I got 50% right in round one... picking Washington, Pittsburgh, Detroit & Vancouver to win!
I must confess that it is a bit embarrassing to be a Calgary Flames hockey fan this week. Once again they have been ousted from the playoffs in the first round. They have not won a Stanley Cup playoff series since going to the finals in 2004… and before that they had not won a playoff series since winning the Stanley Cup in 1989. Ouch! Of course, its not quite as bad this week to be a Flames fan as to be a San Jose Sharks fan… a great team just cannot seem to win in the playoffs. First overall and the class of the league most of the season and then out in the first round to the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim. Ouch! In the next round, I think Detroit will beat Anaheim, though the Ducks seem to be putting it all together at the right time, and it would be great to see them beat the Red Wings. Vancouver will probably further add to a Flames fan’s misery by disposing of Chicago.
In the East, it also had to be embarrassing to be a Montreal Canadiens fan. That they lost to Boston was not totally surprising but to be swept in four straight – Ouch! I still think Boston is not an overpowering team and I think Tim Thomas is too much of a floppy goaltender (no style) to pick them to go much farther, but… they keep winning. I think they’ll have a tough time with Carolina and Cam Ward who is playing so well in net for the ‘Canes, though because they went seven games with New Jersey, I’ll pick Boston to win in seven over Carolina.
Pittsburgh looked decent taking out Philadelphia, and I think they match up well against Washington who came back fairly impressively on NYR. Crosby and Malkin vs. Ovechkin will be fun to watch, though I think the Penguins will probably ice the Capitals in five games, maybe six.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Monday, April 13, 2009
NHL Playoff Predictions
Its perhaps the greatest time of year for the sports fan - the NHL Playoffs are starting, NBA playoffs are near, and MLB has just started (and the Toronto Blue Jays had a great first week!)
Here are my predictions for the first round of the NHL playoffs.
Eastern Conference: I think Carey Price is going to outduel Tim Thomas and the Canadians are going to steal the series in seven exciting games. However, if Price is not superbly-outstanding, this also could be a short-painful series for the Habs. Washington will probably take out the Rangers in five games, and New Jersey will likely dispose of the Carolina Hurricanes equally quickly (NJ in 5). The Battle of Pennsylvania should be very interesting, and will likely go the distance and I'll pick the Penguins in 7.
Western Conference: San Jose will take care of Anaheim in five games... though the Ducks may put up a mighty fight, perhaps sending a few games into overtime(s), even extending the series to seven games. But I don't think San Jose will be denied this year... or at least til the conference final! Columbus is in the playoffs for the first time in franchise history and they are an exciting young team and they have been the hottest team in the league for the past 2-3 months... but I don't think they will knock off the defending Stanley Cup champion Detroit Red Wings... though I would love to see it! I'll pick the Red Wings in 7. As good as the Blue Jackets have been, the St Louis Blues have been great in the last month, not only to earn a playoff spot, but to get the 6th seed. Unfortunately, they run into Roberto Luongo and the rejuvenated Canuckleheads. Look for the Canucks to win this series in five games (though it may go the full seven). And last but not least, the hardest series for me to pick... my heart says to go with my Calgary in six, but my head says that Chicago will eliminate my dear Flames in seven agonizing games.
Summary: MTL over Boston in 7; Wash over NYR in 5; NJ over Carolina in 5; Pitts over Philly in 7; SJ over Anaheim in 5; Det over CBJ in 7; Vanc over STL in 6; Chicago over Calgary in 7.
In the end, I see NJ (over Pittsburgh) coming out of the Eastern Conference and San Jose (over Vancouver) in the West. Can't say the idea of a New Jersey vs San Jose Stanley Cup is particularly exciting though I think there are some great players on both teams, esp Joe Thornton.
Here are my predictions for the first round of the NHL playoffs.
Eastern Conference: I think Carey Price is going to outduel Tim Thomas and the Canadians are going to steal the series in seven exciting games. However, if Price is not superbly-outstanding, this also could be a short-painful series for the Habs. Washington will probably take out the Rangers in five games, and New Jersey will likely dispose of the Carolina Hurricanes equally quickly (NJ in 5). The Battle of Pennsylvania should be very interesting, and will likely go the distance and I'll pick the Penguins in 7.
