Life can be Bittersweet

 2012 has come to a close....and what a year it has been. Bittersweet would be a good word to describe it.

As you may recall, my Mom had a heart attack on the day of her 80th birthday party in late February, it was a very distressing time for us all, but my Mom is incredibly resilient and with the help of her family and friends and of course her faith she was able to come through this stronger than ever.

Some of you might remember the blogs I wrote about it. Part 1 and Part 2.

Things moved forward quickly after that, lots of work....and lots of lacrosse. In June I asked the woman of my dreams to marry me and she said yes. I slipped that into a good June Blog.

Life could not be better. Until the big day. August 24th I had a heart attack. It really surprised me. And it really changed me. Patti wrote a blog while I was "off". Read it.

I was off work for 8 weeks....reading (and thinking). It was strange.....I really cannot describe it all here....but I knew for sure that I was grateful for all that I have.

I love my kids, Aimee, Stuart and Erin....they are phenomenal, incredibly different in every way and very special in their own way. I love them dearly. And Patti's girls Tristen and Jessica, fall right in line with that is well. Different people, but both incredible people, and I feel honoured to know them, and have them as part of my life.

My Mom, and my brothers and sisters are all great and were all so supportive when I needed them. My friends are the best in the world. Funny how friendships work. I can go weeks (or months) without seeing some friends...because life gets in the way...but the friendships are always as solid as a rock. I love that.

Patti defies description. She has changed my life in so many ways. All positive. All amazing. I am the luckiest guy I know.

My advice to all of you going forward is simple really.

• First of all and this is really important. Be grateful for what you have right now. Your friends and family, things that you actually have, be grateful and thankful.
• Be respectful to all. Smile and share good vibes, there is nothing like it in the world....it is infectious and it is awesome.
• Think positive thoughts Thoughts become things.

I will be back in the New Year to share my Sports thoughts (good or bad) - I look forward to your input.

Happy New Year to all. Have an amazing 2013.

Mike.

Basketball (sigh)

I love basketball. I love to play the game and I love to watch the game. 

I am going through a rough patch right now...big time. First of all, I normally play winter basketball, but since my little mishap in late August, I decided to take the winter off from sports. I miss it huge.

But, since I was off from playing, I thought I could sit back and watch the newly revamped Raptors run roughshod over the NBA. Ouch. Yes I am delusional.

Now remember from  a previous blog. (the NHL is dead to me). Therefore stands to reason that fans need something to take up their sports watching time. The NFL is great.....but games are limited, and the season is coming to a close.

The Toronto Raptors had a huge opportunity to take back a portion of the Toronto sport fan market. Boy, have they blown that. Wow. I, even in my twisted mind could have imagined how wrong things would go with the Raps. They have reached a new low for this disappointing franchise...and I am really disheartened.

I have friends that hate the NBA and that is fine. I know a lot of you don't even like basketball, your choice....but for those of you that love it as I do....you know the pain I am in.

I don't know the answer...I really don't. I hear people saying Fire the GM......Fire the Coach...hell....Fire the Trainer.....etc. etc. - same old rhetoric. I just wish once the players would stand up and take control. You watch this Raptors team play and it is pathetic. Effort, shooting.....hustle.....rebounding, nothing seems to work. They should be embarrassed. When I was in high school, I was in the starting 5 on our bball team. One game we were playing horribly. The coach picked the next 5 guys on the bench and at the next whistle, sat every single guy in the starting 5 down on the bench. It was a great move....and guess what?  It made an impression. This is what I would do if I was coaching a bunch of overpriced lazy ball players in the NBA. The head coach of the Raptors should just sit the starting group. Sit them down, and let the next group start the game....hmmm, what is the worst thing that could happen. We lose. We are doing that anyway. It is time that someone shake things up.

I can't stand the Miami Heat Machine....they annoy me.  I love to watch Oklahoma City, the LA Clippers with their high powered offences and tremendous athletes.....but perhaps the most enjoyment I am having in this bizarre NBA season is watching the latest "Superteam" since the dreaded Heat, the LA Lakers (losing). They are out of the playoffs early on. I just watched them lose again, this time to the lowly Cleveland Cavaliers.....100 - 94.  I call that my poetic justice. I don't like how they stacked there team...and once again it shows that it is chemistry that counts....and they don't have it.

Good news though....Lacrosse is right around the corner. Thank you Lord.

The Grey Cup

I went to the Grey Cup on Sunday. Final Score - Toronto 35  Calgary 22. It was not really even close. The Argo defence overwhelmed Calgary, and I never once felt like Toronto would lose this game.

                                                  Me and Patti at he Grey Cup


I was with great people, had a fantastic dinner at Gusto 101. Try it - Amazing food and service. (oh and my daughter works there too).

Gusto 101

 

 

All in all, what a great night. My team won the 100th Grey Cup.....great crowd, fantastic event.

All is good.

 

 

Here is the thing. I am absolutely intrigued by how the Toronto sports scene works. It is really quite simple when you think about it.

