The Truthiness about JFJ

Check out a great three part series (part IV is in the works) from an obvious Colbert fan.

I miss him already

"There have been a number of media requests for interviews over the past few days and I thought it best to respond in this way.

The team is moving in a new direction, and my departure should not distract in any way from the challenge facing the team and the organization, so a press gathering would not assist that process right now. It is also a time for personal privacy.

I will have tremendous memories of my 8 years in Toronto.

Throughout my coaching career, the goal at every training camp, every year, was to win the Stanley Cup. Despite two trips to the finals over the years, and other times making it to the 'final four', that goal, for me, has not yet been achieved.

That does not, though, diminish the feelings I have about my 7 seasons and 8 years overall here in Toronto. From the first season here in 1998-'99 to this past season, I was genuinely optimistic every year, and believed we had teams that could advance and go a long way.

I leave now remembering especially that first season in 1998-'99, also the spring of 2002 when we worked so hard to try and reach the finals, and the 2004 playoffs, when I felt in my heart we had something special here.

I believed in our group this past season, as well. While we did not achieve what we needed to, this group worked to deal with various obstacles, and I am proud of their efforts-especially their work in recent weeks when they overcame significant odds to almost attain a playoff berth after we dug a huge hole for ourselves.

It has been a wonderful time in Toronto, and I'd like to thank all those who worked with me over the years, from Steve Stavro and Larry Tanenbaum to Mike Smith Ken Dryden, John Ferguson, Mike Penny, Bill Watters and Barry Trapp, Rick Ley, Keith Acton, Paul Dennis and the many special and talented individuals, including outstanding support and training staff, who worked with me side-by-side in the dressing room, the Leaf offices and behind the bench.

I would particularly like to express my high regard for Steve Stavro, who passed away over the weekend. Steve was a generous, caring individual, a genuine family man who had a passion for sports and the Maple Leafs.

There are too many players to mention, of course, individuals who gave everything they had for me and for the team and its great fans over these years. Three players were here for my entire eight years. Mats was our great leader, Tie played with so much heart, and Thomas has developed into an outstanding all-around player.

There is no game without the players, and no victories for a team or its coach without loyal and talented individuals on the management, coaching and support staffs.

This is the best hockey city in the world. The fans are knowledgeable and passionate. The media follows the team so closely, and while a little overzealous for my liking at times, help make playing, coaching and working here a stimulating environment daily.

My passion for the game, for coaching, is as strong as ever. I will always appreciate the opportunity I've been given to work with Hockey Canada many times over the past decade. It was a particular privilege to be a part of the 2002 Olympic victory and the 2004 World Cup championship, as well as earlier World Championships Team Canada squads and the 2006 Olympic team in Turin.

There may be a time to talk about all this further, but for now I hope everyone understands that the focus should be on the team and the challenge that lies ahead.

Thank you."

No, Thank You!

Leafs relieved of Berg's services

Well, Aki didn't wait long to make his annoucement that he would be returning to Finland to raise his kids and play for his home town team. The third overall pick of the 1995 draft, despite all the bitching from many Leaf faithful, was a solid player for four full seasons, was a + player during that span, and missed a total of fifteen games. Many times this season I found myself wondering "Who is that big left D buzzing around his own zone, keeping the opposition off-balance?" His closing speed was impressive, moreso than I remember from previous years.

Admittedly, he left Leaf fans wanting, and for whatever reasons he didn't seize his opportunities with the club. But there is no denying he had the talent and potential to take the next step, evidenced by his flashes of superior play in the odd NHL game and more reliably on the international stage; Berg contributed alot of minutes to Finland's excellent and defensively dominant showing at Turin(o).

In the end, the Leafs are losing the services of a reasonably priced, large and mobile defender who is coming into the prime of his career.

For JFJ's sake, I hope Aki doesn't win MVP of the Finnish elite league next year.

P.S. - Kudos to Kulka's for finding Ronnie Franchise's blog.

Rattling Quinn

I didn't really have much to say about Quinn's canning. It was seen in all the tea leaves. He just didn't fit into what GM JFJ was trying to do. Whatever your opinion of JFJ, he is the GM, and with that title comes the chance to enact a plan. And that usually includes putting a stamp of ownership on all facets of the operation.(at least, from what I know of a specific team of a different sport's management team, it took a couple of years to get their "system" (read: master plan) up and running, and until then the team wasn't "theirs" yet.) This was the last piece to his plan for the duration of his contract. All that stands between JFJ and a contract extension is this summer's acquisition of talent and a playoff appearance in 06-07.

