State of...Nighthawks

Please tell me the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word “Nighthawk”. Hate right? No? How about racist? Still no? Hmmm…what about anger? If none of these terms seem to immediately apply then please consider yourself a very small part of the country who didn’t know that the term “Nighthawk” refers to security person with the Klu Klux Klan. I had no idea myself.

Now, before I get into the subject at hand, let me give some background into my family (just so we’re on the up and up). I come from a large family with several different cultures. I grew up with foster siblings from all over the place, including Ghana and other parts of Africa. My multi-culture household was a very close, loving, open family. I wouldn’t change my youth for anything as I believe it helped make me who I am today.

So, back to the topic of the day. Normal is a town in central Illinois with a population of about 50,000. They have recently been given a baseball franchise in the Frontier League and have decided to allow the public to help decide on a name. The finalists for the new team were announced last week and they included: Normal Nutz, Normal Cornbelters, Normal Nighthawks, and Normal Coal Bears.

Speculation is/was that the last name was a direct attempt to gain popularity by Comedy Central’s Stephen Colbert, host of the Colbert Report (silent “t” on both words). As you can imagine, drama ensued and Normal Coal Bears were flooded with loyal viewers and took an early lead. Then someone apparently hacked into the voting system and voted for Normal Nutz a few hundred thousand times. Both Nighthawks and Cornbelters received only a few votes (3,200 and 540 respectively).

Then, it was brought to the teams attention that the term Nighthawk had ties to the KKK. Enough people raised concerns to team President Steve Malliet that he decided to take the name out of the running. “I am grateful to the good people of Normal West High School and others in the community for letting us know that Night Hawk is a position of responsibility in the Klu Klux Klan,” stated Malliet.

My issue isn’t whether or not Malliet made the right decision to remove the name from the running. I think that he probably DID the right thing here. The term, while not popularly known as a hate word, caused offence to enough people in the town of Normal that it had to be done. These are the people who will support the team during the upcoming seasons. You need to have the town behind you in order to start a professional team, especially a minor league one.

My issue is more about the people who complained about the term Nighthawk. Really?!?! Are you the same people who only bake ‘Gingerbread People’? I had to search to find out that the term had any connection to the hate group. And I went to school in Illinois so it’s not like you can claim it’s a widely popular term in your area. A Nighthawk is an actual bird too. Did you know that? Maybe we should change the name of the bird too? God forbid a birdwatcher vocalizes the “N” word when he sees said bird. No doubt our ears would immediately start to bleed.

We should also petition the Ironwood Ridge High School to change the name of their mascot; currently the Nighthawks. Surely that town is full of racists and they purposely selected that name to show how much hatred they have. What about the Nighthawk Radiology? They participate in the horrific act of “providing high-quality, cost-effective services to radiology groups and hospitals throughout the United States.” GASP! Oh the horror! Or even worse, Nighthawk Energy who is “a dynamic UK registered energy company with a focus on the development of, and production from, hydrocarbon projects in the USA.” I had no idea that the KKK was so prolific and progressive with their technology. Surely we are only moments away from being taken over by these Neanderthals.

The team did the right thing in changing their name. They’re a start up team and didn’t need the picket lines and book burnings that were surely to ensue upon Opening Night. But seriously, isn’t it time that you people moved on with your life and found something productive to do? I hear that the terms “Chaplain”, “Titan”, and “Dragon” are all also terms that have ties to the KKK. That would allow you to shutdown many religions, several sports teams, and fairytails all at once. Go forth and complain!

And oh yeah....PLAY BALL!!!!

State of...Branding

There’s a storm a brewin’ in Toronto today. The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) is considering a partnership with Future Shop. The deal would see Future Shop outfit two computer labs with state-of-the-art equipment in schools that cannot afford to do so on their own. In return, Future Shop would have the two rooms painted in the company’s signature colours (red and grey), receive a plaque of recognition, and the right to naming rights of the lab (they recently named a Surrey, BC classroom the Future Leaders Tech Lab).

Critics of this proposed deal state that allowing a corporation to come into the schools is to subject the children to waves upon waves of advertising and branding. Um, have you been outside recently? Billboards, bus shelters, movie theatres, ball parks, hockey arenas, subways, they all have advertising embedded into their purpose. Unless these critics are not allowing their children to play outside, or to watch TV, or read a newspaper, or listen to the radio, then they are already being bombarded by branding and advertising.

