Thankful Thursday : It Matters to Me about You

Dear Friends,

Thanks for stopping! Thanks for your prayers and encouragements. I thank God upon every remembrance of you!

Today I thank God for His love and care through all the changing scenes in life.

♥ Thank God that no matter what we go through in this life, He is with us (Matthew 28:20).

♥ Thank God that even the difficulties, trials or afflictions that pained us, are actually working together for our good in God's mercies and providence. (Romans 8:28)

♥ Thank God that He is doing a deeper work in our souls to make us what He wants us to be. God is conforming us more and more to the image of Christ. The process is difficult and painful at times but necessary. This is the only way we can bear fruit for Christ (John 15).

♥ Thank God for helping me to live for Him daily admist the various challenges. Thank God for helping me to learn to see things from different angles and to value what God is doing through them. It helps gives me courage to face every tomorrow with God's strength and trusting in His grace that is sufficient for us (2 Corinthians 12:9).

♥ Thank God for His promise that He will never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).

♥ I thank God that nothing shall ever separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:35-39). Thank God for the assurance that no persecution, sickness, natural disaster, poverty, etc etc and even the lost of life itself, will ever separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

♥ Thank God for this encouraging poem that reminded me of God's love and care. Hope it will encourage you too. No matter what you are going through, He loves and cares for you.

IT MATTERS TO ME ABOUT YOU

My child, I know thy sorrows,
Thine every grief I share;
I know how thou art tested,
And, what is more - I care.

Think not I am indifferent
To what affecteth thee;
Thy weal and woe are matters
Of deep concern to Me.

But, child, I have a purpose
In all that I allow;
I ask thee then to trust Me,
Though all seems dark just now.

How often thou hast asked Me
To purge away thy dross!
But this refining process
Involves for thee - a cross.

There is no other pathway
If thou would'st really be
Conformed unto the image
Of Him Who died for thee.

Thou can'st not be like Jesus
Till self is crucified;
And as a daily process
The cross must be applied.

Just as the skillful gard'ner
Applies the pruning knife,
E'en so, I too would sever
The worthless from thy life.

I have but one sole object -
That thou should'st fruitful be!
And is it not thy longing
That I much fruit should see?

Then shrink not from the training
I needs must give to thee;
I know just how to make thee
What I would have thee be.

Remember that I love thee!
Think not I am unkind,
When trials come to prove thee,
And joy seems left behind.

'Tis but a little longer
Until I come again;
What now seems so mysterious
Will all be then made plain.

Take courage then; and fear not!
Press forward to the prize,
A crown of life awaits thee,
Glory before thee lies!

- Alice C. Lefroy

Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings,
and not one of them is forgotten before God?
But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
Fear not therefore; ye are of more value than many sparrows.
(Luke 12:6,7)

♥ Thank God for a blessed relationship with Him through our Lord Jesus Christ.

♥ Thank God for what Christ has done on the cross for me so that I can blog for His glory.

♥ Thank God for family, church, friends and fellow bloggers. Thank God for all of you.

How about you? How has the Lord blessed you through the past week?

Thanks for stopping by. Hope you have a blessed and thankful day!

Word-Filled Wednesday : We are of more value than many sparrows

Matthew 10
29 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.
30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
31 Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.

This passage of Scriptures brings a lot of comfort to me whenever I read it.

Thank God that He loves us dearly and watch over us daily. He know all about us and what we are going through. Even the hairs on our head are numbered!

God takes feed the sparrow and clothe the lilies. He is with us always and bid us fear not as we are of more value than many sparrows.

May this wonderful knowledge strengthen our hearts each day, as we strive to live for our Lord and serve Him, through all the changing scenes in life.

Thank you for stopping by. Thanks for your prayers and encouragements. Hope you have a blessed day!

(This photo is taken by my friend and brother-in-Christ, CW Fong. Thank God for his kindness to share this photo with us)

The Onion Strikes Again

We established a few weeks ago that someone over at TheOnion.com must like hockey because they've featured some wickedly funny "articles" about the NHL in the past. First there was one from November 2007 that proclaimed that Sid's one-goal, two-assist game saved hockey. Then there was The Onion's take on Siddo's high ankle sprain. More recently, The Onion featured a mockup tabloid report of Detroit Red Wings' goalie Chris Osgood's "alleged affair with the Stanley Cup."

Well, as the title of this post suggests, The Onion has struck again. (Actually, this article is dated May 15, 2008, but I hadn't seen it until now.) Anyhoo, the article itself consists only of this graphic:


Now, I was in stitches pretty much the whole time I read the little captions - especially about the one about not getting recognized on the street - that is, until I saw the caption in the lower right corner:

(enlarged to make a point)

Uncool. Mario's disease and Roberto Clemente's death aren't funny. At all. In any way, shape, or form. PERIOD.

What do you think about it? Do I need to loosen up or did The Onion go too far?

