Site and Collection Update for February 1st/2nd, 2007

Happy Groundhog Day! Not that I actually believe that stuff...despite the fact that it has so far made for a decent Bill Murray comedy and a swingin' annual party somewhere in Pennsylvania. Though, I'm not sure I would want to get up as early as those people at that party have to...then again, if the party offers Penn. Dutch Birch Beer, I would so be there if I had the opportunity.

Speaking of "somewhere in Pennsylvania", this update involves two books relating to a team "somewhere in Penn" for whom the man of the hour here played. ;)

The first book, Best In the Game by Dave Molinari, is a chronicle of the first complete season Ronnie played as a Pittsburgh Penguin...1991-92, which was also, as most hockey fans (should) know, the season where the Pens won their second Stanley Cup in a row. In the bits and pieces of the book I've glanced at, I am immediately impressed by how Molinari gives Ron his due regarding how if it were not for his presence, the Pens may not have won their second Cup (and quite possibly their first Cup too). Molinari frequently talks about how Mr. Francis was easily the hardest working player for the Pens when Mario Lemieux went out with an injury during the second round versus the New York Rangers. And even more noteworthy is that one of Ron's numerous quotes throughout the book is used for a chapter title. The one in particular being "This team has more guts than brains.", referring to how the Penguins did not care if the odds were (supposedly) stacked against them in the said second round vs. the Rangers.

As much as I look forward to fully reading that, what really got me giddy upon receiving it today was the other book: Penguin Profiles by Jim O'Brien. My giddyness being due to the fact that this was an extremely hard to find book, and I have *really* been wanting to read ever since I heard about from someone I used to know. Well, it *was* extremely hard to find, until I happened to be browsing on Amazon one night last week, and came across this page. And *very needless* to say, I was all over one of the copies offered like pink on the Pink Panther and that insulation for which he's the mascot.

Well, I only got more giddy when I went exploring in what is now my copy of PP...folks, the profile for Ronnie in this book is EASILY the most complete "biography" I have happened upon regarding the man in all of my collecting AND fandom thus far. The section's title is "Always the Big Brother", but it may as well have been "Everything You Wanted To Know About Ron Francis, But Were Afraid To Ask". And when I say 'Everything', I MEAN 'Everything'...leading to what will quite possibly be the most puckbunny-ish (I.E. tacky) thing ever posted in this here place. Brace yourselves...




Hey, I warned you.




Your last chance...



They even answer that age old question of "Boxers or briefs?".

Don't believe me? Check it out...

In all honesty, knowing how proper the man prefers to be, I'm quite amazed that Mr. Francis allowed such a picture to be published. But at the same time, I'm all for things that show someone having a sense of humor and/or fun one way or another...and this shows that Ronnie is certainly not exempt from being in possession of such a sense. Not to mention that the whole pic shows Ron with his family, which is quite appropriate, as much as he talks about them AND has mentioned them in most, if not all of his interviews.

Before I finally shut up about it, I bet if someone had the guts to ask him the aforementioned question, Ron's answer would have been "They're Hanes, and let's leave it at that.". As much as I like Michael Jordan, Ronnie would have totally rocked in that ad. :D

ANYWAY, if Ron's profile is any indication, the rest of Penguin Profiles should be something to read too...it is VERY SAFE to say that this is the most detailed hockey book of which I have come into possession. Even more detailed than Why Is the Stanley Cup In Mario Lemieux's Swimming Pool?...yes, it's THAT savvy about (now) past members of the Penguins.

Current Music: "Lovers In A Dangerous Time" by the Barenaked Ladies