My View: Memorial Day

 

 

"Time heals all wounds..."

 

 



 

We are all familiar with this adage. Time heals all wounds. Sorrows fade, hurts are diminished, painful emotions dissipate.

 

That is the power of time.

 

And as much as we need time to heal, we cannot let time diminish what is important, those things or people that should never be forgotten. Important memories should never fade.

 

Memorial Day is a day of honor and remembrance. The significance of Memorial Day should not be diminished by the passing of time. It is a day out of our hectic schedule that calls us to remember. Those recollections draw us as a free society to remember the cost of that freedom and the sacrifice of those men and women that have secured and preserved our liberties.

 

For some, even though time has passed, these recollections are painful. To remember means to recall loved ones that paid the ultimate price for our freedom. For some, time brings no solace.

 

Yet we remember. We have to do so. We have to know that our freedom has been won at a terrible cost to some.

 

And in remembering, we honor those that have willingly sacrificed all so that we can be free. We honor the lives that were taken too soon. We honor the families that have been left behind to deal with unimaginable loss. We honor those that returned with scarred bodies and psyches that will never be whole.

 

So we that are whole, that are free, and enjoy the liberties won by blood take time. We take this time to honor those that have sacrificed and are sacrificing for our freedom. We pause to say "thank you" for your sacrifice. We give you our time to honor your service.

 

Time may very well heal all wounds, but it does not diminish the magnitude of the sacrifice that has been made for our freedom.

 

This Memorial Day, the beneficiaries of the sacrifice of those that have served take time to offer our gratitude.

 

 



Housley Named Assistant Coach; Horachek Fired As Predators Shuffle Staff

Coming off a miserable season, the Nashville Predators have shuffled their coaching staff, terminating Assistant Head Coach Peter Horachek and naming Phil Housley as Assistant Coach.

Here is the press release from the Predators:

Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced today that Phil Housley has been named assistant coach of the team. Housley coached the United States to a gold medal at the 2013 World Junior Championships and ranks fourth all-time among NHL defensemen in points (338g-894a-1,232pts).  

            “Phil brings a unique skill set to our coaching staff,” Poile said. “He was one of the most talented offensive defensemen to play in the NHL, and he has worked extensively with young players during his coaching career. He will continue to focus his efforts on our young defensemen and assisting on the power play.”

 

            Housley, 49 (3/9/64), has spent the last nine seasons in the coaching ranks, most recently serving as an assistant for Team USA at the 2013 World Championships that took home the bronze medal, the nation’s first medal at the tournament in nine years. He was also behind the bench for the U.S. National Team at the 2011 World Championships. In addition to leading the United States’ to its second world junior title in four years in January, Housley was an assistant coach at the tournament in both 2007 and 2011, helping each team claim the bronze medal. He was also one of two head coaches for the inaugural CCM/USA Hockey All-American Prospects Game in September 2012. 

            “A coach with history as a defenseman who was offensively gifted and excelled on the power play is something we have never had on our coaching staff,” Predators Head Coach Barry Trotz said. “His insight and viewpoint will bring a fresh perspective to our team.”  

            A native of South St. Paul, Minn., Housley was a seven-time NHL All-Star in a career that spanned 21 seasons (1982-2003) with eight teams (Buffalo, Winnipeg, St. Louis, Calgary, New Jersey, Washington, Chicago and Toronto). In addition to having posted the most points by an American defenseman in NHL history, he played the sixth-most games among all League blueliners (1,495). A first-round pick (sixth overall) by the Buffalo Sabres in the 1982 NHL Entry Draft, he was inducted into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame in 2004. 

            A seven-time member of the U.S. National Team (1982, 1986, 1989, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2003), Housley earned a silver medal at the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics and helped Team USA capture the 1996 World Cup of Hockey title. He was inducted into the IIHF Hall of Fame in May 2012, and received USA Hockey’s Bob Johnson Award in 2000 for excellence in international competition.

 

Phil Housley at a glance: 

• Head coach of the gold-medal winning U.S. team at the 2013 World Junior Championships. Also helped Team USA to bronze medals at the tournament in 2007 and 2011. 

