tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10396785888583270002024-02-08T06:50:00.087-08:00Saavo's StoriesPutting oral stories down in written form. These stories are based on a real person and different experiences of the main character. See the Forward for more info.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04733761095238567348noreply@blogger.comBlogger136125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1039678588858327000.post-40002340609224600152017-04-02T20:19:00.002-07:002017-04-02T20:23:49.902-07:00MOVING AWAY FROM THE VILLAGE (B)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Mekkar had no concept at this time nor the realization that
all the best athletes in the world have or need coaches to give them structure.
Even if one fights it at the time, those mentors sometimes push and help drive
athletes in all sports to their limits and beyond. It is amazing how far the
human body can endure past what an individual thinks they can do. Special Forces
soldiers and elite athletes understand this through experiencing it directly.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">During the suspension hockey training continued as usual but
participation in the games themselves were not allowed. Mekkar felt that the
games were the fun part and the whole reason for physical rigors and hardships
of the development process. After the suspension was over Mekkar was driven and
desired badly to get into a game and dish out his own hammer of affliction upon
the opposition to catch up for lost time.</span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">He was ready if the opposition for the next matchup wants to
harass his netminder. Mainly because there is an unwritten rule that a player,
definitely defensemen, must always protect your goalie. That is, defend them
versus all misconduct, contact, or any abuse under all circumstances. Even
though that is partially different to Mekkar’s belief that if goalies’ come out
of their crease, in the front of the net; they should be fair game and body
checked like any other player on the ice. Mekkar felt that netminders deserve
protection only in their net area and crease, so they can do their job and
concentrate on stopping the puck instead. He does not support the rules that
make all goalies untouchable anywhere on the ice and thinks that is wrong. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">On one of Mekkar’s dark morning runs during those early days
in his newly adopted home city, he often thought back to the small skating rink
set up or the frozen lakes back home in the village. Part of the reason was the
training as of late had been particularly and physical grueling. He felt like
he needed a small break for body recovery and regeneration of the muscles.
Since Mekkar knew that would not happen he would let his mind wander instead at
times to distract him from the body exertion and pain he was experiencing.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Mekkar remembered back that this move was supposed to be
beneficial in the long run. He also realized that his village had no real
developmental ice hockey leagues or top notch instruction for the youngsters
there. Mainly because there were just not enough kids to form a true youth league
for any sport. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Until this relocation Mekkar had been travelling back and
forth from his home area to the city where he now lives. But the more permanent
move was required on his part if he desired to further his athletic skills for
his chosen occupation, or so he hoped at least for the short term and maybe
beyond. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">There was better access to improved full time coaching, as
well as, improved training structure and methods in the city. Mekkar understood
that just relying of self directed discipline and ability increase could have
many peaks and valleys. It would be like a roller coaster and could wane at
times plus hinder development. Also, he realized that pond and lake hockey could
only take him so far.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Plus, Mekkar also recognized that if he did well enough here
in this location, this could be just the first step to a higher level in the
future. That in turn could result in playing hockey on one of the well known
squads in the larger cities down south. Mekkar also became aware of his need
for further adaptation of himself and his lifestyle. </span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">He had to get used to a fairly more mobile existence on a
different level. Mekkar described it as living out of a suitcase or being on
the road on an increasingly more frequent basis with longer travel trips and
included further destinations away from his base of operations. Mekkar decided
then to treat it similarly to a reindeer trek because that was the only
comparison he could make at the time. Previous exposure to that type
environment would also make it easier for his own mental stability and focus
for the tasks at hand. Either way, Mekkar would always try to make each of the
trips as fun as possible and fresh since continuous travel can get redundant
and boring at times.</span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">The one thing was that none of his new teammates, except for
Lasse, was able to comprehend the internal battle and cultural transition
required of Mekkar. This would be to a greater degree when Mekkar migrated to a
much larger city later on and involved a longer adjustment period.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Lasse also had witnessed one of Mekkar’s most embarrassing
moments. This occurred in that small village rink back home during a two day
hockey camp. It was quite a while ago now, remembered Mekkar. The mini camp,
training session was put on by a couple of the better known pro players who
grew up in this region of the country. Those players now were members on elite
teams in the big city far to the south. This was their first ever visiting
Mekkar’s village area. Mekkar figured they were passing the time here by
conducting this teaching session for outdoor recreation and relaxation
purposes. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Mekkar perceived that his village seemed to swell to almost
double the inhabitants when the tourists really rolled in during the peak
season. Maybe he was off on the actual numbers of this but the images still
resonated in his mind. Especially, when he included both village populations and
visitors from both sides of the river, which by the way also served as a
division of the border between nations.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">On the first day of the mini camp, there was one instance
where the kids were being shown on the proper methods of how to execute various
face offs and drills to win draws. Even though Mekkar had more of a defensive
mindset when they would play hockey on the lake, positions were not really
assigned yet. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Well, during the camp everyone was still encouraged to develop
all kinds of different skills. Mekkar got to show off his excellent ability in
regards to face offs against bigger, stronger, more experienced and offensively
gifted opponents. Mekkar was so effective in the circle for drops of the puck
due to such a low center of gravity. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">He seemed to be able to get lower than others which results
in greater leverage to win face offs. Mekkar felt that an orangutan could do
this if trained properly, why not him? He had read that those primates also had
a very low center of gravity and at the same time have exceptional strength
without the muscular arms.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">However, Mekkar had developed some bad on ice habits and one
of the session leaders tried to instruct and break him out of some of those
negative traits. It is easier to get rid of them while he was still young he
was told. One of those poor aspects of Mekkar’s hockey play was the tendency to
watch the puck all the way to contact with the blade. Another one was watching his
feet to keep control while feeling the vulcanized rubber disk on his stick. The
hope was that Mekkar would learn to keep his head up at all times instead. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">It was pointed out to him that not learning this lesson now could
result in injury later on at a higher level. To come through the neutral zone
with his head down, against better opposition, could make Mekkar subject to
getting knocked out or wind up on his butt more often. Plus, the fact that
watching the puck at his feet would greatly reduce his awareness of the play
and opportunities to set up teammates around him.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">The camp coach put a small board around Mekkar’s neck that
was held by a leather strap around the back of the neck. The board would
protrude out forward quite a bit from under his chin. That consideration was
that he would not have the need to look down at his feet anymore, since he was
unable to see them. It was hoped that after seeing an ugly piece of wood and
away from his own feet that Mekkar would kick the bad habit. If only all habits
were this easy to break! The strategy was beginning to work too until the next
round of draws at the face off dots. When Mekkar got into his crouch and spread
his legs wide while slightly bending his knees to get real low. He then leaned
forward to take the draw. Just then the very outward end of the board still
attached to his neck got stuck to the ice. It seemed to bond like glue as he
was still leaning forward. He was unable to pull himself back upright again.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">He even pleaded for help from some of the other camp
participants but they just laughed at him. They thought it was funny especially
Lasse. Mekkar shot back a sharp response, “Screw you guys!” while still in that
awkward position. He was hoping to get the attention of one of the people
running the two day affair. He was eventually successful and after a short time
the coach helped him up and out of the circle. Mekkar was now glad that he also
removed that attached board around his throat. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Mekkar did get admonished at the same time while being
helped to his feet to keep his head up or the board would be reattached. From
then on, Mekkar did his best to follow</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">the instruction and whispered under his breath, “Forget that
board, I will break it!” The other kids continued to let him have it and gave
him grief for awhile after that incident. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">After much time had elapsed towards the end of this morning
jaunt Lasse once again reminded him of that episode and gave him grief about
it.. Lasse mentioned on their run together about Mekkar being stuck to the ice
in the middle of the face off dot back home when they were much younger. Mekkar
felt that he was fortunate that none of his other teammates had seen that
incident. However, Mekkar’s best friend never seemed to let Mekkar completely
off the hook regarding that moment in time.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">As anticipated, Mekkar’s car had arrived a few days after he
first did in the small city. Like any kid owning his vehicle, he took it out
for a spin. Not long afterward, He did some stupid stuff with his car:
speeding, spin outs, doing donuts around the shopping carts in the partially
frozen over supermarket parking lot. Mekkar felt that doing stuff like this
worked to get the need for speed and wacky stuff out of his system much quicker
in the long term view. Mekkar was of the opinion that if he didn’t get some of
the crazy stuff out of the way and out of his system early, it might linger and
become more dangerous activities in the future. Remember, he was still a
teenager after all.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Even though Mekkar owned the vehicle and drove it
exclusively, he was technically too young to lawfully drive by himself and have
a driver’s license. They normally weren’t issued until an individual had passed
the tests and was at least eighteen years of age. The cost was around five
hundred dollars. Everything related to the car and rented apartment was all in
his parents names due to his young age. It would be smart of him to avoid
getting too crazy and lose all of the privileges and new toys he had recently
gained.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Fortunately, the cops never stopped Mekkar while he was
driving the whole time he lived in the town. Partially because Mekkar advanced
up the ranks to finally reach the A team level. Plus, Mekkar was not stupid and
he would give a few of the public servants around town free hockey tickets and
souvenirs. His hope was that they would overlook minor infractions such as
public intoxication, drinking while underage, and driving without a license.
Hey, it worked thought Mekkar, so no harm done.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">This giveaway strategy on the part of Mekkar also would help
him gain special entrance into other exclusive locales, dance clubs, etc. This
was done by supplying the bouncers and door people with tickets and free sports
schwag. Mekkar thought that it worked even better than he had planned and was
way more effective in the larger cities down south.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">This was also the period where Mekkar began to broaden his
horizons and participate in other sports. That is to provide some balance to
his life as his mama referred to it. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">At the beginning of his hockey progression, it all was simpler.