If JFJ gets his way, I would assume Maurice moves up the food chain. We'll have to wait and see if MLSE board gets their non-rookie bench boss. Is Maurice still a rookie? I don't know. JFJ doesn't seem to think so.

But what prompted this post was reading Sabre Rattling and Tom L's characterization of Quinn's legacy with the Leafs as marked by "goonery". Tom L, I love your blog. Good stuff. But this is a preposterous claim. I know we are divisional rivals, so there is an expected degree of bias here, but I've got two names for you to ponder; Peca and Varada. I could go on, but I think those two names make my point abundantly clear.

And since I'm pit-nicking, you also make another mistake;

Knowing that the best players from the Leafs this season (except Sundin, of course) grew up under his tutelage this move makes perfect sense.

Actually, Maurice did very little with the rookies that stuck with the team all season. True, he did instruct the many blue-liners that made an appearance, and has received nothing but glowing praise from his team this year, but Maurice had little to nothing to do with the development of the three young forward main-stays on the roster. Ondrus came up late in the season, so he is an exception and did play under Maurice for longer, but I don't think that is who you were referring to in your above quote. And I'd be remiss not to mention the contributions of Kaberle, McCabe, Tucker, Kilger, Poni, and Allison.

And on a side note, I find the myriad of opinions from other team's fans on the state of Leaf Nation quite amusing. I suppose it is to be expected given the team's media exposure. But with all this information about the team readily available, you'd think these opinions of the Leafs would be more informed. And Tom L, you have by far one of the better non-fan opinions of the team.

Mats, J-Dub and an Asshat

Sundin on enforcing his no-trade clause;

"I have a tough time seeing myself doing, for example, what Ray Bourque did...I don't think that's me. I wouldn't go at the end of the season or before the deadline to a contender just to try to win a championship. I do think there's something behind you starting training camp and becoming teammates over a long season. I have a tough time seeing me asking to go to a contender at the deadline just because your team is not where you want it to be."

Future Leafs trivia - Q: Which Toronto Maple Leafs rookie played his first NHL game on the last day of the 2005-06 regular season, and scored a goal on his first shot? A: Jeremy Williams.

And on a non-Leafs note, the NHL's decision to get involved in Sean Avery's broadcasting career seems like a mistake to me. Why protect this guy from himself? Either he further alienates himself from the League and its fans, or his "analysis" is unremarkable and he has to return to the ice next season and be reined in by some coach, or he is a hit that generates press for the NHL where the NHL needs press; south of the 49th. By stepping in, the NHL is giving Avery the attention he wants and gives the impression the league actually fears what he might say. Bad move, Gary. Especially at a time of year when casual fans are made. Sure, Avery could turn off a few fans and shutting him down before he gets started will minimize his reach, but the old adage holds true (that's why it is an adage); there is no such thing as bad press. (one minor exception - Bertuzzi)

Kilger re-signs for three years @ $2.7m

Chad Kilger, a former first round and fourth overall pick, has received a contract he earned all year, finishing checks, skating hard, and generally looking like he still has something to prove in his tenth NHL season.

Recently Kilger commented how the new standards of enforcement have benefitted his game, putting his excellent skating on display. But his wheels aren't his only asset, as his win in the hardest shot competition is testament. His quick release spin shot from the slot was a pleasant surprise to me this year.

Gone Fishing

I would've been around to wax poetic about the 'so close and yet not close enough' theme of Hockey Night in Leafland on Saturday, but I was out starting my summer activities. (If you care to know, Saturday's fishing was great, the catching was a little slow, but that's all good.) Alas, the winter hibernation of witnessing Leafs hockey from my couch has ended a day or two or a month or two early.

After the way the team has played the last few weeks, I was hoping to draw the Senators in the first round. I honestly think the buds would've taken the series, especially with the way the Senators have been playing the past couple of weeks. And without an in-form Hasek...well, we'll never know, but I would've had money on the upset. And I find irrational comfort in the hope that Sens' fans might be breathing a sigh of relief now that the Leafs won't be around to spoil what should be a cake walk to the cup now that their nemesis won't be around.

