NHL.com: Let’s talk

Posted on April 2, 2008 by Risto

Another one on nhl.com, this time a little special.

I am ready. Headphones are already on, recording device probably will be ready, all I need now is you people in North America to call me at (718) 395-1775. My fellow Euros can call me at +358 9 2316 5817.
When to call me on Wednesday, April 2? I will be available to talk between 9 p.m. CET (3 pm EST) and 2 am CET (8 pm EST). After that, if you do call, feel free to leave a message, but don’t expect me to answer, I will be fast asleep.

More below or here.

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Anniversary

Posted on April 1, 2008 by Risto

For those keeping score: I moved to Sweden ten years ago today. Hurra!

Magic

Posted on March 31, 2008 by Risto

Two weeks ago, I read this great article in the New Yorker, about magic and magicians. Magicians fascinate me to no end. One of the centerpieces of the article, and apparently the whole magical community, is Tannen’s Magic shop in New York. (A must-see on my next trip).

The next day, I checked my website’s stats, and saw a visitor ID I hadn’t seen before. And yes, it was Tannen’s.

Magic!

Hockey dot com

Posted on March 30, 2008 by Risto

Yes, yes, I’ve added another blog to my blogroll and under “Risto writes.” Check it out: hockey.com.

Summertime

Posted on March 29, 2008 by Risto

Europe goes back/forward to daylight saving time tonight. I’ve forgot which one is the “normal” time. The winter time?

Amateur

Posted on March 28, 2008 by Risto

Picked up playing the guitar again. I can play one song, and play it badly. But as proud as Mary, I play that song about her.

I just like to carry the guitar around, sit by the window, and just move my fingers on the guitar neck.

Yes, sit by the window where our neighbours can see me – but not hear.

On winning

Posted on March 27, 2008 by Risto

I spent all day today talking to veteran and retired hockey players about winning. Everybody has a theory, but screenwriter William Goldman’s “Nobody knows anything” applies to winning the Stanley Cup just as well as to what makes a Hollywood hit.

Nobody knows. Sometimes things just click. You have the right players in the right place at the same time, and good things happen.

Somehow, I find that heartening. And very, very fascinating.

International man of mystery

Posted on March 26, 2008 by Risto

In the Wikipedia entry for Robin Williams, it says, “Robin McLaurim Williams (born July 21, 1951 or 1952).” I find that fascinating. How does that work? Does anybody know his year of birth? Does he know?

Today, I also listened to WNYC’s Soundcheck podcast about stage names. How did Gordon Sumner become Sting? David Jones David Bowie? Apparently, even Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was a stage name.

I guess it’s all about the image. It’s like that episode of Seinfeld where George is trying to make his colleague to call him “T-bone.” Doesn’t stick because he’s no T-bone even though he’d would give anything to be one.

Risto Pakarinen. Hmmm… Maybe it’s time to pick a new one.

T-bone? Or maybe just a variation of Risto, like on the ticket stub with Heart’s Nancy Wilson’s autograph: “Reestow, lots of love, Nancy Wilson”. Or, Kris Top. You know, with a little “risto” in the middle.

And let’s just say that Kris Top was born on April 1, 1978.

Whoah, it’s his birthday soon! Mine, I mean.

NHL.com: Heroes

Posted on March 25, 2008 by Risto

Here’s my latest from nhl.com.

Read it here, or below.

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IIHF.com: Lahti

Posted on March 25, 2008 by Risto

Another story up on iihf.com.

That much the Pelicans already know, they have learned it the hard way. So, while they had only a short fight in the playoffs, they’re not going to go for broke this time.

Read it here.