Now for TSCS's Quote of The Day:

"Hockey belongs to the Cartoon Network, where a person can be pancaked by an ACME anvil, then expanded - accordion-style - back to full stature, without any lasting side effect."

~ Steve Rushin

The Saint gets sandwiched between Paul Mara and another Ranger during Game 4 of Round 2.

(Thanks to Friend of The Show Kellee L. for The Onion link!)

I'm the Chairman of the Bored

Thank you so much to all of you for your well wishes on my interview this weekend. :D It went really well, but they're going to interview a few more candidates this week. They're looking for a Jack (or in my case, Jill) of all trades, and the company is willing to send the new hire to school to learn the necessary skills to do the job. So as long as no one they interview has more checks in the "I already know how to do that" column on the required skills list, I think I may have a pretty good shot. :)

Today's obligatory shot of the Saint.

There was one NHL news story this morning that I thought you might find interesting. Over 100 NHLers are using this summer to test out Thermablade's heated skate blades. This is how the $300 skates work:

Thermablade heated blades are designed to maintain a consistent temperature of approximately 5 degrees Celcius using a small battery and a microprocessor stored within each skate blade holder. The warm blade acts to increase the thickness of the water layer, at the molecular level, between the blade and the ice surface, dramatically reducing gliding friction and starting resistance for skaters. The advanced mechanical design of the product also contributes to a 50% reduction in skating vibration, resulting in improved edge-feel.

The inner workings of a Thermablade skate

On-ice performance benefits include improved acceleration, smoother glide, tighter turns, increased speed out of turns and more precise stops, plus significant physiological advantages such as a reduction in heart rate, increased stamina and less fatigue over the course of a hockey game.

(Click here for an in depth explanation if you've never heard of Thermablade skates before.) I already knew how the skates functioned, but I was curious why the new blades actually work, so I looked for and found a quick explanation of The Science Behind Ice Skating by Kohl Linsberg:

Ice is not inherently slippery, it is several scientific facts that cause it to be slippery and allow people to skate upon it.

When skating, one is not actually skating on the solid form of water, ice, but water in its liquid form. The reason for this is that ice will melt when pressure is applied to it, because according to experimental values, is that the greater the pressure on a substance, the lower its freezing point will be.

Oh man, I miss hockey...

...A person's weight is not enough to melt sufficient ice under their own shoes, thus the ice skate was invented. The ice skate puts the weight of the skater on a very small area, thus the sharp skate blade, which causes the ice under the blade to melt because the persons weight is sufficient to melt the ice in that area. This allows the skater to glide on a layer of water between the blade and the ice. Thus, a skater's blade does not cut through ice, but melts through ice to allow a skater to skate.

Interesting stuff, eh? News in Hockey land is slower than Britney's recovery, so here's some more stuff I've been saving. (We may have a problem soon, though... My supply is dwindling - FAST.)

Friend of The Show Lauren H. sent in this article about what Jordan Staal and his NHL brothers have been doing to pass the summer months.

(L to R) Jordan, Jared, and Mark are turning baseball into Staalball.

Earlier this month, Friend of The Show Apple L. shared this photo with us. Good Friend Vanessa D. and her daughter spotted this truck on Easter on the highway in West Virginia:


And now it's time once again for TSCS's Quote of The Day:

"This is the only thing that has seen more parties than us."
~ Steven Tyler, lead singer of Aerosmith, about the Stanley Cup

(Thanks to Lauren and Vanessa for the help with today's post.)

A Firm Place to Stand by Marja Bergen : New book on finding meaning in a life with bipolar disorder

Dear Friends,

Thanks for stopping by! Thanks for all your prayers and encouragements. Thank God for strengthening me and I am feeling better. I am continuing to wait upon God for restoration while making use of my medications, exercise, etc etc and finding encouragements and strength in God and His Words daily.

Now I am excited for my dear friend, Marja Bergen, because she has just launched a new book! It is entitled "A Firm Place to Stand" on how God has enabled her to find meaning in her life with bipolar disorder.

Marja is from British Columbia, Canada. She is a person with bipolar disorder and a faith in Jesus Christ. Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a mood disorder with extreme mood swings ie. mania and clinical depression.

Marja is interested in writing about mental health issues, especially encouraging a more understanding view by the church. In an effort to help her church give support to people with mood disorders, Marja has started a support group called "Living Room". Now she is encouraging groups to start up elsewhere. Marja has been a great blessing, encouragement and help to those who attend Living Room and those of us who read about her experiences there.

Marja is in her early sixties and feel like her life is only starting...and she is excited about it! It is amazing to read of how God has worked wonderfully in Marja's life and continue to do so daily! Praise God!