 

Why was the Grey Cup so successful? Many reasons. It was Number 100 for one thing. That is big and it was treated differently. It was "The Big One" and all the parties and events were special leading to the big game. The event was sold out before we knew the Argos would be in it.....but when Toronto beat Montreal to make it, the whole atmosphere scaled up. It was the shot in the arm, the booster the Grey Cup people wanted. And then it begins.....the "Band wagon" starts to load up with thousands and thousands of fans.....works every time. Win, and you are in (with the fans).

 

Let's look at the other sports.

 

The Toronto Maple Leafs (no comment) - The NHL is dead to me. Next....

 

The Toronto Blue Jays - toward the end of the 1980's the Blue Jays started to be a force....and of course in the early 1990's they won the World Series......twice!! The house was packed....50,000 fans strong. We couldn't get enough. Since then the team started to lose, alot and people stopped going. Winning is exciting, if you win fans can't get enough. Simple.

 

The Toronto FC - It was so great when they brought Pro Soccer to Toronto in 2006. It was insane. Fans could not have been happier, the BMO Field was packed for every game and the sky was the limit. Now, 6 years later, TFC has never made the playoffs, not even close and suddenly the honeymoon was over. The fans are tired of losing....the crowds are getting smaller. Something needs to change....it is called wining. Simple.

 

The Toronto Raptors - Sad really. Tough to watch. This sport is my favorite to watch. I love to play the game, and I love to watch these amazing athletes soar. Like Toronto FC, the Raptors were an instant hit in Toronto. Basketball fans and even non fans flocked to see this new sports team, bringing in players like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. We couldn't get enough....but then we did. People stop going, the numbers were down....we were losing...alot. Fans get really tired of losing, no matter how you dress it up...losing sucks! I guarantee you, if the Raptors started to win, and made the playoffs every year....the stands would be packed....Simple.

 

The Toronto Rock! - This team is a bit of an anomaly. It is the sports team that kind of flys under the radar. The media ignores it on the whole. They never include The Rock when talking about Pro Sports teams in the city....Lacrosse is the Rodney Dangerfield of the city....No respect. And yet, consistent 12,000 fans a game, year after year, good product, good pricing. Winning here helps too, keeps people interested. Simple.

 

So there it is Toronto. You win, the fans will come. It works...but I guess that is where it gets tough. How do you win?

 

The Blue Jays have just opened the vault...and there is already a buzz in the city. Superstars.....just add Money!!

The Argo win at the Grey Cup, should translate to more sales next year...but they need to keep winning to keep their numbers up.

 

***note***  This is a quick beef. I am a CFL fan, I love going to the games....and there are a lot of "core" fans that will go....but not nearly enough. We need new fans....and guess what? I talked to some "new" fans and they are not going back. You know why?? - Those ridiculous horns that a lot of fans blow during Argo games. Maybe I am getting old. But it is time to put those noisemakers away. Yes, it is part of the games history, and yes you can tell me to suck it up, but I am still going. Fans that are inconsiderate of other fans has to end. It takes the fun of the event away. It really does.

Maybe I will start a crusade... "ban the horn".



Randy Rooster McMillen

Last weekend I went to the AGM (Annual General Meeting) for Masters Lacrosse in Ontario. It was the first time I saw everybody since my heart attack. I received a lot of well wishes from everybody, and it really was a great feeling.

The meeting began and early on there were some awards.

The Randy (Rooster) McMillen Award is handed out annually to the Masters Lacrosse Player who combines leadership and sportsmanship and competes at a high level.

This years winner???  Me!

I was shocked (but more honoured). It is an incredibly good feeling to be respected by Masters Lacrosse like this, but even more important for me is to receive an award in Rooster's name.

Randy "Rooster" McMillen passed away in the fall of 2009. He was a friend of mine. He was a friend of many. Anybody that has played masters lacrosse over the last 15 years know Rooster well. He was like the Goodwill Ambassador for our game. He was at every tournament and played very hard, on and off the floor.

I met Randy in the mid 1980's. We both played lacrosse for the Owen Sound North Stars. I remember when I first saw him, I thought he was not very big....but quickly learned how talented he was with the ball (a great shooter) and also quickly learned that pound for pound he was actually one of the toughest guys on our team.

I lived in Owen Sound for a few years in the late 80's and Randy made me feel welcome. We had some great times...playing golf, lacrosse etc.

It was an honour to win this award......and it reminded me of Roosters famous saying he always told me. I was McMillan and he was McMillen. He always said...."i like your name Mike....but did you know that "e" is for excellence and "a" is for ass hole. Ha. He was a beauty.

Thanks Rooster!!

Ah yes the 80's...............Dennis, Stu, Ollie, Rooster, Joe, Paul and me (Green Jacket Golf Tourney)

Are you a top Athlete?

What makes an athlete great? Wow.....that question could take forever to answer. There are a million things that go into making an athlete great.

Were you born into a sports family? Your Mom was a star basketball player, your Dad a hockey stud? This can help, because you will be introduced into sports early in your life....and they can teach you the drive and commitment that is necessary to be a great athlete.

