I don't expect you to be interested in hockey but good writing entertains us no matter what its subject. For example, I'm reading a book about Babe Ruth I doubted would appeal but find it fascinating ("The Big Fella"). Written by brilliant female sports-writer Jane Leavy, the Babe book ensorcells me with detailed description of how celebrity emerged in this country a century ago. Babe was more than a baseball hero; he was America's first celebrity. He become as famous for his off-field persona as on-field play. This happened because of the emergence of mass communication in the 1920s. That is the real story in the book.
Back to hockey. After a promising start this season, my favorite team (NJ Devils) fell apart. Terrible mismanagement by GM Tom Fitzgerald has many fans demanding he be fired. Team owners are resisting that pressure, however, so we fans have a solution -- tell the White House there's oil under the Prudential Center (where the Devils play) and ask for regime change. 🙂
A second problem with the team is that a star-player, foolishly given a lavish contract, is under-performing. The team will lose lots of money when it trades the player for a used Zamboni and a box of Skittles. (Zambonis are machines that clean arena ice.)
Finally, some good news: the Devils' hated rivals, the NY Rangers, are also collapsing. Germans have a word for this -- Schadenfreude. (Taking pleasure from someone else's misfortune.) Last night the Rangers gave up ten goals to Boston. It was like watching your mother-in-law drop the tasteless casserole she brought for dinner.
An old joke from a Canadian friend...
ReplyDelete"I got caught up in a bar room ruckus earlier, and a hockey match broke out."
Good one!
DeleteOops. Wrong button. 😁
ReplyDeleteI'm caught up in NFL playoffs right now, but L is closely watching Boston (10 goals? Wow!).
ReplyDeleteI've been pleasantly surprised more than once when reading about a topic I have otherwise no interest in. Your Babe Ruth book sounds awesome!
It really is special. It was a bestseller and critical success.
DeleteHockey is definitely one of the more interesting sports, but you sure put a fantastic spin on it! Lol!
ReplyDeleteThanks! BTW, hockey is getting new, widespread attention due to the show "Heated Rivalry" -- although, as joked at the Golden Globes, the real subject isn't the sport.
DeleteI had it recommended to me but haven't watched it yet. I may watch my favorite movie reviewers Amanda The Jedi's round up first. If I'm on the fence, her videos often sway me
DeleteGo NY Rangers!
ReplyDeleteGood luck. They're having a tough season.
DeleteAlly, I love the way you show that good writing can make any subject fascinating, from Babe Ruth and the birth of modern celebrity to the chaotic highs and lows of the Devils. Your humour and sharp observations make the story come alive, and I especially enjoyed your description of schadenfreude in action, perfectly vivid (and painfully relatable for rival fans!). Even someone who isn’t a hockey follower can appreciate the insight and wit in your post.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lotte. Happy New Year.
DeleteI love the simile of the mother in law and the casserole! I snorted at that! Poor you with that cretin in charge of the country by the way! Babe is a great name for a Sports Star!
ReplyDeleteThanks for commenting!
Delete