A Pricey Loss

And so it starts. The naysayers. The doomsdayers. The pessimists. The bandwagon is lighter already.

Carey Price, crashed in his own net by NYR's Chris Kreider, is out for the rest of the series with what is obviously a lower-body injury. And Habs fans are despondent. Rightfully so.

From the start of this season, even from last year's truncated season, we knew we had something special in our goalie. And Carey proved it in nets for the Habs, stopping the impossible and making it look natural; standing on his head to save pucks from going in. And doing it with a calm coolness that defied description.

"Keep Calm and Carey On" became a tee-shirt franchise. Memes all over social media. Descriptions of Carey Price as "in a zone so focused he isn't even on the planet", "ice water in his veins" and "the backbone of the Habs" were not quite hyperbole. He showed a confidence in his own abilities that has given his teammates, his coaching staff, the GM, the owner, and fans of the team an easy sigh of relief to know we have a superstar in nets.

Carey's spectacular performance at the Olympics cemented his superstar status, elevating him to the world stage where he earned accolades from the likely as well as the unexpected kudos (from local news outlets worldwide which otherwise would not have taken notice of a Canadian goalie). Still, he remained humble, modest and turned the spotlight from himself to his teammates, as he continues to do in Montreal.

So when he was knocked to the ice in obvious pain on Saturday afternoon, all of Habs Nation gasped. Carey had struggled with tendonitis in his knee post-Sochi, and it was apparent when he grabbed his leg on Saturday afternoon that this could well have aggravated it. He lay on the ice and despite getting up, resuming play, the score that resulted is proof positive he played injured.

We got the News. It shook us to our core. We have come to understand that with Carey Price, if he can see it, he will stop it. The confidence has been complete. It stands to reason Habs fans are shaken by the news of his series-long absence.

A couple of things: First, Michel Therrien stated "for this series". Not "for the rest of playoffs", and in fact has stated that he hopes to see Carey back in playoffs. That, folks, is confidence in one's team. Which brings me to my second point: the Team.

Yes, Carey is elite. Yes, he is a brick wall and makes stops that are spectacular. But he is one guy, and he stays at the one end, doing what he has been relied upon to do: stop their shots.

There are two other corps: the defense, and the forwards. As long as our defense keeps blocking shots (and many of our forwards do as well - see: Brendan Gallagher), as long as the forwards keep taking shots on net (and our D-men have too: see: PK Subban), and as long as we keep up 60 minutes of motivated play, taking the shots, and stopping the opponent, we have more than a good shot at eliminating the Rangers.

So, do we resort to hyperbole ("catastrophic!" "WORST NEWS EVER!")? Do we jump off the bandwagon and declare this team done?

Or do we buck up, believe in this team, the character of every single player on the ice, and the motivation that more than ever, we must do whatever is needed to support our Habs and let them know their fan base is behind them, and behind whomever the coach has deemed capable enough to guard our net?

I don't know about you, but I'm going for that last option. I am a true believer in my team, and it doesn't stop with one injury, no matter how pricey the loss may feel.

Go Habs GO!

A City United

West Island College, DDO, Quebec

Not everyone is a hockey fan. Not everyone watches every game. And some don't even care about the team that represents their city.

Montreal is different. Our identity as a sports legend is in our hockey team; the Habs are into their second centennial now, and the team has been the home of legends of the game (Ken Dryden, Maurice Richard, Patrick Roy, Guy Lafleur, Larry Robinson - to name some of the big names known outside of the city as well as within). When written up in columns or blogs, "Habs" is usually paired with "storied franchise". This is for good reason - the oldest team in the league, most Stanley Cups won, most successful in so many ways, and our fan base is second to none.

That last bit? It isn't just because I am part of it; we are truly known throughout the sporting world as the loudest, warmest, and even most critical fanbase of any hockey team in the league. It isn't easy to be a player on the Habs when not performing to potential! But it is really easy to be a fan and welcome our guys on the ice with throat-burning cheers at the Bell Centre, or watching with friends, or watching in a bar with strangers-as-friends.