O'Neill summed up the wild ride that was the last month of the Leafs' season rather well with this nugget;

Four weeks ago I was a little bit skeptical, but the last little while I almost felt like we were a team of destiny

Almost, indeed. I've been holding my tongue, seeing all the naysayers become bolder and bolder, wishing the team would make them eat their words. But this wasn't going to be a fairy tale year. Rather, it should serve to be the start of a new Leafs team. Operative word : should. [Here is an easy list of who is signed for 06-07. TSN also has a good salary/status list]

Posts around here will be much less frequent over the summer. My little niche is limited to commentary of actual on-ice activity with the benefit, or draw back depending on your opinion, of being outside of the Toronto media fish bowl. Expect me to be more of an observer of the goings on with the team, chiming in with a thumbs-up/thumbs-down take on any moves.

Thanks for stopping by my little slice of the interweb. I should be back in the fall and hopefully you, dear reader, will be back as well.

Stajan scores 3...er I mean 2

TOR vs NYI (04/13/06)

Leaf Lines
Poni-Sundin-Antro
Kilger-Wellwood-Tucker
Steen-Stajan-O'Neill
Domi-Wilm-Ondrus

Leaf Pairs
Kaberle-McCabe
Luke-White
Berg-Belak

Well, this game could've been over in a hurry. Aubin stopped at least two sure goals on the first shift of the game. I don't get why people doubt this guy so much. He played two solid seasons on a horrible Penguins team. He was a good soldier for the Marlies all year. If anything, this guy has taken his lumps and has become a solid professional in the process. I think that counts for something. Besides, the Leafs don't need a save-your ___ in net. The skaters need to be winning the games, not the goaltender, especially in this new NHL.

Tucker opened the scoring shortly thereafter, and it looked like the Leafs would take a one goal lead into the break. Then in the final minute of the first, McCabe decides to start a rush deep in his own end with the Islanders fore-checking hard. Steen slips a blind pass from along the boards into McCabe's feet, which he can't handle and results in turn-over at the Leafs' blue line and the Islanders tying the game. What? Does he have some sort of points bonus threshold to hit? Be clock aware! If the Leafs had gone on to lose this game, I'd have much more to say about this decision by McCabe.

The Isles took the lead on a gorgeous little play by Trent Hunter, faking a pass, drawing the puck back and roofing the shot. Very nice hands. Stajan appeared to tie it, but the referee's wind-powered signal had been prematurely discharged prior to the puck crossing the line. No worries. Sundin was left alone briefly in the slot on the powerplay, and scored with what is becoming a familiar snap shot to the top netting. Sundin in the past three games is shooting the puck at an uncanny percentage. 6 goals on 14 shots for 43%. Just awesome stuff. The Swede, the Swede, the Swede is on fire.

Stajan then scored his first off a rare helper on the rush from sniper operandi O'Neill. The Islanders tied it up mid way through the period. The Leafs then turned it on, going for the win in regulation. To me, it looks more like fear of the shoot out, which I have no problem with. Kilger let go one heavy shot that Garth Snow just got a piece of. But no regulation win for the Leafs, and still no regulation losses for Aubin.

Stajan put the game away after a great shift where he worked the puck back and forth with Tucker deep in the right win corner, then going behind the net and coming out on his back hand. Stajan seemed to lose the puck, but it deflected back to him off the back of Yashin's skate. He then just let go a back hand that fooled Snow.

Snap Shots - Domi barely played. Tucker was, and I quote the Islanders broadcast team, " the best Leaf forward". He was shooting the puck from everywhere. Steen seems to have found a strong second wind. His play is aggressive. I can't wait to see what he does next year having gained so much experience this year. Wellwood needs to look for his shot more. Same with Poni and Antro. But I suppose when Mats is this primed it would be hard to not try and get him the puck.

And though this run has been great, the real test comes this weekend. Win, and we might actually make it in. Lose, and it was all for naught. Let's go boys!

The Joe and Mats Show

TOR vs FLA (04/11/06)

Leaf Lines
Poni-Sundin-Antro
Kilger-Wellwood-Tucker
Steen-Stajan-O'Neill
Domi-Wilm-Ondrus

Leaf Pairs
Kaberle-McCabe
Luke-White
Berg-Belak

AUBIN(30)

No Luongo? Sweet!