Critics also claim that allowing this type of partnership conflicts withe the goals of our public education system. The TDSB’s primary concern should be the education of their students. Taken directly from their website, the TDSB’s mission statement is “to enable all students to reach high levels of achievement and to acquire the knowledge, skills, and values they need to become responsible members of a democratic society.”

What these critics don’t understand is that without this funding the school board would be unable to achieve this mission statement. There is a reason that these labs need updated computers and it’s not because the board doesn't WANT to help…they can’t afford it! The money that is being provided by Future Shop, $100,000, would be put to great use and would allow those students the opportunity to “acquire the knowledge, skills, and values…” they need in order to become contributing members of society.

Would critics prefer that these students go without the proper tools they need to grow? It would be one thing if a fast food company wanted to come in and provide the food for all students and brand the cafeteria with golden arches. That could be argued that it was counterproductive to the growth of our youth (except in the girth area). This proposed deal will bring additional education to schools that are unable to provide it under the current budget constraints. How important is computer technology to the youth of today? Do these critics believe that computers are just fads and sure to fade away like beta-max?

I commend Future Shop for using this opportunity to promote their name and recognition. It’s a shame that their name is being chastised by some. They don’t have to make these donations. They could just as easily spend $100,000 on a :30 second commercial on some kids TV show. What they are doing is combining their advertising budget with the goodwill that more corporations should demonstrate. I'm not naive enough to believe that Future Shop is doing this just out of the goodness of their heart. They are certainly getting something out of this (future customers perhaps)...and why not? Why can't there be a 'I'll scratch your back if you scratch mine' mentality? Nobody is being hurt by this. Quite the opposite actually. These kids will be receiving new skills that they weren't able to acquire before this donation. It's a win-win.

For the cost of some new paint, a plaque, and a new sign these critics are willing to sacrifice the continuing education of our youth?!?! Shame on you!

Future Shop…expect to see me at one of your locations in the very near future! For all your electronics needs go here.



UPDATE:

The full article can be found here...but the TDSB approved the partnership with Future Shop. The one part that I did want to bring attention to was this response:

Don Valley East Trustee Michael Coteau likened the painting to branding the TDSB board room with corporate interests. "To brand a room that children go into to learn is a very dangerous thing," he said. "None of us would agree to have Future Shop come in here and brand this boardroom."

And to that, I call "bulls%$t"! If a company were willing to pay $100,000 to paint the boardroom a different colour then the TDSB should also accept that. In fact, if anyone is willing to pay me to repaint ANY room in our house please call me ASAP! I'm willing to brand the hell out of the place. Want to put a logo on our dog? I'm open to that - for the right price.

They are closing down schools right now due to lack of funding. It is exactly this type of creativity that will keep schools open until the economy can get back on track. Again, shame on these critics for even suggesting that the alternative is a option. In a refreshing twist to most news - this story has a happy ending for everyone! Future Shop gets their branding. Students get their education. The TDSB gets to keep their school open. Great job everyone!!!

State of...Respect

On the eve of the first elimination game for the 2009 NHL Playoffs I want to bring attention to what I think is the greatest tradition in all of sports...the post series handshake line.

For those of you who don't follow the greatest game in the world, let me paint you a picture. Two teams will play a fierce best-of-seven series. Upon determining which team will advance to the next round (or hoist Lord Stanley's mug) both teams line up at center ice to pay respect to the other team. Both teams will skate toward each other and shake each others hand - the ultimate sign of respect to the other.

No other sport does this. In baseball the winning team storms the field while the losers take shelter in their dugout. In basketball the winning team takes to the court to celebrate with each other while embracing the fandemonium. Football and soccer come close; in football many players take the field and form a center circle to offer a quick prayer. In soccer several players share their game worn jersey with their counterpart on the opposing team. Both of these displays are great signs of respect, but neither requires total team participation. In hockey every player offers his hand to the other (except Martin Brodeur to Sean Avery in the 2008 playoffs - and I don't blame him).

These guys have just waged war on one another, many players having been bloodied and beaten at the hands of their opponent. But once the competition is complete they recognize the hard work that each player put forth. This isn't like getting a participation ribbon in pre-school. This isn't about anything other than a quick "good job" or "good luck next round" from one warrior to another. I would love to hear what else is said. No doubt there are many personal wishes passed from friend to friend...but even strangers will take this opportunity to pass along a respectful message.