We talk about the team's achievements as though they are our own:

"We really played the way we needed to" - yes, we were all out there on the ice with the players.

We smile and extend our happiness on "mornings after" a big game, and there is an overall "up" feeling when our team is successful. (yes, there is the opposite cause and effect too, but being a total optimist, I will not go *there*)

Montreal unites as a city when the Habs are doing well, and most especially during the post-season excitement. Once the playoffs begin, with every win, as the team gets closer to advancement in the series, flags begin to sprout on cars, houses, businesses, and even outside schools (see the photo above - a local suburban high school on the West Island). People wear their gear, whether it is jerseys, tee-shirts, hats, jackets, or haircuts (see photo - these are being given outside the Bell Centre on home-game nights, as part of the popular and packed Fan Jam which takes place 3 hours before puck drop).

Courtesy CBC.ca

My personal experiences have been fun; walking into an electronics store on Game Day last week, I met a man wearing his Habs jersey and ball cap. Not knowing him, but not that it mattered, I called, "I hope that's your lucky gear!" He grinned and gave me a thumbs up. I waved and said, "Go Habs GO!" and we went our separate ways.

This afternoon, I was inside a shop that sells food in bulk. Checking out ahead of me was a gentleman with an older man - perhaps his father. He said to the cashier, "We have a big game tomorrow night - we need comfort food!"

I had to chime in. I said, "oh, Sir, I beg to differ - I think that will end up being celebration food!" They both gave me big grins, and we began to discuss the Habs, our confidence, the situation, the possibilities, and we were bonding right there.

The elder of the two was as animated as anyone half his age. He informed me that we're playing in Boston tomorrow, so it might be a tougher game. I simply smiled and said, "We did it in Washington, and in Pittsburgh in Game 7 twice..." He said, "Yes, we did!" He also informed me, "I watch the later games on TV too!" I said, "Wow, you're really dedicated!" He said, "Do you know why I can watch them?" I said, "Tell me?" He said, leaning in with a twinkle in his eyes, "Because I know I can sleep in the next morning!"

He was delightful. We said our "Go Habs Go" as they left - laughing as I mentioned the saying has become Montreal's "aloha", all-purpose greeting. And I was smiling the rest of the day.

Yes, anything can happen. But no matter what (and I believe we will do what we need to tomorrow night in Boston!), this city has become united in our support for our team.

It feels wonderful.

So, for anyone who doesn't care about sports, the game, the scoreboard, the statistics, the history, or the results of playoffs (which is not a bad thing - I used to be among you), I have this to offer: it is undeniable that Montreal is abuzz with the electricity of these playoffs. Enjoy the season, even if you don't embrace the reason. We all benefit when our Habs are on top.

(And because I cannot leave this out..?)

GO HABS GO!!

Passion and Emotion: Walking a Hockey Fan's Tightrope

Tonight's Game 5 against Boston started off with my nerves already on high. To be clear, my nerves were in full swing when Boston eliminated Detroit and were announced as the opponents we would meet in Round 2. Nervous not because of a lack of confidence in my team - not at all! But because Boston presents a whole new set of challenges; they're not only an Original Six team, they are probably our biggest rivals. Yes, they surpass the Maple Leafs because they are (apologies to Leafs fans here) a serious rival, an opponent to truly challenge our guys.

It seems whenever we play Boston, there are headgames involved. Fans troll opposing fanbases, teams get into each other's heads (and physical spaces) and there is an unseen, but almost tangible buzz about Montreal vs. Boston. This goes for regular season as well as for playoffs.

The rivalry has increased over the years, with recent events between these two teams escalating it to what Boston's Coach Julien has even called "hatred". That is strong language but it is visible. No matter what happens during a game, there is always a back-and-forth on social media between bloggers, fans and analysts who tend to invoke that "hatred" and spark even more intense flames.

