Log in & Sign up
You are not logged in.
Full Name
Mike Boone
Web site
http://www.canada.com/montrealgazette/columnists/mike_boone.html
About
I grew up in Park Extension, within walking distance of Dickie Moore's Dairy Queen on Jean Talon. Moore had a place on L'Acadie Blvd., and we used to see him driving around in his convertible with a Samoyed and a very dishy wife.
While "studying" at McGill University during the 1960s, I used to attend games at the old Montreal Forum. My fellow undergraduate reprobates and I would scramble up the stairs to get centre-ice spots in the top standing room section, where aged ushers didn't know or care what we were smoking.
I stood out in the cold for six hours to get tickets to the 1975 New Year's Eve game between the Canadiens and Central Red Army. With the exception of the birth of my daughter, the 3-3 tie was the greatest event I've ever seen in my life.
The Canada-U.S. Gold medal game comes close .... but I wasn't there.
I've been a professional journalist since 1974, when I joined the Montreal Star sports department. I've covered the 1976 Olympic Games, the 1979 Expos, pop music and MSO tours of Europe and Asia (classical musicians are WAY more fun to drink with than athletes). I wrote a TV & Radio column for 20 years and, since 2000, have written a City column for The Gazette.
The best part of being a Habs Inside/Out contributor is attending games at the Bell Centre. I think it's a great building: noisy, raucous and packed to the rafters with Montrealers and visitors who live for hockey.
And I still get goosebumps every time Michel Lacroix booms out "Accueillons nos Canadiens ..."
Having seen the Boston Red Sox win two World Series and the Pittsburgh Steelers add a couple Super Bowl titles, I suppose I can die happy ... but not before another Stanley Cup parade. And I'd really like my daughter to see a historic New Year's Eve game.
I like all the players. Covering baseball gives me a profound appreciation of pro athletes who aren't jerks.
My weltanschauung was summarized by the late great Bill Hicks when he said "all matter is merely energy condensed to a slow vibration, we are all one consciousness experiencing itself subjectively, there is no such thing as death, life is only a dream and we are the imagination of ourselves."
Have a nice day.
Share the agony and ecstasy of Habs fandom and read live blogs from every game with Gazette columnist Mike Boone.
Weekly commentary and inside info about the Canadiens straight from the Gazette's experts.
Get the Flash Player to see this player.
Follow Habs Inside/Out on Twitter, featuring live updates from Gazette feature writer Dave Stubbs.
Habs Inside/Out main RSS feed
Mike Boone's RSS feed
PuckCast RSS feed
Other Wing RSS feed
Site concept and design by User Generation
Habs Inside/Out: Absolutely everything about the Montreal Canadiens For editorial inquiries, contact Gazette sports editor Stu Cowan (scowan@thegazette.canwest.com). For advertising inquiries, please contact your Gazette sales representative (gazadv@thegazette.canwest.com). ©2008 The Gazette, a division of Postmedia Network Inc. All rights reserved. Unauthorized distribution, transmission or republication strictly prohibited. Terms and Conditions Privacy Statement







Beware the conversation below !! lol
Wow, an original post? Nah, just referring to something that was written below. Yawnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn!
Some have twisted views of what's fair/equitable re earnings. When minimum wage is what it is, NOBODY is worth millions let alone billions. To think these people are worth this much money is a measure of how unconscience and ignorant our society is. The vast population are enslaved to support these unworthy salaries. Nobody is indispensable. The worse thing about this unfair monetary system is it comes with power, power to corrupt and control.
Demigod, I have agreed with more of what you have posted on this page than any other that has been on HI/O. Love a good philosophic/economic/political discussion.
This is not exactly the ideal forum for such discussions, but it's still more interesting than some trivial matters often discussed.
Yeah.
Stupid hockey, eh?
Keepin it real, I be chillin as
L.Bugs Potter, esq. Brotha to the Man with the Plan, Product-runnin Lead Houndogg with the Voodoo Flannel Posse, and Pimp Extraordinaire of Habsbros Mama Jones Snow Cones, muthafugga: http://habsbros.blogspot.com
Yeah. Stupid hockey can be my weakness lol
There should be a more balanced equal pay for equal work. We are the modern day serfs, and you're right, it's getting worse.
