Philadelphia Flyers' Wayne Simmonds has Banana Thrown at Him During Overtime Shootout

Earlier this week, an NHL exhibition game took place between the Philadelphia Flyers and Detroit Red Wings in London, Ontario.  You might think it's nothing new.  But if you read the title of this post this is what made it more than just an exhibition game.  The incident that happened has gotten some coverage (you can read the story here).  The people's comments on this story have strayed so far away from the actual story and it became a blame game of religion, countries, etc..

Basically what happened is Philadelphia Flyers and Detroit Red Wings were in a shootout and someone threw a banana onto the ice when Wayne Simmonds was going to take his shot.  You might take it as odd.  But here is the thing, Simmonds is black.  The term "monkey" is racist towards blacks.  So you can see that throwing a banana is basically calling Simmonds a "monkey."

Obviously this was premeditated and they don't sell bananas at the arena.  So this person who did this intended to do this.  It's not been determined if this person was drunk or not, but people have been assuming this person was drinking. So this racist act is fueled by alcohol?  But seeing as this was premeditated, that would mean it wasn't fueled by alcohol.

Now this has nothing to do with it being religious based.  That's what an ignorant assclown would say to further degrade religion.  You don't have to be religious to be a racist.  Atheists can be racist too.  But some of these atheists are too ignorant to see that.  Also, they are blaming countries. Just because the game was held in Canada doesn't mean it was a Canadian.  Americans do come to Canada to watch sporting events.  So whether it was a Canadian or an American is irrelevant.

This could be considered a hate crime, but the person who did it was not caught and can't possibly be charged with anything.

The COO of the Comcast-Spectator Peter Lukko released a statement, but when he said "It appeared as though a fan threw an object onto the ice during the shootout. Unfortunately, we weren't able to identify the individual. We certainly don't condone such a foolish act (like this) as a player could potentially be seriously injured."  Well no shit Sherlock.  Besides stating the obvious, Lukko was avoiding the issue that it was a racist act.  Lukko is a dumbass for turning a blind eye.  He needs to call it what it is.

I agree with what Garry Bettman said in a press release, "We have millions of great fans who show tremendous respect for our players and for the game." Bettman said. "The obviously stupid and ignorant action by one individual is in no way representative of our fans or the people of London, Ontario."

This goes back to the blame game, you can't one place or another because what one person did.

But Simmonds was so professional about it.  He didn't let this bother him which I give him big props.

A question I asked is why did this happen to him.  He isn't the first black man to play in the NHL. Geroges Laraque came before him and is a black man.  But why was there this one incident towards Simmonds?  It's a question that will never be answered or at least not now.

Point blank this incident was in very bad taste.  Sadly, people are shocked that racism still happens in 2011.  I wish I could live in a bubble of ignorance.  But I don't because I don't want to be one of those people that don't want to acknowledge that stuff still exists.

The Saskatchewan NDP Is Not Getting My Vote

Saskatchewan has a provincial election coming up.  It's basically between the Saskatchewan Party and the New Democratic Party.  But certain people running for MLA as an NDP candidate don't even use party colours on their billboard.  Instead they are using Saskatchewan Party colours.  Also, they are not even acknowledging Dwain Lingenfelter, the leader of the NDP, in their literature.  How sad is that?

Are they are not wanting to have it known that are running for a party that is in such disarray?  If that's the case, than why don't they run for a party that they can be proud to run for.  I wouldn't run for the Saskatchewan NDP either or at least acknowledge I was.  With the stupid shit they are doing and the unions having their hands up their ass like puppets.  I would be embarrassed to run for them.  The NDP needs to get back in order and show their candidates and people in general they are a party worth running for.  But unfortunately that hasn't happened.

Until they can actually do something worth while in office (that is if they can get back in office anytime soon), than I'm not voting for them.  If you look at the NDP history over the past 20 years, you can see they reduced the population by driving people elsewhere, not reducing the provincial debt, not making wages on par with other provinces, etc..  With the Saskatchewan Party, they have reduced the debt, increased population, increased jobs, etc..

So you can clearly see that no matter how much they try to spin it, they will not get my vote.  Like I said, they have to prove they are worthy of it and with Dwain Lingenfelter as leader, that's not going to happen.  He will be the first NDP leader to not get elected as premiere. That is if he doesn't get elected before he retires.

Worship Team Meeting

We had a good worship team meeting last night with some of the people who participate in worship.  It was a good chance to get together, share ideas, and talk about where worship is going.  It's great to have direction.  Great to have sense of knowing that there will be a sense of structure with worship.  I think with structure there will be new roles for people who already participate.  I feel that I am ready to step into a role of leading worship because it is something I've been wanting to do for sometime now.

This new direction feels right.  It feels like it's going to be fresh and exciting for worship.  This stability will be great for all involved.  Sure it will take time to get in the groove, but once we are it will be awesome.  I can't wait.

Drummers That Don't Get Enough Recognition

I was on YouTube and I came across videos posted of the "Late Show with David Letterman" and the two weeks of drum solo week.  There I came across a number of drummers that I don't listen to.  After watching and listening to them, I've come to the conclusion that they are not nearly as talked about and given the recognition they deserve.  Well at least with the people I talk to about music.  I'll post the videos to the ones I thought were amazing.

Sheila E.
YouTube link



Sheila E. is someone who I've never seen or heard much of.  But she is one of the best female drummers/percussionists.  This solo proves how good she is.  She can drum and sing well.  That is something not many people can do well.  Phil Collins comes to mind when it comes to doing both well.  Not to mention she is hot for being in her 50s.

Stewart Copeland - Founding member of The Police
YouTube link



I've only heard what Stewart Copeland has done with The Police.  So this is great to see someone from a band I absolutely love showing off his chops.  Copeland deserves more recognition for his skills.  He is truly talented because aside from drumming he composes music for ballets, operas, and soundtracks.  A great gem of a solo.


Gavin Harrison - Drummer for Porcupine Tree
YouTube link



Porcupine Tree is a great progressive rock/metal band.  Gavin Harrison doesn't nearly the recognition he deserves.  At least that's what I think.  With some of the bands he has played with, they are more rock and metal based.  So showing of his jazz chops is refreshing.  It shows that metal musicians take stuff from jazz and I bet a good portion of the metal heads out there don't know that.  Great solo too I might add.

Tony Royster, Jr.
YouTube link



I used to think that Tony Royster, Jr. was nothing special because of all the hype he got as a child.  But I can say now after watching this solo that the hype is worth it.  Sure you don't want to over hype someone as it could lead to a massive ego, but from the looks of things, Royster, Jr. looks humble enough.  He has proven me wrong about him.  Good job Tony.

These are just a few of many amazing drummers that don't get talked about nearly enough.  If you know of amazing drummers that I should check out than let me know.  I'm always looking to check out talented drummers.