In the end this is just a game that is played. Nothing more, nothing less. And it's nice to see that the players can keep things in perspective. Be sure to check out the games this week. And while you watch try to remember that these guys have just played at least four games against one another and have got their "hate on" for each other. Then watch their faces as they shake hands. Try to read their lips or listen closely for the whispered words of encouragement. Do this and you will have to agree that this tradition is unrivalled in the sports world.

State of...Intensity

This post is dedicated to a player who I absolutely despised. Until recently. This player is an intensely competitive cocky borderline narcissist. At least that's what I thought.

Alexander Ovechkin is an incredible hockey player - that is not for debate. You may disapprove of his post goal celebration, you may dislike his apparent lack of respect for other players or the game of hockey...but you have to LOVE his intensity. He lives to play hockey and he lives to compete.

If Ovechkin had been born in Peterbrough he would be the second coming of....well, I don't know who to compare him to. He has the edge of Cam "Sea bass" Neely. He has the snap wrist shot of Wendel Clark. He has the desire to win....like nobody I've seen. He is a fun player to watch because you always know that he's going to do something noteworthy. Today was no different.

At Rangers practice this morning (yes, Rangers practice) Ovechkin was spotted on the visitor's bench. He was seen starting down opposing players the way a hawk views a helpless mouse. He says that he did it to "tick off" Rangers coach John Torterella. Either way, he was noticed. About three minutes after he arrived he was quietly asked to leave the bench area. As he left the bench area you can bet that if looks could kill the Rangers would have been down a man or two tonight. When asked if was trying to intimidate the Rangers players, Ovechkin could only smile.

With his team down two games to none Alex the Great was doing everything in his power to intimidate his opponent. And, it worked. The Caps came out guns blazing tonight and but a beat down on the Rangers 4-0. Ovechkin assisted on the first two goals and finished with a +2 rating (he would have been +4 but two goals came on the PP). Like he has done all year Ovechkin took this team under his wing and led his team to victory. Whether his actions this morning had any bearing on the outcome is unknown...but it certainly didn't hurt.

Alex, I apologize for judging you on what little I knew of your actions. You are a truly gifted, gritty, intense, insanely talented player...and I love to watch you play. Keep doing what you do...but try to tone down your goal celebrations (the "hot stick" was a bit much for me).

State of...Messages

It's that time of year again. Time for the top 16 hockey clubs to battle for the right to hoist Lord Stanley's mug over their head. Now, I have a post brewing regarding some NHL traditions, but something has come up that rubbed me the wrong way.

Colin Campbell, the NHL's Senior Executive VP of Business Operations, has come out and made a statement regarding how the final minutes of an NHL game should be, or shouldn't be, played. Here is his statement:

"We had a conference call Monday with the General Managers and Coaches of playoff teams and told them explicitly we would not tolerate attempts by clubs to 'send a message' late in the game when the outcome had been determined. Organizations - players and coaches - will be held accountable for such actions."

This is playoff hockey time. PLAYOFFS!!! It's ALL about sending a message to the other team, regardless of score. Hockey isn't a single-game elimination, it's a seven-game series. It's a battle. First team to four wins WINS. If you aren't going to win a game then your priority should be planning for how you can win the next one. If by 'sending a message' late in a sure loss helps you to intimidate the other team, or fire up your team, then you do it!

What does the NHL want the teams to do, just accept their fate and roll over? Showing the other team that "we may lose the battle, but not the war" is a perfect attitude for a long series. Sending a message late in the game that your team, while losing this game, isn't going to make this series an easy one is totally acceptable.

Now I am not saying that cheap shots should be allowed into the game...but some post whistle pushing, shoving, face washes, and scrapping are totally acceptable. This is hockey. It's a physical game played by physical players. If the players aren't able to tolerate a little roughness then they should quit hockey and get into something a little less offensive - I think that there are some openings on the Frisbee golf team nearby.

Hockey has made some changes over the past few years to try and enhance the game; to make it more entertaining to the US audience. Some changes I agree with, some I don't. But this game has been around for a long time and it's always managed to police itself fairly well. In years past cheap shots were dealt with by that player having to face up to the opposing team's tough guy.

But I digress. The NHL shouldn't be shying away from this 'message sending' for two main reasons. One, the customer wants to see a physical game - that's what hockey is. And two, in a seven-game series sending a message to the other team that you're not going to roll over and die is an absolute must! If things get out of hand then the league can come down hard on those individuals - but they didn't need to come out and make a statement like this. This is playoff time...we should be talking about :12 second overtimes and backup goalies standing on their heads.

Bring on Lord Stanley!