• An assistant coach for the U.S. Men’s National Team at the 2013 World Championships, helping the team claim the bronze medal, the nation’s first medal at the tournament since 2004. Also served as an assistant at the 2011 World Championships. 

• Ranks fourth all-time among NHL defensemen in points (338g-894a-1,232pts), and sixth in games played (1,495). He ranks first among American-born blueliners in points, and second in games played.

• Inducted into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame in 2004 and the IIHF Hall of Fame in 2012. Also the recipient of USA Hockey’s Bob Johnson Award in 2000 for excellence in international competition. 

• A seven-time NHL All-Star Game selection (1984, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 2000). 

• Broke into the NHL as an 18-year-old, posting 66 points (19g-47a) in 77 games, finishing second 1983 Calder Trophy voting while being named to the 1983 NHL All-Rookie Team. Two seasons later, he became the youngest defenseman in NHL history to score 30 goals. 

• A seven-time member of the U.S. National Team (1982, 1986, 1989, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2003)

 

• A silver medalist at the 2002 Olympics and 1996 World Cup of Hockey champion.

At the end of the season, General manager David Poile had said that the coaching staff would be back. That obviously changed with the termination of Horachek, who was informed by phone yesterday that he would be relieved of his coaching duties.

 

Horachek had been behind the Predators bench since the 2003 season and had taken responsibility for the defense after Brent Peterson stepped out of his coaching role because of medical reasons in 2011. With the loss of Ryan Suter to free agency, the blue line was shuffled extensively this past season and Horachek had a number of young players that he had to work into the line up quickly.

 

Housley brings a wealth of experience and a quality pedigree to the Predators, and his ability to work with and develop young players should serve the team well.  His experience in this area should greatly benefit the young defensemen on the Predators roster and advance their game at a rapid pace.

 

The addition of Housley indicates that Poile- and perhaps the owners- felt that the team needed a new voice and a fresh approach to improving the blue line and developing the young defenseman in the system.

 

He will have an opportunity to make an immediate impact, and if he has the same kind of success that he has had in previous stints, the Predators will be a much better team.

The Predators Continue to Make a Positive Impact

Once again, the Nashville Predators organization has made a positive impact upon the quality of life in Middle Tennessee through grants distributed by the Predators Foundation. On Monday, the Predators Foundation distributed a record $405,000 to various charitable organizations. Here is the press release from the team:

The Nashville Predators Foundation distributed 113 grants, totaling $405,000 to Nashville and Middle Tennessee-based community service and charitable organizations, during a ceremony at Bridgestone Arena. The day was also highlighted by a fun-filled afternoon of on-ice activities and tours and appearances by Goaltender Pekka Rinne and mascot Gnash.  

This announcement marks the 15th grant distribution by the Predators Foundation. Since its 1998 inception, the Foundation has awarded more than $3.5 million in financial grants to Nashville and Middle Tennessee community service and charitable organizations. Between the grants and other charitable donations, such as player ticket programs and fund-raising efforts, the Foundation put more than $1 million back into the community during the 2012-13 season. 

            “To raise a record $405,000 for local charities in a shortened season is a true testament to our fans, players and staff,” Nashville Predators President and Chief Operating Officer Sean Henry said. “Without their dedication and loyalty to our annual events, this largest donation in franchise history would not be possible. Thanks to the support and generosity of Smashville, youth from Middle Tennessee and across the state will continue to benefit from the funding that the Nashville Predators put back into the community each and every season.”           

Upon reviewing nearly 250 grant applications, and keeping consistent with the Foundation’s mission, the grant committee selected programs that will primarily benefit youth and families. Of 113 total charities, 36 were outside of the Nashville area. 