The latest was an incident that took place in the 3rd period. Trailing by 3 goals, PK Subban sniped the puck past Rask and closed the gap to 2. While it wasn't enough, and time was running out, Bruins' Shawn Thornton took the opportunity, as PK skated past their bench, to squirt PK with water. This was the second time it happened this game, as per PK, but it was enough for PK to go over to the referee and report it. Thornton was seen snickering on the bench, nothing was called, the game ended, and that was it for Game 5, but PK answered questions about the incident. Rightfully, he stated that had he done the same thing, the news cycle would have lasted at least 3 days. We know he would have been vilified for it. Instead, fan bases are once again at each others' virtual throats, one defending the act, the other defending their player for being targeted.

Honestly, this is not the first dirty trick the Bruins have dealt other teams - and as we're in this series with them, the Habs are targets every other day now. Milan Lucic has a history of spearing players in their family jewels - and in this series alone has done so again. Without penalty. He was fined for doing the same to a Red Wings player in Round 1, and so now, is considered on record for it.

Tonight I had tension I was experiencing physically. Granted, the past couple of days have had me sleep deprived due to my dog's discal hernias flaring up, and that didn't help. But I was confident yet nervous going into the game. It's a tightrope I seem to walk when watching the games; each one is important - regular and post-season. But the games against Boston have a special tension of their own inside my head and heart.

My team wasn't playing the way they've played the last 8 games. We looked sloppy, disorganized, almost disoriented at the TD Garden. And as a result, we lost the game.

Halfway through, with a Mother's Day brunch to prepare for, I decided to listen to the game as it played on the television in the kitchen, and went about my preparations. I was physically nauseous from the first period and felt it would be better for my health (and my brunch preparations!) to simply not stay solely focused on a frustrating game which wasn't getting any better.

As I listened with one ear, working on the tasks at hand, I started to question how a game in which I was not playing, in which neither of my kids was playing, at which I was not in attendance, could have me so uptight to the point of physical manifestation.

I've questioned this before as well.

There's one answer: It's the Habs. It's my deep loyalty to the team that, even in losses, never fails to make me proud of my team, my city, my sport of choice. It's the excitement that grows when sharing a simple "Go Habs Go" with a stranger wearing the bleu-blanc-rouge in a grocery store aisle. It's the hope that never wains when the puck drops on a new game, the scoreboard is reset, and the ice freshly smoothed. It's the knowledge that, no matter what happens, there will always be another game to watch, perhaps attend, another win to celebrate, another loss to analyze and learn from, another story to be told, another evening to enjoy.

It's the Habs.

It's as simple and as complex as that.

My hope is never diminished, my excitement never quashed and because there will be a Game 6, and if things go as I believe they will - a Game 7, I proudly cheer:

Go Habs GO!!

Ugly Isn't Universal

The Habs won their first game in Round 2 against lifelong rivals, the Boston Bruins last night. The game went to double overtime and the winning rocket came from PK Subban, who had also opened scoring for the Habs in the first period.

Boston and Montreal have been rival teams for as long as they've played hockey. This is the 34th time they meet in post-season and as time has passed, there are incidents that will always stand out in the minds of fans - some good, some not. The comeback wins in regular season, in playoffs, and in Stanley Cup finals. The collapses, the losses, the fights. These are all part of the tapestry that is woven with Gold and Black, Bleu-Blanc-Rouge. It's in our blood, as fans of the Habs, to loathe the Boston Bruins. You've heard of the term "love to hate"? That's our rivalry with Boston.

In 2011, The Hit heard round the (hockey) world occurred on home ice as Max Pacioretty was driven into the stanchion by Bruins' Captain Zdeno Chara. This game followed a victory by the Habs where Pacioretty scored the winner, and as he skated to celebrate with teammates, pushed Chara out of the way. That incident carried forward to the next game in which Chara went after Pacioretty. There is much debate about intent, and depending on who you talk to, Chara meant to harm, he didn't mean to harm, he knew what he was doing, or it was a "hockey play". What is indisputable, though is the aftermath: The Hit broke Pacioretty's vertebra, and concussed him; he was stretchered off the ice in a hushed, stunned Bell Centre and those watching on television took to social media to express shock, fear, and concern for Patches as well as for the game of hockey in general. The game went on, but the mood was somber. The Habs still went onto a definitive win (4-1) but this Hit defined what was to follow in the NHL as regards headshots and safety.