A guaranteed minimum income combined with a maximum wage would eradicate poverty.
"Hey Richard, two minutes for looking so good!"
I disagree. There has to be incentives in life. Raise the minimum wage and prices will rise to match it.
IMMHO if a person wants a raise they should apply for a better job.
I do think though that all executive salaries, bonuses and stock options should be voted on and approved by shareholders for all publically traded companies.
Roughly 30 years ago, CEOs made 40 times the money of the average employee. Nowadays, they earn about 2000 times the wage of the average employee. What suddenly made these guys/gals 50 times better? Their egos?
IMO, Canada has begun the voyage of sinking to become the new Mexico. Cheap labour with no benefits or pension plans, because all the money is going to a select few who produce nothing and do nothing but vote themselves bonuses because they have the power to do so.
The divide between rich and power widens each and every day. Why is that? Simple. They are greedy bastards with few redeeming qualities.
The divide exists for many reasons. My idea though would curb the kind of excesses that we've seen on Wall Street. At least I have proposed a solution unlike demigod who just spouts conspiracy theory dogma.
You want a solution? How about everyone taking a hard look at themselves and do a little soul searching, take a look at the world around you, and realize the inequalities. A third of the world is living below the poverty line in spite of working long hours and not due to 'laziness' as you'll have us all believe.
It's hard getting through to someone who's morally, ethically, and spiritually bankrupt.
That's no solution. I proposed above that all executives of publically traded companies have their salaries, bonuses and compensations be voted on and approved by shareholders. Does anybody debate this point? No! Because people like you dont take a hard look at the premises, arguments or conclusions that anybody makes, all you do is see and read what you want to.
You are an idealist and by the sounds of it a very young one. I had way more fun, when I was the age you are now, way back in the 80's being an anti-societal post punk dancing at Foufounes, getting wasted every night and having sex with all kinds of different woman. Now I work for a bank and make a very, very decent wage. Difference between me and you is that I grew up.
Yes it was narcissistic, yes it was decadent, but it only proved Neitzche's point. That there is a will to power and you my friend are a victim of slave morality.
I see you as one of the most bipolar, non-sensical bufoons on here quite frankly. Idealist? Another tag with negative connotations like I'm coming outta left field and living in a dream state. The 'idea' and SOLUTION would be equal pay for equal work. Sounds complicated for you I know. Your solution is but the tip of the iceberg and doesn't address the underlying socio-political state we're in. You should realize by now that all economic trends are orchestrated by the central world banks, and that they control the govt's. You need to come out of the closet with this realization.
I know more than you think. I supported Ron Paul last US election.
http://www.zeitgeistmovie.com/
Haha BS you supported for Ron Paul! No banker would dream of it! He was never in the running in '08. The media portrayed him as an outcast. Would not have mattered anyways. As Prez he would have been assassinated like JFK.
Where's Tony242. Dude! You are THE kool-aid drinker. I am through arguing with you. You have nothing to debate. You're already convinced and the best you can do is levy insults.
Let me stoop to your level. The major difference between you and I is that I eat filet mignon and you eat shitburgers.
I'm calling you out. ANYONE with views like yours would NEVER support Ron Paul. He represents everything you'd oppose. He's an 'idealist' by your definition.
You seem to see things only in black and white. Try some colour sometime. You might realize that the spectrum is actually quite beautiful.
I fully supported Ron Paul. I know that appears to be difficult for you to wrap your mind around but that's just another example of your troglodyte intellectual capacity or lack thereof.
The incentive should be for the betterment of all humanity..not based on ego, greed, or sense of entitlement.
