pre-season games. I instantly forgot my loyalties to Oulu and shouted "Come on Steve!" a couple of times before the sour looks reminded me to back Karpat. Steve didn't have a great game and didn't score a point (and even took a dumb penalty), but he must be doing something right if he's wearing the Espoo Golden Helmet! I wonder if he would stick in the "new NHL" if he came up now?


Karpat vs. Blues. You can almost detect Steve Kariya (RW, White Team)

But Finland is not the new NHL. Big J (and possibly The Boy) would have been pleased to discover that the Finnish game is the low-scoring clutch-and-grab no-penalty fest that they lovingly remember from those unwatchable New Jersey Stanley Cup runs. The Finnish League's leading scorer is not even at a point a game pace this year (Stevie K. sits in 3rd place). But Big J will be saddened to learn that like Augusta, Finnish games are decided after overtime with a sudden-death shootout - without even the three chances that the NHL sees. So maybe he won't move to Finland after all.

The game started sluggishly with no scoring in the first period, and I started to worry that the Finnish league was not at AHL standards. But this was just due to the players eating too much salmiakki during the Olympic break and both teams responded with more energy in the second frame, and it turned into a compelling tilt.

The first goal on the night came from Blues. After a Karpat penalty they scored almost immediately after the faceoff. We didn't see the goal because someone walked up the stairway at this exact moment, and there is no instant reply at Oulu Arena.

But Karpat started playing well after this moment and truly dominated the rest of the game. They scored the equalizer to make it Yksi-Yksi just before the second period ended, and then scored the go-ahead goal early in the third period. After this they had lots of chances for more goals, but the score stayed 2-1.

Niklas Backstrom was impressive - and I immediately thought of what an improvement over Maxime Oullet he would be. I would not be surprised if he plays in the NHL (or more likely the AHL) next season, although he is 28 and was never drafted.

The other highlight was after the first period when I ate a sort of "Finnish Hot Dog" - the exact name escapes me but it had lots of a's, l's, and k's in it. They also played a few cheesy "Karpat Songs" which were wonderful - I've always thought that the Canucks need songs. Perhaps something like "Watch Out, Here Comes Ruutu!"?


Jarkko!

Day 367: Anger

Some days are better than others. After a pretty good stretch of days of fun work, good drink, and those enjoyable Torino Olympics, I find myself in a grumpy mood today. There's not much justification for it, but it is what it is. Today's emotion? Anger.

It's mostly undefined anger directed at whatever it is I choose to think about next. The cause and effect in this sort of situation can be misinterpreted, because the anger is the cause of the angry thoughts: the angry thoughts are not the cause of the anger. Where does the anger come from? I don't know.

I am angry that I am working hard to get my stupid work done - but certain that it is not appreciated in either Canada or Finland. I simply can't wait to have no job and no responsibilities. I do not enjoy this stress. I am angry that my face is starting to peel off due to the cold weather. It's quite comical really.

But mostly I am just angry at myself.

But the anger will soon turn to sadness, and then to self-pity - such is the way of my moods. I am pretty good at predicting them, but not very good at changing them.

It's all par for the course, and things should be back to normal in a couple of hours. Have a nice day. Grrrrrr.

Day 366: Suomi vs. Ruotsi

After a hard first week's work here in Oulu, I looked forward to a restful weekend of Olympic Hockey watching. I had toyed with the idea of journeying to Sweden for the final game if Finland did not make it, but fortunately that decision never came up as the Finns crushed the Russians to set up the desired matchup, a grudge match for the ages: Finland vs. Sweden!

The desire amongst Finns to defeat arch-nemesis Swedes is difficult to overstate. A tournament without a victory is still to be savoured when at least Finland finishes above Sweden. Apart from the obvious geographical proximity, the roots of this rivalry stem from Sweden's occupation of Finland until the early 19th century (when Russia took over). The Swedish cultural dominance of Finland during this period was complete, and Finns were seen as little more than peasants. The Finnish language wasn't much of a written language, and all government business was done in Swedish (even under Russian governance). But Finland eventually booted out both imperial overlords, asserted their nationhood, and became a wealthy independent country with lots of cell phones: but still a nation that really likes beating Sweden.