It also set a new point of contention for fans of both teams. Montrealers were infuriated; Chara received only a game misconduct and was not given any supplemental discipline. Some Montrealers even called 911 to report it as a crime (police were compelled by law to investigate it and this became a source of ridicule by Bruins fans - rightly so, might I add).

Rivalry became revenge. It woke us to the dangers of the game right here at home. And it fueled the face-offs between these two teams even more.

The Habs have emerged victorious in 24 of the 33 completed playoff series against Boston in our history. Recently, however, we lost to them in Round 1 of the 2011 post-season, and 2009.

This year is a year in which the Canadiens have been very strong all season. Despite some key injuries, we entered the playoffs fairly healthy, swept Tampa Bay in Round 1, and are playing "our" game: fast skating, excellent defense, and exceptional goaltending.

The optimism going into Round 2 is high. So last night, when Game 1 began, energy levels were elevated.

PK Subban is a star player for the Montreal Canadiens. He is known to take risks, but they pay off much of the time, as is evidenced by his strong showing in the statistics columns. But he is hated in Boston, he is the one fans boo when the puck is on his stick. That's okay - we all have those.

However last night, a trend that has become more prevalent in these match-ups grew to a level heretofore unseen: racism reared its head again, and flooded social media.

PK has dealt with racism before. We have seen it online on a regular basis (this week's Donald Sterling issue has dominated headlines even in non-sports circles). But last night, on Twitter, the vitriol against PK for his skin color was truly shocking. I will not repeat or provide screenshots of what was said. There is no need to dignify, sensationalize or perpetuate the kinds of remarks we saw.

It got so bad that the "N" word was trending on Twitter (trending topics are words, names, topics that are used so often the software algorithm picks it up and registers it as "popular" enough to notice). Despite the beautiful double-overtime winner and the triumph over a major rival, the headlines were not about the game but about the ugliness that ensued.

Discouraged, but not downtrodden, Habs fans jumped to PK's defense, condemning the Boston fans who made these statements. In fact, the irony of it is not only that Jarome Iginla (a strong player for the Bruins) is of mixed race, but that PK's own brother, Malcolm, has been drafted by the Bruins and is playing goaltender for their farm team. This has been pointed out many times, in comments on social media as well as in comments to stories posted about yesterday online.

And while it is despicable to see, and know these people exist, I am heartened by two statements issued this afternoon. One was made by Bruins president, Cam Neely:

"The racist, classless views expressed by an ignorant group of individuals following Thursday’s game via digital media are in no way a reflection of anyone associated with the Bruins organization."

The other comes from Boston Mayor Marty Walsh:

"This is a disgrace. These racist comments are not reflective of Boston, and are not reflective of Bruins fans. I've said before that the best hockey in the world happens when the Bruins and Canadiens play each other, and there is no room for this kind of ignorance here. Yesterday Mayor Coderre and I made a friendly wager on the series, and we closed the conversation by wishing each other the best. I would hope that fans on both sides would follow this example."

Even players at today's practice condemned the racism - of all people, Zdeno Chara and Brad Marchand, coming out with strongly worded comments that illustrate our "love to hate" targets have a strong sense of decency after all. 