'Raise the minimum wage and prices will rise to match it.' - says who?? Inflation is nothing but a hidden tax. It doesn't cost any more today to produce goods/services than it did a hundred years ago - without banks or gov't involvement.
iIMMHO if a person wants a raise they should apply for a better job.' - not only is that simplistic, but the options/opportunities are often not there.
every living thing is greedy, even plants vie for their place in the sun; life is hierarchechal, get used to it
the reason why incentives are needed is that people are lazy and will get by with doing little if anything if they could
the options that are there are the options that one makes, it's not simplistic but it is simple, it's also reality, this taken from experience
You really shouldn't equivocate greed with survival. There is a HUGE difference. Life is hierarchecal only the abstract and human sense. Animals and plants do not rule anything.
Humans are organized social creatures. We have leaders and followers, always have, always will. Any who says other-wise is trying to bypass a few steps to make it out of their following role into that of a leader.
That's silly. Plants have basic needs to survive and, and don't have ill-will. In the ways that matter, plants are more evolved than humans, they don't have emotional problems or destructive ways. We don't have the presence, living in the moment, as the way life should be lived. We've lost that. We're disconnected.
'The word 'lazy' is a layman's word. Comes with all kinds of negative connotations, and used by people in power to their advantage. It's not only used by the sheep herders, but by the sheeple among us to keep us in line. We're self herded! Some people just feel demoralized, and lack a sense of purpose in life. Love is the only incentive that is required. You underestimate it. Our programmed brainwashed minds have forgotten that.
Right, so humans should be more like plants... Not sapient, not even sentient, plants. That's the example you're using. Alright then.
That's right. Humans are the most tormented of all living things, and go through life suffering and fighting. We can learn from nature and how to co-exist.
You're tormented. I am enlightened. I go through life enjoying the battles I win. I am uninterested in co-existing with people like you. I'd rather take you out, of your misery.
Not at all, but anyone with views like your's have no peace.
Nature is peaceful, humans are tormented? Are you serious? You clearly have no clue how good humans have it.
This a utopia? You're an unenlightened slave guided by the lower instinct of your reptilian brain and you don't even know it. The Illuminati's ultimate achievement. Not to mention they have you doing their bidding.
There are no Utopias and there never will be. I have a mammal's brain. As do you. The difference is that I have a higher IQ than you do.
Not expecting a perfect world, but a more balanced one. You live through your egoic mind and have sh!t for brains.
I hate to break it to you but I have an IQ of 145 and am in the top 99 precentile.
You're a left brain regurgitator then. How does your iq help make this a better world? It doesn't.
Go on about your iq. iq=ego.
Says the person who posts incessantly and has a Halak avatar at a Habs fan site.
And yes, my ego is bigger than yours. You're just jealous, poor sufferer.
Not to mention that there's no such thing as "more evolved", and you're completely ignoring the existence of weeds, which are plants that thrive by choking off other plants, and carnivorous plants.
"Weeds" are plants that stupid humans haven't discovered a use for yet.
I have found a use for cannabis sativa. That's a weed.
I'm talking spiritually evolved, not physically. There is a deep wisdom/knowledge in all living things and we're all connected. Once again, plants have no malice. They live purely for survival, and don't kill for personal gain.
Plants are spiritually evolved... GTFO of here. Sounds like you're about to go smoke a fatty and watch avatar.
Plants are merely an expression, manifestation of a deeper conscience reality.
Yea, Avatar was the eye-opener for me with those Disney eyes.
Pretty myopic views there 'drew.
I dunno, mate.
Those Venus flytraps gotta be thinkin SOMETHIN, knowumsayin?
Keepin it real, I be chillin as
L.Bugs Potter, esq. Brotha to the Man with the Plan, Product-runnin Lead Houndogg with the Voodoo Flannel Posse, and Pimp Extraordinaire of Habsbros Mama Jones Snow Cones, muthafugga: http://habsbros.blogspot.com
Flytraps are omnivorous. If there is any malice expression in nature, it's due to diabolic influence. If man can be manipulated, so can nature and this illusory 3d physical world.
If people worked for the benefit of each other and humanity as a rule, communism would have worked.
Communism - another layman's term with negative connotations. Rules? There are no rules. Only the ones imposed by man to control others.
Blah blah blah, all you can do whenever your arguments start to fall apart is through our red herrings and absurdities.