                               A Great Sports family - Archie (dad) and Peyton and Eli Manning

Was it easy for you to get to your practices and games, people to drive you, wait for you, buy your equipment etc? - These things can make it easier for you to get better. You might not know it when you are young, but you certainly know it as you get older. Be grateful to these people that helped you.
(better yet....go to www.passitonsports.ca and become a member and share your story of gratitude)

Did you have great coaching? - Every coach I have ever had taught me something. Even coaches that I didn't like, or didn't agree with - I still learned something from them. Keep an open mind, and actually try to do what they ask you to try....it might make a difference in you being good....to you being great.
Do you respond better to a screaming coach or an encouraging coach? Everybody is different. Check out this interesting video on the subject.  Click here.

No matter what advantage (or disadvantage) you have when you are younger, the key to being a great athlete always......always comes down to one thing.

 Your character.

What make you tick? What makes you want to get better? What drives you? What makes you get up at 5:30 am, run 10k and then go to the gym? Character.

An athlete with character, with drive, with a purpose will always be better than any athlete with any advantage.

I have been involved in a lot of sports, as a player, a coach and a fan. I have met my share of "lazy" athletes that could have been great, but they had no drive, no character. They just didn't care. I even see it now as I watch minor sports (mostly lacrosse in my case). I see athletes there are "wan-a-bees". They like the "idea" of being on a team, but don't want to do the work to get better. They want the jersey and the swag that go with being on the team, but will not commit to doing the work to help the team.


If you are on a competitive sports team right now.....ask yourself these questions.

• Am I in the best physical condition that I could be in?
• Do I work on my sport after practice....away from the game? -
• Am I Team first or Me first?
• Do I respect and listen to my coach.
• Do I respect and encourage my teammates?
• Can I do better?

Ask yourself these questions once a week and be truthful.

You too can be a top Athlete.

Favorite Sport to Watch??

What sport do you really love to watch? - I guess that could be a two pronged question. What sport do you like to watch live? - And on TV what is your favorite sport to watch? - Are they the same (or different? - For example, I love to watch football, CFL and NFL....but although I enjoy seeing the games live, football is not my favorite sport to watch live. I prefer the slick TV friendly version. The NFL on TV (for me anyway) - is awesome, in depth, great video replays etc.

This argument could go on forever. Everyone has their favorites....and everyone is different.

The Ryder Cup was on this weekend.....and to quote my brother Tippy, The Ryder Cup was "Sport at its finest". How do we determine that though. What makes it a great event. I know all lot of you might not even like golf...i can live with that (sort of) - but the Ryder Cup between the USA and Europe this past weekend was about as compelling a sports show can get on TV. It was phenomenal.

I won't bore you with all the details, those of you interested already know, those of you not, probably don't care. (the shame - ha)

Quick Summary - Team USA was favoured to win.....they were up 10 - 6 over Team Europe going into Sunday's 12 singles matches, an insurmountable task....only ever been done once before.

Well, the unthinkable happened and Team Europe came back and won the Ryder Cup by a score of  14.5 - 13.5.

Now back to my original question about what makes an "event" special to watch. I think it has to be a combination of things to make it perfect.

Here is my list to make an event special - using this years Ryder Cup. (Specifically Sunday)

1 - The Competition

The Ryder Cup is about as competitive as it gets. The Ryder Cup has been competed for since 1927. The rivalry that has built up over the Years between team USA and team Europe is second to none. They have enormous respect for each other, but quite frankly...winning this cup is more important than any thing that these golfers do. Bragging rights are huge- and the fans are even worse.

                                                         The Ryder Cup

2 - Starpower

The 24 golfers in the Ryder Cup representing both teams are all in the top 36 golfers in the World Golf Rankings. Top five golfers in the World right now are Rory McIlroy, Tiger Woods, Luke Donald, Lee Westwood and Justin Rose....all playing in the Ryder Cup.

3 - Drama

Like I said, going into Sunday's final, Team Europe was behind 10 - 6. - They needed 8 points on Sunday to win the cup, most said it was impossible.

4 - Intensity

It is a huge understatement to say that these guys are intense....but like every great event, there is always one athlete that takes the intensity to a whole new level, the focus and gut that makes it special to watch. This year my vote (and everyone else give that award to Ian Poulter from Team Europe. His heroics on Saturday afternoon - making 5 birdies on the last 5 holes, most of them long putts...was to me, very special to see. It was amazing, and I think ranks in the top 5 of great sports moments ever. It was crazy.

Ian Poulter

5 -  Heartbreak

To make an event special, unfortunately you need some heartbreak and the USA had a lot of it on Sunday. One of the memorable heart break moments was when Jim Furyk missed a makeable putt on the 18th whole to lose a critical match. I like Jim, I felt for him....but this is the type of thing that has to happen when a big comeback is under way.


Jim Furyk can't believe it.



 

6 - Heroics

Every Special event needs a hero. Team Europe had many heroes on Sunday, I mentioned Ian Poulter of course, but on Sunday, the standout hero has to be Martin Kaymer who had a 6 foot putt on the 18th hole to win the cup. He rolled it into the centre of the cup....and victory was theirs.

                                                                Martin Kaymer

7 - Emotions.

Finally what is an incredible event without emotion. Jose Maria Olazabal was definitely the emotional leader for Team Europe. He was the captain, and never gave up on his guys. He dedicated the Ryder Cup to his long time friend Seve Ballesteros who died last year of a brain tumour. Team Europe had his image emblazoned on their golf bags. Seve was a Ryder Cup legend.