There was an atmosphere of encouraging increased creativity and self
conceptualization to figure things out on the ice on your own. However,
advancing to better teams and up the hockey ladder meant more structure and
much harder training methods. Mekkar had to embrace the fact that he had to
improve even quicker than before because he would face better competition and
more talented opposing players. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Mekkar already had an idea of his own limitations and hockey
skill set, thus he attempted to structure his game accordingly. Before practice
though was the place for him to do some experimentation and to tryout new
things on the ice. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">The system is different in Mekkar’s area of the world in
that there are fewer games and more preparatory work on skills. Practice time,
even at lower levels and in juniors, has a lot more dedicated to it than in
North American hockey leagues. The emphasis for Mekkar’s coaches and
instructors was to develop better rounded players. So, they could be more adaptable to handle a wide
variety of on ice situations. There is an unspoken understanding that nothing
always goes completely as planned, so be better prepared for some unexpected
things to happen.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Also, the idea is to not want to burn out a kid on a
particular sport by pushing them too hard, too early. Other cultural factors
also play a part in that Mekkar, like his peers, didn’t want to stand out from
the group or team too much. He felt that this lack of individuality infected
and applied to everyone because of their upbringing. Even the stars were affected
by this malaise. The idea is to prevent all the current success to let it all
go to one’s head and get cocky. The additional problem is that this attitude
includes a whole array of negative aspects for that individual and potentially
their team. Mekkar knew, along with all players, that this sport still required
a team effort. The caveat is that each member always has to do their share so
they all can achieve success - With the understanding that no one person can do
it all by themselves. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">This way of thinking is the complete opposite of athletes in
other parts of the globe. This self-centeredness is totally contrary to the
cultural and sports environment where Mekkar grew up. Mekkar feels that in
other places are infected by the disease of me, myself, and I. This is a result
of the encouragement by society of majorly advanced individualism which he
thinks is consummated in narcissism.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Mekkar accepted the fact that a defensive defenseman is not
flashy enough to make a person stand out like a bass guitarist in a band. The
offensive big time goal scorers seemed to get all the credit to Mekkar and he
compared it to the lead vocalist of a band. Mekkar just did his job, one that
would go pretty much unnoticed by everyone except his team, coaching staff, and
the opposition. Of course, if Mekkar didn’t get his tasks done effectively the
ramifications would definitely cost his squad victories.</span></b></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04733761095238567348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1039678588858327000.post-67363574569236339362017-03-23T16:38:00.002-07:002017-03-23T16:41:05.080-07:00MOVING AWAY FROM THE VILLAGE (A)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Unknown to him and because Sirga just didn’t tell Mekkar why
she chose that particular time to teach him how to drive. It would be revealed
very soon afterward. Mekkar would have his revelation of this when he needed to
move away from his village area. It would be a permanent move, even though the
village would always be home to him. It was required for him to relocate to the
closest city to further his hockey skills and a possible future in that sport. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Fortunately, it was only a little more than one hundred
miles away and he could come back on a regular basis. Whether he knew it or
not, Mekkar would learn and use more life skills than he ever imagined by being
away from his original home. The main reason for the move was that it too
difficult to deal with the frequent and long travel distances required getting
him where he needed to be. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>It was especially true of transportation during the winter
time when the highway would become a mess at times and an adventure at others.
A snow-plowed road does make for more accidents, slow down issues, and greatly
lengthened travel time. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Henrik and Sirga, Mekkar’s parents, based their decision for
him to relocate because they felt that Mekkar was mature enough to be able to
handle living by himself at twelve years old. Other factors also played a part
in the move. It wasn’t as though Mekkar was moving to a small city that he was
not already somewhat familiar with. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Since, Mekkar was currently being taught through individual
studies; in other words, being tutored as well as not attending the local
village school, education was not a consideration in the movement decision
process. Mekkar had been working for some time now, so money was not an issue
and of no concern in this matter.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Mekkar’s papa agreed to help him arrange suitable living
quarters and sought out some of his own contacts in regards to this situation.
Henrik knew a lot of people due to his employment in a multinational
corporation. Henrik also laid out some grounds rules for his son regarding the
arrangements. He located a place in the northwest part of town near the old
arena. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The city council was already in the preparation stages for
the construction of a new ice hall on the opposite side of town. It was a
strategy taught to Mekkar, by his papa, to live as close as possible to his
workplace, if possible. The new arena in the south east corner of town near the
railroad line wouldn’t be finished for at least a couple of years, reasoned
Mekkar and his papa. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>They decided together that they would come to that bridge
when they get to it and work on that issue when it came about. Mekkar figured
he would be much more familiar with his small city by then and they might build
new housing too closer to the new arena when it was completed.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>It is well to note that this is not referring to a large
city like some of them much further to the south. So, transportation and
traffic should not ever be a problem. But, as Mekkar likes to say, “You never
know what will happen!” Plus, the weather could be nasty at times during the
arctic winter season. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Native from the North thought that if it was close
enough to walk where he needed to go, he could handle any trouble. Mekkar had
been on reindeer treks before, so he was used to carrying his gear with him in
any weather. He was proficient enough to use his kick sled with a good sized
basket to haul around town what he needed. It was also a good exercise warm up
for him on the way to the ice house. Pushing a kick sled is kind of like propelling
and riding a skate board on hard pack ice or snow, especially if Mekkar wanted to
arrive in a more rapid manner than walking. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Mekkar wanted to get a feel for his adjusted surroundings
because that was just the way he was and he knew that it took time to do so.
After a while though, Mekkar realized he needed a more stable mode of
transportation, a vehicle, and that his papa could hook him up on that front
too as long as Mekkar had the cash. Mekkar had already stashed some money away
for a car and the search for the right one was the next step.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>There was a James Dean club down south in a nearby big city
that had a few thousand members. Those individuals in that club tried their
best to emulate the now deceased American actor James Dean. They adopted images
from Dean’s time period such as the hairstyle, sleeveless jeans jacket with a
sewn-on Confederate rebel flag patch on the chest, & other aspects. It was
similar how people today imitate Elvis Presley’s features and mannerisms. Many
in the club drove American made vehicles from the 1950’s and early to mid
1960’s that matched the image from that era.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>It seemed to Mekkar that there were quite a few white 1960’s
Chevrolet Impalas with what he described as having the rear fender wings.
Mekkar spotted the make and model he wanted and proceeded to show his papa what
the car looked like. Henrik began to make some more contacts with a few of the
club participants. Mekkar was alongside of his papa and was learning wheeling
and dealing strategy as Henrik went into his business mode of interacting with
people, speaking, and negotiating. </b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Mekkar thought that they had picked a good day to be there
since some of these vintage cars were being bought and sold there. Henrik hoped
to cut a deal before the auctions were to begin. The whole scene was just like
muscle and antique car shows that people go to see all over <st1:place w:st="on">North
America</st1:place>.</b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Due to the continual flux of incoming new and outgoing club
members, it seemed there was a lot of activity and buzz. Mekkar figured some
were selling their vehicles due to various factors. Maybe because their
interest in the club had waned, they need the money from the sale, or possibly
a member recently became deceased.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Henrik wanted Mekkar’s first car purchase to be a fairly
reliable, sturdy, good quality, old steel, tough vehicle that ran well. Vintage
American cars had that positive reputation in this part of the world. Since
Henrik was an extremely hands on and mechanical person, he thoroughly inspected
the potential vehicles himself on Mekkar’s behalf. Henrik considered the amount
of slip and sliding that could occur, especially with a inexperienced driver
like Mekkar, in winter weather in the far north. The reasoning was valid due to
the increased number of accidents that happen during wintertime on an annual
basis.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The thoughts ran through Mekkar’s mind regarding the oddness
that these club participants appeared to partially worship a figure who most of
them had never met. Now they would never get the chance either because Dean
died at such a young age, before really establishing himself as a star, and
long ago ironically in an automobile accident halfway around the world. </b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Eventually, when Mekkar’s papa made the vehicle selection
for his son, they paid out the cash, and set up all the arrangements for the
transport of the vehicle to Mekkar in his newly adopted hometown. The
arrangements included details such as registration, insurance, and other stuff
like that. All the paperwork and documents had to be in Mekkar’s parents name
because technically, according to the national government, Mekkar was too young
to operate a motor vehicle. However, that wasn’t going to stop him!</b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>It would be another day or so for the vehicle, Henrik had
just purchased with Mekkar’s money, to make it legal. The next step was to
transport the vehicle to Mekkar’s new dwelling place in the small city that is
named after a regional bird species located in these parts. The Arctic Warrior
became very familiar with the vehicle during the long drive back home.</b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>When, Mekkar and Henrik arrived back, Henrik proceed to go
instead to their hometown village to get some rest. Mekkar needed to conduct
some preparations to get him settled into his new home. First Mekkar collected
a set of keys to his apartment and mailbox from the property management. He had
not seen the inside prior to his moving in because his papa took care of all of
the arrangements including packing, moving, and unpacking of a few of his
personal items. Mekkar just gave Henrik a chunk of cash to cover the moving
costs, initial expenses like utilities and phone, plus deposit, first and last
months’ rent.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>When Mekkar unlocked the front door and looked around inside
he was pleasantly surprised and stated, “I can always count on my mama and papa
to get the job done right.” </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Mekkar was unaware that his papa gave an additional set of
his apartment keys to an assistant coach of the ice hockey team. This was done
to make sure that Mekkar got his butt up, with some help, early in the morning
for his training. Henrik was wise and knew that his son was not a morning
person, and still isn’t. Henrik gave instructions to the coach to dump Mekkar
on the floor, if required, to wake Mekkar up in the morning to begin his daily
routine.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The awakening started everyday at four o’clock am sharp and
started the very next day after Mekkar had moved in. He had not even gotten a
chance to get situated and comfortable yet and unfortunately that still would
take some more time. There were still a few boxes strewn out all over the flat
even a week later because he was thrown immediately into the fire in
preparation for the upcoming season.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Mekkar thought that the solid wood floors of the flat was
pretty neat considering the bargain cost he felt he receiving for renting this
place. However, he would find out that he was mistaken because the floors could
get chilly and held less heat inside. Moreso, the wood floor in the bedroom was
a hard surface to land on when being dumped onto in the early mornings to start
his day. The daily routine always seemed to Mekkar to begin when it was still
dark outside and sunlight in the arctic was becoming less and less as winter
was coming soon.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Native from the North had been saving a good portion of
his money from working for a few years already, so he knew he could afford the
apartment with no problem. He just wished that his papa would have warned him
of the morning issue situation and the extra key ring given to the coach
beforehand. Mekkar just wanted to be prepared because he very much disliked
being left in the dark about certain things. Mekkar thought that sometimes his
papa would leave some details out in different situations that Henrik put
Mekkar in. He was unable to determine if this was an intentional tactic or not.
