Lindros for the Hockey Hall of Fame. #88

Eric Lindros
deserves to be in the Hockey Hall of Fame. He got snubbed in the Class of 2012 ... (though the 4 were most deserving to be there) I want to make my case why Eric Lindros deserves and eventually will be in the Hall.

Career achievements
4th fastest player in NHL history to score 300 points (210 GP) behind Wayne Gretzky (159), Mario Lemieux (186) & Peter Stastny (186)
4th fastest player in NHL history to score 400 points (277 GP) behind Wayne Gretzky (197), Mario Lemieux (240) & Peter Stastny (247)
5th fastest player in NHL history to score 500 points (352 GP) behind Wayne Gretzky (234), Mario Lemieux (287) & Peter Stastny (322) & Mike Bossy (349)
6th fastest player in NHL history to score 600 points (429 GP) behind Wayne Gretzky (273), Mario Lemieux (323) & Peter Stastny (394), Mike Bossy (400) & Jari Kurri (419)


In international play, Lindros represented Canada at the World Junior Championships three times (1990, 1991, and 1992), winning gold medals in 1990 and 1991. Eric Lindros is Canada's all time points leader at the WJC with 31 points, 6 points ahead of Jordan Eberle and Ryan Ellis. He has also represented Canada at the World Hockey Championships, leading the team in scoring at the 1993 tournament. In Olympic play, Lindros represented Canada three times (1992, 1998, and 2002), winning a silver medal in 1992 and a gold medal in 2002.

Also with Lindros' 1991 NHL Entry Draft and trade to the Flyers set up history to the new AVS team ....

One of Lindros' contributing factors still lingers on for the NHL today that of concussions, dealing with post-concussion symptoms (Think Sydney Crosby) and how if that issue dealt back in the 90s wouldn't be one today (But at last hindsight is 20-20) Lindros contributed to the fierce toughness of the NHL - made way to today's faster paced game ... and that of being the "NEXT ONE" and Big E ... and how we are in each draft looking for that next "Great one" or OVie/Crosby of the franchise.

So in this Canadian's opinion: Eric Lindros deserves to be in the Hockey Hall of Fame. It isn't so much if, as to when he will get in.

Health Care Reform.

Let me just say the system is broken. We all need health care reform. Just not the way politicians on both sides are pitching it.

We need to get rid of the hidden costs, fees, red tape, and the way the system operates. Let insurance do what insurance is suppose to do ... pay for the care received .... not all the buildings, insurance co-writers, lawyers etc.

Let there be support for preventative care. I shouldn't have to pony up a lot of dough because enrolling my kids in schools in MD ...They only take MD physician records. My out of state records didn't do; and the insurance company had a 6 mth waiting period ... (I didn't see that in the fine print and guess who forked out the dough? - hence I changed insurance companies)

Also let the rates be reasonable and cost effective. There is no reason for a healthy family to have rates go from a certain dollar amount to over $200 more a month the next year? That is highway robbery. Let some of the small businesses and especially non-profits get the same rates as big corporations?? Let even health care insurance policies cross and not be defined within state borders ...

In some ways our insurance companies need to operate like they are managing our money for health reasons .... like a health savings account. And when we stay healthy - add interest to our account.

We need to stop comparing Canada's Health care to Obama's. It is apples and oranges ... like comparing NYC to the rest of the US .... shouldn't happen.

I agree there needs to be Health Care Reform. It is broken. Unfortunately there is so much politics involved right now, and even with Today's Supreme Court decision ... I don't see it being fixed anytime soon. Perhaps I am wrong. But the fact is few have read (Even those that support Obama's healthcare) the bill.

Is what either Candidate touting an answer? I'm very skeptically. I think what we all can agree on is our healthcare system cannot continue to operate the way it does. What is the answer? Honestly I don't know. I really don't think the politicians know either.

Here are some suggestions I have for Health Reform (Similar to my immigration Reform)

I. Keep it simple. Easy to understand.

II. Keep it Affordable. (So if everyone wants health insurance they can have it)

III. Get rid of the overhead and costs (Amazing to me to see some of the waste and red tape in the healthcare field)

IV. Have those that need preventative and pre-existing conditions - covered (someone discovers they have cancer - and health insurance drops them .... very SAD - sometimes it isn't always about $$$)

V. Add some spiritual care influence - afterall - mind, body, soul - seem to help heal. I've seen the good work Hospital chaplains do ... they need to be supported as well

VI. Have a plan for those in palliative care. End of life issues should not always be discussed in emergency situations when end of life is happening. I've seen too many families struggle when they find out their loved one's health is gone - and they had no will, no funeral plans, no insurance etc. Funeral homes and health care facilities can so much educate in this field.

VII. Other ideas? What are your thoughts?

Immigration Reform.

Let me say this I'm all for Immigration Reform. I think both political parties can legally say that. But how does one go about it?

I. One needs to patrol and close the borders. You don't put a bandage where there is a severed wound.

II. Deal with the laws of immigration and simplify them. (Confusion over the laws and State Rights and Federal Territory haven't been verified - thus lead to the ruling earlier this week and last week's President Obama's "Nice policy")In alot of ways those that have come legally are being downplayed to those that are here undocumented and illegally.

III. With simplification - have each state have their own ICE office and paperwork. No more complex forms, laws, out of state offices, changes of INS to ICE, and the rules, or no word from the agency. There maybe laws but ultimately the federal government has made this a complex and complicated issue where there is none. Make the process simple and easy. You would think with our computer technology, being able to put men on the moon etc ... this would be one issue to solve ....