                                                                   Jose Maria Olazabal

If you combine these 7 items for any sporting event, I promise it will be amazing.

Congratulations Team Europe on a great 2012 Ryder Cup Victory.

Lock-outs!

The National Football League locked out their referees before the season began.
More recently the NHL owners have locked out their players before the NHL season begins.

Ho Hum. It is a really tiring subject....but I am going to weigh in anyway.

The NFL Referees

I could begin by going on and on about the issues of this strike and there is no question that the NFL has a different opinion than the Refs as to what the problems are and why they can't solve the problems. It might not surprise you to learn that the referees would like more money, better pension yada yada....keep in mind that they make more money than most of you in a year...and they officially work about.....16 days a year. I am being a bit hard on them I guess, because I know they do a lot of prep work too...but my point....I feel that for what they do, they are more than fairly compensated.
On the other hand....the NFL is a multi billion dollar business, and to spend so much time on this is laughable.
The replacement refs are being roasted. They are under the microscope, every play being analyzed to the point of ridiculous.
Now of course this all came to a head on Monday night when on the last play of the game the Seattle QB threw a pass into the end zone for the win.

                                           One ref says no touchdown, and one says yes.

After review, the touchdown was counted, and all hell broke loose. The Green Bay players and fans went crazy, the media has been going on and on about the call, replay after replay, it is nuts.
Want my opinion on the call? - Blatant pass interference call that was missed first on the receiver from Seattle....no call.....and than it appeared to me in the highlights that the Green Bay player had more of the ball. But remember we have the advantage of slow motion replay. There is no question that the Seattle player did have his hands on the ball as well, and when they went to the booth, it was so close, they stuck with the call on the field. Touchdown. Like it or lump it, that is the call. Live with it. The thing that bothers me is that far too much attention is being given to this issue. The replacement guys are making mistakes. Makes sense. They don't have the experience. However, I have been watching football for a very long time, and guess what, the regular refs make mistakes...all the time....just like the players do....and the coaches do......just like we all do.....so RELAX people.
The NFL Referees could come back to work any time, and get paid a lot of money for doing a 16 day a year job. Time to go to work boys.

The NHL Lockout

Most of you know my opinion on this already. It is no secret. A joke. Both sides, players and owners should be embarrassed. Billionaires and Millionaires arguing because they both want more money. Ridiculous.

 And who does it affect? The fans. The people paying the money, filling arenas, buying jerseys etc. lose out. What about the businesses around the arenas? Regular people, trying to earn a regular dollar lose out, while millionaires sit around complaining...."it's not fair'!
 Selfish, Greedy, Pathetic.


To put it in perspective....who do you feel sorry for? See below.

                                                

Time to play hockey.

Fall means Chili Sauce

I know this is a sports blog (mainly) - but sometimes I do tend to wander...and today might even be more than a wander.

My brother Jim dropped by to visit, all the way from Boutliers Point, Nova Scotia....and lucky for him, he came to visit on the day Mom and I had planned the famous "Chili Sauce" Day.

Now I am not sure if you even like Chili Sauce, after all, it is an acquired taste,and the chili sauce connoisseur will tell you "it goes with everything". It is all up to you.

It starts early in the week as Mom searched out for the best tomatoes, pears, peaches (all Ontario grown of course) - they have to be just the right ripeness to make the cut, and this in itself is a chore.

Once you have everything you need.....you begin.

First of course you must sterilize the jars....boiling them, and dried in the oven.

                                                 ....getting the jars ready.........

In the meantime, there is a lot of slicing and dicing to do. Onions and peppers to start with...

                                                       ....starting to take shape......

The fruit is a little more difficult, peeling peaches and pears and tomatoes is a challenge.

                      The Assembly line hard at work (sorry, but someone has to take the pictures)

That is actually the hardest, and the most time consuming part...peeling chopping etc.

Once done, everything goes into the pots....and the cooking begins.

                                          Now we wait, and stir....and wait....and stir....etc.

After a few short hours.....we are ready to jar.....the end is near.

 

After a busy day, many hours and a lot of laughs.....we are done.

 

                                                                         Voila! All Done!!!

 

Thank you so much to my great team.....after all a successful team is the sum of it's parts. (whew, I was able to slip in a sports tie in after all)

 

                                                  Brother Jim....Mom, and me....

 

Hmmm, now who do I give one too.....I must think on this.

 

.

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                    




                                            

Recent "Feel Good Sports Stories"

There has been some really cool stories in sports over the weekend.

Some may interest you. (some might only interest me.) ....for example.....

1/ Adrian Peterson.

For those of you that know me well, you know I am a Minnesota Vikings fan. - and for those of you that follow the NFL, you know cheering for the Vikings is excruciatingly painful. Trust me. Therefore, when anything great happens, I climb to the nearest mountain and scream - YAHOO!!  - This past weekend, Adrian Peterson played football in game number 1 of the season. All the experts said he should not rush it, his season ending knee injury last year followed by surgery left a lot of doubt. However, it is very difficult to measure the size of a person's heart....and AP has the biggest heart, and is pound for pound one of the toughest athletes I have ever seen play sports. I love to watch him gut it out, play after play, always 100%. Every Time. Last weekend he put on the pads, and went out to play football again. Minnesota won 26   23 over Jacksonville and Adrian Peterson carried the ball 17 times and had 84 yards and 2 touchdowns. Good on you Adrain.

