Leafs Owner Larry Tanenbaum has in a one-page letter to fans in most of the Toronto papers apologized for the team's bad season. As every letter deserves a response, here's mine:
Dear Leafs,
On behalf of my fellow disgruntled Leaf fans,I'd like to say that I'm sorry. I'm sorry that I haven't found another team to root for; I just didn't pay more attention to say the Habs, or the Penguins or even heaven forbid the Senators. But call it a misguided sense of eternal optimism, or hope but I really thought you were going to do better this year.
I'm sorry too that I can potentially see myself never going to a game. You have long priced your tickets out of the realm of affordability for anything but the nosebleed sections. Granted, they probably have more fun up there- still there's a lot to be said for watching the hockey game without binoculars. If you wanted to reward us for putting up with seven years of bad hockey perhaps a price reduction on tickets may be an order?
I'm sorry that Brian Burke comes across as being well to put it nicely a bit of a jerk. Let's face it: in hindsight being he probably should've fired Ron Wilson a long time before he actually did. If it happened at the all-star break maybe you guys might well be playing hockey right now. And that whole fiasco with a certain well-known Toronto morning show host? He was just doing his job; asking the question any journalist or fan who has five minutes alone with Burke would ask.
I'm sorry Leaf management is delusional. Your constant search for the next Gilmour, or the next Gretzky, or the next Crosby keeps you distracted from surrounding the decent players you have with other equally decent players through drafts and trades. You are "The Leafs," one of the richest franchises in all of sports, it wouldn't go amiss if you spent some money out on the players? There probably is an endless supply of players who would do anything to play here.
Perhaps though what I'm sorriest of all about is that you guys don't appreciate the fans passion. The fact that this whole hockey thing.. has sinisterly morphed from being about those fans to being merely a game of dollars and cents. It has gone from being the game that is practically a national religion in this country to being based on a philosophy of "how can I make the most money?" And you don't even realize it. It's so bad that it's as if the passionate fans; the ones that paint their faces for every game... the ones who watch on television with the endless supply of hope this would be the year aren't being heard.
I hope I've given you a lot to reflect as you hit the links and spend time with your families. Have a great summer.
From:
One Sorry Leaf Fan
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Bell/Astral Merger: The Eternal Optimists perspective
Bell Media has bought Astral Media. The sentence means nothing if you don't follow media business, but if you do it means that Bell media has become one of the largest media companies in the country. They say they made the purchase to gain a foothold in Quebec, where their largest competitor is QuebecOr parent company to the Sun Media Newspaper chain. In small part it is about that, but a much larger part is providing content for smartphone, and web platforms.
Critics raise concerns about the concentration of ownership. With the purchase Bell Media adds to their properties television stations TMN (The Movie Network), and HBO Canada, as well as radio stations in Quebec, and Ontario. In Toronto alone the purchase will bring NewsTalk1010, Boom97.3, and Virgin 99.9 under the same banner as the Chum family of radio stations. Another concern has to be about editorial voice; I'd have to imagine the new company will speak with one singular voice across all platforms, for example: if the company is pro Conservative on a given issue then that could be reflected in the way stories are covered across all platforms. For people who crave a different point of view having that singular voice isn't a good thing.
I don't think it's a done deal yet. The CRTC (Canadian Radio Telecommunications Commission), and the Competition Bureau still have to look at it. I think both will have to consider the big picture; how this deal will impact on Bell's last deal which saw them purchase a chunk of the Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (including the Air Canada Centre, LeafsTV, and Raptors TV).
The competition bureau will look at the monopoly angle of it. Using the Toronto example, that will bring several stations in the Toronto under the same banner. I'd imagine Bell Media would be asked to likely sell at least one of them off. In an obvious position to benefit would be Rogers Communications. However, I don't think they would being in a similar position to Bell Media; the two companies are rivals in a sense.
This is where the short-term confusion becomes long-term calm. Being an eternal optimist I believe that after all these deals are put under a microscope, and all the negotiations finished; the smaller companies will eventually benefit. There is always room for another voice; Astral may have merged with Bell. But there could be someone out there getting ready to create another company to replace Astral or that will do something better than what came before. In an era of constant demand for content there could eventually be a place where freelancers prosper. The Bell-Astral Merger could be doom and gloom now, but it could all work out in the end.