Maybe, Mekkar thought, that his papa was continually attempting to stimulate
Mekkar and have his son think on his feet. Mekkar knew that his mama used the
same strategy on him, but she was more straight forward about it. Sirga would
tell Mekkar to his face that she was not going to let know everything needed
for his own good so that he would learn some things for himself and become self
reliant.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> Anyway, Mekkar lands
on the hard wood floor with a thud because the coach tugged on and flipped over
the mattress. This was unexpected and Mekkar would eventually let his papa know
about his displeasure about this morning episode. </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Mekkar seethed with anger regarding this matter and wanted
to light up Henrik verbally the next time he went back to the village. It
wasn’t as though Mekkar was never going back to visit the village he spent his
early years in. He could catch a bus going toward that direction almost every
of the week in the city. So, it was possible for him to go back often during
breaks in his current schedule. </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Not only that, sometimes his parents would come see Mekkar
when they would need to fly down south from the local city airport. The airport
was only one of two places nearest to the village to have regularly scheduled
flights to points southward.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Continuing on, Mekkar was only half awake, cranky, and in a
ticked off mood. After the coach quickly left, Mekkar wanted to whip someone’s
rear end, anyone’s right then would do. His emotional state and mindset was
that whoever was on his bad side in practice the rest of the day would pay the
price as retaliation for this. Mekkar definitely thought this to himself and
might have let it slip out of his mouth, “Too bad there isn’t a game today to
exact some punishment”. </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Mekkar was fully aware of the regimen for this day’s
activities and the one thing that helped him through it was the surprise visit
of his best friend. Lasse knew Mekkar better than anyone else here and was also
his teammate now. Lasse had also moved into a flat next door and had to
participate in the same training regimen as Mekkar. Mekkar later found out that
Lasse’s mama had conversed and planned this move together with Henrik for the
both of the boys. Similar arrangements were made for the both of them by their
parents because Lasse spilled the beans regarding this matter. Lasse had
mentioned it while they were performing the early morning five o’clock five
mile run as part of their hockey training. </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>They would start off together but Lasse was a faster runner
and more of an early bird morning person than Mekkar, but not by much! Lasse
almost always finished the five mile jog in the required time of thirty five
minutes. While Mekkar almost never met the time requirement set by the team
coaching staff. He would normally complete the task a minute or two slower because
he sometimes wouldn’t be at full capacity and totally awake until some distance
into the run.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>If Mekkar failed to cover the course in thirty five minutes
he would have to run an additional five untimed miles as discipline.
Fortunately, there was another teammate that was in the same predicament as
Mekkar, as he wasn’t too much of an early bird also.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The benefits would be evident later on. As a result of
running ten miles almost everyday instead of the regular five miles like their
teammates, on top of the other training, those two slacker joggers would rarely
get tired in the latter part of games. They both were in better overall
physical shape especially near the end of the season when all players are
nursing bumps and bruises.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Thus, in an odd way it turned out to be a benefit for
Mekkar. He could still consume enormous amounts of food and still keep his very
low body fat physical structure. Mekkar was thankful that he had a natural
muscular extremely minimal body fat solid body thanks to great genetics from
his parents. Plus, it helps to be young and highly active.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>There was one instance later on when Mekkar went to bed late
the night before or into the next early morning, he was hazy on the details.
Anyway, he went to bed in a foul mood. The next morning when Mekkar was dumped
out of his bed and onto the floor he was ticked off at the coach. Next, Mekkar
proceeded to get up and punched the team official right in the middle of the
coaches face breaking his nose.</b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>This action resulted in a suspension from the team for
Mekkar. The small victory in all of this is that at least none of the coaches
ever came back to his apartment and do that again. The team staff changed their
tactics and would resort to early morning phone calls or having teammates drop
by instead. Since, Mekkar lacked an answering machine, because they were not
that common in those days, sometimes the phone would ring and ring incessantly
and continuously until it was answered. That way a team official was sure that
Mekkar was up and beginning his morning preparation process, in other words get
dressed, eat breakfast, etc.</b></span> </div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04733761095238567348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1039678588858327000.post-52061389153051852802017-03-22T20:01:00.002-07:002017-03-22T20:01:22.352-07:00MORE AROUND THE VILLAGE (K)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>In one humorous instance, a famous college coach from across
the pond came to Mekkar’s family home to offer him a future based scholarship
to play hockey in <st1:place w:st="on">North America</st1:place>. The coach had
seen him play during a match against his team on a previous travelling tour.
The pitch was that Mekkar could play the game he loved and gain a college
degree at the same time, along with minimal cost to his family due to the
sports scholarship. Some in the village, along with Mekkar, thought it was
maybe just to make contact with him and get a solid future commitment and
signed on the dotted line from him for later on. Mekkar was still a teenager at
this point.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Mekkar was back visiting his home village for a couple of
those days but he was over at his best friend Lasse’s house. Fortunately,
Mekkar’s mama Sirga had a friend of hers, who spoke good english, over at the
house at that time when the coach arrived. (Mekkar would be filled in as the
details of this exchange later on). Anyway, the coach knocked on the front door
along with another individual who showed him where the house was. Sirga
immediately knew it must have been a stranger because they approached the front
door which wasn’t the norm here because of past episodes. The door bell chimed.
Sirga answered the door with her friend and translator next to her since Sirga
hadn’t learned english yet. The coach asked if Mekkar was home. </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Sirga was now on the offensive and asked to see some type of
identification. She bluntly stated back through translation, “What do you want?”
in a suspicious tone of voice. After this question was relayed back to the
school representative, the coach was taken aback, visibly frustrated, and
turned around to walk away. Then, Sirga taunted audibly in her native tongue at
the departing school official, “This guy came half way around the world to not
even spend thirty seconds, how stupid. Well, I don’t want my child to go to
that school because they are too easily intimidated”. The coach couldn’t
comprehend a word that Sirga had said. Sirga and her friend laughed out loud
regarding this whole encounter. Just like that, this brief multi lingual exchange
was over.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Later on, when Mekkar heard about this, he felt that someone
had led the coach there and were hot on the trail and there might be more on
the way. The rub is that if Mekkar would have been home during the coach’s
visit, he would have rejected the offer anyway. His focus instead was to play
professional hockey as soon as possible. It would take a lot of convincing on
the part of some of his own coaches, parents, friends, and teammates to have
Mekkar wait to perform at the higher echelons of the sport until later on.
Especially if he were to make an Olympic or National team or travel
internationally on an All-Star squad. Those advising Mekkar told him to enjoy
the experience and not to rush it because these situations do not come around
very often. They said to him that if it ever happens, it was meant to be.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>In hindsight, this focus was a short term viewpoint on
the part of Mekkar and later turned out to be a big mistake. What he failed to
see, due to his youthful desires and dreams dancing around in his skull, is
that an athlete’s sport career is only just a short part of one’s overall life
span. That is based on a seventy year or more span of an individual’s potential
lifetime. But, Mekkar had doubts and conflicting thoughts just like everyone
else. Mekkar felt that maybe he grew up way too fast, in comparison to others,
and didn’t get to be a kid long enough during his formative years. Mekkar
entertained this thought circling his brain at intervals, Hey I am going to be
a child as much as possible, for as long as I can, because I have experienced
the other. Maybe it was some type of syndrome to delay adulthood, perhaps? </b></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04733761095238567348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1039678588858327000.post-88965222468649239452017-03-21T19:43:00.000-07:002017-03-21T19:45:06.037-07:00MORE AROUND THE VILLAGE (J)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Anyway, Mekkar had seen this contest awhile ago when Paalii
was victorious and set the record of twenty nine pancakes completely eaten. The
flapjacks were fluffy, made with sourdough mix to get that rising effect. Each
one was big enough to stretch to the outer rim of a regular sized dinner plate.
They were not tiny! When Mekkar overheard a week beforehand, that the next
contest would take place at his families’ restaurant because of the home backup
kitchen would be used also, he was gleeful. Mekkar thought he would have home
field advantage for the event. While most of the others who would observe the
event felt that this home kitchen location selection would be of no help to
Mekkar.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Well, Mekkar had very little body fat content, which by the
way was inherited from his papa, along with a high metabolism rate. So, these
factors made it so he could eat massive amounts of food for his age and burn
the calories right off too! This was the case with all the three boys in the
family at the time, too bad it doesn’t always stay that way. But, Mekkar went
into food consumption training mode during that week prior to the pancake
eating contest and continually increased the amount gradually. He knew that to
break the old record of twenty nine it would be a stretch for his tummy and
Paalii, the current champ, would show up and be competing in this event. Even
though many tried to keep this fact hush, hush, Mekkar had his ways of finding
out not so well known inside information.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Each day prior to the contest Mekkar consumed any sourdough
related items, like bread and pancakes more and more. By the time the contest
rolled around, he felt that he was ready to kick some butt and did not drink
any liquids the day of the event because Mekkar was convinced that any fluids
in his stomach would expand the sourdough foods and lessen the amount he could
take. The contest began promptly at twelve o’clock noon with ten competitors
and after a fairly short period of time only Paalii and Mekkar were the only
individuals left in the contest still munching away. Both were near the old
record and soon they broke the previous standard of twenty nine pancakes eaten.