I think Gary and Joe marked this game as one they wanted to win BADLY last summer. And despite a goalie monkey wrench in that plan, Joe almost did it himself, taking the lead for the Panthers three different times. He still looks dominant, and he has managed to play 62 games (and counting) despite his back issues. And if they were all played at this level, Keenan got a bargain. JFJ, perhaps letting him go was not the best of ideas.

But for all of Joe's magic (his third was a beaut) Mats DID do it himself, having a hand in all six goals. But Mats isn't a good leader, so this game should be seen as an aberration, a tear in the cosmic fabric, a joke by the hockey gods. Yeah right. Last night might be the most dominant performance I have seen all year in the entire league. Well, it is the most dominant I have seen, and is certainly the best Leaf performance, but I can't speak about the other 29 teams with as much confidence. But whatever, it was awesome. And despite it probably meaning nothing, at least the Leafs are doing their part after not doing their part earlier this season.

My boy Ian White and his partner Richardson were exploited last night by Nieuwendyk and Horton with pretty passing plays at the blue line, forced turn overs and missed assignments. I'm not sure if fault could be separated amongst the pair, but personally I wouldn't want my mentor to be Richardson, especially when you can see him get beat before it actually happens. I'd like to see what Berg and White could do.

And how about Kaberle with the clutchosity? He wasn't the best defender and MVP in the Czech ExtraLiga last year for nothing.

With Atlanta beating the 'Ning, there is still hope. About as much hope as a holographic message spewed from a sandy droid, but it is something. Tampa has two against the Canes and their last game against the Capitals. Atlanta hosts the Capitals and Bruins, then visits Washington and Sunrise, FL. I'm not going to torture myself working out the 'what ifs'. But both teams have goal tending issues, so that is a positive.

UPDATE - I don't read the papers until after I do my little write-ups, so this is mere coincidence...and a rock-solid title choice.

UPDATE2 - Aubin has been re-signed for a year at $525,000. Hopefully this will relieve some pressure to sign a 'big name' FA goalie, and allow Ferguson to bolster the skater corps.

Cox is dreaming if he realistically thinks Lou will let Elias walk. Remember, earlier this year most thought the Devils' GM had painted himself into a salary corner, and somehow he managed his way out of it. Considering how meager the Devils offense was before Elias returned, and the leadership he has displayed for years in the meadowlands of NJ, the Devils can't afford to let Elias leave for more money.

"Simple as that"

Irreverent Oiler Fans has an amusing post on the highly specialized and technical (dude's got diagrams) sprig of the science family tree that focuses on the mystery that befuddles us all; Unstoppable Shots. I hope on next week's episode they dive into a more metaphysical principle; Karmic Stick Breaking.

Aubin, PowerPlay grounds Flyers

TOR vs PHI (04/08/06)

Leaf Lines
Poni-Sundin-Antro
Kilger-Wellwood-Tucker
Steen-Stajan-O'Neill
Domi-Wilm-Ondrus

Leaf Pairs
Kaberle-McCabe
Luke-White
Berg-Belak

AUBIN

Notes - O'Neill changed up his pre-game routine by taping a four-leaf clover to his stick, resulting in two lucky goals. The first came off a deflection from a shot/pass from White, who was trying for the deflection instead of just shooting the puck. O'Neill's second was produced by some sloppy play around the goal mouth, where the puck ended up on this stick and he slipped it through Niittymaki's five-hole.

Steen's goal resulted from him executing on a great opportunity manufactured by Stajan. The fact the Flyers neglected to pick him up from the blue line all the way to the hash marks probably had something to do with it as well. Sundin's tally was a cheeky no-angle job in the dying ticks of the second period.

All scoring was done on the powerplay. (Waah! I like even strength scoring! Waah!)

Belak and Brashear squared off, but Donald didn't put in a good effort, and the fight wasn't even worth the fighting majors.

Aubin was stellar, except for the goal he helped the Flyers score. I'll chalk that up to being new to the team and not being familiar with communicating with the Kaberle. Criticism aside, Aubin is playing extremely well behind a team that finally has figured out how to play in their own end. JFJ, if you do dip into the FA market for a goalie, don't break the bank on anyone. Aubin might not be a marquee name, but he has been very steady.

Denis Gauthier needs to be a target of Colin Campbell. He continually hits from behind, and is a danger to play against. Luckily, Wellwood came back from his close encounter with the dasher.

