McLaren / Mercedes, soon to be only "McLaren", as it should be!

This is not news.

We knew something was gonna happen since the starting of the season with Mercedes supplying engines to the Brawn team.

We really thought that McLaren was gonna be buyout many, many years ago, but the brilliant mind and vision of Ron Dennis is making it possible to the name "McLaren" always to stand up straight and high.

F1 will always be the pinnacle of motorsports. Doesn't matter what.

I would like to add Ron Dennis' words from the McLaren site:
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Ron Dennis (Executive Chairman, McLaren Automotive; Founding Shareholder, McLaren Group) said:

“This is a win-win situation, for both McLaren and Daimler.

“I’ve often stated that it’s my belief that, in order to survive and thrive in 21st-century Formula 1, a team must become much more than merely a team. That being the case, in order to develop and sustain the revenue streams required to compete and win Grands Prix and World Championships, companies that run Formula 1 teams must broaden the scope of their commercial activities.

“Nonetheless, all of our partners will of course continue to play a crucial role in our Formula 1 programme. For that reason, and because the engines they produce are very competitive, we’re delighted that Mercedes-Benz has committed to continue not only as an engine supplier but also as a partner of ours until 2015 – and perhaps thereafter.

“The next few years will be a very exciting time for McLaren, during which period we intend to become an ever-stronger technological and economic force. Formula 1 will always be a core activity, for sound business reasons as well as for historical sporting reasons: to be clear, our Formula 1 business has traditionally enjoyed great financial security, largely as a consequence of the longevity of our contracts with our partners, many of which have exceeded 15 years of continuous involvement with McLaren. Indeed, two of our partners have been with us for more than 25 years.

“We’re risk-averse by design. Over the past two years we’ve analysed in great detail the challenge of entering the high-performance production sports car market. In the MP4-12C, which will be introduced to market in 2011, we have a car that has inherited the genes of the iconic McLaren F1 of 1994 and has already been the subject of much global media acclaim. It is proposed that it will be produced in a new state-of-the-art production facility adjacent to the existing award-winning McLaren Technology Centre at Woking [Surrey, UK].”
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Ron's commitment to the sport and to the McLaren name, it should make us all proud, fans around the world and to all at the MTC.

Now on the drivers side, hard to say what McLaren wants.

Kimi, a World Champion, thanks to ferrari cheating, doesn't have much to probe in F1.
Saying that Kimi deserved that title many years ago, at least since 2003, when he lost it by 1 point!
We all wanted Kimi to win his first championship in a McLaren car. Didn't happen.
That's why i feel that McLaren owes him something, it's not over yet.

But the question is: will McLaren produce 2 competitive cars for 2010 season?

I'm sure that Kimi doesn't wanna waste his time, and he knows how the team works.
The other thing is that Kimi doesn't like to do PR, and McLaren has a lot of those.
It has been brought to my attention also that Kimi and Ron didn't get along well, which is hard to believe to me, but i don't know for sure either way. It must be because of Kimi's life style and the whole sponsors deal, i guess.

And then is Jenson. I like him as a person, the same as Heikki, but as a driver to get in a McLaren car, to me, he is too soft. Jenson did play already a second fiddle at BAR to Jacques Villeneuve, and now that he won the championship won't push much. In my humble opinion, of course.
I won't be totally disappointed if Jenson goes to McLaren, but not happy either. Just a flat line.

So, depending which driver they will choose, is how we'll know the season will go for McLaren.

I don't believe that money is an issue for any of those drivers. And either of them will make history as 2 World Champions at McLaren.

I don't know how much Mercedes can say about the drivers at this point.

McLaren is on the way to have their own engine and that makes me happy.
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The Toronto Maple Leafs true mystery . . .

I have been watching hockey continuously since 1999/2000 season, after i was immerse in the WWW already with motorsport so wanted to continue the thrill and I re-found hockey. And by default, I'm a Toronto Maple Leaf fan.

I learned a lot, i believe, through all these years. Thanks to my many friends and many hockey forums (Thank you Stebro for your patience! :). First i really fell in love with the sport, then i realized that it was bad as any other sport; and now for sure i know it's as bad like any other sport or worse.
Of course, no sport can top the F1 circus, at this point.

Let me explain.