So on the eve of the great matchup, I decided to become sick again with a horrible headache and terrible cold. Those who have been following my blog will not be the least bit surprised to hear of my latest illness, as I have been colossally unwell for some time now.



But I decided to ignore this sickness and bugger on regardless as if I was well. So on Sunday at 3pm, I journeyed to a local bar with a couple of co-workers to watch the Suomi game. The bar was absolutely packed.


Finns cheer on their squad

The game began nicely with the Finns working extremely hard and looking dangerous. The hard work paid off as Suomi hit the scoresheet first! Yksi-Nolla! Chants of "Suomi! (clap-clap-clap) Suomi! (clap-clap-clap)" erupted as pandemonium set in. The first period ended with Suomi holding a 1-0 lead.

The second period saw the Finns get in penalty trouble, and Sweden scored two goals to take a 2-1 lead. The atmosphere grew dark as the Finns prepared for disaster. But then Ville Peltonen scored the equalizer and the game was back on. A chant of "Ville Peltonen!" erupted and the mood was again buoyant as it was now Kaksi-Kaksi. I drank another Karha beer.

But the third period was a disaster as Sweden scored 10 seconds into the frame! Ay-ay-ay! And though Finland worked hard for the rest of the game, they could not even things up and Sweden took the gold.

But I have to confess that although I was amongst Finns, drinking a Finnish beer, cheering for the Finns, I cannot pretend that I was not happy to see Henrik and Daniel win the gold. No - I am definitely a Canuck fan first, a Canada fan second, and a Finland fan third.

I can't wait for 2010: hopefully its Canada vs. Suomi in the final. See you there.

Day 365: Showdown on Ice

Today is a day that I have been waiting for since I arrived in Finland: an epic confrontation between the great nations of Finland and Canada with an Olympic gold medal at stake. The battle is on the tongues of every Finn, and the Finnish networks have been hyping the confrontation incessantly: I even watched an interview with the Finnish Team last night on YLE.

The sport I am talking about is curling, and it has been a big hit at the Olympics here in Finland (and in Italy apparently). Curling has been on the TV frequently - the Finnish network even bumped coverage of the Canada vs. Russia quarterfinal in men's ice hockey to show the Finnish team battle the Scots in the curling semi-final. I would have been quite angry about this, but I was able to watch on Swedish TV instead.

This has been an unusual Olympics for Canada, because despite the tragedy befalling our men's Ice Hockey team, we have earned a number of medals - and several golds. Finland, on the other hand, is having a horrific Olympics, not having earned a single gold yet. But that could change today as all of Finland looks to the heroic figure of Markku Uusipaavalniemi to defeat Brad Gushue and the evil Canadians.

Curling is a great sport which I have acquired a new appreciation for. It's bocce on ice (no wonder the Italians are enjoying it). I look forward to a great summer of bocce, and I don't intend the be a weak link on my team anymore.

As for the hockey? Go Finland! I look forward to seeing our plucky Finns smash the Russians today to bring up a (possible) confrontation with the hated Swedes in the final. Finland and Sweden have a good healthy rivalry (with Finland suffering from "little brother syndrome") - so a Finnish gold medal at the expense of the Swedes would be a cause for epic celebration in the streets of Oulu.

Postscript: I mentioned to some Finns today at lunch that I would like to see a Sweden/Finland final. They simply shook their heads, gave me a Finnish look of despair, and pointed out that Sweden ALWAYS beat Finland. The only exception was the 1995 World Championships, and how their eyes lit up as they recounted Finland's one shining moment of glory. Go Suomi!

Day 364: Life In A Northern Town: Oulu

It has been a busy and productive week working here in Oulu and I would be remiss if I didn't properly document some of the goings-on.