</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>After about thirty five or so Paalii began to slow down his
pace at this point and he was now some distance behind Mekkar. Mekkar was still
chomping away quickly. Paalii finished with forty, but Mekkar was on a mission
and did not stop until he set the new record of sixty five. A few minutes later
both of them could be heard hurling like mad outside in the woods. At the same
time, some of Mekkar’s friends were collecting their winnings from their
wagers. Sirga refused to let Paalii and Mekkar make a mess of the restaurant
restrooms for their barfing session, otherwise she would have kicked the
stuffing out of both of them. Mekkar’s brother, Alf collected Mekkar’s funds
from the bet he had placed upon himself. It was important to note that many of
the contest participants would need some time to recover including Mekkar who
required at least a couple of days, where the sight of any food made him ill.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Since, Mekkar lacked the mechanical aptitude of his brother Alf;
he was not subject to specific special tasks given to Alf by Henrik. At first
it started with a small project where Mekkar’s younger brother was required to
take apart a radio. In some instances, Henrik did the dismantling of the object
beforehand. The idea was to have Alf spread out all of the pieces on the ground
or on top of the snow during wintertime, then put the object back together
again. The kicker was that it better work great, just like it did before the
radio was torn apart, or trouble would be at hand from the taskmaster papa
Henrik.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Once in awhile, Mekkar would observe this and glad that he
wasn’t involved because Mekkar had to carry out his own tasks assigned to him
by his papa. This destruction and rebuilding process that Alf was required to
carry out had no written documentation or manuals included, there was no public
web he could search for and download. Mekkar’s papa was thoroughly confident
that Alf could complete these tasks with flying colors. This perception was
based on how much time Henrik had spent together with Alf, while teaching him
at the same time, on various projects. They even coexisted on some high tech
electronic ones related to Henrik’s work.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Thus, the boy’s papa got to see his son Alf in action and
felt that he could do the job with possibly a little guidance from him. Each
special task became more difficult, larger, and more extensive than the
previous ones. Another example had Alf conduct the same process with a large
home television set. Alf finally graduated Henrik’s special schooling class
after completing his last project. That was dismantling and full reconstruction
of a 1960’s rounded top body design race car. This all seemed excessive in
Mekkar’s eyes. But, after Alf finished that project, they went for a joyride to
test it out and push it to its limits. Mekkar drove it and said afterward that
vehicle handled great and was fast too!</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Alf had finished the entire list assignments setup by his
papa by the time he was just thirteen years old. Mekkar thought that Alf had a
pretty good handle on it and demonstrated a competent ability in these areas.
Alf was relieved that he never received punishment for a lack of functioning
success of the finished items. Mekkar was a little bit older and felt lucky that
his interests resulted in him getting to travel to far away places with his
parents instead. However, travelling with papa was not always fun and games, there
was some work to be done too!</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Once in a blue moon, North American college scouts, coaches,
and other representatives would arrive in the area to try to recruit and get
future ice hockey commitments from a few local players. Mekkar, Lasse, and a
couple of others were targeted due to their international experience and to
familiarize them with these various squads. This type of activity was still a
fairly new practice started by some World Hockey Association (WHA) teams in
this era to discover untapped sources of talent. The idea was to gain
exclusivity and a foothold in those areas of the world that other hockey
leagues had previously ignored. Since the WHA was considered by many as the outrageous
pro circuit [Ed Willes, The Rebel League] as they were breaking down all
barriers, changing all norms, and were doing things in a new and exciting ways.</b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Now these other hockey leagues, professional and otherwise
would beginning to follow those same discovery paths. Mekkar saw this as a
positive change. This development was crucial especially for him since his
essential on ice contributions to any potential team was less noticed on many
score sheets. However, he had skills and heart that any franchise would deem
necessary. </b></span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04733761095238567348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1039678588858327000.post-43055601640946685742017-03-20T20:18:00.000-07:002017-03-20T20:21:01.726-07:00MORE AROUND THE VILLAGE (I)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>However, Mekkar was not good at that type of thing. Mekkar
knew that he would never be a good thief because he wasn’t that mechanical and
was unable to jimmy or pick locks. So much for being like one of his heroes,
James Bond! Mekkar then would then drag Alf’s body into the shower, soap,
scrub, and rinse him off. Then, Mekkar would attempt to dry him off with a
towel as much as he could and next set him back out of the shower stall on the
floor mat. Mekkar eventually got an extra bathroom door lock keys made for
future use. Each time Mekkar hated to go into the bathroom in that situation
because it felt like a Turkish steam bath to him and it was hard on his lungs,
very much unlike the sauna. But, he was the oldest …</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Far North Native would then take his own shower since he
was already there, after taking care of his brother. The problem was that most
of the hot water was nearly gone and needed time to be replenished. So, poor
Mekkar had to gotten used to taking quick lukewarm water showers and is still
his habit to this day. Mekkar feels scalded or burned by any very hot water now
since he was not used to it, thanks to his younger brother’s actions.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Mekkar’s papa, Henrik, was kind of an inventor and very much
a handyman and had the ability to create or fix a lot of different items, when
he had the chance and time. Mekkar did not inherit Henrik’s mechanical ability
while his younger brother Alf did. Mekkar’s papa attempted to create a smaller
food cooking device for their kitchen and that would also be used at times for
the family restaurant. It had to be much smaller and cook quicker than a stove
or oven and hopefully use less energy because there would not be a need to
preheat it beforehand. One time, Mekkar had a sneak peak at their home’s power
bill and it was astronomical.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>It was an experimental process done for family need reasons
and not financial gains sake. But, the process had to be tried out in a true
living situation, but Henrik used too strong and powerful waves for his
built-in prototype microwave cooking machine that he had constructed. This was
a few years before nuke machines were ever massively sold to the public. The
result from the first attempt was that it melted down part of the kitchen
counter area. The machine sat nearby the large refrigerator, but thankfully not
right next to it. Sirga was ticked off about this development because she knew
there would some time delays to correct the issue and there was the need to
repair the damage the machine created. The house kitchen was in fact used as
the overflow preparation and cooking area for all of the family businesses
including the restaurant since the diner kitchen was much smaller. The early
version microwave’s issues were soon fixed and corrected after the previous
minor contamination and reconstruction of the damaged area were solved. Mekkar
thought that his papa made it much better this time with more features added to
the kitchen itself.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Henrik had built some things himself with his own hands or
on bigger projects arranged for other special tasks around the family lot with
the goal to improve their quality of life. Mekkar’s papa constructed from
scratch and from his knowledge a large round TV satellite dish. Mekkar
describes it as like one you might see at a television broadcast station. It
was built to greatly expand the available channels they could get on their
television. An example of this was that they could television signals and
shortwave radio signals from various parts of the globe. It made Mekkar’s house
the place to hang out. Both parents thought that was a good thing since Mekkar
had a penchant for finding trouble. Sirga mentioned to a family member, that
the dish also helped keep Mekkar from taking off to who knows where and
creating mischief. But, no matter what it seemed to find him. </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Sirga and Henrik felt the more Mekkar was around and nearby
the better they could influence him and watch over the sly Mekkar more often..
Mekkar had noticed throughout his travels around the world that parents, in
general, have the same worries about their children and express it in similar
ways. However he didn’t learn this until much later after he had moved away
from home for sports. Mekkar thought his parents were pretty much the same as
others as he only had Lasse’s parents and some others in the village to use as
a real comparison. They were pretty much alike except for the fact that his
mama was much more feisty, blunt, and would assert this attitude when
necessary. But, he knew the whole local culture was like that too! It was just
that Sirga was the most strong about it. </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Mekkar really knew when he was in deep trouble for something
especially when Sirga would call, mainly yell at him by his full complete name,
all six of them. This, after she would first shout out the dog’s name or one of
his brother’s full name. Mekkar would respond with a statement, “wrong child!”
This would incur an increasing fury from his mama. Mekkar’s next natural
reaction was to flee and to not be seen or heard by his mama, but where could
he go? Not very far, as it turns out, since she knew or was acquainted with a
lot of people in the area. Mekkar knew that she had her long arm of the law and
she was the sheriff and his arrest and punishment would be coming soon.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Sirga thought that she was all knowing and she wouldn’t
hesitate to tell Mekkar that fact on occasion. Her reason she stated was
because she was a mother and they know all. Mekkar believed her because she
seemed to always find out the details, even when he would keep quiet, it
baffled Mekkar. That perception kept Mekkar more in line and in reasonably good
behavior than he would have otherwise because Sirga usually didn’t have to tell
Mekkar what to do in most situations, he already had a fairly good idea what
was expected. Sirga almost never had to get Mekkar to follow her commands and
do her bidding more than once. Mekkar thought many times that she was like an
military officer barking out orders and you better follow them or else. Later
on during his military service boot camp, the drill sergeants were a breeze as
compared to his mama Sirga, Mekkar recalled.</b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Very infrequently, some of the people in the village had a
pancake eating contest and Mekkar was feeling confident, so he entered and was
determined to win. The first place winner would claim a prize equivalent to
$500 dollars. Now Mekkar didn’t need the money because he was working, but he
was so hyper competitive he just had to be victorious and win big! Mekkar knew
that many activities that happen in the village are gambled upon, even the kids
do it. Betting on different things was just part of the local culture. However,
it didn’t always involve money, but could include purchased or bartered items
or even services provided by the losers of the bet. </b></span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04733761095238567348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1039678588858327000.post-91794346152330436332017-03-19T21:54:00.002-07:002017-03-19T21:54:37.406-07:00MORE AROUND THE VILLAGE (H)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Mekkar lived in a nice house that his parents bought not
long after he was born, but after awhile it required expanding to meet the
families’ needs. Mekkar’s family grew in size after his younger brothers were
born and then the home actually became a real settled permanent dwelling for
them. For larger scale additions and projects related to the house that his
papa didn’t have time to do himself would require some materials and needed
labor from further down south. Henrik would make all the arrangements for this,
which included some input from his mama. Some of these house projects were
carried out in parts over a period of years. Some bribery, also known as
locality charges and fees, was in order to get the job done. </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The house had a large underground basement area built that
was more than just a cellar. It always seemed to Mekkar to be cold down there
because it part of it was built into the permafrost, which is only a short
distance below ground. The cellar and the ground floor are not considered by
the national standard as stories, only the levels above ground. Mekkar’s
parents had a whole extra story, which spanned the length of the home, added to
the top of the house along with an upstairs attic for bedrooms and activity rooms
for the boys. </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>For a long time before, Mekkar had pestered his mama and
papa about having his own room, especially for being the oldest child in his
immediate family. Yet, Mekkar was not successful in his avocation for a
Jacuzzi. Mekkar felt that being the oldest should count for something since he