Western Conference: San Jose will take care of Anaheim in five games... though the Ducks may put up a mighty fight, perhaps sending a few games into overtime(s), even extending the series to seven games. But I don't think San Jose will be denied this year... or at least til the conference final! Columbus is in the playoffs for the first time in franchise history and they are an exciting young team and they have been the hottest team in the league for the past 2-3 months... but I don't think they will knock off the defending Stanley Cup champion Detroit Red Wings... though I would love to see it! I'll pick the Red Wings in 7. As good as the Blue Jackets have been, the St Louis Blues have been great in the last month, not only to earn a playoff spot, but to get the 6th seed. Unfortunately, they run into Roberto Luongo and the rejuvenated Canuckleheads. Look for the Canucks to win this series in five games (though it may go the full seven). And last but not least, the hardest series for me to pick... my heart says to go with my Calgary in six, but my head says that Chicago will eliminate my dear Flames in seven agonizing games.
Summary: MTL over Boston in 7; Wash over NYR in 5; NJ over Carolina in 5; Pitts over Philly in 7; SJ over Anaheim in 5; Det over CBJ in 7; Vanc over STL in 6; Chicago over Calgary in 7.
In the end, I see NJ (over Pittsburgh) coming out of the Eastern Conference and San Jose (over Vancouver) in the West. Can't say the idea of a New Jersey vs San Jose Stanley Cup is particularly exciting though I think there are some great players on both teams, esp Joe Thornton.
Info on the Treasure Principle by Randy Alcorn
Book Review forthcoming...
The Treasure Principle
Flip-Flop Your Concept of Giving! Bestselling author Randy Alcorn introduced readers to a revolution in material freedom and radical generosity with the release of the original The Treasure Principle in 2001. Now the revision to the compact, perennial bestseller includes a provocative new concluding chapter depicting God asking a believer questions about his stewardship over material resources. Readers are moved from the realms of thoughtful Bible exposition into the highly personal arena of everyday life. Because when Jesus told His followers to “lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven,” He intended that they discover an astounding secret: how joyful giving brings God maximum glory and His children maximum pleasure. Discover a joy more precious than gold!
Story behind the book: After years of writing and teaching on the theme “God owns everything,” in 1990 Randy Alcorn was sued by an abortion clinic (for peaceful, nonviolent intervention for the unborn). Suddenly he had to resign as a pastor and was restricted to making minimum wage. Legally unable to own anything, Randy gave all his book royalties to missions work and need-meeting ministries. He and his family have experienced the reality of The Treasure Principle—that God really does own everything, takes care of us, and graciously puts assets into our hands that we might have the joy and privilege of investing in what will last for eternity.
Information above provided by Waterbrook/Multnomah Press.
The Treasure Principle
Flip-Flop Your Concept of Giving! Bestselling author Randy Alcorn introduced readers to a revolution in material freedom and radical generosity with the release of the original The Treasure Principle in 2001. Now the revision to the compact, perennial bestseller includes a provocative new concluding chapter depicting God asking a believer questions about his stewardship over material resources. Readers are moved from the realms of thoughtful Bible exposition into the highly personal arena of everyday life. Because when Jesus told His followers to “lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven,” He intended that they discover an astounding secret: how joyful giving brings God maximum glory and His children maximum pleasure. Discover a joy more precious than gold!
Story behind the book: After years of writing and teaching on the theme “God owns everything,” in 1990 Randy Alcorn was sued by an abortion clinic (for peaceful, nonviolent intervention for the unborn). Suddenly he had to resign as a pastor and was restricted to making minimum wage. Legally unable to own anything, Randy gave all his book royalties to missions work and need-meeting ministries. He and his family have experienced the reality of The Treasure Principle—that God really does own everything, takes care of us, and graciously puts assets into our hands that we might have the joy and privilege of investing in what will last for eternity.
Information above provided by Waterbrook/Multnomah Press.
Monday, April 06, 2009
ER Series Finale
As I watched the series finale of "ER" on Thursday night, I felt the powerful emotions of the "glory years" of ER rising to the surface. Thus, it was a great final episode because it brought back many of the memorable stories and personalities of the show: Dr John Carter opening the medical centre named in memory of his son, Joshua, who died at birth. Dr Peter Benton and his hearing impaired son, Reese standing beside him, at the opening of the Carter Centre and Benton giving Carter a congratulatory hug along with a sarcastic remark. Then to have Dr Mark Green's daughter, Rachel, interviewing for a position at County General. And the fact that the episode had the "old ER" feel to it... the rush of 2-3 storylines, some which end nicely, most which end realistically... the alcohol poisoned daughter and the parents who got a Dr Ross-like rebuke from Dr Gates (John Stamos). The dear old man who didn't want to let his wife pass away, even though she had a DNR, after they had been together for 72 years. It was classic ER and a great way to end. Reminded me of why I loved the show from 1994-2002/3... and sad to see how far it has faded...
