The RGNC blog is officially 1 year old today. Congratulations to all involved.

I'm a simple man. I have always tried to be reasonable you know, to see and accept the world as the comlex network of inter-related systems of religious beliefs, political structures, and ethnic flavors that it is. I have always been on the fore-front of the "live and let live" movement. I think the vast RGNC readership will concede that I am squarely on the record with the whole live and let live thing. But now, well, now things are getting a little complicated and as of today, as much as it goes against my previous attitude of respect for all, well, today the gloves are coming off. (klang) There: that was the sound of the gauntlet being dropped. Because I have finally realized what it is that truly divides us, especially in this country, and now I intend to acknowledge this division and treat it as the threat to decency and good clean living that it is.
You see, dear reader(s), America is divided. It is divided worse than we ever thought or feared. It is not divided along religious, ethnic or political lines; no thats all kid stuff. It's much worse...America is divided over hockey.
Right now, as I type this tome, the powers that be, a.k.a those representing the owners and players of the NHL, are meeting in a secret location to try to put an end to the strike that has thus far consumed over half of the regular season games this year. And the fact that there are some who don't even care about this critical moment in sporstdom illustrates my premise exactly: America is DIVIDED OVER HOCKEY.
Sad as it is, some people claim that hockey is no big deal to them, that they just don't "get it". They defend their gusto-less attitude by saying things like, "it's too hard to watch on tv, I can't see the puck", or "there's too much violence and fighting", or "the rules are too complicated", blah blah blah. On the other hand, there are those good people who recognize hockey for what it truly is, The King of Sports. The sport of hockey, its fans, and its players, all reflect the quality of character that not only produces a great sport, but also great people. If you "don't get hockey", oh my sad friend, then perhaps you just don't "get" life.
Thus far, hockey is the only sport that has not been co-opted by nike, viagra, coors, or apple. Hockey players do not taunt or dance to humiliate the other team because the guys on their own team would kill them! Hockey players all respect the tradition of the game that they are a part of, and the fans that sign their paychecks. Ask any hockey player who was the first defenseman ever to lead the league in scoring was; "Simple: Bobby Orr" they will reply. Now, ask Randy Moss who holds the NFL record for gaining the most all-purpose yards in a single game...yes, you are still waiting for the answer because lil' Randy is too busy dropping his pants in the end zone to "celebrate" a touchdown. (BTW, it was Ed Podolack 12/25/71).
So you see, hockey is different: and better. This is a demonstrable fact. And the fact that so many folks can't recognize its superiority is sadly indicative of the true division that is threatening this great land. A division based upon a lack of character, respect for tradition, hard work, and, well...character. If anyone within the sound of this blog can honestly say that they prefer the jackassery of the NBANFL and now even MBL to the purity of athletic endeavor found on the ice, then I can only shake my head in resignation and sadness over what has befallen our land. I mean, even in a socialist joint like Canada they still retain some respect for the "game of games". Why? Because it matters, that's why. Even in Canada there are to be found solid, upstanding types who refuse to cave in to the shortened attention span of sports that are controlled by tv time outs. They still refuse to swallow the socialist line that this very moment is threatening to devour their country, and the prime way they show this is by supporting the game that made their once great country what it was: The Home of Hockey. And even though they are in the collective cultural process of dropping the ball/puck, there are still to be found a few shining beacons of hope that light the way for all of us, even as they are departing this sweet life. Their's is the example we must follow. This is the hockey way. Let us pick up the mantle and enlighten the less perceptive around us, and thereby heal the division that threatens the sanity of the continent as a whole. Let us all aspire to the day when we can joins hearts and hands as we rise to the challenge, and together, as a nation, shout out that classic phrase of freedom: "GAME ON!"