had much more responsibility than his younger siblings combined or so he
reasoned with his parents. At the same time, since Alf grew up very fast and
was already taller than Mekkar in no time at all, Mekkar got sick and tired of
having to share a room and sleeping in an oversized king sized bed along with
his younger brother. </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Alf drove Mekkar crazy with his continual tossing and
turning and swinging his arms in his sleep. Even though Mekkar would sleep near
the far edge of his side of the large bed, once in awhile he might receive an
elbow in the back or side. Mekkar, would then get ticked off and return the
favor back. It was so difficult for Mekkar to get some shut eye because of
Alf’s crazy sleep habits that Mekkar would grab some pillows and other blankets
and go to sleep in a different room of the house.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Finally, after a few construction projects were completed
and built each of the three boys had their own bedroom, a hang out room with a
pool table and a big television, and a trophy room in which each sibling had
their own wall for jerseys, etc. Outside a cool club fort was constructed with
seating for about ten kids. Also, Mekkar could never forget about the sauna
too! The sauna was one of those special projects added to Mekkar’s family home
for a variety of reasons.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Many homes in the area had home saunas, either attached to
the main dwelling or as a separate small building. Those that have the saunas
could be invite others over or go to one of the community ones available for
public use, since this was normal daily custom for many in the area. Mekkar
understood that these hot rooms were invented, in this area of the planet, to
provide personal relaxation and a few health benefits for the residents. It was
also a place of interaction also.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Many business deals are arranged and conducted while taking
a sauna together. For example, heads of state and big time corporate executives
have negotiated some business matters there. This is true especially in larger
cities down south similar to head honchos who wheel and deal on gold courses in
other parts of the world. This activity could be participated in chilly weather
outside during wintertime and it is very adaptable too! Some individuals, like
Mekkar’s parents, would go to the sauna for a bit of solitude and what they
called “self peace time”. </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Boy, it would get hot in there with temperatures high enough
to make Mekkar feel like his hair was on fire. Even though he would pour water
on the treated rocks in the sauna to get it nice and toasty, it was still more
comfortable to him compared to a Turkish steam bath. The steam bath air was so
thick with steam that Mekkar could hardly breathe in it. Mekkar went to the
sauna almost every day when he was home and there was still room for more
people. Some people using the sauna would tap or lightly whip themselves to
stimulate and improve blood circulation and get a person’s skin pores to open
up. Some in the hot room quickly drink a beer or two to prevent such quick dehydration,
but would get someone buzzed twice as fast. Afterward they might go outside to
roll in the cold winter snow or jump into the shallow unfrozen part of the
river. Rolling in the powder gave Mekkar a numbing sensation, and he was
certain that after drinking in the sauna that was the only reason for the odd
feeling. </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Mekkar preferred to air dry by walking around outside after
exciting a hot room to let the pores close on their own instead of using other
methods to shock them closed. The shock the pores closed process could be
through coming into contact with extreme cold or heat. However, Mekkar
preferred his way because he felt that his body had been cleansed and
refreshed. At times, Mekkar would invite a few of his closest friends over to
the sauna in his house. He figured it was being used for its intended purpose,
to entertain guests. Of course, Mekkar would also go to the community saunas,
with his friends, to meet girls. </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>However, Mekkar’s papa had constructed this particular sauna
with other additional functions in mind such as heating up the water to provide
more hot water showers, etc... This hot room was always turned on and kept in a
warm state because you never knew who or when some guest might drop by the
house. Thus, an all inclusive practicality was a requirement for the original
building and the presence of the hot room along with the usual benefits for
those who enjoyed its medicine. </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Far North Native thought that Alf always wanted to test
the limits of the sauna’s added hot water production. Alf would proceed to let
the upstairs bathroom fog up something fierce, even with the powerful vent fan
running, because Mekkar’s brother would turn the shower knob all the way to the
hottest setting. Alf then would fall asleep on the large bathmat in the middle
of the bathroom floor, while letting the hot water flow from the shower head. Mekkar
suspected that Alf would just pass out from the hot steam. Since this was a
frequent occurrence Mekkar would then after a certain amount of time have his
youngest brother Niillas or another family member pick the lock and open the
bathroom door. </b></span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04733761095238567348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1039678588858327000.post-24321220826818193622017-03-18T21:47:00.000-07:002017-03-18T21:51:44.267-07:00MORE AROUND THE VILLAGE (G)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>When Alf had come earlier to retrieve his own shoes filled
with candy and treats away from the fireplace, he purposely neglected to remind
or warn Mekkar at that time. Mekkar called his brother a devious individual and
he knew Alf was relishing this misfortune of his. Mekkar then proceeded to get
into trouble for his forgetfulness and the ruining of the specially made shoes.
He also received a second punishment because a family member would have to
create a new pair of those same hand crafted shoes for him from scratch. It was
not planned for yet because the shoes wouldn’t have worn out by this time and
should be still useable, but now weren’t due to special circumstances. It is
well to point out that Mekkar never again got candy or goodies in his shoes
when left outside on Christmas Eve, just sand. Eventually, Mekkar just stopped
leaving his shoes outside on the porch hoping for extra Christmas treats, so he
wouldn’t have to clean the sand out. Fortunately, sand was easy to remove and
clean out of the footwear.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Like his papa intended Mekkar was finally enrolled in the
local martial arts class, where his younger brother had begun a few years
earlier. Mekkar was hesitant, but his papa required him to do it and Mekkar was
not going to tell his large papa, No! Plus, Henrik told Mekkar that martial
arts are very beneficial for improving his sports footwork and protective
skills.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>When Mekkar first started out in the martial arts training
class, he felt stupid, clumsy, uncoordinated, embarrassed, and out of his element
while he was getting his rear end kicked, punched, thrown, and flipped a lot!
Mekkar figured that everyone has to start somewhere and some point, so why not
now and here. At first, he was humbled big time because he thought that he had
gained some toughness playing hockey and other games with the older kids on the
lake. However, this martial arts activity was a different ballgame and coming
in with a toughie attitude was a mistake and it changed quickly, since he was
in actuality, a beginner. Mekkar, after some time, began to put some more time
into it as he started to see improvement in his skills. As he worked hard at
it, he got to a level of brown belt in karate and noticed that others that had
this bad boy newcomer disposition, would in time, be knocked of you by those
instructors and higher level students with more experience. Mekkar observed
this and had learned from his previously errored ways. </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Mekkar, from then on, would attempt to advise some of the others
that were beginners in the martial arts endeavors to leave their egos at the
door but many ignored his heed and suffered the same indignation that he did at
the very beginning. So, Mekkar just focused on his own martial arts development
and later on earned a red belt in Aikido. The techniques he learned here would
help avoid some more serious injuries later on and one day Mekkar realized his
papa did know what he was talking about and not feeding him a line of bull to
get him to participate.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>There was one time at home when a very frustrated Mekkar was
punching and kicking at the large heavy canvas colored 1.21 meters (4 feet)
tall hanging from a hook and a rope from a large beam. But, Mekkar had a nasty
temper also and on this occasion had an overwhelming need to win. So, he went
over and grabbed an axe and swung it in a chopping motion cutting a big hole on
the side of the bag near the bottom. As the sand inside started running out
onto the floor, Mekkar tried to gather his wits about him and attempted
everything he could to stem the flow of the sand because he then realized the
consequences of his actions and dread set in. When his papa came home, Mekkar
got into trouble again, because it seemed Mekkar was always in trouble. Not
only did he have to clean up the mess he made but also had to fork out a good
chunk of change to buy a new heavy punching bag and it had to be exactly like
the old one. Mekkar had to replace this bag that he just destroyed because his
papa had bought the previous one for everyone in the family to use. It wasn’t
cheap and had to be shipped in because you couldn’t just go and pick one up at
the local store, here in the arctic.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Since Mekkar had no drawing talent whatsoever, he had his
friend Iilvas create a caricature of the national government assigned overseer
of this area. The kids would jokingly refer to him as the imbecile mayor.
Mekkar seemed to think that nobody in the area liked this person, as they
thought of him as a state sponsored arrogant spy who was there to tattle on the
natives, back to officials in the halls of the capital buildings down south.
The locals also saw him as an observer of how to rip-off more of the natural
resources there, as well as get rid of the rest of the remaining native culture
like they having been trying to do for hundreds of years. This, all on behalf
of the state and big business.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Mekkar was correct in thinking that most of his contemporaries
also hated the governor, who was not a native minority and was unable to speak
neither the native language nor the local dialect of this region. They thought
that he was a city slicker and noticed that most of the adults had little
interaction with him and avoided him if they were able due to a lack of trust
of this outsider among the locals. </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Well, being kids pranksters to boot, Mekkar and his buddies
decided they would give the governor a little gift. Iilvas drew a picture of
the regal mayor with his head between his legs and up his butt. The locals
would recognize the person who the drawing represented. The special artwork was
then cut out and glued onto the cover of a 1,001 Jokes about … book and
translated into a language so the governor could understand it. Mekkar, along
some others, went up to the mayor’s front door as he was unaware of most of the
local customs, and they left the book in a package box next to the door. Then,
they rang the door bell and ran. Then, they hid themselves nearby so the boys
could observe. They saw him open the door and pickup the package and take it
inside the house. Next, they heard a loud voice ring out a long string of obscenities
from the house.</b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>It took all of their strength to keep the boys bursting out
laughing right then and there. Eventually, when Mekkar and his friends got far
enough away from the house, as to not be discovered, they heartily cracked up.
Supposedly, none of the boys in the posse told anyone else about the prank.
However, the next day in the village the story spread like wildfire in the
sparsely populated area they lived in. Even though it was not a crime, the boys
didn’t want to be revealed and prank perpetrators were never found out. So,
they celebrated among themselves by
getting drunk on one of the hills overlooking the village.</b></span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04733761095238567348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1039678588858327000.post-1064840796916213982017-01-30T19:27:00.001-08:002017-01-30T19:29:00.466-08:00MORE AROUND THE VILLAGE (F)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Mekkar also played imaginary games that he designed for him
and to serve two purposes, relieve some boredom and to keep his mama off of his
back because she would frequently ask if he was exercising his newly learned English
language skills. It all stemmed from a practical family business need. After
watching the mama forcibly required english language sports films, tapes, or
reels that could be run on either a 8 or 16 millimeter or reel-to-reel
projector; or a European beta-type early version equivalent of a vhs machine.
This equipment was acquired by his mama somehow but Mekkar didn’t ask her where
or how she got them for him. Mekkar would then go off by himself and create his
own little world.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>For example, after watching a baseball game on tape, he
would go outside and painted on an adult sized armpits to knees strike zone box
on a nearby cement wall and made a line about 12.19 meters (40 feet) away. The
MLB standard of 18.44 meters (60 feet 6 inches) pitching mound was a little too
far for Mekkar at that time. Then, Mekkar being ambidextrous and able to throw
the ball with both his left and right hands, he would choose pitching matchups.