The Toronto Maple Leafs under Forbes NHL Team valuations has been the most profitable team in the NHL for awhile. How? why? what do they do that the others ones don't do? For sure is not having a good team. For sure is not having a good management. For sure is not having a good marketing program. For sure is not having the best arena in the NHL. For sure is not the most accessible team in the NHL. For sure is not for their cheapest ticket holder in the league. And i could keep going on and on.

So, what is it that it makes the Toronto Maple Leafs so successful, money wise, and so harsh as hockey team; with no Stanley Cup on the horizon any time soon?

Simple, they already did it long time ago! They already made history and now we just live in it.
I'm not saying that we live in the past, what i'm trying to say is that the team had so many good players, and good sesasons on their back, in a Canadian city that is embrace by the entire world of hockey, that it's very, very hard to top.

The Toronto Maple Leaf is one of the original NHL six hockey teams. (New York Rangers, Detroit Red Wings, Chicago Blackhawks, Boston Bruins, Montreal Canadiens)

Every sport fan knows Toronto, and how most of them knows Toronto by? HOCKEY!

I went to England in 2001, and in a very little town, i found some people wearing t-shirts of the Toronto Maple Leafs! I was amazed!

So, what's wrong with this current team, 2009/10?

Easy.

It doesn't matter who you bring to the team.
Let's make an experiment for fun.
I would like to bring the entire Pittsburgh Penguins team and change their jerseys to the Toronto Maple Leaf. Then, make them play an entire season, with all the players healthy, and then let's see if they will be able to win the cup.
NO, they will not!.
Why?
Because every team that plays against the Toronto Maple Leafs plays even harder than against any other team in the league.
Why? Exposure!
First, because if they are at the ACC on a Saturday night, they know for sure across Canada will be watching. And the most important one, their families and friends will be watching them.
Second, because how motivated are you gonna be playing against a team like Phoenix? instead, if it's the Toronto Maple Leafs! everyone is following, most people are a fan of!
Third, because even that Gary Bettman doesn't want to a admit it, hockey is follow by Canadians more than USA fans.

I remember the Roberts, Mogilnys, Sundins, Cujos seasons! Going to other arenas was even better than playing at home! Those arenas were half full with leafs fans! (Reminder, going to play against the Senators was really fun!)
Why?
It's just a legend, a legacy that can't be change.

Now i do understand Mats Sundin.

As soon as you get in the players payroll, as soon as you wear that Toronto Maple Leafs jersey you don't need anything else. You've done it!
I'm sure that even Gretzky regrets not having the chance to be a "Leaf" once in his life time.
When you are a "Leaf", you are for LIFE!
That's your career highlight.
You can go and play for another teams, and be successful, but being a "Leaf", it doesn't compare to anything else.

To be a Leaf is not easy. A leaf player has to play harder than any other player in the league EVERY NIGHT! It has to give 100% EVERY NIGHT! There are not easy games for them. The Toronto Maple leafs players have to play 82 HARD games, and there are not freebies.

Every player in the league wants to play against the Toronto Maple Leafs every night. And those players are gonna play ONE GAME as hard as they can. Only ONE GAME!! maybe 4 in the whole season; depending for how many games they meet.
Why?
Exposure.

Leafs fans care. In good or bad. Unconditional hockey fans. Live or die, white and blue blood. Forever.

If you are a Toronto Maple Leaf player you are gonna give up the dream to win the Stanley Cup, but instead, your name will be forever in the Maple Leaf history book.
So, what do you choose?
Being attached to a team for your entire career (or some years), that you know you are gonna be remember by fans, or the Stanley Cup and disappear after that?

There is not doubt, and if you do, you are in denial; that Toronto is the Mecca of hockey.
Everything happens in Toronto around hockey.
The Hockey Hall of Fame is here.
The Battle of the Blades is here. May remind you is at the Maple Leaf Gardens arena.
The NHL office headquarters are here.
The Hockey Night in Canada headquarters are here.
Every tourist wants to get to a game, doesn't matter if they like hockey or not; they know about the Toronto Maple Leafs hockey team.

Saying all that, do not expect anyone to admit that, ain't gonna happen.

The question is:
One season and win the Stanley Cup or your entire career and being a Leaf for life?

Your choice.
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Honday Indy TO was NO picnic!

I was so excited about the Indy coming back to TO! and so thankful to Andretti Green for bring it back!

I still am, but for the future they better change a little bit or they will be in trouble easily.

What i'm about to tell you is the story of my own adventure through the weekend.