Blast from the grave: Hockey fan slams lockout in own obit
January 21, 2005
OTTAWA (AP) -- An ardent hockey fan who died this week used his obituary to denounce the NHL lockout.
Archie Bennitz, 84, instructed his son to criticize NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and union leader Bob Goodenow in his death notice.
Bennitz called Bettman and Goodenow ``skunks for denying him the pleasure of watching the NHL on TV this year,'' the obituary in the Ottawa Citizen read. Bennitz also urged Bettman to step aside in favor of Wayne Gretzky.
David Bennitz said his father had become increasingly angry during his last month in the hospital as the lockout dragged on. Hockey was the only thing he watched on TV.
Bennitz, who was born in Nova Scotia and grew up just north of Toronto, was a dedicated Maple Leafs fan. He developed a soft spot for the Ottawa Senators, however, after he moved to Ottawa about three years ago to be closer to his family.

Welcome aboard, Greg. Not sure that "Y'all" bespeaks of a proper Bostonian upbringing, so I suspect you oughta be forthcoming with as many details about yourself as you are comfortable with. That's as formal as the background check gets around here. We already know you have to be an alright type, since you cast a wary eye toward that open D bidness. Thanks for your help, too, in filling up the white space.

Mark, glad to hear you survived your trip. A lesser driver might not have fared as well. Thanks for your recruitment efforts. Send a picture of the snow to those of us that are putting up with a pretend Winter thus far. Get some rest.

Be happy and careful

Well, allright now. I drove back into Bostonia tonight after several days on the road. Came in via a stop in Wisconsin, and it was all through snow after Northern Missouri. Need sone time to decompress after several hours in a seriously un-supportive drivers seat.
I echo, affirm and second Bud's remarks regarding the shindig at the Wilson place. To all involved, please begin to plan the next one, even if I can't be there to enjoy it, at least I'll feel glad knowing you're having fun there.
More to follow after I rest a spell.

be good.

The happening happened, and, for my part, shall be placed very near the top of the list of experiences that I consider cherished. One of the contributing factors was that it wasn't a grand event, but rather gained its granduer from its relative simplicity. As should be the case with the RGNC, it was just neighbors gathering for some fellowship and socializing. Interstingly enough, several of the "neighbors" hadn't met before that night. And a better setting would be hard to imagine. Behind the scenes, Lady Linda created as relaxed and inviting an atmosphere as a body could hope for. We walked in the door, and immediately felt as if we were home. She and her army of assistants worked diligently to lay out a feast fit for royalty. And she welcomed my wife into the fray as if they had been fast friends for years. This is without a doubt the most comfortable I have ever seen Dianna at any type of social gathering with a group of folks she didn't know. Cudos to Linda, and thanks from the bottom of my heart.

I had every intention of enjoying an evening of listening to some folks do some picking, emphasis being on the word "listening". I expected, of course, Dave and Mark. Dave and I go back a ways, so I knew that his contribution would be first rate, and I expected the same from Mark, having heard from the David of his talents. Icing on the cake in the form of Bob and Dudley rounded out a powerful circle of performers and/or artists, depending on your interpretation of those terms. I'm not sure but what Clarence White may have slipped in for a couple of numbers, too. I knew from the very beginning, that this was no usual picking session. Mark tuned in open D, Bob and Dudley on the SCGs and Dave doing his double magic on the fiddle and mando. In short, I was in awe. I have had a few chances in my life to jam with some fairly good pickers, but this was beyond anything this ole boy had ever seen. When Dudley asked if I was going to play the bass, I was struggling to find an excuse to sit out and just be an observer. I guess that wasn't meant to be. To all who attended, let me take this opportunity to express my appreciation for being able to participate. Much of what was going on was way over my head, and I certainly hope that I didn't compromise the creative flow. The group did justice to every piece played, and probably should have been recorded. And the stories that were told....my land! And the coffee was good and the pie plentiful. What a tremdous group of people was assembled. I was truly blessed. For good reason, a couple of folks were unable to attend. Fear not, I believe this was the launchpad for future gatherings. It would be a downright shame not to let this blossom again.

Thanks again to all.

Be happy and careful, and do some bloggin' for cryin' out loud.