Critics raise concerns about the concentration of ownership. With the purchase Bell Media adds to their properties television stations TMN (The Movie Network), and HBO Canada, as well as radio stations in Quebec, and Ontario. In Toronto alone the purchase will bring NewsTalk1010, Boom97.3, and Virgin 99.9 under the same banner as the Chum family of radio stations. Another concern has to be about editorial voice; I'd have to imagine the new company will speak with one singular voice across all platforms, for example: if the company is pro Conservative on a given issue then that could be reflected in the way stories are covered across all platforms. For people who crave a different point of view having that singular voice isn't a good thing.
I don't think it's a done deal yet. The CRTC (Canadian Radio Telecommunications Commission), and the Competition Bureau still have to look at it. I think both will have to consider the big picture; how this deal will impact on Bell's last deal which saw them purchase a chunk of the Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (including the Air Canada Centre, LeafsTV, and Raptors TV).
The competition bureau will look at the monopoly angle of it. Using the Toronto example, that will bring several stations in the Toronto under the same banner. I'd imagine Bell Media would be asked to likely sell at least one of them off. In an obvious position to benefit would be Rogers Communications. However, I don't think they would being in a similar position to Bell Media; the two companies are rivals in a sense.
This is where the short-term confusion becomes long-term calm. Being an eternal optimist I believe that after all these deals are put under a microscope, and all the negotiations finished; the smaller companies will eventually benefit. There is always room for another voice; Astral may have merged with Bell. But there could be someone out there getting ready to create another company to replace Astral or that will do something better than what came before. In an era of constant demand for content there could eventually be a place where freelancers prosper. The Bell-Astral Merger could be doom and gloom now, but it could all work out in the end.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Arcitc Air: Season Review
Arctic Air ended its first season on Tuesday. It starred Adam Beach as a kind of wayward son type; Bobby Martin, who left home for school, and never looked back until he took a business trip to The Yukon from Vancouver on a business trip, and ends up staying to run the airline. The series tells the story of his bid to readjust to life in the North, and as a co-owner of Arctic Air.
At first I wanted to give up on the show. But I kept saying to myself "it's Adam Beach, I've got to give it one more week." And before I knew it, I really got into it; loving the characters, stories and humour. And the Northwest Territories plays just as much of a character was a plus too exposing many viewers to a place of beauty few know about.
Even though I loved the stories, they could be the show's weak point as well. The writers would hint at one development; and then not deliver for weeks, and we would barely see the characters as well. I'm thinking specifically of the storyline about Bobby discovering his kid. They'd hint about them finding out about each other, and then nothing would happen. I suppose it's meant to build the tension, and draw the viewers in, and it's worked for me. But the only way the anticipation works if you see the characters on a regular basis and a few episodes would go by before we'd see either.
The season finale had a great payoff at the end. It ends with a kiss, and cliffhanger. It was an emotional kiss between Bobby (Beach and Krista (Pascale Hutton) as her father lay dying on the operating table. And the cliffhanger was just as the doctor came and talk to her. Would her father live? Would she finally get it together with Bobby, a childhood sweetheart of sorts? These questions await the announcement of another season.
I hope there is one, because I'd love to know the answers.
At first I wanted to give up on the show. But I kept saying to myself "it's Adam Beach, I've got to give it one more week." And before I knew it, I really got into it; loving the characters, stories and humour. And the Northwest Territories plays just as much of a character was a plus too exposing many viewers to a place of beauty few know about.
Even though I loved the stories, they could be the show's weak point as well. The writers would hint at one development; and then not deliver for weeks, and we would barely see the characters as well. I'm thinking specifically of the storyline about Bobby discovering his kid. They'd hint about them finding out about each other, and then nothing would happen. I suppose it's meant to build the tension, and draw the viewers in, and it's worked for me. But the only way the anticipation works if you see the characters on a regular basis and a few episodes would go by before we'd see either.