Do visit Marja's blog at Roller Coaster to read her encouraging postings of her life with bipolar disorder and how the Lord is using her to be a blessing and encouragement to so many people in her church and in the blogging world, including me :-)

Personally, I thank God for causing my path to cross with Marja's in such a wonderful way through blogging. I really value and cherish Marja's friendship. She has been a great encouragement to me by her faith in God and her resilient through so many years of suffering and coping with bipolar. She is always hopeful in God and courageous in facing the many challenges in her life. She is always ready to love others with Christ's love and very generous in encouraging others. She motivates me to fight the good fight of faith and triumph over bipolar. This is one of the greatest blessings I have found through blogging! Thank God for you too and the many other friends God has led me to know through blogging! Praise Him!

Marja Bergen is also the author of "Riding the Roller Coaster : Living with Mood Disorders".

Find out more on how you can purchase these 2 books from Marja's new website. Some notes taken from hers and other websites on these 2 books:

Marja Bergen, author of A Firm Place to Stand, 

a book on finding meaning in a life with bipolar disorder

Visit Marja's blog at : http://marjabergen.blogspot.com/

1) A Firm Place to Stand by Marja Bergen : Finding meaning in a life with Bipolar Disorder

"A Firm Place to Stand is a must-read for Christians who struggle with mental health challenges and the faith communities who minister to them.

For too long, society has misunderstood and feared individuals who live with mood disorders. This book dispels the lingering stigma attached to mental health conditions and encourages people to lovingly welcome the sufferers into congregations by understanding them better and supporting them in practical ways.

Most importantly, for the sufferers themselves, A Firm Place to Stand shows that it is possible to have a mental disorder yet be close to God and derive strong support from a growing relationship with Christ.

In her sincere and candid style, Marja Bergen reflects on her forty-two years with bipolar disorder, showing how faith in God can help a person with a serious illness turn weakness into strength. She describes how God transformed her from an insecure, withdrawn person into a leader, an activist, and the founder of Living Room, the growing Christian support group for people with mood disorders."

Buy this book: A Firm Place to Stand

 

2) Riding the Roller Coaster by Marja Bergen : Living with Mood Disorders


Mood disorders, such as depression and manic depression, affect up to 10% of the population. Marja Bergen is one of those people. Over the 30 years that she has had manic depression, she has gradually adopted a lifestyle that makes it possible not only to cope, but to live a full and productive life. In Riding the Roller Coaster, she shares very practical tips on such things as escaping the blues before they grab you, what to do when you don't feel like doing anything, and keeping life stable.

Buy this book: Riding the Roller Coaster




Reviews in the Media

Mood Disorders Association of BC
Robert Winram, Executive Director
This excellent first person account is filled with encouragement for those managing mood disorders. It delivers understanding, insight and very tangible strategies on how to overcome the difficulties of depression and manic depression. Marja Bergen gives us a very human perspective drawn from her experiences. Her path to recovery is exciting and positive.

News Leader
Despite increased understanding by the scientific community, there is still a big gap in the understanding of these illnesses by the general public. Long-time Burnaby resident, Marja Bergen, has tried to help bridge this gap. Having suffered with manic depression (or bipolar disorder) for the past 34 years, Bergen knows what it is to experience the elation of mania and the despair of depression in the book, she draws from her experience using personal vignettes from her life as well as offering strategies for dealing with the problems that arise.

Bergen offers encouragement to the reader with essays such as: Dealing with the Stigma, Keeping a Balance, If You Can Trust Yourself...and Building Confidence.

Burnaby NOW
Annie Boulanger
The publication of her book is very timely as there are indications that mood disorders are a growing problem in the workplace.

Personal vignettes and real-life examples abound in Bergen's book, including frank descriptions of her own history, from her first treatments in Riverview, to problems adjusting medications in later years.

The book is easy to read, and while Bergen's style is warm and encouraging, it is also clearly written from her own experience.

The book is not only helpful to sufferers of mood disorder related illnesses, but also to their families to understand what it is that their family member is undergoing.

Wayne A. Holst
This book come highly recommended as integrated resources for pastoral counselors as well as other caregivers in parishes who are committed to working with the spiritual aspects of depression within the larger framework of holistic health.

BC IAPSRS News
Bruce Saunders
Bite-sized essays. Brimming with wisdom, forgiveness, acceptance and practical advice. One can easily pick it up and read just a page.

I especially appreciated the “we” tense used throughout and her just plain good sense of things that often get overlooked in our battle with the pathology.

Marja Bergen has crafted an invaluable tool from her life experience with a challenging condition. A great deal of anguish for sufferers and their families, as well as time and money for the mental health system, would be saved if this book were standard issue for all people diagnosed with manic-depression.

I’d like to see all those engaged in psychosocial rehab reading this book to understand mood disorders better and to recommend it to their clients

Rural Roots
Peter Griffiths
The book is relatively small and easy to read.

It is excellent material, and presented simply and clearly. From her reading, research, and most importantly, her experience of living, Bergen has put together short writings on different aspects of depression and manic, and in a very readable format.

This book needs to be read by sufferers of depression and mania, as well as by their family and friends as well. I also wish that psychiatrists who treat people who suffer from depression or manic would hand out a copy of this book along with their prescriptions. If they did, they would be surprised to find out how more effective the medications would become.