Each year the Predators choose four organizations to serve as featured charities for the season. In addition to financial grants, the Predators Foundation provides these featured charities with organizational visits by players and Preds personalities as well as added exposure, awareness and visibility for the charity. The featured charities for the 2013-14 season are Bridges, formerly League for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing; GraceWorks; Habitat for Humanity of Williamson County; and Nurses for Newborns. The grant money will benefit local youth in many ways, such as:  

 

• Cumberland Valley Arc, Inc – Funding will benefit Project 22, a program that will enhance the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities by providing, training and social activities and by promoting volunteer work in the community.
• The Land Trust for Tennessee – Funding will grow its program of Harvest and History Field Trips, targeting Nashville area elementary classes through 2013.
• Nashville Youth Hockey League – Funding will purchase up to 100 sets of One Goal Starter Equipment and related hockey items, such as sticks and jerseys, to offer either free or nearly free Learn To Play program as a transition from the G.O.A.L. program
• STARS – Funding will provide educational character development puppet presentations to all elementary schools located on post at Fort Campbell.

 

Established in September 1998, the Predators Foundation strives to meet the educational, social, health and cultural needs of the community by offering unique resources and financial support to local youth-oriented organizations. All 501(c)3 organizations in Middle Tennessee are eligible to receive grants, which are distributed once a year. Annual grant applications were received by mid-February for consideration. Additionally, the Nashville Predators have donated more than $400,000 to the Nashville Predators Pediatric Cancer Research Fund at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt over the past three years, with another donation slated for this summer. 

 

Breakdown of grant amounts by year are as follows:

 

1999 - $145,927

2000 - $250,850

2001 - $226,048

2002 - $211,729

2003 - $154,980

2004 - $146,040

2005 - $54,152

2006 - $149,348

2007 - $240,110

2008 - $250,524

            2009 - $260,000

            2010 - $305,000

            2011 - $325,059

            2012 - $350,269

            2013 - $405,000

 

Kudos the to the Predators for their continued involvement and commitment to our community, and to the Predator fans who support the team and help make these gifts possible.

My View

Random ruminations from your resident curmudgeon...

Last week, I mentioned how the IRS was going to be the enforcement arm of Obamacare. After the revelations of this past week, that should make each and every one of us very nervous. The IRS targeted conservative groups, delaying the approval of their application as a tax exempt organization. Oh, the IRS went far beyond delaying the applications. The government agency wanted to know who every donor was; wanted to know those donor's occupations and addresses; even going so far as asking some groups for copies of their Facebook posts or tweets that had been posted to Twitter. The funny thing about this tactic used against conservative groups was that groups that leaned to left breezed through the application process. Yet the IRS wants us to believe there was no bias, no deliberate delay. And I have a bridge that I need to sell to you.We all know that the enforcement powers of the IRS can make life miserable for anyone that gets afoul of that agency. The IRS tried to use its power to discourage the applications of groups that have a political orientation that is contrary to the current regime. And the claim that low level functionaries in the Cincinnati IRS office were responsible for this? Complete and utter bulls**t. This was orchestrated from the highest levels in Washington. Seeing this kind of action by this powerful agency should give everyone pause when you consider how involved this entity will be in our individual health care system.

In times past, when men cursed and beat the ground with sticks, it was called witchcraft. Today, it is called golf.

Sarah Hall Ingram. Does that name sound familiar? It should. She is the IRS official that was over the division that approved or denied the applications for tax exempt status by civic and charitable organizations. Hall served in this capacity from 2009 to 2012, the time frame when the IRS went into its delay and discover mode with the applications of conservative groups. Hall has been, up to now, insulated from this controversy as her successor, James Grant, is taking the fall for the actions of IRS agents. Grant was, however, the deputy commissioner of this department while Hall helmed this division. Why is this important? Hall now heads the IRS Division responsible for implementing Obamacare. Feeling a bit uneasy yet? Imagine the potential for interference and undue involvement from the IRS in the healthcare arena. I for one do not want the government any more involved in my health decisions than they currently are. And to have the IRS Division responsible for enforcing Obamacare led by Hall, who was on watch when her division went on a witch hunt, is deeply troubling.

Changing my lifestyle is difficult. I cannot find a decaffeinated coffee table anywhere.