“The racist, classless views expressed by an ignorant group of individuals following Thursday’s game via digital media are in no way a reflection of anyone associated with the Bruins organization,”

Read more at: http://nesn.com/2014/05/cam-neely-bruins-denounce-fans-racist-tweets-directed-at-p-k-subban/

There will always be those on social media, hiding behind the wall of anonymity and the shield of false bravado, those who will make comments based on nothing but insecurity and deeply held misguided beliefs. We must be careful not to paint others with the same broad brush. I know that not all Bruins fans think the same way and this is evidenced by the influx of Bruins fans denouncing the racism, expressing shame for those who hate in the name of their team, and embarrassment for their city.  I know that most Bruins fans feel the way Habs fans do: it's in our blood to despise the other team, trash talk them within the confines of sports-related rhetoric, and be energized by wins, or more determined by losses to come back in the next match and emerge victorious.

In fact, I've seen Bruins and Habs fans actually unite in solidarity against prejudice today. And isn't that what sports are all about? A common interest, friendly competition, strong loyalties and always-increased anticipation for the next date to deepen the head-butting of rematch.

Sports are the microcosm of life in so many ways. Today, the decent side of hockey fans has emerged and is more heartening to see than the discouragement was to experience.

Oh, and by the way, Boston - PK loves the booing; in a recent interview for the National Post, he stated, "If they’re trying to find ways to get me off my game, that means I’m doing something right.”

It should be a great series between these two teams. But one thing will remain true: the rivalry is alive and well, and true fans can count on their teams to reinforce, and add to, this historic feud for a long time to come.

Because They're the Habs

The Habs. People outside of the city, the circle, the sport, or the culture don't know what that means. It is short for "Les Habitants" - the informal nickname given to early settlers of New France (in the 1800s) and while our hockey team has been known, for over 100 years, as the Montreal Canadiens, they are also known as The Habs. This seems to have been the result of an offhand, and inaccurate, statement made by Tex Rickard in 1924. The then-owner of Madison Square Garden, explained the Canadiens logo incorrectly. The logo looks like this:

 Rickard said the "H" stood for "Habitants". In fact, the "H" stands for "Hockey" and the logo above has always meant "Club de Hockey Canadien".

But the nickname stuck. And we are known, lovingly, famously, and forevermore, as The Habs.

It's post-season now. The playoffs. The time some people call "the real season". The slate is wiped clean. The 16 teams that have made this special club are no longer about points. They're about wins. It takes 4 wins per series. And the stats are as reset as the fresh sheet of ice that bears the team's logo and the the Stanley Cup painted into the ice of those lucky 16 arenas in these playoffs.

This is the 80th time in their history that the Habs are in playoff mode. Montreal has missed playoffs only once (2012) since I became a "true" fan (see "Habs Loyalty"). I became a fan due to a highly successful playoff run in 2010. And I'm known to be blindly loyal to my team. Do I see their faults? Sure. Do I fall off the bandwagon because of it? Absolutely not!

I have my superstitions: in the 2010 playoff run, I made fudge one day, for the game. I called it "Victory Fudge" and then believed that the Powers of Hockey Success might take that the wrong way, so I amended it to "Habs Victory Fudge." It looks like this:

Habs Victory Fudge

We won that game. I continued to make Habs Victory Fudge.

I got a new hamster during Round 2, when the Habs were up against a very strong Pittsburgh team. I named the hamster Habsie. Here he is:

Habsie

 

 

Habsie died when the Philadelphia Flyers eliminated Montreal in the Eastern Conference Final. Coincidence? I think not. I never got another hamster during playoffs and definitely refrained from hockey-related names.

I never go negative against the team - it's all about positive energy.

Okay, I'm superstitious.

I tend to embody the word "fan" as it is in its longer form.

Oh yeah. That's me. Not eating dinner on game nights because of nerves and excitement (mostly nerves. Okay, ALL nerves). Getting highly irritable if the scoreboard tilts the opponent's way. Getting emotional - both the highs and the lows - when games end and results are final. Talking hockey. All. The. Time. Ending conversations with "Go Habs Go!" even if said conversations have nothing to do with sports of any kind.

Okay, that last bit - it's a Montreal tic of sorts. In playoff season, we "Go Habs Go" everywhere on social media. Sometimes with a hashtag, sometimes not. Sometimes the whole cheer, sometimes just GHG. I've been on the phone with friends, and in saying goodbye, it might go something like this:

"Enjoy the game. Talk to you soon. Go Habs Go!"