I ordered the tickets at the end of May. I bought only GA as i didn't know what was gonna happen, so i wanted to see before spending money on a grandstand. As i saw the plan and didn't see many of them. And yes, i was skeptical, but optimistic it was gonna be great!.

My usual friends didn't wanna make it, so i told them it was ok, i was gonna go and then give them my report.

I must say that i have been going on to this race since 1996, every year, and i'm also a F1 fan, which i have many trips to Montreal.

Friday, i was watching practice through the IndyCar.com and twitter. I must say it was very good the quality of the stream at the site. I took the chance to ask through twitter if they knew about the radio station at the track, which AM or FM we could listen it when in there. Did you get an answer? me neither.

Ok, i let it go!

I printed the schedule at the same time that i bought the tickets, but looking at it again had changed. So i printed again.

Saturday - In the past they opened the gate at 7:00 a.m. to the public, gave me time to grab the Toronto Sun, get a coffee/muffin at the Caffe at Hall "A" and then go out and watch the cars. Not this time!
They open the gate for to the public at 8:00 a.m., at the same time that qualify for the Vintage GT starts, smart eh?

I passed by McDonald and grabbed a coffee, thinking i'll get my muffin inside. Was not the case. The line up was so long, and when i looked at the muffin tray were only 4 left!. What were the chances after 20 people in front of me i could still have one? none!
I wasn't happy!

Sunday - Went to McDonald grabbed a coffee and a McMuffin, yummy! Well, when i got to the gate, they didn't let me in!!! because i had my little McDonald bag! I was really pissed off by then. To the point that i thought to go back home. But as i'm Italian, i calmed down eating my breakfast standing up, at the outside of the gate!! Disgusting!

The day didn't run smoothly, many other things happen!!
The only good thing was that Tim, gave me his pass to the pits, and before the race i went in and took pics! Of course they kicked me out from there too!

I was so upset that they cut off the view at Turn 3 from the west side!! the most important point on the track! That was mean, and a slap on the face.

I'll send an email to Michael Andretti's organizers.

I won't go next year if they don't change their insane track rules. There is no way!

Ok, I won't let it go!
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The Big Apple trip - June 19 - 23, 2009 - Day 4

Last day cloudy but not rain expected.

Everything ready by 9:30 a.m. pay $2.00 each for luggage storage and there we went for last trip in the Big Apple.

Just a quick breakfast at Dunkin' Donuts which i couldn't finished, passed by the pharmacy as i needed some bandit for my hurting feet. Keep walking to 86 St to take the subway.

We got off at 50 St. and walked to our double deck tour bus (citysightsny.com) to continue the downtown to Trade Center, market at Union Square and Brooklyn.

Took a few pictures around Trade Center (i'll post them later) and we went for another little shopping at Century 21 which i liked very much.

The weather was good and a little bit sunny, took the tour to Brooklyn and OMG! the tour guy was obsessed with Brooklyn, he told us though. He was comparing everything to Manhattan and of course Brooklyn has more of everything. He was funny but like reading a book, sometimes i wanted to tell him "just SHUT UP!".

Something that i learned with those buses is that you have to tip them, i knew that something like that was gonna happen so i was prepared. I bought before the trip 5 canadian pins to give them away, smart eh? well, not really, i forgot them in the luggage, never made them to my daily purse. Also i brought bandits and fastwipes, never made it to my purse either, sigh.

We ended up around 14:30, took the tour back to Time Square and look for a place where to eat. We went to T. I. Fridays but too expensive for lunch, so we ended up at this place which i can't remember the name, I'm sure Kathy will.

We walked a little bit more and around 17:30 took the subway back.

We didn't wanna get to the hotel, as we had a lot of time still to 21:30.
We chilled out at our regular bakery spot, but we were sooo tired that went to the hotel and waited another half hour there.

I changed to my long pants and shoes, and made it to the bus stop actually just at Madison Square Garden! where there is also the Penn Station there.
We lined up and waited.

The trip was very good and i had that chance to sleep for around 2:30 hours! which it was very good! Getting into TO was a hassle as it was rush hour! but i made it to work by 10:00 a.m. as i had to wait for the streetcar at home for 15 minutes! at that point i wanted to go back to NYC transit system!

I had a great time in NYC and i hope Kathy had it too! I believe i wasn't much a pain in the butt, just i didn't know where the east, south, west or north was and i got frustrated with myself consequence of that.

Now i'm studying the NYC maps, and i believe i'm ready for the next time! if i have a next time!

