Fink On Point
A collection of ramblings about things, stuff and whatnot.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Time to Build Your Shrine for the Bruins!
By now you've got to be paying attention to the Boston Bruins. Even if you couldn't tell the difference between a Zamboni and a jock strap two months ago there is no questioning the excitement around the Hub these days. To all the bandwagon jumpers and fair-weather fans I say, come along. It's been a fantastic playoffs ride and we only have four more wins before hoisting Lord Stanley's Cup for the first time in 39 years.
If you're looking for a way to influence good karma may I suggest building a shrine. Sure it's a little obsessive, maybe a little dorky. Ok, definitely dorky. But, it has worked for me in 2004 when the Red Sox won it all for the first time in 86 years so there is no reason to think my plan would fail me now.
First, you need to grab everything in your house that you associate with the Big Bad Bruins (if I had suggested this back in the mid 90's you'd probably be unhooking your toilet). Now, go ahead and arrange these totems of triumph and arrange them close to your television set. Finally, and this is the most important part, leave it there until the Cup is ours.
I cannot stress this last part enough. It's going to be a tough battle but these Bruins play with a lot of heart so we as fans have to match that with our loyalty. We've seen them go seven games with our arch rival Montreal Canadiens (AKA the Canadian National Diving Team), we've seen them sweep the Philadelphia Flyers who, just one year ago, totally broke our hearts, and we just witnessed them clinch a trip to the Finals against the Tampa Bay Lightening who last won it just seven years ago.
My shrine consists of many artifacts that I associate with my team. First, the obvious ones. Behind me in the above photo hangs my four Boston Bruins playoff rally towels, which represent the four wins we need to finish business. In front of me is my circa 1984 Boston Bruins pennant which I have held onto for three decades and remains untarnished - just like my love for the Bruins. In front of that pennant are two autographed photos of my two favorite Bruins legends.
The first one is of Rick Middleton, perhaps my biggest influence growing up. In fact, he was my idol. We had the same name, which I thought was cool. He played left wing so I played right. He was number 16 so I went the next even number down and held onto it for the duration of my playing days. My dad surprised me one day when he took me to a car dealership where Rick Middleton was signing these photos. When it was my turn to meet him, I couldn't say a word - I was in shock. The signature comes with a personal message that reads, "To Rick, Good luck in your hockey career! Rick Middleton."
The bigger photo needs no introduction. Bobby Orr is the best Bruin of all time and I had the very bitter-sweet opportunity to skate with him for an hour in 1986. Christa McAuliffe's son and I played on the same team when Mr. Orr came to cheer him up with a surprise visit after the fateful morning of January 28. He stayed after the game and signed a photo for every kid on the team and every piece of hockey equipment the team handed him. So, this is another relic that I hold sacred.
On a lighter note, it is important to become a part of your shrine. I am holding onto my Concord Youth Hockey Mite League Championship trophy. It is the only trophy I ever won and the championship game-winning goal was scored by yours truly. In my other hand I am holding my 1985 All-Star plaque. These items might not clearly be associated with the Bruins but they are definitely Bruins-inspired! I figure, if I can claim to be a champion then the Bruins should have no problem joining my club.
As you can also clearly see, I am not too proud to pull on my Boston Bruins youth size sweater. Sure, it fit better when I got it on Christmas morning in 1985 but I can still fit into it so I wear it with pride. Also, the hat is a nice touch but the big piece is the playoff beard. I don't know how the tradition started but I haven't touched this hairy beast since the last week of the regular season back in April. It just might be the secret weapon in my shrine.
So, Bruins fans, go forth and paint your house black and gold or whatever you gotta do to feed the positive energy that the Bruins need. We're almost there and everyone needs to get involved!
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Traversing The Wildcats (The Movie)
Winter is a slow time of year for me when it comes to backpacking. My last trip took place in January and I was anxious to get out again so I planned an overnight excursion up in the White Mountains of New Hampshire and assembled a small group of friends to join me.
The conditions were virtually ideal considering the time of year when winter and spring seem to overlap in the mountains. The temps were cool to freezing. The trail was cleared at the bottom and covered with ice and snow above 3,000 feet.
We hiked along one of the more strenuous parts of the Appalachian Trail, also known as the Wildcat Ridge Trail, from Pinkham Notch on Route 16 over to the Carter Notch Hut. In fact, through-hikers often reflect upon the ascent of Wildcat D from the highway as one of the steepest and most demanding parts of the entire 2,181 mile Appalachian Trail. So, it was especially fun to do this with the added challenges of winter and the complete absence of other hikers.
I usually shoot a series of photos on a trip like this but I felt like making a video this time instead. It's the first video I've put together on my Mac, which I think is evident once you start watching it. Anyway, it was a fun trip and an equally fun project. Hopefully, you will enjoy the spectacular views New Hampshire's White Mountains have to offer and feel encouraged to hike them sometime soon.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
4 Things You Should Know About Canadiens
Photo of Tyler Seguin taken by Rick Fink, also an awesome photographer.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Backpacking and Modeling: I Can Do Both
Friday, May 14, 2010
Cibeline Sariano introduces her 60’s inspired collection for spring/summer 2010
Local fashion designer Cibeline Sariano officially unveiled her 2010 spring and summer collection last night at the Liberty Hotel in Beacon Hill for the “Fashionably Late” fashion show series. Cibeline has drawn inspiration for her new seasonal collection from the popular AMC Original, Emmy-award winning television show, “Mad Men.” Her new looks bring together vintage 1960’s styles and sophisticated nautical fashion.