Other than the fact that it was a medical drama with a great mix of characters, I don't know exactly why I loved the show so much... perhaps I was at the right age to reasonably deal with all my hospital experiences and assess them from a semi-detached, minimal emotion stage. I could so much appreciate the awesome pediatrician, Dr Ross, in dealing with children and parents in significant medical and emotional trauma. I could see the incredible skill and desire of a surgeon like Dr. Benton to fix the problem, even if he had a seemingly insensitive bedside manner. I could appreciate the steadfast Dr Greene managing the various ER doctors, not being a great specialist and yet being a superb doctor, great attending, and caring person.
Many episodes of the first 7-10 seasons were soooo well-written, both medically and emotionally, that one easily identified with different situations they developed.
ER has been taken over by Dr. Gregory House, both in my heart and mind, and in the viewership of most of North America. Yet for my generation, ER was the first great medical drama!
Other than the fact that it was a medical drama with a great mix of characters, I don't know exactly why I loved the show so much... perhaps I was at the right age to reasonably deal with all my hospital experiences and assess them from a semi-detached, minimal emotion stage. I could so much appreciate the awesome pediatrician, Dr Ross, in dealing with children and parents in significant medical and emotional trauma. I could see the incredible skill and desire of a surgeon like Dr. Benton to fix the problem, even if he had a seemingly insensitive bedside manner. I could appreciate the steadfast Dr Greene managing the various ER doctors, not being a great specialist and yet being a superb doctor, great attending, and caring person.
Many episodes of the first 7-10 seasons were soooo well-written, both medically and emotionally, that one easily identified with different situations they developed.
ER has been taken over by Dr. Gregory House, both in my heart and mind, and in the viewership of most of North America. Yet for my generation, ER was the first great medical drama!
Experiencing the Spirit Book Review
I highly recommend the book Experiencing the Spirit by Henry & Melvin Blackaby. The Blackabys' present an excellent theology of the Person of the Holy Spirit in an easy to read and understand manner. One does not have to be a seminary student in order to understand the Blackaby's well-explained and yet thorough doctrine of the Spirit. For one expecting to find mind-blowing illustrations of the "power" of the Holy Spirit, they may be "disappointed," as the book provides wonderful seemingly "everyday" stories/examples of the Holy Spirit's work in the lives of "regular" Christ-followers that are not sensationalized. An excellent book!
You can purchase this excellent book at Amazon.ca
You can purchase this excellent book at Amazon.ca
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
Two book reviews coming
Sometime in the next week, I will post reviews of two books that I have received as part of blog tours. Both books I am quite excited to read and review. I have just started into Henry & Melvin Blackaby's book, Experiencing the Spirit, and am already challenged by the question, "Do you really want to see the might power of God's Spirit moving in your life?" I know if a person answers in the affirmative, they are allowing God to do wonderful things in and through them... that don't always feel comfortable or look "normal." So while I want to answer this question positively... and in my heart I do so... I know that its not a question to be answered flippantly.
I have already started reading Rod Wilson's The Voice of Jesus also and it too is challenging in terms of discerning the voice of the Lord and acting upon His leading.
The other blog tour book is Randy Alcorn's The Treasure Principle. I've enjoyed a couple of other Randy Alcorn books so am looking forward to reviewing this work.
As part of the blog tour, the publisher sent me an additional copy of each book so if you would like to receive one, just email me about a good book you are reading and I'll be glad to send the requested book to you.
I have already started reading Rod Wilson's The Voice of Jesus also and it too is challenging in terms of discerning the voice of the Lord and acting upon His leading.
The other blog tour book is Randy Alcorn's The Treasure Principle. I've enjoyed a couple of other Randy Alcorn books so am looking forward to reviewing this work.
As part of the blog tour, the publisher sent me an additional copy of each book so if you would like to receive one, just email me about a good book you are reading and I'll be glad to send the requested book to you.
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