Fall apart? What is it you don't comprehend? We need to live our lives guided by our hearts, not our minds. Love has more knowledge/wisdom/understanding than our simple minds can possibly conceive. We need to evolve from the state we're in, and put an end to our destructive path.
Umm...
I like spaghetti?
Good source of complex carbs.
Maybe it hasn't paid off so far, but I think it really has potential in the future. Communism has a strong pedigree and has done really well in junior communes. Things even started off pretty well in the majors, but fell apart at a crucial time. Still, I say we give it a few summers to work on its tenets, too soon to give up on it already.
"Don't trade communism" - Karl Marx
Communism is a guise. It's still about control and rule. We need to become selfless and not governed by others with laws.
Har har har.
If people were so utopianly perfect there'd be 30 Stanley Cup winners every year. On the other hand if people like demigod were in power only one team would win the Cup but it would be the same team year after year.
We're all perfect. Only the mind discriminates. Each one of us is unique, with diff talents. You're missing my point.
I discriminate, therefore I am better.
If people like demigod were in charge everything that didn't go his way would be a conspiracy by the illuminati.
I wouldn't assume such authority. No, there is no Illuminati. This world is perfect as it is. No one is in control.
Mormons wiped'em out, I hear.
Straight-up gangsta like on the Predators' planet.
Dang, you see that movie? It's nuts!
Keepin it real, I be chillin as
L.Bugs Potter, esq. Brotha to the Man with the Plan, Product-runnin Lead Houndogg with the Voodoo Flannel Posse, and Pimp Extraordinaire of Habsbros Mama Jones Snow Cones, muthafugga: http://habsbros.blogspot.com
A maximium wage would also disuade people who are up against that maximum from putting forth a better effort. Not exactly the attitude that I'd want from my surgeon.
_____________________________________
Cheer for the crest on the front of the jersey, not the name on the back.
Oh boy. What a shallow, narrow mind. You need a heart transplant.
Or it might result in you having a surgeon who's doing it to save people's lives rather than to make lots of money.
If you apply to med school and in the interview say you're in it to help people, chances are they won't accept you. Those people can't cut it in medicine, because 90% of it isn't helping people, it's making them more comfortable until they die.
The other 10% live forever then?
Not bad, you gotta admit.
Keepin it real, I be chillin as
L.Bugs Potter, esq. Brotha to the Man with the Plan, Product-runnin Lead Houndogg with the Voodoo Flannel Posse, and Pimp Extraordinaire of Habsbros Mama Jones Snow Cones, muthafugga: http://habsbros.blogspot.com
Plus at what it costs to live today just comfortably food, lodging car, and the loan shark interest, ins., clothes, food, etc. people who make $15,000 or for that matter $50,000 should not be taxed a dime.
But we elect people who immediately make several hundred thousand dollars plus pensions no one else has and they are supposed to represent not us but the party they are in until they for whatever reason decide to change parties. Helluva system.
I don't think Bettman's as bad as he's perceived. It's just that he has the charisma of an STD.
The Phoenix Coyotes.
I think I've said enough.
Agreed. I'm not a fan, but people exagerate their hatred and their actual knowledge of what he has or hasn't done. It's like anything on the internet, nothing is ever as bad as people make it out to be, and at the same time nothing is ever as good as people make it out to be. The truth usually lies in the middle of the two opinions.
Bettmann doesn't deserve 500,000 . Unreal , no wonder he presents himself as arrogant and bullish!
re Maxwell he was sat in the press box for the playoffs.Should have sent to the Dogs.So another one bites the dust JM town
They couldnt send him down after the rosters were frozen.
You cant just ship players up and down anymore whenever you please, there are rules to be followed.
NHL salaries/contracts are not for what you are worth but what you negotiate for.........
Whoa Baby - What's Going On In Pennsylvania.....(Bob Cole)
What is the future of Ben Maxwell with the Habs, is he going to make the team this year or is he going to drift off into the AHL sunset and be a career minor leaguer.
He currently is fouling up his sleeping quarters.
No development in the hockey department and he is no stronger physically. He is wayyy down the depth chart with the additions of Eller, Endqvist and Avtsin.