Moving on from the game, I found this Paul Maurice quote speaking of trade-deadline addition Suglobov,

Maurice chuckled at the two-goal, one-assist, one-fight performance of Alexander Suglobov, who scored the game winner at 2:33 of overtime.

"He had the Gordie Howe (hat trick)," Maurice said. "He has got a lot more grit than you'd expect from a skill guy."

That's enough to make me smile for today in the face of insurmountable arithmetic.

Boy Oh Boyes

TOR vs BOS (04/06/07)

Leaf Lines
Poni-Sundin-Antro
Kilger-Wellwood-Tucker
Steen-Stajan-O'Neill
Domi-Wilm-Ondrus

Leaf Pairs
Kaberle-McCabe
Luke-White
Berg-Belak

AUBIN

Notes - Not what I would call an urgent start to a game. The team seemed to be playing for the tie, again; an attitude that had been absent for a couple of weeks now. Nice patience by Poni on the first Leaf goal, roofing it play-off (sniff, sniff) style. Tucker looked panicked after Kilger's errant stick caught him in the face. When it happened, I honestly thought "detached retina". Scary stuff. Aubin stoned Murray on a short-handed rush and Bergeron (who is scary good at times and set-up said short-handed opportunity) on a break. J.S. also made several point-blank saves and kept the game close. Luke made a brilliant belly-flop swat at the puck as the Bruins gained the zone. He can't really be a top-4 defender, can he? White, AGAIN, made a beautiful spin-o-rama just inside the blue line to keep the flow of an odd-man rush going. Kaberle switched on the after-burners late in the game, making something happen when his forwards weren't getting it done. And by 'it', I mean gaining the zone. Sundin tied it with thirteen seconds remaining and Aubin on the bench. And then Boyes (sniff, sniff) sealed the deal in the shoot-out.

Tucker leads Leafs over Isles

TOR vs NYI (04/05/06)

Leaf Lines
Poni-Sundin-Antro
Kilger-Wellwood-Tucker
Steen-Stajan-O'Neill
Domi-Wilm-Ondrus

Leaf Pairs
Kaberle-McCabe
Luke-White
Berg-Belak

AUBIN

Notes - Tying the game twice and then finally taking the lead? I don't have the stats, but that is a rare feat for the 05-06 Leafs. Especially when taking so many dumb penalties. Even if it was against the blown-up-at-the-trade-deadline Islanders.

Again, White had an impressive game. If this guy isn't in the top 4 next year, I'll be surprised. Aubin was solid as well, though he lost sight of the puck on both goals; the first a left post wrap-around which deflected to the right side of the goal mouth. Aubin froze at the left side. The second came off a pass redirect to Satan who was wide and near the goal line at the time. I can understand the first, but the second could've been saved. But hey, I'll take it.

Tucker answered his league-wide critics who think he is merely a pest with a pair last night. The first, after White dispossessed two Isles of the puck as the lone guy back then turning the play around and finding Wellwood, who then centered for Tucker. The second, after a questionable call on Campoli though Kilger's hustle was probably being rewarded, came from the rightwing half boards quickly after a face-off win, which was a surprise shift of pace from the usual three or four passes needed before the Leafs look for a scoring play.

The game winner came courtesy of what my girlfriend has dubbed, 'the twins'; Poni from Antro after a nice criss-cross on the rush.

O'Neill regressed last night. Steen looks like he hit the rookie wall 20 miles back at times. In particular, after a decent cycle he got the puck near the blue line and slapped the puck at the net as if he was tired and didn't want to try anymore. Very disappointing. But he gets a bye having played so much this year (He is only behind Ovechkin and Crosby in rookie forwards TOI). Ondrus has slowed down the hitting quite a bit the last few games. Perhaps he needs reminding it is his intensity that is his strongest asset. Domi and Wilm weren't much better. I guess it is tough to be the energy line with such a slim chance of these games meaning anything this year. Sundin has really let off the shooting pedal.

Six Pack

TOR vs BUF (04/03/06)

Leaf Lines
Kilger-Wellwood-Tucker
Poni-Sundin-Pohl(53)
Steen-Stajan-O'Neill
Domi-Wilm-Ondrus

Leaf Pairs
Kaberle-McCabe
Berg-Belak
Luke-White

Notes - Bad Penalties lost this game. Pohl seems to have alot of confidence around the net. White was held scoreless for the first time in his NHL career. How's that for extreme positive spin?