                                                              Adrian Peterson

2/ Peyton Manning

The Indianapolis Colts finished dead last in the standings last year. Their star quarterback did not play. Peyton Manning had 4 neck surgeries......you heard that right.....Four (4). Manning missed the entire 2011 season with a damaged nerve that caused weakness in his right arm and required multiple neck surgeries, including a single-level fusion in September. The Colts with their poor performance were able to pick Number one in the NFL draft, and it was a no brainer, they selected, superstar QB Andrew Luck. Everyone thinks this guy will be a star for years to come. What about Peyton? He was released and signed with the Denver Broncos. How did he make out in his debut? Would is neck be Ok? Could he take a hit? All questions were answered. Denver 31  Pittsburgh 19. Peyton completed 19 passes out of 26 for two touchdowns and 0 interceptions. He looked great, in control...it was really good to see.

                                                             Peyton Manning

3/ Andy Murray.

The world of professional tennis is a relatively small one. On the men's side it has been Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Rafael have dominated tennis for a very long time. It is impossible to get inside these top three players on the rankings and although it is well deserved, they are tremendous athletes, I wondered if anything would ever change. Until now. Great Britain's Andy Murray stunned the Tennis world by winning the Gold Medal at the London Olympics this year. It was amazing. One of the most important things an athlete must do after winning a big tournament...is to validate it by winning another. It did not take Andy Murray long, and he did it on the World's Biggest stage. Monday night Murry beat Novak Djokovic in a 5 hour marathon tennis match to win the 2012 U.S. Open in New York. The tennis world may be shifting. ** Young Canadian tennis star Milos Raonic lost to Murray in the round of 16....Raonic played well, and losing to the Champion, is something to build on.

                                                            Andy Murray


...sports briefs......Team Canada plays Panama tonight in its continuing bid to qualify for the World Cup of soccer.......in lacrosse....The Peterborough Lakers finally got in the win column in game 3 of the Mann Cup in Peterborough. The home team scored 6 straight goals in the 3rd period to win
 14 - 10 over the Langley Thunder. The best of seven series is now at 2 - 1 for Langley. Btw, for those with Cogeco cable, the Mann Cup games are live on Cogeco tv. Next game is Sept. 12.

                                                             

University Lacrosse

I love the fall. ( i love the summer more, but I can't control the seasons).

With all the great pro sports on right now, sometimes we lose track of some other great sports.

Last night in Peterborough, The visiting team, Langley Thunder took the first game of the Mann Cup over the heavily favoured Peterborough Lakers. If you are in the Peterborough area in the next week go and check out fantastic Lacrosse. Read the story here, courtesy of TSN.

It is no secret though, that I love University sports......especially football and my favorite lacrosse.

The Ontario University Women's Field Lacrosse season starts (sort of) tomorrow in Scarborough. It is not officially the start to the season, but it is a day, as a lacrosse fan I love. Almost all of the Universities come to this opening exhibition day. The teams play about 5 games each....short games of about 40 minutes. It allows coaches to work their teams in a game setting, try some plays and give their team some real "game type" situations.

                                                University Lacrosse Face-offs this Sunday


These girls work incredibly hard, balancing a busy lacrosse season with a really busy schedule in their studies. It is quite impressive.

I, of course am partial to the UOIT Ridgebacks. Tristen is in her fourth year of nursing, and her last year of lacrosse, so we will be there cheering her on.

I will also give a shout out to Silvanna Yee, coach (and friend of mine) of the McMaster Marauders Women's team. Silvanna is a tireless lacrosse coach (and player) all year long.

Also, Todd Pepper, head coach of the Toronto Varsity Blues team. Todd promotes Women's Lacrosse year round, and he too deserves a pat on the back.

If you are not busy tomorrow, drop by the Scarborough University of Toronto Fields. I beautiful place to watch some lacrosse.

Here is the schedule and directions.

Maybe see you there.

Busy Sports World

After a short "break" from my blog.....I am back....and the sports world is humming right now.

Let's have a quick look.

U.S. Open Tennis.

I am not sure if you are a tennis fan or not, but if you are a fan of great athletes, you should really take the time to watch some of this event. There are some compelling stories....(Andy Roddick announces retirement) - and he is rolling right now. It would make a great feel good story for sure....but with guys like  Djokovic and Federer....it is a long road for sure.

                                                     Andy Roddick

One of the things I love about tennis (like golf) is that the players get paid for performance.....the more you win and the better you play the more money you can make. If you play terrible, you don't get paid. Hmmm - novel idea. I wonder how much my beloved Maple Leafs would be paid, if they were paid "by performance". Ha.

Fedex Cup

Speaking of Golf...it is playoff time in the PGA, with the boys moving to the BMW Championship at the Crooked Stick Golf Club in Carmel, Indiana. The top 70 golfers after last week will playoff, with the top 30 this week moving on to the Tour Championship.