Do visit Marja's blog and the other websites. You will be greatly blessed!

Thanks again for stopping by. Hope you have a blessed weekends.

Take care!

Taking The Easy Way Out

I want to start out with my sincerest apologies for the lameness that is about to be this post, but I've got a job interview tomorrow (I've never had one on a Saturday morning, haha!) for which I must get ready. The economy isn't exactly booming right now, and the company where I work is facing mounting financial difficulties. They've been cutting people left and right, and I figure it's only a matter of time until the owner (who hates computers and thinks they're a nuisance) decides that the IT department is an "unnecessary expense." Longtime readers know I've been casually looking for a new gig for a while now, but about 3 weeks ago, I was given a pretty good reason to start pounding the pavement - my supervisor found another job. I figured that was my cue to get busy and amp up my own search to get out. As always, I'll keep you posted and let you know how I make out tomorrow...

A cool photo of the man - since this is his Show. :)

I haven't really had a lot of time recently (for reasons I just explained, haha!) to surf the usual hockey blogs, but I checked a few out today on my lunch and wanted to pass the links to some good reads along to you. Oh, and there's one random link I wanted to share:

• Since most of you were as pumped about The Dark Knight as I was, I wanted to let you know that some genius made the trailer into a FREE screensaver. It's extremely cool - but there is no sound. Even so, it's pretty sweet to have the actual video playing as your screensaver! (FYI - If it doesn't work, update your video drivers.)
• Seth over at Empty Netters has been working overtime recently. He's written a series that takes an in depth look at the Pens' 2008-09 schedule and analyzes "Why You'll Watch." I have to admit that I haven't made my way through all of them yet, but he's got it all covered: October, November, December, January, February, March, and April. If EN isn't on your list of daily reads before you check this series out, it will be when you're done.

We'll be watching this guy, but not the guy on the right. (Look closely - that's Mark Recchi.)

• PSAMP wonders if the Mellon Arena can be spared from the implosion dynamite once the Pens' new arena is completed. (Sidenote - I love it that author Tecmo refers to the building only as the Civic Arena!)
• PensBurgh's Frank D. has an interesting story about Kris Draper that has forever changed the way I look at Friend of The Show Maria T.'s picture... (Good thing you kept your hand low, Maria!)
• Tony F. of The Confluence of the Three Rivers takes a look at how the current group of Penguins compares to the team we had when we won the Eastern Conference finals.

Now I leave you with TSCS's Quote of The Day:

When Miroslav Satan puts his credit card out to pay bills, he says "They ask me, 'Is this really your name?'" His standard response:

"Only in America."

Satan takes then-Pens goalie Sabastien Caron to school on a shootout.

You Want Fries With That?

It is a question that we hear all of the time: Who's the best player in hockey today? From some of the comments we've gotten here at TSCS over the past years, it's quite obvious that opinions vary on this subject (if you want mine, just shift your eyes up ever so slightly and read the name on the banner). Now we can add one more NHL great to the list of people who are on Team Crosby for this one. Here's an excerpt of an interview Mark Messier just did with NHL.com:

NHL.com: Putting you on the spot now, who do you think is the best player in today's game?


MM: I believe it is Sidney Crosby. Everybody has their own styles and likes and dislikes, but for me the first time I saw him play you could see he was something special. He plays with a lot of courage and in all the tough areas on the ice. He's tremendously skilled and uses the people around him unbelievably well. Not only is he an excellent playmaker, but he scores the goals, too.

Thanks to Friend of The Show David H. for the heads up about that article. :)


Good Friend Pens87Fan71 (formerly known as Lexie101) created this survey to find out what other Pens fans think about the upcoming season. It's only 5 questions, so if you have a second, fill it out and let your opinion be known.

Quizzes by Quibblo.com

The drawing Friend Jan M. sent in last week was such a hit that I asked her if she had any more she was willing to share with us. She did. Here's the original photo of Sidney in his rookie year following a whack in the mouth from the stick of Flyers defenseman Darien Hatcher:

(Click to photo enlarge)

And here's her drawing of our injured title man:

(Click to super-size the drawing)

Here's a shot of the two images side by side:

(Click to enlarge)

Another great job, Jan! Finally today, I found a site full of some funny hockey quotes, so I'm going to use some of them as The Quote of The Day to end posts throughout the rest of this summer. Here is today's:

Ron Francis asked teammate Mario Lemieux what he did to stay in shape in the off season. Lemieux's response: "I don't order fries with my club sandwich."

Thanks to David, Lexie, and Jan for their help with today's post. :)

Thankful Thursday - We are God's precious children (Letter to My Child)

Thank God that I am finally able to join Thankful Thursday again! I do miss all of you at Thankful Thursday. Thanks for stopping by!

♥ I have been very ill over the last few months and I am thankful to God for preserving and strengthening me daily as I continue to look to Him and wait upon Him.

♥ I am thankful to God for His Words and His presence which comforts me daily.