It's Montreal's version of "Aloha" or "Shalom". Doesn't hurt to say it, can't omit it from many conversations. Perhaps job interviews are the exception. More to the point, perhaps job interviews outside of Montreal are the exception. I'll let you know.

So we are beginning Round 1 tonight, against Tampa Bay. I am feeling very hopeful - many analysts are optimistic that it all points to Montreal. I won't regale you with the reasons for that. This blog is mainly aimed at my non-hockey, non-Montreal, non-Habs fans (that makes me shudder - how can one NOT be a Habs fan?!), even non-Canadian or non-North-American followers.

I am posting it for one reason. Not to inform, educate or recruit you. Though, should you wish any or all of the above, please peruse the blog for hockey-related posts, of which there are many.

I am posting because with Round 1 beginning tonight, and a strong optimism for a Round 2 showing, I am about to become All Things Hockey - without apology, restraint, or explanation.

I am proud of my city. Montreal has so much to offer. Even in the off-season!

But when it's playoff time? My city comes alive even more than the coming of Spring (which is taking too long, by the way). People are abuzz with the excitement. Businesses are not only accommodating to game times and hours, but sport "Go Habs Go" signs, logos, and culinary specials. Car flags sprout up like newborn tulips. Habs jerseys - a staple in this city year-round - become even more prevalent. City buses sport "Go Habs Go" above their windshields, scrolling with the bus number and destination streets.  Even our mayor has decorated City Hall:

This is a city that LOVES its hockey!!

And when the Habs win a round (hear that, Hockey Gods?), I take my kids, and any passengers they want, driving up and down our main street in our community, honking my car horn along with the other revelers, waving our flag, singing the signature "Olé" song (a short amateur video to demonstrate the song - yes, it's a soccer chant but here in Montreal, it's the Habs victory chant). Then we go to Dairy Queen to buy celebratory ice cream. It's a tradition in my family. (Does YOUR family have any playoff traditions? Comment below)

So, there it is. The reason my Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest accounts will likely focus on hockey for the next 2 months (yes, I am optimistic). Not exclusively - I'll slip in some political stuff, don't you worry (*grins*).

But you have been warned: as I am an unapologetic, all-out fanatic Habs fan, I hereby enter post-season with this growing exuberence, pride, and rah-rah outlook. Please don't hesitate to join in - we're always open to more fans, and there are never too many.

Oh:

Go Habs Go!!!

A Quick Lesson on Privacy

Taking time out of my hockey, politics and personal postings for a public service announcement - emphasis on the word "public".

I'd like to take a moment to talk about Facebook privacy settings. Yes, many of you already know about them, and this isn't a Facebook 101 lesson. But it came to my attention recently that at least one person on my timeline has a public timeline. And for me, that was something that mattered.

See, I protect my timeline. If you are not a friend of mine on Facebook, and not on a restricted list, you will not see my posts. Why is that important? Because, from experience, knowledge and expertise, I can tell you that people will try to hurt others in ways you might not even imagine. Your photos might be lifted, altered, and distributed. Your words can be copied, altered, and you can be made to look as though you have said something you would never say. Your name can be used in ways you hadn't imagined, and spread throughout groups of people who are not your friends. And who may, in fact, be your enemies. And who may very well contact you to harass you (even if they are not on your Friends list, they can message you). And yes, I speak from experience.

There is a reason Facebook privacy options are so well received in the community of tech-savvy users, educators, and programmers. It's because of all the social media platforms, Facebook gives the user the most control over what s/he posts and what others can see.

This isn't Facebook 101 - there are guides written for that purpose, and easily accessible online.

But this is about my own person philosophy as regards my privacy and how others adjust their settings.