'til next trip!
thank you!
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The Big Apple trip - June 19 - 23, 2009 - Day 3

My legs and feet are walking by themselves already.
Since 9:30 in the morning that we left the hotel 'til 20:30 we didn't come back!

Go subway, went for the double deck tour, uptown and a little of downtown, we got off went to Bloomingdales, Serendipity, H&M, NHL store, Ann Taylor Loft, Rockefeller center, M&M, Hershey store, Apple store, and a few more that at this moment i don't remember.

I'll have to check the pictures and through them i'll know where i was. I bought also a map which will help me with the names.

Nice city, never ends, but definitely i'll have to come back, to much to do.

I just finished packing, and it's heavy!
I'm tired, tomorrow last day, we are going back to the double deck bus for a final tour to downtown. I want to go to the Trade Center. Getting up early as we have to put our luggage in storage 'til the afternoon.

I'll continue tomorrow the final day!

This one is short as i have to come to the launch to connect with the internet tonight, sigh.
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The Big Apple trip - June 19 - 23, 2009 - Day 2

I slept like a baby.
Today was raining again in the morning.
We went out to the bakery around the corner for a croissant and crossing Broadway to Sturbacks coffe. Went back to the hotel to wait for Phil and Wendy, but they called us said that they were running late, so we decided to go to "Payless"!!

So, around 11:00 a.m. Wendy, Phil, Oliver (8 years old - last time i saw him he was 9 months old in Montreal - Canadian GP) and Gabriel (4 years old) showed up! We went to Central Park but before on Columbus Ave, they had like a market place for a few blocks so we ate something just walking to the park. I had a coconut shrimp on a stick! yyuummyy!

At the park the sun decided to show up! and then we went to the Museum of Natural History!
Phil got us all in for free!! . . . over there we had lunch, Phil and I had a Corona!

Then we went separate ways. We continue our walking on Broadway 'til 60th street to do some shopping, took the subway and came to the hotel.
I called my parents from a public phone with a phone-card i brought from home. We also went to the drug store to get some frizz-ease stuff for our hair. I can't tell you how idiotic my hair looks with this humidity!

I have to mention their subways!
Ok, why they don't have escalators!!?? ggeezzz, i get all my exercise just for going up and down those stairs! and i'm still confuse which train to take and which way to go! But i remember where they stop! 59, 66, 72, 79, 86, 96 and i don't know more because didn't go pass our stop, . . . well not yet.
Also still confuse about north, east, west and south. Totally lost!.

At this point, despite the rain, we had done our plan coming here up to today!

Almost everyone speaks spanish!

Next:
Tomorrow Monday will be taking the double deck bus, doing downtown plus Statue of Liberty or the Empire State building, let you know what will do!
And of course i want to go to Bloomingdales!
Of course rain is in the forecast, but hoping not much.

That's all for now!
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The Big Apple trip - June 19 - 23, 2009 - Day 1

We left TO on Friday, June 19 at exactly 21:30.

My trip to the bus station was delay as TO has "Taste of little Italy" through the weekend! i wasn't amused! We were waiting for the bus to make its appearance and i was picking a bus that i would like to be on the trip from the ones already there, but when i saw the Megabus! wowowow, my mouth dropped! I wasn't expecting that! HUGE and double deck! just awesome!

We were one of the first ones to go in so i told Kathy "we are going up!!" she said "are u sure?" i said "YES". And there we went! - (In England i did the same, double deck bus, only us, up and at front, it was just amazing!)

Customs at the boarder was a breeze. Then at Buffalo they changed drivers and we got the most antipathic, mean, woman driver you could have!
Anyhow, the trip was awesome, i couldn't sleep but . . . oh and i forgot to tell you the most important or amazing part also!
The bus ceiling is GLASS!!! shame we didn't have a full moon! . . i took pictures so i'll post them soon!

The rest went ok as it started raining as we were walking on Broadway Ave, went for some shopping but to my taste was tooo expensive, i told Kathy to take me next time to a place more . .. like me!

Tomorrow i'm going to meet with Phil, Wendy and the kids! I don't see them since 2003, i believe! depending if rain or not we'll do Central Park or a museum!

Oh, and we went to check tickets for a show but the line up was RIDICULOUS and it was raining like never rained before, so that's for another trip.

Honestly, i'm not ready to leave my TO!

