Thank You, God! (Part Deux)

Are you kidding me?! Two new words for my readers:

ADAM FOOTE

Less than 24 hours after the news of Forsberg's signing with Colorado, the Avs announced that Adam Foote will be returning! I wrote about Adam and Peter a couple of years ago, thinking they would never don an Avs jersey again.

I simply can't explain how happy I am today!

THANK YOU, GOD!!!

ps--if you want to know how excited I was when I received word these two players were returning to Colorado, you need only ask my roommate who was with me both times I heard the news for the first time.

Thank You, God!

I can't believe it. I simply can't believe it. In two words:

PETER FORSBERG

Most days, I start off by checking the latest news with my Avs. Today was no exception. Business as usual.

However, tonight there is some very big news to report.

Last week at the NHL owners meeting, it was announced that Peter Forsberg had decided to sit out the season. He was a unrestricted free agent this year and there was much speculation as to which team would ultimately be able to entice him to return to the ice. He is a former Hart Trophy winner (MVP) after all.

Earlier this season, he had had surgery and his foot was not healing properly. He therefore thought it best not to return.

I don't know what exactly transpired between the owners' meeting and now, but I am thankful something did. Forsberg was an integral part of our team from the start and left only after the NHL lock out (salary cap). I was devastated at the time. I wasn't sure if he'd ever wear a Colorado jersey again. I simply can't express how happy I am that he's coming back.

Welcome back #21!!!

You know it's time to buy a new car when...(Take #2)

You know it's time to buy a new car when...you're driving down the road and a large random piece of metal falls off your car forcing those who follow you to take evasive action.

The Sunflower Caucus...

Last night, I participated in my first caucus. For those who haven't attended an event of this nature, let me assure you, it is an experience.

Kansas' caucuses are actually held on two separate dates. Blue Staters held their polls last night. Meanwhile, Red Staters will host their own events next Tuesday.

Turnout, as has become the trend, was heavy. For many, this was their first time participating in the process. Coincidently, it was mine as well. My home state of South Dakota holds a late primary and has never hosted the event when the party outcome was in question. This year, however, I found myself in a state voting on the coveted Super Tuesday.

Turnout was nearly 3 times the number organizers had anticipated. The party of Kennedy has developed a reputation for being rather unorganized and flighty and I am happy to convey the caucus organizers lived up to this billing. At one point, it was all I could do not to ask permission to take over the event (I was right in front of the stage).

Even so, I had fun. Really.

Over 1,000 people made a showing despite the snowy weather. Participants were asked to align themselves with one of the two groups (or to gather in the "uncommitted" area). For the most part, the Clinton supporters were women with white hair. The Obama camp, on the other hand, was a cross-section of society. Black, white, old, young.

Obama supporters turned out 4-to-1 in Manhattan last night. They were loud and enthusiastic. The K-State Collegian described the speakers for Obama as having been greeted with a roar while Clinton's supporters as not being as loud. The paper grossly understated the Obama supporters response. It was near deafening.

I share this not to make a political statement in favor of one candidate or another, but rather to celebrate the process itself. For those who have taken part in such an event, I would be interested in hearing from you. For those who have not, I would strongly encourage you to do so. (and to then share your experiences)

Naming "The Play"...

The Super Bowl lived up to the hype surrounding it. There are a number of plays that will be discussed for years to come. Most notably, the third down play late in the game where Eli Manning completed a 32 yard pass to David Tyree.

I've read several writers attempt to describe the series of events that led to Eli Manning completing the pass. Many have sought a way to accurately sum up the absurdity of the play in a word or two. After all, many of football's most famous plays are honored with such a name (or series of plays in the case of The Drive). There's The Catch, The Immaculate Reception, and...this latest one.

I propose: The Play.

Here's my thinking...

There are three major events that took place: near sack, pass, catch. The Patriots did everything but pull Eli's jersey off his back. Eli lofted a Hail Mary pass to a receiver downfield. And David Tyree somehow made a one handed catch by pinning the football to his helmet while he was being tackled. All of this took place, it should be noted, with 59 seconds left in the fourth quarter with New York trailing New England 14-10.

All of these elements deserve a name in their own right (well, maybe not the pass). To exclude any of the three belittles what actually played out on the field. By referring to it as The Play all of these events are referenced as they should be. It truly was a play for the ages. Hence, The Play.

Thoughts?

ps--Now that we have named this play, let's see if we can come up with a name for the "The Steelers are going to win! Bettis is going to score! No! Wait! The Colts are going to score! The Colts are going to win! Wait! What's Big Ben doing out there?! Did he just tackle that guy?!"