Good to see the team claw back into the game, but they need to go get the lead early and keep it. Late in the third, I felt a strong aura of leadership coming from Kaberle. After being blanketed and pressured for most of the game, he started unleashing his shot...with urgency and import. Very impressive. Perhaps a fledgling display of clutchosity? I think so.

TOR vs BUF (04/01/06)

Leaf Lines
Poni-Sundin-Antro
Kilger-Wellwood-Tucker
Steen-Stajan-O'Neill
Domi-Wilm-Ondrus

Leaf Pairs
Kaberle-McCabe
Luke-White
Berg-Belak

AUBIN

Notes - Euphoric first period. Even-strength euphoria I tell you. Miller was chased after 3. Biron let in another two before the end of the period, and Miller was back in net for the second. Only six skaters didn't record a point.

Berg was very noticeable, in a good way, for the second game in a row. O'Neill seems energized playing with Stajan and Steen. If he played like this all year we'd be right up alongside Buffalo nipping at Ottawa's heels. Domi played a great game too. Cherry was on the media for turning on Domi during CC, but if Domi had played this way all year nobody would be bashing him. When you know your role on a team and you don't come through, you invite criticism. Shoulder injury or whatever, Domi needs to play his heart out or else he isn't effective. Sorry. Them's the facts.


TOR vs PHI (03/28/06)

Leaf Lines
Poni-Sundin-Antro
Domi-Wilm-Ondrus
Kilger-Wellwood-Tucker
Steen-Stajan-O'Neill

Leaf Pairs
Kaberle-McCabe
Berg-Belak
Luke-White

AUBIN

Notes - White (2a in 2gp) and Berg provided helpers on the tying and winning goals. Berg even rung one off the post in the third. Good timing too, as Kaberle is slumping, mostly due to the extra attention he is receiving. Steen, Stajan and O'Neill were again dangerous.


TOR vs NJD (03/26/06)

Leaf Lines
Poni-Sundin-Antro
Kilger-Wellwood-Tucker
Steen-Stajan-O'Neill
Domi-Wilm-Ondrus

Leaf Pairs
Kaberle-McCabe
Luke-White(37)
Berg-Belak

AUBIN

Notes - Stajan was dangerous all night long, and in general the line of Steen and O'Neill on Stajan's wings created scoring chances with surprising regularity. All of a sudden the third line is getting the best chances. If Wellwood and his vet wingers can continue to produce, and Poni and Antro work hard and set up Sundin, the Leafs actually could have three decent even-strength lines. Too bad it took until March to figure this out.

Poni responded to being crunched by two Devils with a big clean hit on Martin seconds later on the same shift. Good grit. And I can say I've always been a big fan, as I freaked out when I thought Poni wasn't going to be re-signed.

White was solid with and without the puck, picked up his first NHL point and looked very comfortable. I can't wait to see him play with his regular pairing of Bell.

Kaberle was roughing it up, like the Alternate Captain he is.


TOR vs MTL (03/25/06)

Leaf Lines
Poni-Sundin-Antro
Kilger-Allison-Tucker
Domi-Wilm-Ondrus
Steen-Wellwood-O'Neill

Leaf Pairs
Kaberle-McCabe
Berg-Luke
Khavanov-Belak

TELLQVIST

At least they fought for their pride. Too bad Allison broke his hand.

TOR vs MTL (03/23/06)

Leaf Lines
Steen-Sundin-Suglobov
Tucker-Allison-Kilger
Stajan-Wellwood-O'Neill
Poni-Antro-Ondrus

Leaf Pairs
Kaberle-McCabe
Berg-Luke
Khavanov-Belak

TELLQVIST

No Comment.

'The Way'....it is

When the combined weight of expectation, hope, mania, frustration, wealth and incompetence settle down on your shoulders with each passing year and the sun still manages to come up, one is given the gift of ultimate perspective. (And while that's great and everything, I'd prefer a Cup while I can still party and have a functioning prostate.)

Weedy McSmokey, aka an old buddy who finally came to visit.

I'll be back later with game notes. I've been in Vegas pacing up and down a hall way in the new State Court House, witness for big business vs. the little guy (who happens to be very good at defrauding insurance companies). It is funny how things turn out. Or is it more depressing? I'm still working that out for myself.