He needs a breakout season in the A or its likely a trip to Europe will be the only way to continue with pro hockey.
THat's a shame. All I have read about him is how much hockey smarts he has and how talented he is but I have not been impressed at all when I have seen him with the big club. Maybe he has impressed with Hamilton man he has struggled with the Habs.
For all his "promise" I've never really been overly impressed during any of his call-up last season. This is definitely his time to shine, or he'll end up as a trade throw in.
XXIV...and counting
The problem is that he wasn't exactly given a fair chance to shine either. It's hard to show anything as an offensive center playing 6 minutes a game with 4th liners. Unfortunately now with our depth at center, I don't think he'll ever get his shot with us. Kind of like Grabovski a few years ago(minus the horrible attitude). He'll be traded, put up 40 points on a bottom team that can give him icetime, and the usual naysayers will have another to complain about that was treated unfairly, even though he never could have had a chance on this team.
This is way more exciting than the World Cup final.
"Hey Richard, two minutes for looking so good!"
HAHAHA!
I WIN!
The issue isn't how much he earns. It's who is paying his salary.
The answer: it's you, Canadian hockey fan.
That's right, the guy who won't let Canada have another team, the guy who eliminated Saturday night hockey during the playoffs. And his salary is paid mostly from Canadian hoceky fans.
He needs a raise so Habs, Leafs, etc. have to raise all prices.
Well of course he does! What did you expect? No one works harder than him.
Nobody lies better.
Actually I know a few people that do. Mostly because their credibility isnt shot. Nobody lies more, that's for sure. But I don't know anybody that believes a word that comes out Bettman's mouth.
Oh, and that guy ran onto the field trynna touch the World Cup?
Lucky it wasn't me there.
I woulda shot'm.
Straight-up execution. .44 calibre right to the heart. Pow!
Not a tribunal in the world woulda condemned me either.
Keepin it real, I be chillin as
L.Bugs Potter, esq. Brotha to the Man with the Plan, Product-runnin Lead Houndogg with the Voodoo Flannel Posse, and Pimp Extraordinaire of Habsbros Mama Jones Snow Cones, muthafugga: http://habsbros.blogspot.com
Jimmy Jump is the guy who ran onto the field. He's a legend in the making with his fan page attracting almost 100,000 over the last month or so. Why so uptight about it bugsy? It looks like fun IMHO.
There's a tell all documentary on the guy and the subject of professional sports streaking at www.streakerfilm.com
Ohhh, the stupid idiot who sees himself and his views as more important than the Beautiful Game to the extent where he must draw attention to his tiny little person in the most backward (not to say retarded) way possible is a "legend", oohh, well, that makes it alright then, doesn't it?
If it's so much "fun", then please, do the same thing next time the Habs play. Just jump right onto the ice and run around. Please. In fact, I double-dares ya to do it.
Oh, and while you're losing your teeth, don't forget to have fun.
Keepin it real, I be chillin as
L.Bugs Potter, esq. Brotha to the Man with the Plan, Product-runnin Lead Houndogg with the Voodoo Flannel Posse, and Pimp Extraordinaire of Habsbros Mama Jones Snow Cones, muthafugga: http://habsbros.blogspot.com
Uhhh... no thanks. In fact Streaking and Ice Hockey don't quite mix together so well if you remember the Flames vs. Bruins game back in '02. More on that game here.
By the way Mista Muthafugga, the tiny little person you refer to appears to have accomplished much in life. He's travelled the globe and managed to blog about it in a most interesting way. And just mention of the word "legend" doesn't make it "alright" nor do I think it is all wrong. It's like paying taxes, if you're a libertarian/consevative then paying taxes is all wrong but if you are left leaning liberal then it's the right thing to do. Love 'em or hate them, streakers are a part of professional sports, just like paying taxes is a part of life, that's just the way it is so might as well embrace the spectacle for what it is. Who know's maybe you and Mr. Jump would get along and have a few laugh if you found him sitting next to you in a bar. Or maybe you're just old and have no sense of humour... who knows.