I'll continue more tomorrow! stay tunned! i have to get ready to go for dinner, and still raining!

love the internet! . . i was also connected after breakfast at Starbucks!
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My hockey team picks - 2008/09

East conference:

Boston vs Montreal = Boston (5 games)

Washington vs NY Rangers = NY Rangers (6)

New Jersey vs Carolina = Carolina (7)

Pittsburgh vs Philadelphia = Pittsburgh (6)

2nd round:

Boston vs NY Rangers = Boston (6)
Carolina vs Pittsburgh = Carolina (5)

Semi final:

Boston vs Carolina = Boston (5)


West conference:

San Jose vs Anaheim = San Jose (5)

Detroit vs Columbus = Detroit (6)

Vancouver vs St. Louis = Vancouver (6)

Chicago vs Calgary = Calgary (6)

2nd Round:

San Jose vs Calgary = San Jose (4)
Detroit vs Vancouver = Vancouver (6)

Semi final:

San Jose vs Vancouver = Vancouver (6)


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Boston vs Vancouver = BOSTON

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Playoffs time!! \o/\o/\o/

. . . and here we go again! another year, another playoffs!

I don't like the playoffs very much. But in a way I do like it better than the regular season as there are no fights!

Very happy for Mats Sundin as he will play in this playoffs!

Vancouver Canucks are in a good position to get to the finals, but as we all know, no canadian team will get the cup.

My only concern is for Mats to stay healthy and have fun, after that, the rest will follow alone.

Hoping for the habs to play with the bruins first round as this ones will kill them!

I don't know if it will be a real advantage for the canucks to get home ice, as they tend to get "lazy" at home. Specially Kyle!!

Ok playoffs 209, here we come!! . . . fast and furious!! . .

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Taking a "sabbatical" year from F1 . . .

It's a real shame and sadness but i have no choice.

I watch the series because i've always been stanned by the thecnology and beauty of those beasts cars. Now all that is gone away as the so much call it "maFIA control" bernie + max.

There is so much garbage and corruption in this series that it's ridiculous and everything is coming out, nothing will be keept hidden.

F1 is the pinnacle in motorsport, as Ron Dennis says it many times. Unfortunately is coming down fast and furious.

How long it will take to finish F1 forever or to reconstruct it to the perfection?

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Which astrological sign are the Cubists . . . and which one is the best one to have a Nissan Cube?

Let’s start to qualifying them, should we? . . .

Aries
What you see is what you get!.
Aries people are the beginners; they start new cycles, turns ideas into action, enthusiasts and lot of vitality, some times impatient with having to cooperate with others; impulsive and spontaneous. The down side is that they get usually bored and can just wander off, sit back or just walk away from the whole affair. So, if they win a Cube, are the Aries people strong enough to keep the cute Cube for long time; or could they be the first ones to take the Cube to their speed limit?

Taurus
Just content to simply be!
Taurus people are down to earth, practical, sometimes slow, steady, can be very caring and warmhearted but there is a tendency to be jealous, possessive and very stubborn. You will find nothing cheap or shabby about them or what they own, waiting until they can afford only the best, including fine cheese and wine.
Will the Taurus people share their Cube?

Gemini
Love to talk!
Gemini people first think then feel, the communicator of the zodiac, willing to experiment, tolerant, exciting, unemotional, impersonal, curious to a fault, adventurous and consenting to get to business and talking about it. They move fast and they can do many things at the same time. Do you want to know the latest rumor? ask a Gemini. Could it be the Gemini people the best ones to have a cute Cube?

Cancer
Overly sensitive!
Cancer people are very complex; sometimes appear very strong and other times very vulnerable, caring, feeling supported by the world, feelings, emotion, seeks security, very artistic and creative. Cancers are usually shy and timid, but don’t be fooled, they try to protect themselves against emotions. Are Cancer people to weak to take on the cute Cube?

Leo
Here comes the King!
Leos are powerful personalities, self-centered, creative expression as a vehicle for revealing "who I am", honorable, trustworthy; kingly, needs to be a center of attention, courageous, king of the jungle, give them mirrors and a big chair and they will be happy. Leos won’t start a project if they don’t know it will be a success. Are the Leo people perfect for the cute Cube?

Virgo
Precise and methodical!
Virgos are perfectionists could lead to picky and critical words, efficient, practical, lives up to duties and responsibilities, interested in maintaining the body as a fit vehicle. Virgos often do not like to delegate and look every step by themselves, this could bring them to stress. Virgos love books, magazines and writing. Could the Virgos be the right fit for the Cube to have a long and perpetual life time?

