Happy???? Are you kidding me???? At last there's something worth reading in the local paper again -- GO STARS!!!

I was absolutely THRILLED to see the whole first page of the sports section (well, almost) devoted to the most important questions of the day -- Will this be Turco's last season? What are the rookies bringing to the game after a year off? What's Modano's story anyway? These are the things inquiring people want to know!!

'Unadorned and unadulterated thuggery masquerading as sport. A sickening spectatcle.' -- You're so right, Strollin' Johnny -- Ain't it GREAT! But at least hockey has some semblance of order to its particular brand of thuggery. ;-) Can't wait to see what the new rules bring to the game -- they're promising more speed and more goal opportunites . . . Ooooooh, I can't stand it. DROP THE BLOODY PUCK ALREADY!!!

Besides, I swore off Guinness when the strike started . . . Can't wait to have my first sip tonight, along with the traditional Opening Game Bowl of Homemade Chili. What else is there to live for?

All the best (especially to my fellow hockey fans - you know who you are!), Áine