Night Flight
It may be no great insight, but I will say that it is a long way to Finland. I left Victoria early on Friday morning after dropping Chance and Slippers off with their grandparents (the cats are doing fine). Steel Curtain gave me a ride to the airport, and I was almost away. I first watched our Canadian women dispatch Finland while in the waiting area, which I interpreted as an excellent omen for my trip. Unfortunately the good folks at Lufthansa had issues figuring out how their plane worked, so we sat on the runway for two hours before they realized there were actually no problems with the emergency doors. After a ten-hour flight while sitting in a middle seat (with sleep a technical impossibility), my first stop was Frankfurt, smack in the heart of sausage country. I had never been to Deutschland before, and though I didn't make it out of the airport it was interesting nonetheless. Thoughts on Germany? Clean bathrooms.

After a short layover, I headed across the Baltic Sea to Helsinki. I stayed overnight Saturday with plans to see a bit of the city, but after a long day (24 hours) of travel, I was good for little other than bed. I did see a bit of the town, including the arena where HIFK Helsinki play (this is where Jarkko plyed his trade last year during the lockout). I also discovered a nearby Pizza Hut, where they served excellent authentic Finnish garlic bread.

Oulu
The final stop on my journey was the northern town of Oulu, Finland, where I was to spend the next two (or possibly three) weeks helping train the people who are replacing me. Oulu sits at 65 degrees north, just shy of the Arctic Circle. A lot of seemingly-helpful people warned me that there wouldn't be much sunlight way up here in the midst of winter in the far north. But I am a sun-worshipper and know its ways, so I knew that the whole earth gets a good dose of sunlight in late February as we near the equinox. This assessment proved true, and it been staying light until around 5pm, even at 65 degrees north, and within but a couple of short months, Oulu will be bathed in near-perpetual sunlight.

The weather has been cold since I've been here (approx. -10 to -5) and it has snowed a number of times. But the snow has always been but a "gentle dusting", and is far less annoying than your typical Vancouver rainstorm. I'm on the company expense plan during my stay here, but I am still thrifty. I suppose it's a nagging lack of self-worth that convinces me to try save 2 euros whenever possible. I've been taking taxis to work each day (approx. 9 euros each way), but decided to risk walking home yesterday instead. It was great! It only took 30 minutes and I didn't even get lost.



Olympic Fever!
My stay here in Finland has coincided with the second week of the Torino Olympics. I've previously discussed how much I love the Olympics and this trip into the winter snows has helped me love it even more. The next games are coming to my hometown, and I hope that I am not the only one looking forward to see if Tommy Morgenstern can defend his crown in the Big Hill Ski Jump.

I have always hated the NBC broadcasts for their "fluff pieces" on the athletes (and their tape-delaying nonsense), and dislike CBC for its ridiculous navel-gazing Canada-focus, so it has been very refreshing to watch the networks show sports all the time with no fluff pieces. And who do they show? They show the athletes that are winning the event: what a concept! I've watched the entirety of a 4*7.5km Biathlon Relay (who doesn't love Biathlon?), the Nordic Combined, and plenty of speed skating, skiing, and even curling. The Finnish men's team is doing really well in the Curling and they have actually been showing quite a bit of it.

The only sport I don't watch is figure skating. I apologize to the figure skating community, but I am not at all convinced that this is really a sport. But Skeleton, Luge, and Bobsled have grown on me and I am quite willing to defend them to the naysayers. I know that the ratings for these Olympics in the USA are in the toilet, and I have to admit that I don't care. The Winter Olympics is a niche sport and that's what it should be. If non-sports fans stop watching, maybe they'll start treating it as if it was a sporting event and not an awe-inspiring spectacle of brotherhood? And hopefully by 2010 we'll all be watching it on the Internet anyway.