He would pretend to be a real pitcher, sometimes it is one that he had just
watched for his language lesson, and then tries to mimic that pitcher’s stance
and movements. At first, he used a tennis ball, and then much later on as he
got older he used a hard baseball.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>He would attempt to throw only the pitches that he found out
or observed a particular ballplayer possessed and Mekkar was able to copy. The
game was based on strikes and balls. There would be a hit when Mekkar made an
error or missed the ball as it was coming back off the wall. Since, the game
would go a full (home and visitor alternating sides of the order) nine innings
or extras if tied after nine. More hits would result from his increased amount
of errors as Mekkar became fatigued towards the end of the game. </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>By watching the videos, tapes, etc. beforehand, Mekkar began
to learn batting lineups, pitching staffs, and full roster names and eventually
his game became a little more sophisticated as time went along. Plus, his
pitching, baseball fielding skills, and stamina also improved. Mekkar also was
creative enough to invent his own games to play by himself, if so desired, in
other sports fields as well such as soccer, football, and basketball. This was
not necessary for hockey because Mekkar already played ice, pond, lake hockey
or shinny with the other children in the area. Girls would be included and play
on the frozen ground along with the boys in the games, mainly because there
wouldn’t be enough kids otherwise. There was not any favoritism for the females
either; they were treated exactly like the boys during the games. </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>However, the sides were fairly evenly distributed talent
wise or either alternatively drafted or picked with two of the oldest kids
being captains and doing the choosing for the teams. Depending on the available
time, sometimes small sectional and portable boards could be setup prior to
playing but not everywhere because the frozen surface was too big and they
didn’t have enough boards to cover it all. There was checking with the hip,
body, and the stick, but carrying out a check on such a large area could put Mekkar
way out of position so it was not smart to try to run someone. The girls were
pretty tough too and would also throw checks on other players. At times, Mekkar
and other boys would receive a stick spear from the girls in the heat of battle
because there was little favoritism among those kids that were about the same
relative age or size. The difference is that some of those females who just dished
out a cheap shot at them were still cute enough to date later on, as they grew
older, in Mekkar’s mind.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>There were times when Mekkar and his brother were able to
put their work clothes in the restricted washer and dryer because they had
worked in one of the family businesses that day. Otherwise, clean clothes for
the boys had to be achieved in some different manner. Their grandmamma would
check their clothes to see if anything was left in the pockets, etc. to teach
the boys some responsibility and attentiveness. If there was anything there,
along with clothes, she would claim any of the items left behind with the
clothes as her own. The brothers knew this, so they remembered to check most of
the time but once in awhile forgot and lost out.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>One cold and chilly Christmas Eve Mekkar put his shoes
outside on the front porch. It was after the majority of Jule traditions for
that day had been completed, such as decorating the tree, singing songs, and
even drinking a bit with the family after the eve dinner. He put his specially
made shoes outside right next to his brother’s. It would be hard to tell the
difference between the pairs of shoes because they both had been made out of
reindeer hide with fur on the top. Plus, Mekkar’s younger brother Alf had big
feet for his age and at this point, they both pretty much wore the same size
shoes, actually Alf’s were larger. </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The children who were good throughout that year would have
their shoes filled with candy; bad kids would get sand in their shoes instead.
It was considered that the elves, Father Christmas’ (Santa Claus’) helpers,
would carry out this activity along with a few others’ on the Eve of Jule. It
was thought that some magic was required on the elves part since Mekkar’s
village was nowhere near beach sand. When the boys woke up the next morning on
Christmas, they went to retrieve their shoes from the porch. Mekkar was not as
eager to check as Alf because Mekkar usually got sand in his shoes while Alf
always seemed to get candy in his. Mekkar even snorted sarcastically “Alf is
such a kiss butt”! </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Sure enough, Mekkar’s brother’s shoes were
overflowing with goodies, but to Mekkar’s surprise and astonishment there was
candy and treats in his shoes also! The problem was that the shoes and their
contents were still frozen solid from being outside all night. They looked like
a small statue and needed to be brought inside to warm up, so the boys could
retrieve the goodies from them. It would only take a bit of time to thaw the
shoes. However, Mekkar unknowing to him erroronously put his pair of shoes much
too close to the fireplace, even closer than Alf did, because he was impatient
due to his glee over finally receiving a prize for being a good boy, for a
change. After leaving the shoes there near the fireplace, Mekkar went upstairs
and put on another pair of shoes and went outside to play. He forgot about the
candy filled shoes. A few hours later Mekkar went to get his shoes, but the
goodies inside of them had melted which ruined the shoes completely. His
brother had a jolly old time by laughing at him and even taunted him about it. </b></span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04733761095238567348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1039678588858327000.post-30631253766685224322017-01-04T18:40:00.002-08:002017-01-04T18:47:41.891-08:00MORE AROUND THE VILLAGE (E)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The kids in the neighborhood would play other modified games
that they had heard of, seen elsewhere, or were introduced by Mekkar, Lasse,
and others as a result of their overseas travels. Foreign activities such as
Truth or Dare and Kick the Can, which is just a version similar to Hide and
Seek, were done by as many participants as could have been persuaded to play.
The youngsters would also play army too knowing that it was a precursor for
real military training and service that would be required of them later on. So,
the kids would try to make it as fun as possible.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>There was one infrequent activity that Mekkar was involved
in and he referred to it as “the dog bowl”. Only a few of the older kids, along
with Mekkar, were included in this devious behavior because if they got caught
the police would probably show up and possible incarceration could be a
consequence. So, the rebellious Mekkar was definitely game! This gathering
acquired from one of the regional hospitals: Four flexible 3 meter (9.84 feet)
long sections of stretchable rubber tubing, each piece looked like a small
clear colored hose, and a large yellow heavy plastic, later on a metal one when
it became available, dog bowl. This dog bowl could hold six good sized
snowballs. Sometimes they would become an ice ball when it was much colder
outside or formed and left overnight to harden. One of the boys cut, or drilled
with the metal bowl, holes in the sides of the bowl to put the tubing through.
There were two tubes on each side of the bowl. </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>After that they would pick a launching location by a nearby
road or highway. If there was no cover to hide their activity, the small group
with Mekkar in tow, would build a snow wall or use some equipment to make a
good sized snow mound. The wall or mound had to be at least about 1.85 meters
(6.06 feet) high at a minimum to cover them. After completing that task they
took a break and drank enough to get buzzed and to summon up some liquid
courage to go ahead with their planned activity. The boys would then form about
50 or more snowballs for their ammunition. For the first firing session the
four biggest and strongest of them, with two on each side one individual
holding each tube, would wrap the end of the clear tube around their hands and
put it over their inside shoulder while facing forward toward the target. The
tube was wrapped around the hands for grip and to prevent slippage. Mekkar then
filled up the dog bowl with six large snowballs that had now become a little harder
and icier.</b></span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">He pulled the bowl back and the tubing stretched, like
it was supposed to, a couple of extra feet or more and then when they had
reached their limit, Mekkar let his hands go from each side of the bowl. It was
just like a big slingshot effect and the snowballs flew a few football field’s
distance over a moving automobile on the road. This unidentified flying object
appeared to startle the driver of the car, but they didn’t stop. So, the boys
had to recalculate their position to get a better fields of fire range for
their next target. Fortunately, for the passing motorists that day the boys’
aim was slightly off. Mekkar figured it was due to the effects of the alcohol
they had consumed. But, they figured there would be other days to perfect their
contraption and hit to miss ratio.</span></span></b></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04733761095238567348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1039678588858327000.post-50273637738686886192016-12-20T21:52:00.003-08:002016-12-20T21:55:27.601-08:00MORE AROUND THE VILLAGE (D)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>One time, Mekkar’s mama instructed him not to run fast and
stop suddenly on the ice with the particular shoes he had on because she warned
him sternly, “You could fall and get hurt”. Well, the rebellious Mekkar ignored
the warning as he many times did. Next, after going outside and arriving at the
frozen lake he took off running full speed to play with his friends and just
then he stopped suddenly near them. Unlike his normal tennis shoes that he
regularly wore these heavy soled rubber bottomed shoes were created to slide
very little on icy surfaces for good traction. So, when Mekkar stopped abruptly,
he fell down and landed the left-side of his face directly on the ice and broke
his cheekbone. There was instant pain felt by Mekkar. Despite the cold there
was still a worse nagging feeling inside because he now had to face his mama
after not listening to her earlier stern advice. </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>When he got back to the house, his mama was there waiting
for him, because she knew sensed something was not right and another kid had
already notified her about Mekkar’s misfortune. Due to Mekkar’s moaning and
groaning she would have surmised anyway what had happened, but Sirga also
wanted to teach him a lesson. So, she scolded him and then told him that she
was “going to make him wait before she called the doctor because she wanted him
to suffer a little bit to remind him of this moment. Maybe next time you will
listen to me, huh!” Sirga knew that the local physician couldn’t do much about
an injury such as the one Mekkar had except to give him pain medication and
advise him to rest to let it heal up. She wasn’t about to tell Mekkar this and
what she had learned about a similar cheekbone fracture that happened to
herself from her earlier days.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Sirga felt that if Mekkar encountered pain as a result of
his direct disobedience then bad behaviors on his part would be more likely
avoided, like burning a finger on a hot stove. This is what her advanced
education had taught her through various psychology classes. However, she
seemed to understand that bullheaded Mekkar had to learn many lessons the hard
way and from his own errored ways.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Other games were created or adapted according to the
conditions by the participants such as 15-on-15 ice basketball; sometimes there
were more than 15 kids on each side but still with pretty many evenly matched
teams according to their individual athletic abilities. Unlike King of the Ice
where all the players involved could use regular shoes or skates, ice
basketball was played exclusively on ice skates as dictated by the group
leaders. The baskets were 5 meters (16.4 feet) high on a pole setup at opposite
ends of a smaller frozen pond or lake. The baskets were constructed by some of
the more mechanical men in the village. These baskets also had a small white
backboard like one a person would find in an elementary school yard and they
could be set up and taken down easily by the older kids among the players.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The rule was the first team to score 10 baskets, with each
basket being counted as 1 point, through the 5 meter (16.4 feet) tall hoop was
declared as the winner or when visibility became too dark or foggy to see well
anymore. At that point, whatever the current score was would be the victor.