"It was so exciting to have Cibeline come back for another show as part of our popular 'Fashionably Late' series,” said Rachel Moniz, general manager of The Liberty Hotel. “Her energy level and sensational sense of style never disappoints our full-capacity audiences. We are fortunate to have designers like Cibeline working right here in Boston and The Liberty Hotel is proud to showcase such amazing talent."
Cibeline Boston’s spring and summer line include: cotton eyelet dresses; a signature knit jersey reversible wrap-dress; seersucker jackets and dresses; and linen and denim trousers.
“I’ve always been inspired by the style of the early 60’s from the distinguished color palette right down to the hair and makeup,” says Sariano. “I also use a nautical theme in my designs to create a ‘Jackie Kennedy-Onassis meets Betty Draper’ look. I’m thrilled about this collection.”
The fashion show was presented in three groups of looks. The models opened the show wearing sophisticated nautical looks with vintage hats, sunglasses and travel suitcases from the sixties. This group featured dresses in white eyelet and soft navy blue jersey as well as a classic red and white seersucker tailored blazer paired with denim jeans. In round two, decked out in 60’s style makeup and hair, the models came out with a series of looks fit for an evening soiree to the theater or dinner, featuring a gorgeous cream and gold brocade evening jacket and a long maxi dress with a to-die-for neckline in black soft jersey. Cibeline’s closing round showcased colorful and flirty cotton dresses perfect for daytime garden parties and weddings. The show was a whimsical journey back in time with a fresh modern twist that left you inspired to mix vintage with contemporary this spring season.
Models wearing Cibeline’s 2010 spring and summer collection at The Liberty Hotel’s “Fashionably Late” fashion show were provided by Boston-based, Dynasty Modeling. The models’ hair was done by Green Tangerine Spa and Salon and Kacie Corbelle served as the resident makeup artist. Music was provided by DJ Michael Savant.
Cibeline has trained and traveled around the world, working with numerous designers and her looks have been worn by celebrities on nationally televised programs and events. Cibeline’s boutique is located at 120 Charles Street on Beacon Hill in Boston. You can check out her latest looks by going on her website at www.cibelinesariano.com.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Boston fashion designer, Cibeline Sariano to unveil 2010 spring/summer line
The fashion show is inspired by the hit Emmy-award winning television show, “Mad Men” and will be set to early 1960’s music. Cibeline’s looks will include signature knit jersey reversible wrap dresses; cotton eyelet dresses; seersucker jackets, pants and dresses; denim and linen trousers as well as colorful knit jersey halter tops. A sample sale will also be held at the Alibi Lounge in the hotel’s lower lobby prior to the fashion show. Here are the details:
What: Fashion show featuring Boston fashion designer Cibeline Sariano's 2010 spring and summer collection.
Where: The Liberty Hotel, 215 Charles Street, Boston
When: Thursday, May 13, 2010
5:00 – 9:00 p.m. Sample sale – all seasonal items are $100
9:00 – 10:00 p.m. Cocktail hour
10:00 – 11:00 p.m. Fashion show featuring Cibeline’s 2010 spring and summer collection
11:00 p.m. Meet designer, Cibeline Sariano
I’ve always admired Cibeline’s passion for what she does, which I think shows in her work. While I do not consider myself to be an expert on fashion – let alone women's fashion – I think her clothes look great. In fact, she’s been dressing celebrities for red carpet events like The Emmys and The Academy Awards as well as nationally televised programs for several years.
Her career has led her around the world to places like Hong Kong, Italy and New York where she’s collaborated with some renowned designers like Calvin Klein and Liz Claiborne. She currently operates her namesake boutique on Charles Street in Beacon Hill. Check her out online at cibelinesariano.com.
See you at the show!
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Marine Week – a PR event like no other
The hands-on experience spread across the city to include Faneuil Hall and Copley Place where the Marines have been eager to answer any questions about their job and the equipment they use to get it done.
Perhaps the biggest draw has been the Osprey, a tilt-rotor aircraft which is basically an airplane with vertical take-off and landing capabilities like a helicopter. It’s one of the military’s latest additions and is designed for combat and troop transport in urban locales as well as hard to reach areas. They are currently being used on missions in both Iraq and Afghanistan.
Since Monday, the Marines have also been involved with several community projects from volunteering at the Food Bank to helping on various environmental and neighborhood projects. They have also put on musical performances throughout the city.
On Saturday, the Marines will be hosting activities at Moakley Park and Carson Beach as part of their Marine Week Family Day. This is a must attend event as the Marines are going to perform a combat air and ground show. Translation: the Marines are going to storm the beach! That’s not something you get to see everyday as this is sure to be an impressive tactical military demonstration.
Finally on Sunday, a Mother’s Day Celebration will be held at the Charlestown Navy Shipyard where there will be a re-dedication ceremony of the Boston Marine Barracks and will also include more equipment displays and musical performances.
The Marines’ public outreach on this event has been great. Every single Marine I’ve had the opportunity to chat with has been very friendly and informative. They definitely are proud of what they do and it’s been a thrill to have them in town.
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Photo Captions:
Photo 1: A CH-53 cargo helicopter takes off from Boston Common - Jim Vachon.
Photo 2: Spectators make their way through an MV-22B Osprey during Marine Week - Rick Fink
Photo 3: A pilot stands outside the cockpit of an AH-1W Super Cobra attack helicopter - Rick Fink
Photo 4: A Marine holds out a MRE to a visitor - Rick Fink