But what about the hockey? Canada is doing fine, but they miss having youngsters like Staal, Spezza, and even Crosby on the team. Playing 8 games in 12 days is a job for young legs, and I think that Gretz should have chosen accordingly. Can Canada beat Russia today and make it to the semis where we will hopefully play Finland? I think so, but if we lose today, remember that it's just a game, and it's not a national tragedy. Russia is a good team and they might win. But what about Finland going 5-0 in the preliminary round? The Finns are understandably elated about their team right now, especially Ruutu, who showed great grit with that courageous clean hit on Jagr. Let's hope the Finns crush the Americans and we will get to meet them on Friday. Go Finland! Go Canada!

I'm trying to pick up some of the Finnish language to better understand the hockey announcers - but I am oddly deficient in my Finnish thus far. But there's plenty of time left.

Day 363: Snowy Goes To Finland

Well it's nearly time for me to be up, up, and away, far across the ocean blue to Finland, the true home of Santa Claus (as all Finns assure me). I hope that you all stay safe and sound while I am absent. I will miss each and every one of you, but not nearly as much as I will miss Slippers and Chance.


This is an old photo (Jun/05): Chance looks fatter here!

I do not know how often I will be updating my blog while on my trip, but I suspect it will be infrequently, so please be patient.

My arrival in Oulu coincides with a Canada-Finland game on Sunday (10pm local time). I look forward to learning Finnish through listening to local commentators remark on how much grit Jarkko (my new favourite Canuck) is showing.

Today's Remarkkable Ruutu stat:
Jarkko Ruutu had 215 PIM in 50 games for HIFK Helsinki in 2004-2005.

Day 362: Chance and Slippers Go To Torino

"It's wonderful to be here in Turin - er Torino," said Chance. "I love the Olympics, and I can't believe it's been 2 years since we were in Athens. Those were good times."

At that moment, Snowy returned from the concesssion stand clutching three hot chocolates. "Only 23 euros!" Snowy and the boys drank their hot liquids graciously, happy for a moment's warmth on this frigid Flag Day, so very far from home.

"Unfurl the banner!" suggested Slippers. "Let us show our support to these wonderful Canadian athletes on this important day of civic celebration." Chance got to work rolling out the banner just as the steely-eyed German, Jens Gaiser, skiied past. "Go Canada!" he shouted to the German's bemusement.

But Slippers looked at the unfurled flag in horror. This was not the red and white of a Canadian flag at all - it was instead a blue cross on a white background - the flag of Finland! "Snowy - what have you done?"

Slippers turned around to see Snowy looking resplendent in a freshly-knitted blue and white cap.

"Hip-hei-hurraa! Olen Suomin katti kas noin!"

Day 361: Valentine's Day Update

Since I am a hopeless romantic, I sincerely wish each and every one of you a Happy Valentine's Day. And if there are any guys out there confused about what to do today, just remember one word: Flowers. I may be no great student of human nature, but I do know that women everywhere enjoy receiving flowers pretty much at any time, so neglecting them on Valentine's Day is a blunder of the highest order.

The weather has gotten colder in Vancouver this week, but it will soon grow even colder for me. For I head off to Finland this Friday afternoon for between two and three weeks of honest work. Today's high in Oulu: -12. But I will get to see the last week of the Olympics while in Finland, and I am hopeful that I get to witness a good Finland-Canada final. Although I won't be cheering for the Finns, I will have to boistrously cheer if Ruutu gives Iginla a good body-check.

Chance and Slippers make their own incredible journey back to Victoria on Thursday night. I return them in my vehicle on the 9pm ferry, before I return to Vancouver on the Friday 9am ferry. They will be spending time at the ancestral home with all manner of children and adults, and with a spacious back garden to gaze out at. They should have a fun vacation.

Slippers is also looking forward to exploring strange new bathtubs.


Nothing beats a good bathtub!