Lest you think that I exaggerate about the involvement of Hall and others out of the Washington office of the IRS, inquiries to conservative groups about their donors originated from the Washington office of the IRS as well as Cincinnati, El Monte, CA, and Laguna Niguel, CA. While Hall has not been directly implicated (yet), I find it very hard to believe that these3 actions did not occur without her knowledge as the Commissioner of this division. Douglas Shulman, who was Commissioner of the agency and retired in November, 2012, received a briefing about the reviews initiated by the Cincinnati office from the Treasury Inspector General. The current acting Chairman of the IRS, Steven Miller, was also briefed in November 2012. The problem this whole situation presents is that a powerful agency charged with impartially enforcing the tax law has been dramatically politicized, and that politicization has been used to hammer opponents of the current administration. This should make all of as citizens very afraid, and we should push our elected leaders to scrutinize this agency and its actions thoroughly.

"I am" is the shortest sentence. "I do" is the longest.

And that, my friends, is my view.

First Round Review and Second Round Predictions

Time to take a look back at the first round predictions and launch into my fearless second round prognostications. Here is what I said about the first round:

Western Conference

Chicago vs. Minnesota

Prediction: Chicago in 5

Reality:       Chicago in 5

Too much horsepower from the Blackhawks to begin with, but when starting goaltender for the Wild Niklas Backstrom went down with an injury before game one, the Wild's chances of winning this series went to zero. Josh Harding played well, but the Wild couldn't muster enough defense to keep him from being under siege. By contrast, the Wild could not bury pucks when they had the opportunity.

Anaheim vs Detroit

Prediction: Anaheim in 6

Reality:       Detroit in 7

I said that if the Wings were going to have any chance of winning this series, Jimmy Howard had to play spectacularly. He did. Add in the fact that several of the Wings younger players stepped up along with the steadying veteran play of Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk, and the Wings were poised to pull off an upset. The Ducks did not get enough consistency out of their stars like Getzlaf, Ryan, Perry, and Selanne. At times, they were exceptionally strong and at times, they disappeared.

Vancouver vs. San Jose

Prediction: Vancouver in 5

Reality:       San Jose in 4

The Canucks were the more talented team offensively, but the Sharks were not far behind. The difference between the two teams was simply heart. The Sharks imposed their will on the Canucks, and rather than man up and respond, they chose to dive and whine for calls from the officials. The goaltending carousel did help either, as neither Loungo nor Schneider could seem to establish rhythm or make the timely stop. Completely didn't see the Canucks falling apart like they did in this one.

St. Louis vs. Los Angeles

Prediction:  Los Angeles in 7

Reality:        Los Angeles in 6

After spotting the Blues a 2-0 lead in the series, the Kings asserted themselves and dominated the Blues for the next four games. Jonathan Quick was stellar, and his puck handling gaffe that cost the Kings game one did not seem to haunt him. The Blues are a big, physical team; the Kings were even more physical and shut down the Blues goal scorers in the final four games with stifling defense. The Blues had no response and were dispatched for the second straight year by the Kings.

Eastern Conference

Pittsburgh vs. New York Islanders

Prediction:  Pittsburgh in 5

Reality:        Pittsburgh in 6

The Pens are thanking their lucky stars that they have a quality back up in Tomas Vokoun. After a couple of shaky outing by Marc-Andre Fleury, Vokoun came on and steady the net and the Pens won two straight with him between the pipes. Credit the Isles, who battled and made it tougher on the Pens than many imagined. This series exposed a few weakness for the number one seeded Pens, and it will be interesting to see how they adjust for the second round.


Montreal vs. Ottawa

Prediction: Montreal in 6

Reality:       Ottawa in 5

The Sens got exceptional goaltending from Craig Anderson, timely scoring, and a heaping dose of nastiness in dispatching the Canadiens. I cannot recall seeing a line brawl in a Stanley Cup playoff game. Until this series. The Canadiens ran into a hot goaltender who stymied their scorers, but even more damaging for them was an injury bug that bit them hard. They lost starting netminder Carey Price and several other key players, and those losses were too much to overcome.