The season finale had a great payoff at the end. It ends with a kiss, and cliffhanger. It was an emotional kiss between Bobby (Beach and Krista (Pascale Hutton) as her father lay dying on the operating table. And the cliffhanger was just as the doctor came and talk to her. Would her father live? Would she finally get it together with Bobby, a childhood sweetheart of sorts? These questions await the announcement of another season.
I hope there is one, because I'd love to know the answers.
Monday, February 20, 2012
Still in Love with Downton Abbey
But I'm not one of them. And last night's episode cinched for me. Oh sure, there have been moments this season that have been eye-rolling in their over-the-top melodrama... usually involving Matthew or Mary; or some combination of the two. And others where I have wanted to tell Daisy to grow a backbone; which she finally has now. Or tell Thomas to be a little nicer. But I've stuck with it.
I've stuck with it mostly because of the characters. I'm in love with Lady Violet's (Maggie Smith) gloriously inappropriate one-liners. This week it was to Sir Richard as he left the season he tells her she might not see her again; she responds: "do you promise?" It's as if she speaks for the viewer sometimes.
Series 2 told the story of how the family and servants dealt with World War I. It really made the social classes even; Matthew had William as a fellow soldier, Sybill fell for Branson the chauffeur, and Anna seemed more a part of the family than the servants' world. Mary was ready to wed Sir Richard, a newspaper magnate from what could be called "new money." At the start of season 2 there were two separate worlds one above stairs, and one below. When season 2 ends; it's as if they're one.
The season finale was the Downton Abbey Christmas special. The family gathers at the house for the holidays. Anna's husband Jon Bates stands accused of the premeditated murder of his ex-wife and is about to go trial. Sir Richard is determined to set a date for his wedding to Mary, but ends up as the Earl says "putting her teeth on edge."
The episode's ending was worth waiting two seasons for. The final scene was between Matthew and Mary out in the courtyard at Downton. They start talk about the scandal that left Mary "damaged goods;" and Mary's plans to go to America. And it ends up with Matthew making a proposal of marriage. The scene is the perfect way to end the Christmas special; the snow is falling on New Year's Eve, it's dark and there's nobody around- just the right amount of romance made it the perfect way to end the season. It made me realize why I am still in love with Downton Abbey.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
How Is that Okay Grammys?
I don't think I can sum up my reaction to Chris Brown better than Gossip Columnist Lainey Liu did in a recent blog post. She wants people to be angry with the academy, and I am. How could they legitimize a guy who would beat a woman like that? Ask him to perform, and give him an award for his music too.
I get wanting to give someone a second chance. and in most cases I agree, just not this one. Because what Brown did was unforgivable; he beat a woman. That should be career suicide, it should mean he's a social pariah. I remember Jay-Z saying at the time he would make life difficult for Brown; he would ruin his career. What happened to that? And now he comes back to win a Grammy three years later? What's wrong with this picture?
How is that okay Grammy Academy? Essentially that's what you're saying by giving him an award. At one point he may have been a talented musician, maybe. But his actions have spoken louder than words here; he is a violent, angry man and I just can't get past that- any normal human being shouldn't get past that.
You're setting a horrible for young women. How many women in similar situations to Brown's and Rhianna's won't speak up now, because virtually nothing has happened to him? You had a chance to make him pay a price here by refusing to let him perform, and refusing to give him any awards, and you didn't. How is that okay Grammy Academy?
There's an old cliche that people often buy awards. This proves it. As Lainey says in her column; Be angry with the academy. And I am. So are others. To share your anger sign this petition... because the Grammy academy awarding Chris Brown, is not okay.
I get wanting to give someone a second chance. and in most cases I agree, just not this one. Because what Brown did was unforgivable; he beat a woman. That should be career suicide, it should mean he's a social pariah. I remember Jay-Z saying at the time he would make life difficult for Brown; he would ruin his career. What happened to that? And now he comes back to win a Grammy three years later? What's wrong with this picture?
How is that okay Grammy Academy? Essentially that's what you're saying by giving him an award. At one point he may have been a talented musician, maybe. But his actions have spoken louder than words here; he is a violent, angry man and I just can't get past that- any normal human being shouldn't get past that.