IV. Let people tell their stories. I came here legally. I got a visa, I changed my status and currently have to go through the process again after consulting a immigration lawyer ... and yet (I won't say how many times I've dealt with INS/ICE and many politicial paperwork .... it can be frustrating)

V. Immigration Reform can be done with some Common Sense. It is not a FREE for all, nor for racial profiling. Unfortunately it has become such a Hot Button and political topic ... it has hurt some of us who have/ or are in the process of obeying the laws.

The NHL Awards and Draft

The NHL Awards
are on this week.

Basically it is to celebrate the season's achievements ...

I hope Lidstrom wins .... It will be a good way on his retirement.

And then from Vegas to Pittsburgh on Friday will be the draft (I was at the one where Ovie and Malkin were drafted in Carolina)

This year's Draft
should prove interesting. The Order of it ... and the Prospects
I wonder what the Leafs will do with their pick (5th) should prove interesting.

After the Draft on Fridat .... just over a week later comes Free Agency and the Rick Nash sweepstakes ...hmm ...who says the NHL slows down in the summer?

We're Moving ....

With our Family growing up and needing "personal" space ... we decided to go from a little starter rancher to an older home in Keedysville
closer to Valerie's work and about the same commute for me ... yet closer to a lot of our church people and where they live.

The History of Keedysville is great and turns out our home dates back to 1872 and was where Charles Taylor resided. A lot of possibilities. Looks like mid-July we will be moving. If you can help out let us know ...

Eagle Scout Project at Church.

This past weekend, one of our scouts was working on his Eagle Scout project -a new fire ring for the church. So thanks to his planning, the scouts, their families, friends and supporters of Troop 252 ...the project is complete. A fire ring, 6 benches, and a nice view .... That's me and Peter (Future Eagle Scout) after all the hard work. Thanks to everyone who helped do the hard work, support and give funds and supplies.

My new Fav. Restaurant

Supreme Buffet Grand Opening, Tuesday, May 22 at 11:00 a.m. from City of Hagerstown, MD on Vimeo.

Rose .... An Example.

Here is one of the memories I have of Rose ... a 90 something lady who encouraged another who was battling cancer and death ..... She went from the front of our auditorium to the back to hold hands and encourage a young lady named Evelyn. Both have since gone on to be with the Lord in eternity.

I told this story on Sunday at Rose's memorial. This photo spoke volumes for us. (Of course with tears in my eyes)

Joe Castillo on America's Got Talent.

I've met Joe in Pittsburgh, PA. I had a chance to chat with him for a bit ... good guy. Hope he does well in AGT.

Selling the Church, literally.

Was mailed this AD this week. This is the 2nd time in a couple years I've seen a church selling their property. Could be for a few reasons - either they expanded and are going elsewhere or they have died. Hope it is because of growth and not because of dying.

Adventures with the Suns.

So this past Saturday my family went to the Hagerstown Suns Baseball team game. It was a doubleheader. The scouts were to be honored. It was a great nite until ...

After the game, the scouts were to sleep on the outfield. We slept between 1st and 2nd base ... Everyone had a tent. We (My family) were setting up our tent when a tent pole broke (That should of been the sign to go home right there) So in flexibility we decided to just sleep out under the stars on top of our tent. The movie was loud. about 1am ...I feel asleep with all 5 of us on top of our tent. The dew was thick. About 2am ...my lovely wife wakes me and tells me she is soaked. So we decide to pack it up and go home. Somewhere between 2-3am we make it home. I get a few hours sleep ...make it to church .... Baby dedication, sermon, hospital call, and memorial service all in one day. Some how when the Girl Scouts go to the Suns game in July ...I don't foresee us staying and camping at that game.

Winchester Suns

Interesting blog



Speaking of which I'm going to the gsme on Saturday ...whole family is going. Anyone else? Scouts will be there!!

Stanley Cup Finals 2012

If earlier this season ...someone mentioned they think it would be a Kings-Devils Final ...everyone would call you crazy. And yet here we are. Most of it comes down to the battle of the goaltenders .... ole veteran guard in Brodeur and new in Quick.

Both teams have vets and good players. The rookie Adam on the Devils, the washedup, overpaid Ilya K, and the Kings have their own stars Brown being one. Their coach's family name "Sutter" is known throughout the hockey world.

Personally I'm hoping for the Kings to win it all. Why? Not since 1993 when the Great One last played for the Cup against the Habs has LA made it this far. Should be a good series. The real question is will Brodeur retire raising the Cup or retire not making it this year?

Making Vision Stick - a review

Making Vision stick. I'll be honest ... I really didn't like this book. Seemed more of a business model. With one of my favourite sermons from Phil Vischer, and his rant on "Vision Statements" This book was hard to swallow. I'd agree that our Vision (Revelation of God and His Word) is the lifeblood of my organization. Andy Stanley's little book tries to make your church grwo if you stick to your vision statement and go from there.

Though the personal illustrations (Such as almost getting mad at his son's baseball coach .... and yet turned out to be a witnessing tool is good)

There was one statement that hit home for me through the book found on page 62.

" ...but 90 percent of the prayer requests are about sick people from your leadership and staff, your vision is slipping. We pray for what we are most burdened for. If nobody in my leadership circle requests prayer for someone who is far from God, that's a big red flag for me."

The book was a short to the point read ...that I had to re-read several times to get the point. On a scale from one to 5 ...I'd give this book a 2.5.