Boston vs Toronto

Prediction: Boston in 6

Reality:       Boston in 7

The Bruins had the experience and seemed to have the better talent. The upstart maple leafs gave the Bruins everything they wanted, and if not for a late game collapse in game 7, would have captured the series. I have to think the fact that the Bruins had 17 players in their line up that had played a game 7 in the Stanley Cup playoffs made the difference, as the Bruins scored three late goals in game 7 to send it to overtime before capturing the win. We will see if the Bruins have used all their luck and playoff mojo in this series as they move to the second round.

Washington vs New York Rangers

Prediction: Washington in 7

Reality:       New York in 7

Henrik Lundqvist showed why he is a Vezina winner as he stepped his game up to another level and out dueled Braden Holtby to help the Rangers win the series. The experience of the Rangers along with their toughness and perseverance were the difference in this series. Washington will look back at this series and rue the fact that their stars did not step up and play like stars.

So there you have it. In the first round, the View was 4 for 8 in his predictions. Now, on to the second round.

Western Conference

Chicago vs. Detroit

If the Blackhawks look past the Red Wings, they will find themselves on the golf course sooner than they expect. The Hawks have the best talent in the NHL, but they are going to have to bring it to take this series with the Wings. Never underestimate the ability of Wings Head Coach Mike Babcock to have his team ready to play. If the Wings can get to Hawks netminder Corey Crawford early, they will have a chance to win this series. The hawks have to challenge Jimmy Howard, and I believe they have the talent to make his life miserable.

Prediction: Blackhawks in 7

San Jose vs. Los Angeles

Two big, physical teams that will beat the tar out of each other is what this series portends. The Kings have shown they relish these types of games, and that will give them an edge as the series goes on. The Sharks have to have stellar play from Antii Niemi if they are going to have a chance to win. He has been hot of late and that strong play has to continue. The Kings will eventually wear down the Sharks, but it will be a rough series.

Prediction: Kings in 7

Eastern Conference

Pittsburgh vs Ottawa

The Pens are an explosive team that has the ability to fill the net. The Sens have a wall in net in the form of Craig Anderson. If the Ottawa netminder can continue his outstanding play and get some help from the skaters in front of him, the Senators can push the Penguins. The big question for Pittsburgh is going to be how Marc-Andre Fleury plays. If he is on his game, the Penguins should win this series. If he struggles, they will turn to experienced backup Tomas Vokoun, but that would no doubt rattle their confidence. Look for the Senators to be surprisingly tough, especially if Anderson is on his game.

Prediction: Penguins in 6

Boston vs New York Rangers

The question for the Bruins is will there be any gas in the tank after an emotional and physically draining first round win over the Maple Leafs. The Bruins will look to make this a physical, chippy series. They will find a willing dance partner in the Rangers. If Rick Nash can find his game, the Rangers should win this series. That is a very big "if" as he was a non-factor in the opening series with the Capitals. This series will be a war of attrition, and I think that favors the Bruins.

Prediction: Bruins in 7

There you have it. For hockey fans, this is a wonderful time of year to watch intense hockey with everything on the line.
 

My View

Random ruminations from your resident curmudgeon...

We know that we live in a global economy, one in which capital (money) can move freely across borders and businesses are quick to move to parts of the world that offer opportunities for growth and profits. There are a number of factors that affect the ability of a company to be profitable, such as availability of labor, tax rates, and the rule of law. About that last item... Whether individuals or companies, we all want to know what the rules are and we want them applied fairly. And we want the legal system to be accessible and cost effective. A legal system that is too expensive for most to access or is so complex fails to serve the public. And, surprise, that is what is happening in the United States. The U.S. now has the most expensive legal system in the world, which makes it more difficult and costly to conduct business and is often an impediment to access for individuals. According to the Fraser Institute in Canada, which assesses legal systems across the globe, the United States was only one of 20 major countries where it had gotten more difficult to do business since 2000. To confirm that finding, research from the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland uses 22 metrics to measure institutional (national) quality, including ethics, protection of property rights, and access to the legal system. The United States is not in the top 20 countries for 21 of their 22 measurements. This is appalling but expected when the legal system is designed to benefit the lawyers more than the people it represents. Unfortunately, it is only going to get worse as Congress adds new laws to the books that serve as fodder for the legal profession.