Libra
Tell me the way!
Libra people always looking for balance, yet very rarely finding it, the diplomatic of the zodiac, the most artistic of all signs, love to be admired, making sacrifices in exchange for peace, emotional and physical. They so please others that they can’t make up their minds. Which way, right or left? Will the Libra people know which way to take the cute Cube?

Scorpio
Deepest mystery!
Scorpions are very sensual, mysterious, intense, passionate, driven by emotions, manipulates power, intrigued by the "dark side" of life, very intuitive, deep feelings, machiavellist and resourceful. Scorpions invented the word "revenge”. Could the Scorpions fall in love with the cute Cube for real?

Sagittarius
Try to find me!
Sagittarians people are the travelers of the zodiac. There is not a party without at least one Sagittarians person in the room, freedom loving, idealist, philosopher, connections to the rest of the world, can be distant from others, enthusiastic, gregarious, generous, in love with an ideal and liberating experiences. Sagittarians tend to be extroverted and outspoken people. Are Sagittarians the ones to take us all on the cute cube?

Capricorn
Knows the rules and plays the game!
Capricorn people are tenacious, logical and with the capacity to work hard and long, serious, determined, disciplined, focused, have problems finding fun, self-discipline and responsible. Capricorn has a tendency to be cold and snobbish. Will Capricorn people understand how much fun the cute Cube is?

Aquarius
Everyone should be free!
Aquarian people are idealistic and open minded, free-thinking, unorthodox, utopians, friendly, inventors, technical wizards, humanitarians, independents, can be rather stubborn and resistant to imposed changes. Aquarians are living in the future and changing their minds as quickly as they think up a new idea. Could Aquarian people be excellent for the Cube?

Pisces
Take me to the moon!
Pisces people are very sensitive and responsive to the thoughts and feelings of others, often weak ego, tends to escapism, fantasy, drugs (especially alcohol), very receptive, sensitive and even psychic. Pisces always try to do the right thing, but sometimes they get caught in between their desires and their needs, therefore they find it difficult to make up their minds. Where the Pisces people will go first with the Cube?

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F1 coverage in Canada

So the first race of F1 and i'm already upset.

One. The cars look like crap
Second. The coverage is not that great. tsn is blocking the feed from Speedtv or vice-versa. Everyone blames the other.

Not a happy camper nowadays!

Remembering good times . . .

Ah the old good Leafs days! . . . i just found this in my word files! I still enjoy it.
This was from the 2003-04 season, i believe!

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Roberts – Sundin – Mogilny

This line up is OK.
Roberts is the one who pushes the other 2. Roberts is a Taurus, but with a mix of Gemini, so he could be a little bit of a gambler and lose track of the situation because the other 2 won’t have the drive to give incentive to Roberts. Roberts is moody, he gets in that “plato” (stage) all by himself and he forgets his surroundings. This is the reason why he is not a good leader. As Nolan, he could forget the purpose of why he is there! (Even though, Nolan is an aquarian, I’m sure he has some earth or scorpion sign aspects; or otherwise he is a negative Aquarian.) On the other side, Roberts has the Taurus part, where he is strong, perseverant and right down to earth. He understands the situation and knows the answers. He will fight for what he believes in. He could be a good teacher of the game, but at the same time he is stubborn.
Mats and Almo are Aquarians. Meaning, their mind are in the future! and hard to be in the “here and now”. They are air signs. They go with the flow and they could get lost in the windy atmosphere of some game situations.
Mats and Almo are laid back! . . very! . . they both are very talented players, and that’s their reason to play the way they do! They are not crazy bodies just skating, they see the play before it happens, but it can be hard for them to make it happen.) As air sign, everything happen in a matter of seconds! . . they see it, they do it! . . no planning! . . (you know how when you are outside and it’s very calm, an easy soft wind, and all of a sudden a big storm is coming? well, that’s the way Aquarians are.)
That’s one of the reason they are talented players! . . it’s just natural!

May I remind you that Pat Quinn is another Aquarian. Therefore I understand him very well. He is a true Aquarian and a positive one. Don’t rush him, don’t push him, he will get there, you will see. Futurist, visionary. He is very patient, he could be a teacher but he is mostly a leader. He wants you to know your role, he will guide you, but you must know the road. He is perfect for this veteran team. The All Stars game coach assignment is perfect for him. That’s another reason why he wants the youngsters to be in St. Johns, so they LEARN there, and then when they come to the big team, they are half trained! Simple eh? . .