You're setting a horrible for young women. How many women in similar situations to Brown's and Rhianna's won't speak up now, because virtually nothing has happened to him? You had a chance to make him pay a price here by refusing to let him perform, and refusing to give him any awards, and you didn't. How is that okay Grammy Academy?
There's an old cliche that people often buy awards. This proves it. As Lainey says in her column; Be angry with the academy. And I am. So are others. To share your anger sign this petition... because the Grammy academy awarding Chris Brown, is not okay.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Capsule Review: Smash
I had three good reasons to watch Smash Monday night: Angelica Huston, Debra Messing, and Jack Davenport. I only caught parts of it as I flipped between that and another show, but what I did catch was brilliant.
The premise is about the struggle to bring a musical based on Marylin Monroe to Broadway. Messing plays the writer, Angelica Houston plays the producer, and Davenport plays the director. They're joined by Megan Hilty, and Katharine McPhee (yes, that Katharine McPhee from Idol) as actresses competing to play the lead role.
I've heard it explained as "Glee" for grownups. I rarely watch a full episode of Glee, but I'd say Smash is better. It has more of a story to it, where Glee's stories are often kept to only one episode. Not to mention Smash I think has a few original songs in it, where I think Glee for the most part has none. I think Glee has gotten too campy, and the story has been lost in favour of how many guest stars they can pack into a given season.
I watched just enough to whet my appetite, and will probably end up streaming the first episode online and watching the rest of the season on television.
The premise is about the struggle to bring a musical based on Marylin Monroe to Broadway. Messing plays the writer, Angelica Houston plays the producer, and Davenport plays the director. They're joined by Megan Hilty, and Katharine McPhee (yes, that Katharine McPhee from Idol) as actresses competing to play the lead role.
I've heard it explained as "Glee" for grownups. I rarely watch a full episode of Glee, but I'd say Smash is better. It has more of a story to it, where Glee's stories are often kept to only one episode. Not to mention Smash I think has a few original songs in it, where I think Glee for the most part has none. I think Glee has gotten too campy, and the story has been lost in favour of how many guest stars they can pack into a given season.
I watched just enough to whet my appetite, and will probably end up streaming the first episode online and watching the rest of the season on television.
Monday, January 16, 2012
Disappointed by Ricky Gervais
I started watching the Globes Pre-show on E. I found it really superficial, and focused too much on the gowns, and celebrity. One anchor commented on the fact Brad Pitt opened the car door for Angelina; I just rolled my eyes and said: "Well what do you expect? They are practically husband and wife" . And honestly it made me long for E-Talk's live coverage and Ben Mulroney. When Mulroney interviews someone- he manages to do both successfully. At times Ryan Seacrest was by the celebrity glitz and glamour of it.
One thing that stood out for me about last night's Golden Globes: Ricky Gervais. He was funny; I found myself laughing out loud at his jokes. But he wasn't as funny as he was last year. Yes, I get that maybe he went a little too far at times, but he seemed pretty much muzzled this year. The unpredictability of his jokes was gone.
It was disappointing- I don't know exactly why. It may have had something to do with the fact we'd seen it before the previous year, or this constant fear of offending someone with what could be considered in some circles as the truth. And that's what Gervais was good at; blunt jokes that after you finished laughing had some tiny kernel of truth in them. That's what I missed in his performance last night. And there didn't seem to be enough of him- of course I did turn it away to watch Downton Abbey for an hour at 9.
As for the awards themselves; It was nice to see Christopher Plummer win Best supporting Actor for Beginners. I thought it was a little unfair of Meryl Streep won for the Iron Lady; a movie that has only just been released, and has generated more than a little controversy over whether it should've been made in the first place. I've never heard of the show Kelsey Grammer won for, and am not really a fan. The movie "The Artist" won, and that was a bit of fresh air; as always it was nice to see the underdog win.
Elton John did look pissed. I would be too if I lost to Madonna- W.E. wasn't in wide release, and from what I hear of it; it was a pretty bad movie.
As far as awards shows go; it was okay. It had its surprises; its moments; it actually ended early which I'm sure a lot of people appreciated. I'm sure the Oscars will improve on it.
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