Isn't it wonderful to remember that God (our Heavenly Father, our beloved Lord Jesus Christ and comforting Holy Spirit) is with us always and He loves us dearly?

I saw this very encouraging "Letter to My Child" on Amy's website. I am thankful to our Heavenly Father for His love for us and what He has done for us through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Hope this letter will encourage you too as you remember with thankfulness the love and goodness of God.

Dear Child,

You may not know me, but I know everything about you (Psalm 139:1). I know when you sit down and when you rise up (Psalm 139:2). I am familiar with all your ways (Psalm 139:3). Even the very hairs on your head are numbered (Matthew 10:29-31). For you were made in my image (Genesis 1:27). In me you live and move and have your being (Acts 17:28). For you are my offspring (Acts 17:28). I knew you even before you were conceived (Jeremiah 1:4-5) and I chose you when I planned creation (Ephesians 1:11-12). You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book (Psalm 139:15-16). I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live (Acts 17:26). You are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). I knit you together in your mother's womb (Psalm 139:13) and brought you forth on the day you were born (Psalm 71:6). I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me (John 8:41-44). I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love (1 John 4:16) and it is my desire to lavish my love on you (1 John 3:1) simply because you are my child and I am your Father (1 John 3:1). I offer you more than your earthly father ever could (Matthew 7:11) for I am the perfect Father (Matthew 5:48). Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand (James 1:17). I am your provider and I meet all your needs (Matthew 6:31-33). My plan for your future has always been filled with hope (Jeremiah 29:11) because I love you with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3). My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore (Psalm 139:17-18) and I rejoice over you with singing (Zephaniah 3:17). I will never stop doing good to you (Jeremiah 32:40) because you are my treasured possession (Exodus 19:5). I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul (Jeremiah 32:41) and I want to show you great and marvelous things (Jeremiah 33:3). If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me (Deuteronomy 4:29). Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart (Psalm 37:4). It is I who gave you those desires (Philippians 2:13). I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine (Ephesians 3:20). For I am your greatest encourager (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17). I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles (2 Corinthians 1"3-4). When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you (Psalm 34:18). As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart (Isaiah 40:11). One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes (Revelation 21:3-4) and I'll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth (Revelation 21:3-4). I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus (John 17:23). For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed (John 17:26). He is the exact representation of my being (Hebrews 1:3). He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you (Romans 8:31) and to tell you that I am not counting your sins (2 Corinthians 5:18-19). Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled (2 Corinthians 5:18-19). His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you (1 John 4:10). I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love (Romans 8:31-32). If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me (1 John 2:23) and nothing will ever separate you from my love again (Romans 8:38-39). Come home and I'll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen (Luke 15:7). I have always been Father, and will always be Father (Ephesians 3:14-15). My question is will you be my child (John 1:12-13)? I am waiting for you (Luke 15:11-32).

Love, Your Father,
Almighty God

♥ I am thankful to my family, church and friends for their prayers, encouragements and kindness. I thank God for blessing me with them.

♥ I am thankful to all of you, my dear blogging friends and visitors, for your friendships, prayers and encouragements. It's a joy and blessing to know all of you.

♥ I am thankful to God for Iris in hosting Thankful Thursday. Thanks Iris and thanks to all of you at Thankful Thursday for sharing with me your thankful heart and encourages me in my walk with the Lord through your sharing. Some of you have been visiting me although I didn't manage to participate in Thankful Thursday for many weeks and it so encourages me in my difficult times. Thank God for sending you in my time of need. Many thanks again and may God bless your kindness to me!

How about you? How has the Lord blessed you through the past week?

Thanks for stopping by. Hope you have a blessed and thankful day!

Word-Filled Wednesday : The LORD is my strength and song

The LORD is my strength and song. (Psalm 118:14)

Thank God that we can look to our Lord Jesus Christ each day and find our strength and joy in Him Who loved us and gave His life for us.

May this be our comfort and encouragement always!

For more Word-Filled Wednesday participants, do visit Amy.

Thank you for stopping by. Thanks for your prayers and encouragements. Hope you have a blessed day!

(I took this photo at a Flower Exhibition at Sentosa Island, Singapore)

I Wish My Parents Were This Cool When I Was A Kid

So by now, you all know I like to hold onto some of the stuff you send me during the off-season for a rainy day (← read: when there's no news about the Saint). Well, here's an email I received from Friend of The Show Sarah G. last week:

I'm from Nova Scotia and my little cousin Aidan is a HUGE hockey fan, and a huge Sidney Crosby fan. Aidan is 7 years old and has been playing hockey for three years now (he's a Timbit), he plays hockey in Salmon River N.S. (the original "Hockeyville" Rink), his favourite team is the Habs, he has one uncle in the N.S. Sports Hall of Fame (Sonny MacDonald), another uncle who was drafted by the Blackhawks back in the day (Hughie MacDonald), and his birthday happens to be on August 7th (Crosby's birthday). Needless to say the boy thinks it's a sign about his future hockey career.