I love the playoff format....and for the most part,the best of the best are rising to the top again.
Check this out. In the World Golf Rankings....the top 20 guys (IN THE WORLD) are still alive in the Fedexcup playoffs. It does not get any better than that.

(courtesy of pgatour.com)

It is tremendous golf. Tiger Woods has the fire burning, Mickelson is coming into form, and of course Rory McIlroy makes winning somehow look easy. It should be a great couple of weeks.

The NFL begins tonight.

I love the NFL....it is by far, the best, most professionally run league in pro sports. (in my opinion)

I am looking forward to a few different story lines this year.

New York Jets - Yikes....nice drama. The number 1 quarterback Mark Sanchez is really under the gun as the Jets also brought in Denver phenom Tim Tebow to back him up. This has all the makings of a train wreck. The New York media is buzzing, the fans are crazy, and the rest of the New York team is confused. To add to this, the Jets scored only one touchdown in preseason play (and that was by the third string QB) - funny stuff.
Sanchez is a better QB by far than Tebow, he is solid...but fans are impatient...and if Mark does not get a win early.....watch for the fireworks.

Mark Sanchez

                                                                   Tim Tebow


-  Minnesota Vikings- my team (alas) - not looking really solid this year....but watch for Adrian Peterson - the toughest running back of all time to rebound from knee surgery.

Indianapolis Colts - Manning out - Andrew Luck in. It should be fun to see how this superstar rookie performs. He is a winner.

                                                           Rookie Andrew Luck

- but on the flip side, I am really excited to see how Mr. Peyton Manning performs playing in Denver after so many neck surgeries.  I love the guy, love his compete level, how can you not cheer for this story?

tidbits......Blue Jays sunk to new low, lost 12 - 0 last night to Baltimore, and when the rain came, the dome roof got stuck when closing.....oh boy. - Maple Leafs have new president - Tom Anselmi - with all due respect to Tom.....(whoop dee doo).....that is the best news the Leafs can give us?

That's all for now.....Enjoy some Great Sports!!

"A Very Agressive Intervention"

I interrupt Mike's Blog to talk to you about our previous week...

Last Friday night, as most of us know, was the first night of the 2012 Ontario Masters Lacrosse Provincials, in Brampton. Little did I know, this weekend would be like no other, and start a week full of many "life lessons" that I would like to pass along.
Unusual for me, I chose not to attend that first game, but instead go out for dinner with my daughter, Tristen, in Burlington. Mike's Oakville team was set to play their first game, at 7 pm. Robin DiMarco texted me at one point and asked why I wasn't there, adding it was very hot inside. I told her I was happy to be in an air-conditioned restaurant, thankyouverymuch. 
It was after 8pm now, and Tristen and I sat out in our backyard, enjoying another beautiful summer night and good conversation. Little did I realize, I was trying to be reached: Robin had been calling my cell phone over and over - but I did not hear it: it was on silent, tucked away in my purse, inside the house (lesson 1). After repeated attempts, she tried the landline - it was also in the house (lesson 2). Finally, Tristen's cell phone rang (she had it right beside her). In a desperate attempt to contact me, Robin had taken Mike's cell phone and found Tristen's information, and was able to call her. She briefly and calmly told Tristen that she needed to speak with me about something serious, and Tristen handed the phone over. Robin explained: Mike had been experiencing pain in his chest and she had taken him to the hospital around the corner from the arena. He was now being rushed via ambulance to Trillium hospital (the regional cardiac care centre). I knew that name all too well - Mike's Mom had just been a first-time patient there earlier this Spring (http://passitonsportsca.blogspot.ca/2012/02/my-moms-big-heart.html).

Reality had just kicked in: Mike was having a heart attack.

How could that possibly be? A healthy, physically active male, eats well, positive demeanour, so much to be happy about, and basically no prior family history (unless you can consider your mother's first cardiac episode at age 80 to be history).
I tried to piece the puzzle together...Were there signs? Did we miss something? Nothing much stood out. It just seemed incredible. Nonetheless, Tristen drove as I sat in the passenger side, receiving tidbits of information from Robin on our way to the cardiac unit.

We ran into the first floor of the hospital blindly thinking we could find our way, and finally I spotted a woman down the hall who looked like she might work there, and I inquired if she could tell us where the 'Cath Lab' is. She looked a bit surprised, and said, "Certainly. I can take you right there - I am the Patient Care Manager for that department." She gathered a bit more information from us on our way up to the third floor, and calmly assured us that if we need anything, to let her know. We were in good hands.

Mike, was in good hands as well. He was immediately taken into surgery. The staff at Trillium are pros at this sort of thing. They do more than 20 of these types of angioplasty surgeries (scheduled and emergency) each and every day. Robin and Warren DiMarco, Tristen and I, could do nothing but wait.