Trouble was scoring a basket was much more difficult than it looked with a rim
higher than in pro basketball with children trying to throw up a regulation
sized basketball through the high hoop. At times, games could go on for hours
and since a player is unable to dibble a basketball on ice, they can only
advance the ball, by skating, up to 3 meters (9.8 feet) until required to pass
the ball. Mekkar never wanted to jump while taking a shot at the basket because
one of the first things he learned when beginning to play ice hockey is to not
leave your feet! If you jump into the air, in hockey and in ice basketball, you
are asking to get tagged and will probably get hurt. Mekkar didn’t want that! </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Any of the players, whether they are in possession of the
ball or not are subject to get body checked and tagged hard. Thus, Mekkar and
all of the others always had to keep their head on a swivel and be aware of
everyone and everything around them. At any time Mekkar could get knocked on
his rear end. This activity was also beneficial to improve Mekkar’s defensive
hockey skills, whether he realized it or not at the time.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Mekkar would also for amusement play an army men battle game
with his younger brother Alf, when his younger brother got older. The rules
were fairly simple as there were the same exact number of plastic toy soldiers,
tanks, and artillery on each side, but no aircraft was used. Mekkar, being the
older sibling, always got the first choice of sides and he always chose the
blue colored soldiers and equipment. Mekkar seemed to always pick a western
nation as his side and he declared Alf’s opposition black colored soldiers and
equipment as the communist Russians. Mainly due to historical distain for the
big bear frequently trying to conquer neighboring lands. Mekkar thought that
this is ironic since the Rus were Swedish Vikings and Russians, even if they
don’t admit it, are their descendents. [Wikipedia; dur.ac.uk - origirus.html; users.mildura.net.au
- vikrusia.htm]</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Anyway, they would have anywhere between 15 to 30 minutes,
as determined beforehand, to setup their sides in a predefined territory with
snow ridges, bunkers, etc. They could only use items in that particular
territory, nothing from another area was to be brought into the game. The
battle would begin with Alf rolling, tossing, shot-putting, or pushing from the
air or ground a bowling ball from two thirds of a meter (2.16 feet) away from
the others’ battlefront lines. Whatever the ball hit directly or if it made any
type of contact through rolling after hitting the ground afterward was
considered dead. They removed the ones hit from the battle front, and put into
a dead items graveyard pile off to the side next to but outside the battlefield
zone. This back and forth by each side could go on for awhile as each of the
brothers would eventually get tired of tossing the heavy bowling ball and they
would take short breaks. However, there were no modifications, readjustments,
or realignments of their forces allowed after the game had begun. One side
would be victorious when the other’s military was ultimately depleted or the
captain announced surrender. Well, Mekkar was always too obstinate to ever
surrender.</b></span> </div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04733761095238567348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1039678588858327000.post-27256042804482094202016-12-12T20:10:00.003-08:002016-12-12T20:10:47.542-08:00MORE AROUND THE VILLAGE (C)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Even though where Mekkar lived was not officially considered
a town by designation of the national government, he still referred to it as
his home town. The country standard for a town was 5,000 or more inhabitants
and it wasn’t the case unless you included all the people in the adjoining
village across the river and tourists that seemed to Mekkar to visit at all
times of the year. Mekkar’s village still had a special significance as a
reindeer herding district and gave the natives who lived there, like Mekkar’s
family, a few special privileges since they were nomadic in earlier times.
Mekkar thought about this and as he got older, he grew more aware about what he
called “the guilt makeup” for past poor treatment of natives and exploitation
of the native area use lands by some in authority on behalf of the nation. </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Mekkar wondered why various distinctions were made regarding
minority peoples within a country by the government overlords posing as
beneficiaries on their behalf and rights; Plus, Mekkar noticed that his
neighbors didn’t trust these outsiders. He felt it was only a matter of time
before those same nation-state overlords would start to take away those native
rights little-by-little until they were all gone in the future. Even though
those individuals and their representatives in charge of the nation had never
understood nor lived in the far north, they also had no concept of how their
decisions affected how to make a living in that environment. Yet, they passed
rules, regulations, and laws that favored everyone else in the region except
the natives. In Mekkar’s mind, it seemed that those officials wanted to totally
destroy the native way of life while at the same time force the native peoples
there to give up their cultural identity on an individual and collective basis.
Mekkar saw it as an agenda to setup the circumstances to force them to leave
the area also. Then, the overlords and their captains of industry could ramp up
their ultimate plan to take over everything there and greatly increase natural
resource exploitation like they have done to other native peoples around the
globe. [Wikipedia; utexas.edu – gaski-newera.htm]</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Even though, from an outsider’s point of view, there seems
to be limitations on the number of fun activities available to arctic children.
Especially during wintertime, there is more than meets the eye. Fun,
recreation, and activity was not restricted to usual associated pursuits such
as reindeer herding, skiing, skating, and fishing. Mainly because of the
creativity and ingenuity of the natives themselves, modification and invention
was rampant for playtime. For instance, there were games out of the frozen lake
ice such as King of the Ice, where everyone would be pitted against everyone
else. If any part of the body was pushed off the ice surface onto the snow, in
any manner, that participant would be out of the game until the group had a
winner and began another new round of the game. This game taught speed,
agility, maneuverability, dodging, and avoidance skills.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>What would tick Mekkar off would be when a small group would
attempt to remove him from the ice because he got pretty good at sticking
around toward the end most of the time. He had a knack for being crowned King
of the Ice on a regular basis. His competitiveness meant he just hated to lose
at anything and helped him in these children’s games. To keep all of the
children involved, every so often the group leaders, some of the older kids,
would decide that every one, especially the less athletic kids, would be
victorious and let them win at this game in rotating intervals. In the long
run, everyone would continue in the activity and it made it more fun for
everyone. However, this still frustrated Mekkar because of his super competitiveness
and he always liked to win. </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The added benefit was that the winner gained a prize which
was provided by the rest of the losing group. The reward was a treat like ice
cream or pizza or could be a service rendered such as doing the winner’s chores
for a day. Mekkar knew it was beneficial to give everyone an opportunity to
taste victory in the overall scope of things; however he really hated to lose
at anything, anytime, or to anyone. Mekkar was not a person to just let you win
because he felt that if you beat him in any manner you should have to earn it.
Otherwise, it gives a person a false sense of confidence as well as hinders a
person’s character development because in his mind you cheat yourself. He knows
that the world outside doesn’t just let people win. Mekkar has done his share
of travelling to come to this conclusion, and in his opinion, through a lot of
observation of other people on his part.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Mekkar believes to defeat him meant that his opponent was
better prepared that time and in that instance than he was. Mekkar was rare, in
the fact, that he outright disregarded the new modern world court of opinion
aspect until he was forced to accept it, in some form, by the majority.
Suffering defeat would make Mekkar even more determined; some would classify it
as plain old stubbornness, than before to win the next time. This did show up
as a type of ruthlessness in Mekkar’s character. To Mekkar, losing is worse
than dying and to him winning is everything and defeat should be eliminated.
Maybe it was a survival mechanism for Mekkar instilled at birth or a trait that
would be needed for later in life. Either way, he was unsure why this very
different mindset existed.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>To the Native from the North, every little thing added
together are examples of past, ongoing, and future trends in his life. Like a
person forecasting the weather or a particular stock from the market and then
basing a specific future outcome from those indicators. That is how Mekkar
determined some certainty in his mind from the environment around him. That is
partially how Mekkar looked at the world and that would help develop his
beliefs and convictions. Deep determination is a very strong internal trait
that has always driven Mekkar to excel in his life.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Far North Native knows that he is a take charge,
leader type personality. He is definitely not a person to always be one to
follow the crowd when he feels the path requires him to stand alone and against
all when necessary. He was a leader, even if he was somewhat reluctant in
certain situations due to a benefit analysis conducted for himself. This
mentality also shapes his no nonsense attitude to boot. Like all children,
Mekkar would try to test the limits of his parents’ instructions and their
resolve for correction of his unacceptable behavior.</b></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04733761095238567348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1039678588858327000.post-87193100830466992762016-12-04T20:10:00.000-08:002016-12-04T20:10:56.517-08:00MORE AROUND THE VILLAGE (B)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>One of the few times Mekkar had a chance to use his before
its time toy, a tourist operating a rent-a-car almost ran him over. It was
right in the street despite the clear weather, sunny day, and few people or
animals alongside the road. There weren’t a lot of obstacles there that day
except for the crazy motorist. Mekkar surmised that the driver must have been
distracted somehow, by what he had no idea. He thought to himself, at least I
didn’t get hit by the car and blurted out “dumb tourist, who doesn’t even know
how to drive”. Especially, since Mekkar was only riding his board on the side
of the road and not in the middle of the street. After that incident, he was
not so keen on using his created toy as much as before, mainly because he was
not a fan of being a road target or street pizza. From then on, he preferred to
use his kick sled instead but it was only useful in snowy and icy conditions.
Mekkar even commented, “At least, we don’t play as much road/street hockey as
much as we used to because of outrageous and dangerous motorists who visit the
area. Well soon, we can go out on the frozen lakes to play.”</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>There were games Mekkar and the kids around the neighborhood
would play that sometimes included all the children, with boys and girls of all
ages. At other times, a few of the games involved just the older kids or the
more athletically gifted ones of which Mekkar was usually included even when he
a bit younger. This was because Mekkar was one tough son of a gun; some of his
friends thought it was because his parents conformed him that way. Some of the
ice hockey related games, on the frozen lake, were what they call shinny, pond,
or pickup hockey in other places around the globe. At first, when Mekkar was
included into some of these play activities and was treated like he was
entering into an initiation and introduction process conducted by the older
kids and there was some physical damage metered out at Mekkar.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Since, there was relatively no protective equipment being
worn, by the participants. That is, except the padding provided by the cold
weather layered clothing his mama or another family member dressed him in. Plus,
there were no boards set up around the small lake where the children played
there which included little body checking, at that time. That would change not
long afterward when portable rink accessories were created by a few people in
the village. Sometimes, Mekkar would encounter a hip-check in the middle of the
ice surface, especially since he was a newcomer. In addition, there was very
little roofing of the puck towards a person’s head because that showed direct
intent to injure other kids there. People forget a direct shot to various parts
of the human body can kill a person.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Anyway, some of the older boys still wanted to test Mekkar’s
mettle and the initiation into their activities would include cheap shots at
times such as elbows to the head, mouth, and specifically his nose where his
eyes would water up and his vision would be temporarily blurred. Slashes to the
back of the non padded parts of the legs, arms, and hands would result in cuts,
bruises, and some swelling at times. But, Mekkar took it all like a man, even
though he was still a boy, and eventually as he got older he started to give
some of that right back too! Unknown to Mekkar, it would help prepare him for
the future. Once in awhile, Mekkar would come back home after these episodes a
bloody mess.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>His papa recognized the signs and started to take him aside
to teach him how to really defend and protect himself. First through boxing,
hockey fighting, and later on put Mekkar into martial arts training. Mekkar’s
papa showed him different techniques such as pulling the jersey over an
opponent’s head, as tie up your challenger’s arms while in a fight on the ice.