Recently Aidan was able to redecorate his bedroom, so he along with his dad decided to make it look like a hockey rink. I thought I would send along the pictures so that you could see the awesomeness that is my little cousins new bedroom. Here's what they did:

Painted the floor white, with centre lines, and painted a red line around the room for the 'boards'...


Sponge painted people in the 'stands'...


His dad asked him to pick 7 of his favourite teams and he would paint their logos for the boarder... Aidan of course chose 14...


Above the closet door it says 'visitor's and above the room door it says 'home'...


There is a Crosby 87 logo above the window...


A goal net in the corner...


Hockey sticks for curtain rods...


And of course several Crosby posters and Aidan's Crosby jersey, oh.. and one of those foose'ball hockey game things.


His new bedroom goes very well with the rink that his dad painted on the basement floor :) P.S. The dryer is well out of the way of the basement rink.

Then today, I got an email from Friends Allison and Randy O. with pictures of their baby son's nursery:

I just wanted to send along some pictures of our son's Winter Classic-themed nursery. His name, by the way, is Benton Crosby-Patrick. We painted the room using the colors from the jersey.


We had our tattoo artist friend (Pat K. at Flesh Mechanics, if you're into tattoos) paint the logo on the wall-- needless to say he did an amazing job!


My husband and I scoured the Internet and area Giant Eagles for pictures from that game.


We also hung a few posters of penguins (the actual animal) and have random stuffed penguins throughout the room.


Along with pictures of the room, I had to send a long a picture of the proud owner of that room as well! I have to say, I REALLY hope he grows up to be a Penguin fan!

Oh my gosh! What a little CUTIE!!! And the black and gold T-shirt was a good wardrobe choice. ;)

Many thanks to Sarah, Aidan, Allison, Randy, and Benny for letting us take a peek into their respective hockey bedrooms. :)

ZT: Stephen Cheung - RMB and inflation

See below (source)

Hightlights are bolded.

Cheung raised an important hypothesis/interpretation on how the RMB basket exhcange rate works. i.e., thw weight of USD in the basket had changed over the past 3 years.

If that is the case, everything starts to make sense again. I had previously 'concluded' that the weight was USD was very high (over 90%+) back in 2005. What really happened might be that the PBOC had designated a transition period (maybe a couple years) for the weight of USD to gradually drift to where its trade weight puts it.

If that is the case, we should expect the USD/RMB rate to stabilize once the regression shows that the USD "implied weight" in the basket approaches its tradfe weight.

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从世界大变看中国通胀


今年二月份中国的通胀率高达八点七，不可谓不严重。新春雪灾当然有影响，但怎样扣除其严重性仍在。此「胀」也，早在半年前就令人担心。这是骤眼看。中国的通胀真的是严重吗？很难说。
是不容易解释的通胀现象。如果佛利民仍在，有我在旁提点「怪」处，一下子他也不容易说出道理来。人民币量的增长率无疑过高，但为什么央行出尽八宝也不能把通胀压下去呢？单是去年，国内银行的储备金率提升了十一次，破了世界纪录，而利息率则记不起加了多少次。这些不是上选的压制通胀的方法，但西方的经验，是这些方法历来生效。然而，这一轮的中国通胀，老生常谈的杀手锏不灵光！另一方面，我们没有理由怀疑北京当局要压制通胀的决心：上述的两项货币政策大手下笔，其它宏观调控的措施五花八门。然而，中国的通胀我行我素！北京当局是不能也，非不为也。
还有另一个不容易理解的现象。目前人民币在国际上甚强，而强货币是不容易有通胀的。当然，如果让人民币大幅上升，到了某一点通胀必会终止。这样做愚不可及：日本昔日的经验是前车可鉴，何况今天的中国要面对印度、越南等廉价劳力地区的竞争。问题是，历史的经验说，只要币值强劲，不升值也不会有通胀。换言之，像人民币那样强劲而还有百分之八的通胀率，人类历史没有出现过。我们要怎样解释目前中国的情况呢？

六十年代在芝大跟进当时吵得热闹的货币理论时，以佛老为首的芝加哥学派认为物价上升与通胀是两回事。他们认为通胀带来物价上升，但物价上升了不一定含意着通胀。佛老认为，通胀永远是货币的现象，必然牵涉到通胀预期（inflationary expectation）这个重要但在观察上难以捉摸的话题。这是说，一次过的物价上升，没有带来再上升的预期，不是通胀。话题不肤浅，这里不详述。
我认为目前中国的通胀，主要的一部分是物价上升，不算是通胀，所以除非央行转用一篮子物品与人民币挂钩，采用西方的货币政策不容易生效。另一方面，很头痛，物价的不断上升会引起通胀预期，不是通胀也会变为通胀了。