Approximately 1.5 hours later, the surgeon appeared, explaining very matter of factly that they had to do "A Very Aggressive Intervention"... What did this mean, exactly?... In the course of inserting the femoral catheter, "We lost him." he said: Mike had flatlined. The news was stunning enough, but we had to hear the rest. "We brought him back, and were able to complete the surgery. We inserted stents into two arteries. The heart attack was substantial, and there was definitely damage to the heart, but considering his condition, I see no reason why he cannot have a full recovery." ...I was still back at "We lost him."...
There were two blockages in his arteries. The cause? Although one main artery showed signs of plaque build-up, it was an apparent blood clot that forced its way down that major artery and then over to a secondary artery, and thus the attack. Perhaps the hard, unexpected hit he received on the lacrosse floor minutes prior to feeling this pain jostled it? We will never know.

As fourth-year nursing Tristen kicked into nursing mode, she took over and started making calls from her cell phone - my battery was dying and I did not have a charger with me (lesson 3), and I did not have close family relative phone numbers in my phone (lesson 4), we frantically searched through Mike's phone's address book, and found who we needed to call, and started a telephone tree.

I stayed with Mike that night. It was awful. To watch the one you love be in so much pain and in critical condition is one thing I wish on noone.

The staff at Trillium were second-to-none. Very professional, very skilled. I truly believe that had this happened elsewhere, our story would have a much different ending.
Anyway, each 12 hours showed improvement, and we were cautiously optimistic. By Saturday evening the femoral catheter could be removed, and Mike was vertical, and the constant heavy pressure in his chest was finally subsiding. Sunday saw Mike being transferred to Oakville's ICU unit, and we were making progress.

His GP had visited Mike, saying that he was astonished at what had happened. He reviewed Mike's recent physical examination and there was not one indication that this  would happen (lesson 5).

By Wednesday, Mike was about to be released from hospital...he had come full circle: It was Mike's 55th birthday, and 55 years ago, he was born in that very same hospital! Mike (Phoenix) McMillan, would begin his new life.

So what else did I learn from this that is worth passing along?

• Although Mike did not show any major signs prior to this, subtle little ones that are all too familiar in hindsight did appear: general fatigue,  wanting to go to bed earlier than usual for no apparent reason, a tiny little atypical dry cough a few days before hand, and that was about it.
• With all of the tests and monitoring in the hospital, one of the most effective methods of denoting a partial blockage is a simple ultrasound. Ultrasounds can very easily denote blockages, partial and full. And considering you don't even get symptoms until it is at least 80% blocked, that does not give you much warning. (lesson 6). The Cardiologist told us that it may have been exacerbated by Mike exerting himself on the lacrosse floor - apparently your blood thickens when it is under physical exertion. But nonetheless, why can't we just demand (especially for men), a routine ultrasound from our GP's??  Colonoscopies and PSA tests are pretty mainstay, why not a simple ultrasound? I urge you to request one the next time you see your doctor (which is soon, I hope).
• At the arena, Mike almost missed the classic heart attack symptoms, the most convincing: the tightness in the chest. He first attributed it to the possibility of a bruised or cracked rib from the hit he took earlier. It wasn't until the pain was excruciating that he thought it was time to stop being the stubborn male and get to the hospital (I am so grateful he did.)
• And what about that little rule everyone knows: taking a baby aspirin each day will help prevent blockages by thinning the blood. If you are reading this blog, you are probably one of the majority who are still involved in sports - and you're not getting any younger. What harm could it be to carry a bottle of baby aspirin around with you and take one with your morning coffee? Ladies, we all have purses, how be we buy a bottle and take it with us - just in case? (lesson 7)

Mike is home now, and he is recouperating. He is exhausted, which is understandable, and is slowly gaining his strength back. It has been a whirlwind of a week, let me tell you, and personally, Mike and I would like a Do Over please. But I am so lucky to have him back.  Thank you to everyone for your support, calls, and emails.

Let me also say, that even if Mike's story was not a wake-up call for you, I am here to say

YOU TOO, ARE A CANDIDATE.

So please get yourself checked out. Listen to your body...You may not get a second chance.

 

Thank you for your time,

Patti Cruickshank

Things Bugging me this very Minute.

I listen to the radio....sometimes talk radio.....sometimes Rock....Blues....etc. Whatever my mood brings. Sometimes I feel like talk radio...until I hear the guys talking and the callers calling...and my mood gets changed for me...and I hit the button. I hate that......but I understand it. People have opinions...and want to share them. I have opinions...and I am sharing them, and if people don't like them, they stop reading....or ignore it...or even worse, give me a nasty comment back....and so it goes.....

My point here, is there is a lot of "talk" on the radio right now. What are they talking about? Stuff that really bugs me. A lot.

For example.

Bugging me Number 1!
NHL LockOut?

The NHL Players/Owners battle. Pardon my language here.....but....OMFG. Really? Have you clowns nothing better to do. Greedy.....nasty....ridiculous arguments.  If you disagree....fine. Bring it on. I realize that sometimes people need to negotiate to get a fair deal....but I  just have a hard time understanding it when both sides are millionaires. I won't bore you numbers again. It is an old story. As a matter of fact...remember my NBA Lockout Blog?  Seem familiar to this one?

I saw Alex O. at the meetings....I saw Sid the Kid at the meeting.....hmmmm, supporting their tough economic times perhaps? Here is a small (old) list......are these guys having financial times worthy of protest?

These are a couple of years old....but....you get the point.