See, what I post on my page is visible to those I have entrusted with my little corner of the Internet. And there have been times - and will be again - where some of those people prove to be unworthy of my trust, or unappreciative of my posts, and either get deleted (the unbecoming term "unfriending" in the Facebook world) or put on my "Restricted" list. That list has multiple uses. I have, at the moment, at least one person who has told me how and what to post as what I seem to say bothers this person. I chose not to be told how to post, and relegated this "friend" to my Restricted List. They cannot see my posts, but we are still connected on Facebook (and I can see the posts from that page). It's a bit like "creeping" (looking but not interacting) but I have left the door open for this person to return should the decision be made to put up with me. (Not that I'm difficult - just...opinionated and vocal about issues).

I'm sure I am on Restricted Lists of others as well; those who choose not to share with me but peek through their window to my Facebook postings. Those who come out of the woodwork once in a while to comment (another handy-dandy use for Restricted Lists - comment whenever you wish, without having to be "refriended"). I know of at least 2 on my list who have done so. It amuses me, as I am aware of the reasons for their having done so. But that's the beauty of Facebook - the right of any user to hide from another, for whatever reason they see fit.

But here's the thing - and many people may be unaware of the settings that leave them vulnerable.

If you have a friend whose posts are set to be visible to "Public" - your every interaction on that person's page is now open to the Internet at large. You can end up embroiled in an all-out fiery debate and if the person's page settings are "Public", well, your words and photos and ideas are now out there for anyone to see.

To me, there is no difference between what I post on my Wall and what comments I leave on the Walls of others. I recently learned of a friend's Public setting, and have sharply curtailed my comments on that Wall. Especially as the majority of those posts are political and my views are not always in sync with everyone else's. (What can I say, I enjoy diversity in my online interactions as I do in my offline world)

So here's how to tell if you're broadcasting to the world. If there is a globe in the corner of your friend's posts? (see screenshot) It is a Public page, and even though it is a person, not a cause or event, or television show or radio station, it is as public as any of those.

If a friend only posts to his/her Friends list, the icon will look like this:

It may not matter to you. But I wouldn't be the social media educator I am if I didn't warn you about the possibility that you are publicly posting even on a good friend's page.

Just be aware. Privacy is YOURS to control. But when others take your privacy and discard it, it is your right to make the decision to post - or not to post.

And that's it for now!

Too soon?

All day on Facebook, I have seen a now-viral image of "Gilligan's Island" photoshopped with the Malaysian airliner that has disappeared. It has made the rounds several times and I'm pretty sure it's on Twitter as well.

I've commented on a few threads. I believe, personally, that "too soon?" is a question never to be asked in the face of loss of life, or just plain never knowing. And I don't believe we should be joking about this situation - or others that are similar. Here are my thoughts:

We have no idea where the plane is. And while I recognize that is the whole idea behind the photo, it cuts into the mystery, and does not take into consideration the anguish the family members, friends and acquaintances of the missing must be feeling.

If indeed the family members are on social media these days, this has to destroy them even further. If they are not, it is likely their friends and acquaintances are.

So I have to ask myself, if - heaven forbid -  anyone who has posted this picture, laughed about it, made fun of the mystery or made light of this situation experienced a similar tragedy (because a missing plane with 239 people is a tragedy no matter how this turns out), would they feel it's okay to post something that blatantly makes light of their loved one's disappearance?

I wouldn't. It would add to the devastation already being experienced. It would not only hurt me, it would infuriate me.

There is nothing funny about this situation. I am guilty of having made a reference to "Lost" but not in jest, only in stark comparison. I have not joked, speculated, or passed along unconfirmed items on social media. I don't believe in using the fear and anguish of others to further my reputation on Facebook or get a few laughs.

Why is it no one makes light of 9/11?

Why is it no one makes jokes about children found dead of abuse?

Why do we find it acceptable to make light of almost every other tragedy? Is it because no one who has posted these attempts at humor is directly connected to a victim of the airliner's disappearance? What if you were?

This is my own personal opinion. These are my thoughts.

I welcome yours.