I would give my right arm to be ambidextrous.

The Social Security Trust Fund (SSTF) report was released this week to Congress, and while it may get some attention for a few days, it will quickly fade from the public eye. It shouldn't. Some of the numbers are truly staggering. For instance, the net present value of the unfunded liability of social security will go up to approximately $23 TRILLION dollars. This simply means that if the fund were to be actually solvent and have the funds necessary to pay all its future obligations, there would need to be $23 trillion in the bank. There is nothing in the bank, so to speak, except the ability of the government to continue to issue more debt to have the funds to pay beneficiaries. Also in the report is the fact that over the previous 10 years, the SSTF has cost taxpayers an additional $500 billion as lower interest rates have cause the fund not to earn interest income at projected levels. This has forced the government to issue additional bonds to make up the shortfall. The date where funds received will be less than funds paid out has been moved back once again, this time to 2017. This is much, much earlier than projected. This situation means that benefits will be cut; taxes will be raised; or some combination of the two. While this will not have a long shelf life with today's media, all of us would be wise to stay focused as this is going to have an impact financially on every wage earner and retiree. And it is not going to be good.

You are only young once, but you can be immature forever.

Having recently filed tax returns, the IRS is still fresh on most people's minds. If we are unfortunate to have to interact with the IRS beyond filing our returns, most would say it is an uncomfortable experience. Well, how about the IRS now getting involved in your health care? Under Obamacare, the socialized medical program, the IRS is poised to play a dominant role in our healthcare system. The agency is charged with administering 47 different provisions of Obamacare, including levying penalties against businesses and individuals that do not comply with the insurance mandate. The IRS will also be involved with the distribution of subsidies to people making less than $45K per year; they will collect the Medicaid surtax on those making more than $200K per year; they will be involved in the state run health exchanges, and the list goes on. We have seen that the agency can be heavy handed and certainly inefficient. Now imagine them involved in numerous phases of our healthcare system. My take... exercise, eat right, take your vitamins, and don't get sick.

I was going to write something using invisible ink, but drew a blank.

And that, my friends, is my view.

An Update on the Predators MASH Unit

David Poile today gave an update today on a number of the injured Predators and their progress. Here is what he had to say:

Pekka Rinne

Pekka had arthroscopic surgery on an injured hip yesterday and according to Poile, this was not related to an injury suffered during his time in the KHL. The labrum was repaired and the injury was from normal wear that many goalies get from their movement around the net. Pekka and team officials consulted with specialists, and it was felt that the surgery was necessary to prevent a more serious injury and it was surgery from which Pekka could fully recover and resume his normal high level of play. Recovery time is normally four months, which means that if all goes well, Pekka should be ready at the start of training camp. His off season training will be altered significantly as he recovers from the surgery.

Colin Wilson

Wilson had surgery on one of his shoulders three weeks ago, and had surgery on the second one this past Monday. Both surgeries were to repair a subluxation, an instability that affects strength and mobility. Wilson is going through rehab and will be ready for training camp.

Gabriel Bourque

Bourque had surgery to repair a damaged MCL in his knee. The surgery went well and he has been cleared by the doctors and is skating again.

Sergei Kostitsyn

He had surgery to repair an injured MCL. He is skating and should be fully cleared by the doctors soon.

Brandon Yip

Fully recovered from surgery and is cleared by the doctors.

Paul Gaustad

His surgery was successful and he will be ready for training camp.

Matt Halischuk

Surgery was successful and he will be ready for the start of training camp.

Poile did not elaborate on the nature of the surgeries for Halischuk and Gaustad.

The Predators lost 130 man games to injury in the recently completed season. As you can see by the names listed above, key players were missing from the line up for extensive periods, and it is obvious that it impacted the play of the team.

It is good to hear that the surgeries have been successful. Obviously there is concern about the off season work and conditioning for Pekka and the question of whether he will be ready when the season starts.