Advice To File Away

Luckily next year we won't be subjected to the awfulness that is the Versus All Star Skills experience due to the Olympics, but here is some advice for the network (or, hopefully, their replacements) for the 2011 broadcast:

*The biggest thing is that less is more. Less replays, less camera angles, less graphics, less announcers.

*On that last note, Versus has gotten it right by mic'ing players. Marc Savard did a much, much better job giving colour and insight than Brian Engblom did. Engblom was completely useless and got in the way of Doc calling the action. One of the best parts of the skills is that the players are out on the ice actually having fun. Letting them talk actually shows that these guys have personality and only helps sell the game. Listening to Engblom does not.

*When players like Zdeno Chara do something wonderful - like putting up their own money to make their event more exciting and charitable - it is the broadcaster's job to tell you that it is happening but not after the fact. Listening to Engblom and Doc go back and forth trying to figure out how much money was actually given to Right To Play as Chara was getting the trophy was infuriating. It was probably the best story to come out of the night and it should have been bandied about throughout the telecast or at least previewed with a short feature interviewing the players involved.

*An aside - as a friend pointed out to me, it would be nice if the entire ASG was for charity. Like NHL players need the extra stipends? But while that would never happen, the league itself should partner with the NHLPA to at least put money on the line for the YoungStars exhibition. Any kind of motivation would be nice as the kids clearly were out there killing time playing a boring game of shinny.

*Speaking of the YoungStars, if the rules stay the same - running time, six minute periods - then the host broadcaster would do well to actually save the replays for the breaks. Yes, it is common sense but the production clowns at Versus clearly doesn't have any as they missed half of the action and several of the goals.

*Trying to be fancy with tons of cameras also ends up in lost action. Versus made the mistake in using unorthodox angles to show the breakaway competition. It's cool to see the ice-level action, but that is what replays are for. Using the usual high-center ice game angle to show the live action would show just how different or special these plays are compared to the normal run-of-the-mill shootout attempts.

*What happened to the pin camera inside the targets for replays in the accuracy competition? It was always cool to see the puck coming right at the camera. Or did McDonalds not allow that this year?

*For the hardest shot competition, a ice-level super-slo-mo camera would have been perfect to show the sheer power of the shooters. Here is a simple fact: things look cool in super slow motion. There is an entire awesome show dedicated to that on the Discovery Channel.

*Hire a professional to man the audio boards. Whoever Versus had did a terrible job jockeying the levels and us fans at home paid the price. The audio tech would jarringly open and close mics so you didn't really hear what was going on. During the intros, we caught the ovation for Vinny04 but missed most of the boos for Kaberle and the Bruins.

*Getting back to the announcer part, do you really need to have talent talking during the breakaway contests? Just so they can go "wow," or explain what you just saw? Why not just keep the arena and player mics on so the television feel like they are there? Like I need Engblom telling me, "look, he's using props" as Ovie puts on a hat? I can see that, thanks. I would rather hear the players on the benches asking 'what the hell is he doing now' or something to that effect.

*And this is more for the league than for the broadcaster, but enough with the live rock music. The players are the spectacle, as you can see from the pic at the top of this post. We don't need some random woman who can hardly sing butchering rock classics with some organist playing like he is in Amadeus.

But whatever, as I said, this is just some thoughts to file away as there will be no All Star Game next year. Instead we will get to see the best players in the game actually trying as they play for national pride in the Olympics. That will be great and you can be assured that NBC, who didn't want the ASG, will handle them better than Versus handled Montreal.

Advice to File Away: Timeless Wisdom for a Meaningful Life

Life is a journey filled with experiences, challenges, and moments of profound learning. Along the way, we encounter advice from various sources, including family, friends, mentors, and even strangers. Some of this advice resonates deeply and stands the test of time, becoming a guiding light in our lives. In this article, we'll explore timeless wisdom – advice to file away for a more meaningful life.

The Value of Wisdom

Wisdom is often defined as the ability to make sound judgments based on knowledge, experience, and good judgment. It's the practical application of accumulated knowledge and insights, and it can lead to a more fulfilling and purposeful existence. Here are some pieces of timeless advice to consider filing away for future reference:

1. Embrace Change

"The only constant in life is change."

Change is an inevitable part of life. It can be challenging and unsettling, but it's also an opportunity for growth and transformation. Embracing change allows us to adapt, learn, and evolve, ultimately leading to personal development and new experiences.

2. Live in the Present

"Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift – that's why it's called the present."

While planning for the future is essential, living in the present moment is equally crucial. Many of life's most precious moments occur in the here and now. Practicing mindfulness and appreciating the present can enhance our overall well-being.

3. Cultivate Gratitude

"Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings." - William Arthur Ward

Gratitude is a powerful practice. It shifts our focus from what we lack to what we have. Cultivating gratitude fosters contentment, reduces stress, and improves our overall outlook on life.

4. Pursue Your Passions

"Don't ask yourself what the world needs; ask yourself what makes you come alive. And then go and do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive." - Howard Thurman

Following your passions and doing what you love brings fulfillment and purpose to your life. It can lead to a career that feels like a calling and a life that is deeply meaningful.

5. Learn from Failure

"I have failed again and again throughout my life. That's why I've been successful." - Michael Jordan

Failure is not the opposite of success; it's a part of the journey toward success. Embrace failure as a valuable teacher, a source of resilience, and an opportunity for growth.

6. Prioritize Relationships

"The quality of your life is in direct proportion to the quality of your relationships." - Tony Robbins

While achievements and possessions can bring temporary happiness, it's our relationships with others that provide lasting joy and fulfillment. Invest time and effort in nurturing your connections with family, friends, and loved ones.

7. Be Kind

"No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted." - Aesop

Kindness has a ripple effect. It not only brightens someone else's day but also brings warmth and happiness to your own. Small acts of kindness can make a significant difference in the world.

8. Take Care of Your Health

"To keep the body in good health is a duty...otherwise, we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear." - Buddha

Good health is the foundation for a fulfilling life. Prioritize self-care, exercise, and a balanced diet to ensure you have the energy and vitality to pursue your passions and dreams.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. How do I apply this wisdom in my daily life?

Wisdom is most powerful when put into action. Start by reflecting on these pieces of advice and identifying ways to incorporate them into your daily routines and decision-making.

2. Can you learn wisdom from others, or is it gained solely through personal experience?

Wisdom can be learned from others, especially from mentors, books, and life experiences shared by others. However, personal experiences often deepen our understanding and application of wisdom.

3. Are there any specific practices for cultivating wisdom?

Yes, practices like journaling, meditation, and seeking guidance from wise individuals can help you cultivate wisdom over time.

4. Is wisdom a product of age?

While age and life experience can contribute to wisdom, it's not solely determined by them. Wisdom can be found in people of all ages.

5. What should I do if I encounter conflicting advice?

It's common to receive conflicting advice, as people's perspectives and experiences differ. When faced with conflicting guidance, consider your own values and priorities to make the best decision for your unique situation.

Timeless advice is a source of guidance and inspiration that can help us navigate the complexities of life. These words of wisdom remind us to embrace change, live in the present, cultivate gratitude, pursue our passions, learn from failure, prioritize relationships, be kind, and take care of our health. While it's essential to remain open to new insights and perspectives, these enduring principles can serve as valuable signposts on our journey to a more meaningful and fulfilling life.