首先要重复说过几次的：中国的农产品价格上升是好事。目前中国的通胀，绝大部分是农产品价格上升使然。想想吧，中国农民的劳动人口，十之七八转到工商业去，农产品相对非农产品的物价，怎可以不上升呢？另一方面，中国的人均农地那么少，农产品之价不升农民的生活怎可以改进呢？关心农民的炎黄子孙，还是多花一块几毫购买农民的蔬菜，多花十元八块购买他们的猪肉吧。
细看中国农产品的价格上升，可不是那么简单。中国农民的生活急速改进，始于二○○○，农产品价格明显地上升，则起自二○○三。可能由中国带动，自二○○五年起，举世的农产品价格也在急升。我们农转工，经济成就举世瞩目，其它落后之邦也跟着农转工。以心为心，我们要向他们拍掌。如此一来，举世的农产品价格也因而急升了。严格来说是物价上升，不是通胀，虽然目前我无从估计，中国农产品的物价上升，多少是起于农转工，多少是起于人民币量的变动，也无从估计这上升有多少是因为农产品的进口价格急升而上升的。

今年二月，非农产品的物价只上升了百分之一点六。真的是上升了吗？还是下降了？相对价格当然是下降了，但我认为实质上也是下降了的。这是因为原料的价格，尤其是金属那方面，进口的，这些日子上升得非常快！这几年中国低下阶层的收入上升大有可观，在进口原料价格急升的情况下，非农产品的价格一年来只升了百分之一点六，反映着劳动的生产力也正在急升。从工业那方面看，中国不仅没有通胀，工人的生产力正在急升，抵消了一部分的原料升价，虽然最近的新劳动法是把这发展搞乱了。

上述是说，今天中国的通货膨胀，一个主要原因是昔日的落后之邦，正在一起农转工地发展起来。无疑是由中国带动，没有理由反对大家的生活一起好起来。这个发展无可避免地导致农产品的相对价格上升，而工业需要的原料，尤其是金属性的，这些年的价格上升以倍数计。

外来的物价大变对中国当然有影响，但更头痛是两个其它问题。其一是金价与油价上升得很不正常：前者达每盎司美元一千；后者达每桶美元一百一十。这样的升幅是不可以用农转工来解释的。有两个其它解释，你选哪一个？一、中东局势不稳，伊朗战争随时可发；二、举世出现了通胀预期，而这预期最明显是反映在金价与油价的变动上。不懂政治，但从报章读到的局势变动消息衡量，近来金价与油价的变动与中东局势无关。余下来的就是这样的一个大麻烦：通胀预期是地球性地出现了。有传染性，不少外资跑到中国来找避难所。

地球性的通胀预期何自起？起自美元急泻。这是第二个头痛问题。从一九五三到父亲的店子学做生意到今天，我没有见过美元跌得那么厉害。一九九一波斯湾之战后，美元一直强劲，举世争持美元，但五年前再攻伊拉克，这强势不再，跟着是倒转过来，弱势变得明显了。这其中美国的议员严重地做错了一件事：他们强迫人民币升值，人民币于是与美元脱钩，转钩一篮子货币。跟进人民币的国际汇率的朋友会知道，其后美元在那篮子的外币中的比重，逐步减低了。如果人民币继续单钩美元，美元不会跌到哪里去。如果人民币不钩美元，只钩其它，美元不知会跌到哪里去。如果局部钩美元，美元下跌，人民币兑美元上升，但对其他主要货币却下降了，是给美元拉下去的。后者不是经济学，是小学生的算术课程吧。

美国的经济历来举足轻重。世界经济大变，伊拉克之战显然打不过。政治我不懂，但在物价调整后，每天算，今天伊战比昔日越战的费用高出一倍。我同意佛利民说的，攻伊是大错。不同意佛老，认为财政上美国负担得起。能否负担不是问题所在——问题是费用或成本总要与利益比较一下。此比也，目前看，尤其是看美元与金、油价的走势，此战是输局。

如果美元继续下跌，美国的通胀急升是无可避免的。目前这通胀不明显，经济不景是原因。次按风暴当然不幸，但协助了美国债券还没有大跌。如果长期债券大跌，等于长线利率大升，联储局是无能为力的。昔日越战后的经验，岂不可鉴乎？这些可能的不幸我早就看到，但没有写出来。二○○六年五月十六日我还是发表了建议港元转钩人民币的文章，在同一天就给某评论骂了。不听老人言是要付代价的。今天我不建议港元转钩，因为时日有别，局限是转变了。

世界大变，中国稳定自己可以协助稳定世界——虽然比不上美国那样重要。央行要做的还是我提出过的三点。一、约束钞票的发行量，不要多管钞票之外的货币量；二、把人民币与一篮子物品挂钩，但要让这篮子的物价指数每年上升百分之三左右；三、解除汇管，把人民币放出去。这后者可以立刻舒缓人民币的上升压力，困难是一旦解除汇管，人民币的钞票发行量的上升率应该是多少，要眼观六路才知道。我的水晶球说，如果新劳动法不变，目前中国的外贸顺差会在一年内变为逆差。到那时才放人民币出去，与今天相比亏蚀甚巨。

是世界大变吗？还是世界大乱了？

The "anti-aircraft artillery" at the Bird Nest

Remember those anti aircraft artilleries at the Bird Nest?