In my opinion...if I was making that kind of money...every year.....I would say, let's play hockey!

Bugging me Number 2.
Teachers Strike

While we are on the strike front might as well bring this one up. No....maybe not....don't get me started on this one....I don't want to go to deep on this, i might say something I will regret..... but....enough already. School is starting.


Bugging me number 3!
Baseball players.

Melky Cabrera has just been suspended for 50 game in Major League Baseball. He had been using a performance enhancing drug. Did this drug work? Let's think for a second.
Cabrera had been experiencing a great contract year with the Giants after an off season trade from Kansas City. He currently leads the league with 159 hits and holds a .346/.390/.516 line with 11 homers and 60 RBI for San Francisco.
Leads the league!! - you read that right.....turns out he had help.....drugs. He got caught....his punishment? - 50 games, if his team makes the playoffs,he can still play.
This bugs me. A lot. Drug use in MLB has been an ongoing battle....and continues to be. Some say that the new drug testing is working...I guess it it. The punishment, does not seem to deter though, Cabrera will be back. He will play again...and he will still be a millionaire.....that is not right.
You want to stop it? How about this. You get caught...you are gone. For Life. (try that on).
...or...like I heard one guy say the other day...have an all drug league....pitchers throwing the ball at 120 mph and hitters hitting the ball out of the stadium, on a regular basis. Hmmm, interesting. Think about that for your favorite sport.
(no thanks - not for me)

........to finish this off......some random things bugging me this very minute.....

• Toronto Blue Jays.....damn, what happened?
• Toronto FC - Brutal
• Toronto Maple Leafs - did we do anything to get better this summer?
• Oakville Seniors Masters Lacrosse team (ranked 11/12) - that bugs me.

I feel better now. I got those things off my chest.

Meet The Oakville Masters Lacrosse Team

This weekend (Aug. 24,25,26) it is time for The Ontario Masters Lacrosse Championships to be held in a perennial lacrosse hotbed, Brampton. We play tournaments all summer leading up to this....it should be a lot of fun, and some great Masters Lacrosse.
There are 2 divisions, Junior Masters 35 and under, and Senior Masters 35 +
I play for the Oakville Senior Masters and I would like you to meet our team.
We have 2 solid goaltenders.

Brad Sanderson

 I have played lacrosse with Brad off and on.....forever.....we began in the now famous Meadowwood Road Backyard lacrosse league, tennis balls, hockey nets......and hours of fun. Solid Twiner.

Carl Krebss

 Carl is a legend in lacrosse and is playing his last tournament in lacrosse. He is retiring. A tough decision, and we would like to see him go out strong. Congrats Carl.

Now for the rest of the team.

Styx Walker

.....not sure, but as far as I know Styx has played lacrosse, been a part of lacrosse, coaching etc., for about 400 years (give or take) - a solid defender, excellent team player.
 (**special mention "Thanks Phyllis")

Bobby Simpson

 Bob might be one of the best "all round" athletes on the team....other sports....baseball, touch football, runner.....great team player.....solid defender  (has lots of stories)

Andrew Maechtel

 - acquired in mid season trade for a roll of tape and a dirty lacrosse ball. At this point, I think we won that trade. A nice addition to the team.

Ed Corbett

A defensive specialist....uncanny ability to pick off passes, always in the right position.....and if you talk nice to him, will bury the ball too.

Brad Hozak

A formidable force coming through the lane.....give him the ball and he will put it away.

(does a great Bob Simpson and Krebssy impersonation)

Jamie Sinclair

 Jamie is a complete player, speed, hustle - great team player. first up the floor....and the first back....can really stretch out the floor.

Brad Wales

             great finish around the net , great play maker  -  we call him the "silent one" (right Brad?)
                                                                    


Scott Aird

                         (Stongheart) - secret weapon - leftie.......other nickname Scott "grant jr."

Keith Kennedy

                                      speedy - energetic, never say die attitude - hustle player

Warren Dimarco

                                         Finish guy - great move around the net - play maker

Dave Johnston

             (DJ) - lengend of the game - face off specialist - I heard he can still out run his boys.
                                                       (at least that is what he told me)


Cort Sanderson

                                Cort is our leader....scores big goals.......should have been a politician.

Mike McMillan

                                         Your humble blogger, and proud to know these guys.

We do have our work cut out for us this weekend. Here are the rankings.
1.     Brampton
2.     Six Nations
3.     Owen Sound
4.     Huntsville
5.     Halton Hills
6.     Durham
7.     Beaches
8.     Rez Dogz
9.     London
10. Niagara
11. Oakville
12. Peterborough

I highlighted our team for effect.....and I am going out on a limb here with a bold prediction......we will move up in the rankings when all is said and done. The Oakville Masters team has them right where we want the, and the Dark Horse is alive and well.

We play The Beach on Friday night at 7pm, Durham at noon on Saturday and also at 6pm vs Owen Sound. All very good Masters lacrosse teams.
I will send out game updates throughout the weekend.
For tournament updates we thank Bud Azzopardi from Ontario Masters Lacrosse.
also follow the tourney through Bud's facebook  or Twitter. 

Good luck to all.
Mike.