Day 360: Even In The Quietest Moments

Days and even weeks can go by where not much happens at Montrose. With little to do except clean, cook, and fold socks, one can only look out at the outside world and imagine the great events transpiring elsewhere. But even in these quiet moments, there are still things that catch the eye. Here are some vignettes from the peaceful life of a quiet Saturday at Montrose.


Chance and Slippers wonder whatever became of Gerald.


Q: What is that, Slippers? A: That's the sun!


S: I like to climb trees! C: I like to eat catfood.


All this ledge-watching is making me thirsty.

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Unrelated Update: One down, Two to go

Day 359: Three For The Price Of Three

In a move completely unrelated to earlier complaints about being out of shape, I decided to buy a chocolate bar from the vending machine this morning. This is normally an uninteresting activity in an otherwise eventful day, but today was different. Today the machine decided to accept my money but not dispense the chocolatey treat. I may not like it when this happens - but what to do? Do I call the vending machine staff to come fix the problem? Obviously not as this requires a phone call to a stranger. Perhaps I could persuade the machine to release its hold on my chocolate bar? I braced myself and administered a crushing series of body checks to the side of the machine, jostling it significantly. But despite my best efforts, the machine maintained its icy hold on my chocolate bar.

But I did not give up in the face of adversity. I solemnly returned to my desk and grabbed my bulging wallet, determined to do what it took to get a fair deal from the machine. After inserting an additional $1.25 and selecting #40, the machine released its hold on the first chocolate bar, but chose to keep the second one: a move similar to its earlier gambit. Examining the state of the machine this time, I could see that there was no potential of dislodgement, and I didn't even try. My haul had improved to "1 for the price of 2" rather than "0 for the price of 1", but I still found this completely unacceptable. To reach an acceptable state of affairs, I would need to spend my way out. So I inserted another $1.25 in the machine, punched in the #40 code once more, fingers crossed. "Come on!" said I, encouraging the device. This time the effort was a success and I received not only the second chocolate bar, but the third one as well. Now I had a fair deal: "3 for the price of 3", and I was content.


Some Great Reward

Now I must ration the chocolate over these next three days. Can I avoid eating them all at a single sitting, and prove my detractors wrong? Only time will tell.

Day 358: Touch Football Post Mortem

Prior to the devastating Super Bowl experience that was Super Bowl XL, back in those heady days when Seahawk fans still laughed and sang in the presence of Steeler fans, we decided to play a quick game of touch football at a local school. I played a good deal of football in my youth and was well known as being a crafty Steve Largent-esque receiver. I was slightly "less fat" than the other aging giants contesting the battle (except for The Boy, of course), and had done my share of sports last year. Surely I would be fine?!

It all started well, much like the Super Bowl itself. Though I had worn my "fancy" shoes which were completely unsuitable for touch football, I managed to borrow a pair of The Boy's runners which happened to fit perfectly. Big J and I took on Steel Curtain and The Boy (joined later by KC and Nick), and I was good for one initial sprint past the emminently flawed "Steel Curtain" and scored a quick TD. Excited yet winded, I turned to taunt my opponent, but could barely speak. Now subdued, I sauntered back to my side of the field confused that we didn't now trade ends like we would if we were playing Ultimate.

And then it all went badly. I could not keep up with the super-sized Steel Curtain, which embarassed me deeply, and their trick plays confused us considerably (sadly like my beloved Seahawks). I had a couple of good interceptions and my field goal kicking was flawless (this time unlike my beloved Seahawks), but our team lost due mainly to my pathetic physical condition, and inability to ever get open on offence. The breaks I took between each point grew longer and more painful and I started to attract considerable pity, which did not make me feel very proud.

The next day my legs were sore and sad, and two days later my back is uncomfortably stricken with pain. I am a shambling wreck of a physical specimen.

Clearly I must find a way to get in better shape for summer.