I was sent these related photos.















p.s. related news
p.s.2. The show of anti aircraft artillery and rockets are probably deliberate. It is best to prevent ans scare off the terrorists than to actually use them. That was why they had chosen to exhibit them so visibly.

"I'm Not Wearing Hockey Pads."

I went to see The Dark Knight on Saturday afternoon. One word: UNREAL. It was one of those rare films that actually exceeds all expectations - it was THAT good. Confidential to the Friends who have seen it: I will be having nightmares about magic tricks and pencils for the next month, at least! :P My husband worked all weekend, so his best friend and I went to a matinée show. When the film was over, we came out and saw this parked right next to my car:



Now I promise that's the last I'll mention The Dark Knight or anything Batman here on The Show, no matter how many times I go see it. Today I'm going to hit you with some links and then dig into some of the stuff I've been holding onto for a while. First the links:

Head Coach Michel Therrien is staying in town for a little while longer. Therrien, who has a year left on his current contract, signed a new three-year contract on Friday. Congrats to him! He's done a spectacular job so far, taking the team from the bottom to the top in his short time with the Penguins.


In other contract news, it looks like we're going to have to endure a few more seasons of player misidentification on FSN. Paul Steigerwald has been given a new multi-year contract to remain Robin to Bob Errey's Batman (okay THAT is truly the last mention, haha). There had been some conjecture that Mike Lange would have been given his TV job back since Pens fans from all over have been clamoring for it AND the general manager of FSN (who fired Lange in the first place) got a job somewhere else, but for reasons known only to the brass at FSN, Lange was not given back the position that should never have been taken from him in the first place. Tony F. of The Confluence of The Three Rivers has more of the details here. I guess the silver lining is that since Jarkko Ruutu is now a Senator and Georges Laraque is now a Canadien, the only player Steigy can confuse with Sidney is Petr Sykora. [*Sighs*]

Look out, Loretta - Lange's not coming back to TV. :(

Pittsburgh sports fan hating Bob Smizik of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette thinks anyone who boos any former Pittsburgh sports star is a "knucklehead." Specifically, Marian Hossa's move to Detroit prompted Smizik to write the article that repeatedly insults to most of the people that buy the newspaper that pays his salary. Here's a little nugget from the gem he titled "'Knuckleheads' can't wait to boo 'traitor' Hossa:"

In Philadelphia, it has been written and said, the fans are so nasty they boo Santa Claus.

Philadelphia has nothing on Pittsburgh.

In Pittsburgh, they regularly and vociferously boo the second-greatest hockey player to perform for the beloved home team.

Boo to YOU, Smizik.

In Pittsburgh, they boo the kid third baseman who had put up Roberto Clemente-type numbers until he was mysteriously traded.

When it comes to knuckleheads, Pittsburgh has it all over Philadelphia.

(Seriously, how does this guy still have a job?) Evidently Smizik doesn't understand the passion that some people feel for their sports teams. Quite honestly, I don't think anyone who booed when Jaromir Jagr came to town ever forgot that without him, the Pens wouldn't have their back-to-back Stanley Cup wins. But he was a pain in the arse while in the latter years of his tenure in PGH, so give fans a break if all they can think about when they see him right in front of their faces is "I feel like I'm dying alive." Now with Hossa, all fans will think about when they see him is the fact that he jumped ship to join the team that just weeks earlier handed us our first Stanley Cup loss. And yes, he will be booed. There's no doubt about that. NEWSFLASH: From now on, when he is in the Mellon Arena, he's on the other team - what, do you want us to cheer for him? If you think Smizik is a tool, head on over to Steel City Sports Fan and support their Knucklehead Badge of Honor movement.

Finally today, good Friend of The Show Maria T. sent me this email on July 11^th:

Ok so if you had the chance to go and see THE STANLEY CUP..even if the Red Wings had just won it...wouldn't you??

Well assistant captain Kris Draper attended my elementary school, and I was taught by his younger sister in the 3rd grade, 2000. She brought him in that year, and I got a picture with him. Sadly he had broken his wrist or something and could not sign autographs.


Well today was Kris' day with the Stanley Cup, and I got the chance to get a picture with it and Kris, and touch the Cup. I know that I didn't win it, but I could not resist...it was THE ACTUAL CUP!!

Anywho, though I would have preferred our Pens to win the Cup, I got to meet it, and I shook a hand that shook the hands of the whole Pens team.

Don't get me wrong.. I LOVE THE PENS - but come on - hockey fan first and foremost...who doesn't want to meet the REAL Stanley Cup?

Very cool, Maria. :) Not to beat it into the ground or anything, but I think the superstition that warns against touching the Cup applies only to those who hope to win it someday in the future, haha! ;)