State of...Living Tributes

It was a rough few days for the baseball community. First Nick Adenhart was struck down by a drunk driver and then Harry Kalas, the voice of the Phillies, passed away. As I was watching the memorials and hearing about how the players payed tribute to their fallen brothers I was struck by both the similarities and differences.

The entire baseball world stopped to make mention of these two. The Angels postponed their evening game while the Phillies decided to play on in honor of Kalas (with heavy hearts they 'won one for the gipper'). Both were the right decision by the way. Adenhart was a promising 22 year old pitcher while Kalas was a living legend in the broadcasting community, serving as the voice of the Phillies for nearly 40 years. When players spoke of either Kalas or Adenhart it was with great sadness and passion. You could tell that both were dearly loved and will be sorely missed. Jered Weaver, a teammate of Adenhart, sketched the initials "N.A." into the dirt on the mound during his next start and when leaving the field pointed to heaven; to their newest starting pitcher. John Kruk, another Philadelphia legend, talked about Kalas as a dear friend and father figure. He was moved to tears in the interview.

While I'm sure that both Adenhart and Kalas knew how people felt about them I was saddened that they may not have known just how much outpouring of affection was given to them after their deaths. It made me sit and ponder my own life and the people who are important to me. Do they know how I really feel about them? When was the last time I spoke to my siblings? We get so wrapped up in what we consider important (work deadlines, proposals, deals, etc.) that sometimes we miss what is truly important in our lives (family and friends). It shouldn't take a tragedy like this for people to show how they truly feel about one another. If Kalas and Adenhart can teach us anything it's that we just don't know our expiration dates. Anyone can be struck down by a drunk driver. Don't miss your opportunity; give a "living" tribute to the ones you love!

R.I.P.

Nicholas "Nick" Adenhart

August 24, 1986 - April 9, 2009

R.I.P.

Harold "Harry" Kalas

March 26, 1936 - April 13, 2009

State of...Sportsmanship

Let me first say that this post isn't meant to specifically target Mike Cameron, but the situation that he found himself in yesterday and the discussion that came from it. (If you haven't seen the clip of Joe Martinez getting tagged in the head with a Mike Cameron line drive then check it out on YouTube).

Let me quickly set it up for you. Martinez pitches the ball to Cameron. Cameron hits a line drive back to Martinez and the ball hits him square in the head. The ball rebounds off his head and goes into foul territory (although is still a fair ball). Cameron slowly runs to first base but clearly concerned about the fallen player. The catcher runs out to check on his pitcher and the play seems dead. The stadium is quiet and players all seem to be incredibly concerned (as they should be in this type of situation).

About 30 seconds later the camera shows a clearly concerned and distraught Cameron again. Although this time he is standing on second base. During the time it took for the pitcher get up off the ground and for the equipment manager to wipe up the blood from his head, Cameron actually advanced to second base. Don't get me wrong, Cameron was visibly shaken up by what had happened....just not enough to not take the extra base on the play.

Cameron gave this quote after the game:

"You just hope that the young man is all right, that everything is good and that he's safe first and foremost. I just hope that he gets a chance to go back on the field again. I couldn't stop shaking. It's kind of a helpless feeling. I was just trying to pray for him because I know how dangerous that can be."

Those are very thoughtful and kind words, but didn't Cameron's play show that "first and foremost" Cameron wanted to put his team in a better position to win the game? From everything I have read about Mike Cameron I believe him to be a stand-up guy and a great ambassador of the game. I'm not really questioning Cameron's actions...just the actions that took place in general.

If it were me I like to think that I would stop at first base and show my concern from there and not advance while the other team is clearly worried about a fallen teammate. A pitcher taking a line drive to the noggin is potentially a life threatening incident. I would hope that my conscience wouldn't allow me to take second base while he was in that situation. But that's just me.

My fiancee thinks that I'm wrong. I'm sure that she's not the only one. I open this up to anyone else who has an opinion on this situation.

State of...The Beginning

And so it begins. My place in the blogosphere. I've wanted to start this for sometime now, but was finally pushed into a topic that I had to address (more to come on that).

This will be a place that enables me to vent my frustrations, discuss my idealistic views of the world, and debate with you folks. By no means do I claim to have the answers. Far from it. I have just as many questions as the rest of you.

Nothing is off limits, everything is fair game. That being said it will be rare to see me stray too far from the world of sports, entertainment, the environment, and patriotism. But you never know.

And without further ramblings, I give you...State of Being. Enjoy!
LW