Day 357: Super Bowl Post Mortem

It's now one day after a most devastating day of football-watching, and I am unsuccessfully trying to recover. Seattle lost Super Bowl XL by a score of 21-10 to Pittsburgh. Sigh. I would be OK with them losing the game if they were beaten soundly by a better team, but that is not what happened. They were not beaten by the other team so much as they lost the game themselves (with a little help from the refs and Jerramy Stevens). I don't want to disrespect the Pittsburgh Steelers, now champions, but they did not deserve to win: heck they didn't even deserve to be in the same stadium as Seattle on Sunday based on the way they played! Seattle honestly could have/should have blown them out in the first half: they consistently threatened to score on every possession and only managed one field goal - which is pathetic. The fact that they didn't put the game away when they could have was a horrific missed opportunity that bit them in the end (as I feared it would while I mourned at half time).

I believe that if those teams played ten games like they did on Sunday, Seattle wins 9 times, and I only give Pittsburgh the 1 win because we just saw it. Seattle was more physical than Pittsburgh (on both sides of the ball), Seattle caused more turnovers than Pittsburgh, and Seattle definitely outquarterbacked Pittsburgh. The only two categories they fell short in were coaching and luck, but they fell well short in both categories and these decided the game.

I give Pittsburgh full credit for their trick play success with Antwaan throwing to Hines for the last touchdown. We all knew something like that was coming, and still couldn't stop it: well done Pittsburgh. But I give full discredit to Seattle and Holmgren for their appalling clock management and key situation play-calling. I especially hated the decision to punt with 6 minutes to go from midfield while down by 11. Although they were faced with an improbable 4th and 15, they had a much better chance of pulling that out then they did an onside kick with no time left (assuming they stopped Pittsburgh, scored, and then got the ball back with some time to go). A slim chance is a better opportunity than no chance, which is what punting the ball then was.

Still I cannot remember a game where the rug was pulled out from under me so many times due to penalties (a couple of which still seem highly dubious), and receivers stepping one foot out of bounds. Can't they stay in the field of play? I especially disliked that Pass Interference call on Darrell Jackson. That call was ridiculous.

So Pittsburgh won and they earned it because they scored more points than Seattle. But that was a tough way to lose. Seattle may have been "less mature" than Pittsburgh, so I hope that this loss allows them to reflect on their shortcomings so that they will win the Super Bowl next year and avenge this ungratifying loss.

But I was right about one thing: the point spread was wrong. The Seahawks were the better team and should never have been 4-point underdogs. If they played a rematch today (which sadly they do not), even Vegas would have to acknowledge this and favour the Seahawks. Now it may seem silly to point that out now, but I think the play in the game proved me right so convincingly that even a now-rejoicing Steeler fan must acknowledge that they were darned lucky to win that one.

---

Closing Note: I've had a chance to relect on the game one day later and have grown much angrier at the questionable officiating. I will from now on officially refuse to acknowledge that Pittsburgh won the game, which leaves their Super Bowl Tally stuck at four. But was the Super Bowl fixed? I'm not sure (I may be crazy - but I'm not that crazy), but I think that the possibility exists and the US Government should investigate.

To Glenn (see below): Whatever. I'm glad you're proud of yourself for predicting that Seattle would lose. You will remain at the bottom of the power rankings for at least two months.

Day 356: On Those Danish Cartoons

Back in a September, a Danish newspaper published some deliberately offensive caricactures of Mohammed, in order to demonstrate that some Muslims are a pretty unhumorous lot and could stand to learn something about the value of free speech. This was in the context of a previous article discussing the murder of Dutch filmmaker Theo van Gogh and the culture of fear surrounding the criticism of Islam. Now I'm not a religious person, but I am tolerant towards others and their personal beliefs. But I don't believe religion gives you an excuse to be an idiot, and I've never been particularly impressed by the intolerant threads in parts of Islam. You can say what you want about Christianity, but it generally has a good attitude towards its apostates and those who disrespect its symbols. Many ex-Christians walk around in the USA, and they are not generally harassed or insulted. And there's always some performance artist somewhere who will create ridiculously blasphemous art, but it really doesn't attract much attention, as this shocks no one anymore.

