Big Busts (Get Your Mind Out Of The Gutter)

Quasi-respected columnist for ESPN.com Terry Frei wrote a ridiculous column today that calls Eric Lindros a "bust" who was "under-achieving and starcrossed."

Now as those close to me know, I really hate the bastard. (Lindros, not Frei.)

But I find myself in the uncomfortable position of standing up for the non-jersey wearing, hated wash-up. But while I cheered louder than many when he got creamed by Scott Stevens, by no means was Lindros a bust.

One of the many definitions of bust, and the most appropriate one in this case, is "A failure; a flop". Now Eric Lindros never won a Cup and never lived up to the hype he had when he came into the league, by no means was he a failure. Lindros averaged more than a point per game for nine of his 14 NHL seasons. He also had eight seasons of over a hundred PIM, befitting a power forward of his nature. I mean, his numbers are pretty surprising (check 'em out here) but by no means those of a failure.

Frei harps on him saying that he had "unrealized potential" but you can say that for thousands of hockey players. Lindros, much like Cam Neely, Pavel Bure and Keith Primeau, had his career basically ended by injury and yet they are all lauded as heroes while Frei is dogging Lindros. The only difference I can see is that they knew when to hang up the skates and Lindros didn't.

When the former Legion of Doomer came to the Leafs and the Rangers, he was clearly a shell of the player he had been. The number and severity of concussions he endured made the powerful force of nature into a timid child crossing the blue line and working along the periphery. It was infuriating to watch as a Rangers fan and I prayed he would be knocked to his senses and get the hell off of the Garden ice. He didn't and now it looks like he will be forced into retirement. But looking back how can anyone in their right mind combine the word 'bust' with Lindros?!??!

I mean, here are five guys who truly were busts right off the top of my head:
*Pavel Brendl (4th in 1999 - I walked out of the Rangers draft day party when they announced that one)
*Alexandre Volchkov (4th in 1996 - he didn't like American and ran back to Russia)
*Jason Bonsignore (4th in 1994 - A Glen Sather special - proving he lost whatever magic he had when he drafted the cornerstones of the dynasty back in the 80s.)
*Alexander Daigle (1st overall in 1993 - god what a waste, I saw him play an AHL game and he was incredible - natural talent but nothing else)
*Dave Chyzowski (2nd in 1989 - nice work Islanders)

Now I think you would agree that a Hart Trophy winner doesn't exactly fit in that company. Now I don't agree with those who see him in the Hall of Fame (which rapidly became the Hall of Very Good prior to the lockout) but those inside of the game think that he still has a lot to contribute as part of the Players Association so should he rightly (finally) call it quits, I will wish him good riddance, I mean, good luck in his new position.

I will remember him not putting on the Nords jersey when he was drafted, I will remember him as the powerful force that hammered the post-Cup Rangers and I will remember him as the impotent sissy when he donned a Blueshirt. But one thing I will not remember him as is a bust.

 "Big Busts (Get Your Mind Out Of The Gutter): Unraveling the Myths and Realities of Historical Failures"

When we hear the term "big busts," our minds may wander to various interpretations, but in this article, we're diving into a different realm entirely. We're talking about historical failures, the colossal missteps, and the lessons we can glean from them. From failed ventures and ambitious undertakings to the infamous and often hilarious mishaps, this article explores the concept of "big busts" throughout history. We'll separate fact from fiction, unravel the stories behind these infamous moments, and address frequently asked questions that might pique your curiosity along the way.

Part I: Understanding "Big Busts"

Defining the Concept

"Big busts" refer to significant failures or disappointments in various fields, including business, entertainment, and sports. These events often captivate our attention because they challenge our expectations.

The Allure of Failure

Oddly enough, failures hold a peculiar allure. They teach us valuable lessons, inspire innovation, and sometimes provide the most entertaining stories.

Part II: Famous Historical Busts

New Coke Fiasco

In 1985, Coca-Cola introduced "New Coke" with much fanfare. However, public backlash and a nostalgic yearning for the original formula led to its swift demise.

The Edsel Car

The Ford Edsel, launched in 1957, is often considered one of the biggest flops in automotive history. Despite significant investments, it failed to capture the market's interest.

Part III: Mythical Busts

The Great Wall of China Visible from Space

One of the most enduring myths is that the Great Wall of China is visible from space. In reality, it's not visible to the naked eye from low Earth orbit.

The Exploding Whale

The tale of the "exploding whale" involves an Oregon highway department's attempt to remove a beached whale with dynamite, resulting in an unintended spectacle.

Part IV: Learning from Failure

The Role of Failure in Innovation

Many innovations and breakthroughs have emerged from failures. Thomas Edison famously said, "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work."

Failure as a Teaching Tool

Failure can be a valuable teacher, imparting lessons that lead to greater success. It encourages us to adapt, persevere, and strive for improvement.

Part V: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Let's address some frequently asked questions about "big busts" and their impact:

1. Why do we find failures so fascinating?

Failures are fascinating because they often challenge our expectations and provide insight into the human condition. We empathize with the struggle and draw inspiration from resilience.

2. What are some other famous historical busts?

Other famous historical busts include the Ford Pinto's safety issues, the "Waterworld" movie's colossal budget, and the Dot-com bubble burst in the early 2000s.

3. How can we overcome the fear of failure in our own lives?

Overcoming the fear of failure involves changing our perspective on failure itself. Viewing it as a stepping stone to success and growth can help alleviate the fear.

"Big busts" throughout history remind us that failure is an integral part of the human experience. Whether in business, science, or everyday life, failures shape our paths and teach us valuable lessons. While they can be embarrassing and even costly, failures should not be seen as the end but rather as a stepping stone to greater achievements. The allure of these failures lies not in their ultimate defeat but in the lessons they impart and the laughter they often provoke. So, the next time you hear about a "big bust," remember that it's an opportunity to learn, grow, and maybe even chuckle at the quirks of the human journey.