Ponikorovsky – Nieuwendyk – Antropov

Awesome line up!
This is the best line up!! IF Antropov could skate as he should. Shame!
Poni is the one who drives these guys. Nieuwy is the thinker, and Antropov is the follower. The perfect relationship! And their ages are perfect too.
Aries, Virgo and Aquarius. Fire, Earth and Wind. Missing just water, but they can do well without it! Maybe some of the dmen could be that element they are missing. Like Leetch or Kabby working with them. Great nickname “Skyline”!.
Dynamite line up! . . breath taking!

Domi – Reichel – Stajan

This line up is hhmmm, ok. Not my cup of tea, though.
The driver here is Stajan. He is a Sagittarius, half man - half horse and fire sign. He goes for it; he is the worker, the one who says “follow me”. Give him power, he will do the job. Not afraid to get dirty. (That’s why I like Alfie, in that sense. He can take the team on his shoulders and he likes that. He is strong, he has the fire, and a sense of humour people don’t understand, I really like him [not easy for me to say this]). Domi is a Scorpio, a water sign. Not really good working with Matt, the same goes for Reichel, he is a cancer, another water sign. Matt will go one way and the other 2 another. Hard to make these 3 work together.


Kilger – Francis – Fitzy

An OK line up.
Kilger and Fitzy open up for Francis to do his magic! Kilger a Saggitarius, Fitzy a Virgo, Francis a Pisces, doing his own thing, patient, opportunist and clever. Francis has to be motivated to be able to function properly and those guys do that job!
We have here Fire, earth and water, they need wind, they need the flow going, otherwise they are to study. So their defensemen could help them to do a better job. Johansson will be good playing at the same time with them.
And Tucker, another Pisces, he could get wild, . . why? he loves the game, he loves to be out there swimming on his ice. Pisces is a water sign. Plus I’m sure this little guy must have some aspects from a fire or an air sign in his chart.
Fair line up.

Defencemen

McCabe – Leetch
Cabby gambler, he is the funniest guy in the team. McCabe and Tucker, have dinner or lunch with them, and you will pee your pants laughing!
Ok, beside that, McCabe being a Gemini and Leetch a Pisces, they work together because Cabby is adaptable, Gemini people are a mutable sign. Meaning, he goes with the flow as most Aquarians. Gemini is an air sign and very cerebral. They don’t do a step without thinking first very carefully. They belong to the same “house” as Aquarians but not quite the same. Leetch has the right motivation with McCabe. They are push you - push me, kind of relationship.

Kaberle – Johansson
Gum with gum, not good. Very boring pair. Kabby is a Pisces and Johansson is an
Aquarian. They are unsuited. There is no motivation with these 2. Flat line, no pulse.
That’s why Kaberle will work well with Klee. Klee is a Taurus, he will push Kaberle to be the best he could be. Johansson could work well with McCabe and even Berg.

Marchment – Berg
Not bad. Bryan is strong and also Aki. This is a solid line. Although, Aki needs to be perfect, if he feels not perfect his “ego” will go down, and he could be his worse enemy. Aki is a leo, he is a leader, he is strong like a lion. This is a player that you have to constantly tell him he is good, he is doing a good job (and we know he doesn’t get that from Pat). Otherwise, he will be lost in the blend. He needs motivation; he needs a real reason why to do his job. Right now he looks like he lost faith in the team. But on the other hand, he is a Finn, and if you know Finns, you will understand Aki. He is just fine. He is in a big team, and he knows that; makes him feel big and proud. Throw a red carpet on the way to the ice; you will see a different Aki player.

With the addition of Tucker, Rennie, and Wilm, the team will be awesome. Awesome enough to win the cup? . . I don’t think so! .. for now! . . but anything could happens, and usually does.

Hockey is a game of speed on the ice. Hockey is a game of wind and water. Hockey is a game of Gemini, Libra and Aquarians – Cancer, Scorpion and Pisces.

Not many fire or earth signs, (Aries, Leo and Sagittarius – Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn). Hockey is a fast game, no time to think! As the earth signs need to be assured and re-assured of what they are doing!

Although, hockey needs the fire signs for leadership and the earth signs for strengths!

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Oooohhh, i miss those days!! . . .

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