Islam, on the other hand, regularly issues "fatwas" against lapsed Muslims who dare disrespect the prophet (Salman Rushdie being only the most obvious example). Just because this is in Islamic law, doesn't mean we have to say this is OK. It is not.

Anyways, the situation is escalating in the Muslim world as more people find out about the offense (which happened months ago), and as more European newspapers publish the cartoons to demonstrate their support of the Danes. The Danish flag was burned yesterday on the Gaza strip, for example, and many mullahs are calling for a boycott of Danish goods.

I have to go on record as 100% supporting the Danes on this one. Yes - the cartoons are provocative, insulting, and probably hurtful to Muslims. But so what? That was the point of them, to demonstrate that it is possible to say such things in a democratic society. This was a message worth saying.

So if Muslims are going to boycott Danish goods to protest the cartoons (which of course have nothing to do with the Danish government), I will do my part and buy as many Danish things as I can. Perhaps a Dinosaur Lego set, some Carlsberg beer, and some Danish Blue Cheese for a start? Well maybe I'll skip the blue cheese...

Free speech and a free press are fundamentally important, and no one should ever feel the need to defend the fact that they exist or apologize for them.

So there is no issue here, and those protesting the cartoons (which are in reality mostly stupid) should get a life and focus on things which are far more important. I understand why Muslims would be upset by the cartoons, but can't agree with the decision to take them so seriously.

Day 355: The Patience of Job

For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me.

One of the lessons that playing so much poker lately has taught me is patience. Extreme patience. Because if you play enough poker, you will be tested. For at some point in every poker player's poker life, the gods of poker conspire to rain down a long series of horrible beats that may cause you to raise your arms to heaven and ask "Oh lord, how can I endure this?". I faced such a test the other day, and have emerged the better for it. I may have bended under the pressure of the horrible beats, but I did not break.

For not the first time, my horrible session occurred the day after writing positive comments about poker on my blog. There is clearly some sort of hubris curse involved. My new strategy is to play six SnGs at a time: 2*10, 2*20, 2*30. By using my patented "Don't think too much" strategy of folding often early, and going all-in often late, I can reduce the complexity of the game, and am therefore able to efficiently play six games at once. Clever huh? In fact, on Wednesday night I set a personal record by playing 55 SnGs in only 7 hours!

But the problem with playing six games at once is that if the cards turn dry, or more fearfully if your starting hands are good but the flops are ruinous, then the losses add up quickly. Over the course of the evening I endured having my top pairs (AA/KK) cracked by inferior hands not once but EIGHT times. And twice I suffered the indignity of seeing my opponent flop quads after I had him dominated thoroughly on the flop with all the money in the centre.

In the past, my solution to receiving such horrible luck was to "go on tilt" and make a bad situation much much worse. But on Wednesday, I did no such thing, and calmly played through the storm, stoically taking the lumps that the card gods administered me. I obviously still lost a good amount of money, but it was not nearly as bad as it could have been, and my "bad day" was not as "bad" as my recent "good days" have been "good", which seems like a good thing.

So I think that I have made progress. Because every poker player has a good attitude when they are getting good cards and winning, but the question of "How will you handle catastrophic adversity?" in the face of bad beats is the more pertinent one. And my answer of "I handle it just fine, thank you" should hold me in good stead as I battle onwards in the future.

Day 354: Dexterity Game

Hello all, I hope that you're enjoying the Super Bowl build-up week. It promises to be a great game on Sunday (at least for Seahawk fans).

The link below is to a cool game that my dad forwarded to me. It's called "Escapa!" and you have to move your little block around to avoid being hit by the other shapes.

My current record is 26.508 seconds - I'll get to Steel Curtain's mark yet, though Gilman's mark seems quite unbeatable.

It's pretty easy to get 21 seconds, but any longer requires effort. Let me know if you can beat me!

Dexterity Game Link