Henrik taught Mekkar that the first key is balance in any hockey fist fight for
two reasons: you are on thin, sharp blades instead of own feet, which are much
wider. The second key is not to fall to avoid hitting you head on the ice,
because ice always wins and you can get knocked out or worse. Mekkar understood
this through actual events and in those days most players performed without a
helmet and that ones that did were usually considered the kooks. Plus, those
that did don the head gear still lacked a half or full face shield like many
players use today at all levels.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>During this protective training process arranged by his papa
Mekkar would come more bloodied and bruised. One time he got frustrated while
punching the heavy boxing bag and ripped off the gloves, went over to retrieve
the axe, took it and swung it really cutting a huge hole into the bag. The sand
inside quickly ran out onto the floor. Henrik made Mekkar buy another heavy bag
to replace the one he intentionally damaged and it was not cheap! Mekkar’s mama
would sometimes yell at Mekkar, “Don’t bleed all over the carpets and the
house”. She eventually got Henrik to build a clean up area with a shower, a
storage area, racks and hooks for gear, etc. and a bench as an addition to the main
house near the back entrance so the kids wouldn’t make a mess of the polar
white colored carpet that covered the whole of the house.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Mekkar always grumbled that everyone had to remove their
shoes before entering the house but realized this was a normal tradition
throughout the whole nation and even more prominent down south. Mekkar always
wondered why he, his friends, family members, and other locals they knew seemed
to only approach the house at the back door. So, one day Mekkar asked his mama
why this was the case and she responded that, “Only strangers come to the front
door because of World War Two, when the enemy would kick in the front door of
each household during each of their different invasions.</b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>This was the beginning of other atrocities against the local
populations of this area such as the burning of almost everything as they were
leaving. That is the reason why most of the older people in our area here still
know how to handle and operate a multitude of weapons. They had to shoot some of
those guys back in the day to protect themselves. You have noticed a few of the
old small and now rusting anti-aircraft and ground rocket firing machines from
that time period hidden in the trees and bushes around, haven’t you?” Mekkar
still to this day, even while living in a different part of the world, always
announces himself with his first name when coming into the front door of where
he lives. It is either a cultural installed reaction or a force of habit
created within him. Perhaps, it is a subconscious response as to not get shot.
Mekkar still does this, even when he lived by himself because some childhood
developed habits are extremely hard to break </b></span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04733761095238567348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1039678588858327000.post-35553838785367966502016-12-01T21:26:00.003-08:002016-12-01T21:26:38.883-08:00MORE AROUND THE VILLAGE (A)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>After being forced, by his mama, to watch and learn English
from the sports tapes and films sometimes. Mekkar would put some of those new
skills that he had learned into practice. For example, he would go outside
afterward to play, but he had to use many words that he heard in the English
language so far. That is, from the teaching materials his parents had acquired
just for him. Sometimes going to great lengths to get them for him, while they
were on their travels around the world. Later on, when he got older Mekkar
would be required to gather these materials for himself.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>At other times, his mama would bark at Mekkar that he could
only speak in the english language and no other, just after his lessons and
while playing with the dogs. The reasons for this were that not only to force
Mekkar to quickly learn english as an asset for the family businesses but also
because his godparents dog understood english along with 9 other languages. <st1:place w:st="on">Attu</st1:place> has escorted Mekkar’s godparents around the world to
more places than many people on their globe trotting adventures. So, Mekkar
would be found practicing his new found lingual skills would not be too much of
a foreign thing to <st1:place w:st="on">Attu</st1:place>. Now, Attu was not a
small dog when Mekkar’s godparents purchased him, when he was young, under
mysterious circumstances in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Siberia</st1:city>,
<st1:country-region w:st="on">Russia</st1:country-region></st1:place>. <st1:place w:st="on">Attu</st1:place> was a half Siberian husky/Malamute mix with black,
gray, and white colors in his thick coat of hair. <st1:place w:st="on">Attu</st1:place>’s
weight fluctuated between 160 to 180 pounds as an adult and he ate a lot. As
Mekkar’s god mama would say, “Eat her out of house and home”. </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><st1:place w:st="on">Attu</st1:place> was a very playful dog
especially with little Mekkar. One time when an excited Native from the North
brought outside a football, they got on a journey to <st1:country-region w:st="on">America</st1:country-region>, to play with the dog. In
Mekkar’s mind, playing with the dog this time was seen as a relief that the
language study time required by mama was over and he wanted to get as far away
from it as possible. This is a strategy that many kids use around the world to
get away from unpleasant situations and things or so Mekkar thought. Right off
the bat Mekkar threw the football up in the air and as its flight downward back
to earth was commencing <st1:place w:st="on">Attu</st1:place> caught the
football out of the air and at the same time bit all of the helium out of the
football. While still in his mouth the dog would run around the yard in sort of
a daring manner challenging Mekkar to not only catch him but also take the
football from his mouth. Sometimes, since <st1:place w:st="on">Attu</st1:place>
was so large and agile for his size he would run over Mekkar in a playful
manner, not in a vicious way. The dog still dared Mekkar to remove the football
from his mouth. It was actually pretty difficult for Mekkar to catch <st1:place w:st="on">Attu</st1:place> and he was big enough that Mekkar couldn’t even put
his arms around the dog when giving him a hug.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>That was one example of their relationship that they would
enjoy for many years while Mekkar and <st1:place w:st="on">Attu</st1:place>
grew up together. That continued until <st1:place w:st="on">Attu</st1:place>’s
legs could not support his weight anymore and the pain became too great for the
dog. <st1:place w:st="on">Attu</st1:place> lived for 24 years, way beyond his
expected lifespan and then was sadly put to sleep. <st1:place w:st="on">Attu</st1:place>
was always protective of Mekkar, especially when he was younger, against other
unknown dogs, wolves, and other non-family critters. One time, Mekkar tried to
outfit <st1:place w:st="on">Attu</st1:place> with warmers and such but since
nothing fit, Mekkar quickly gave up those ideas regarding his boyhood buddy. <st1:place w:st="on">Attu</st1:place>, due to his playful soul, was very popular with the
kids around the neighborhood. All the children seemed to love him and the
family did too! <st1:place w:st="on">Attu</st1:place> was much more popular
than Mekkar dog, Laka and Laka comes from a pretty playful dog breed himself. However,
both <st1:place w:st="on">Attu</st1:place> & Laka did dislike cats very
much and would chase them and never would back down from them, not even larger
animal from the cat family like lynxes, etc. At the same time, Attu and Laka
got more spoiled the older they got, especially <st1:place w:st="on">Attu</st1:place>.
</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Sometimes, <st1:place w:st="on">Attu</st1:place> would catch
birds and other small creatures and bring them to the dinner table, not to eat
them, but as a gift. Attu would then give that look at the table like here’s my
gift, now I want my steak and red wine because Mekkar’s god mama gave him that
as treat at least three times per week as a normal ritual for most of <st1:place w:st="on">Attu</st1:place>’s life, besides other treats. <st1:place w:st="on">Attu</st1:place>
was always trying to catch birds, and Mekkar would see this alot. At times, the
dog would stand up on his hind legs next to the house. Since Mekkar’s god mama
was a bird photographer and had bird feeders filled with seed and red colored liquid
also. At first, the feeders were on the one edge of the outdoor house roof, but
since that part was lower than the rest and <st1:place w:st="on">Attu</st1:place>,
when he stood up, could capture the birds there when they landed at the various
food sources there resulted in some damage to that edge of the roof. </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>So, eventually Mekkar’s god mama had to set up the bird
feeding stations much higher up on the roof. She would now have to go through
the attic to get to them and take the close-up pictures of these creatures in
feeding mode with her fancy camera. Mekkar thought it was pretty cool to see
hummingbirds captured in full flight and hovering in slow motion suspension. His
god mama took pictures at home and at different locations all over the world,
once in awhile <st1:place w:st="on">Attu</st1:place> would be in some of those
photos. Even though it was her hobby she did make some money for those efforts.
</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Even with his main source of bird caught gifts removed, the
number that <st1:place w:st="on">Attu</st1:place> brought to the table during
dinnertime never really decreased. <st1:place w:st="on">Attu</st1:place> was
found to be a very resourceful animal that, in Mekkar’s opinion, adapted and
found other strategies to get what he wanted. It didn’t matter whether it was
love, approval, or acceptance. However, <st1:place w:st="on">Attu</st1:place>
was never used around reindeer or on the trek and he didn’t mind because the
dog didn’t have that desire to go on those journeys.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>One time Mekkar’s papa made him a skateboard, well it
was for Mekkar, the kid. Some of the materials used were metal wheels with
steel ball bearings because composite wheels were not available to the public. At
least not in this part of the world; and Mekkar’s papa modified used cross
country skis. Fiberglass was added to make the skis wider than a regular ski,
like snowboards today but not as wide. Since the ski board was longer than a
normal skate board, there were additional sets of wheels added to the underside
of the board at evenly spaced intervals. They were added so it would not bow in
the middle and drag around the ground in the middle and possibly snap the
board. The problem was that Mekkar rarely got to use the ski skateboard. Even
though his papa made it specifically for him and was individually tailored to
Mekkar’s weight, foot step patterns, etc. It seemed to him that kids that he
knew were always coming over the borrow it. Mekkar lamented one time that even
his younger brother got to use the ski skateboard way more than he did.</b></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04733761095238567348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1039678588858327000.post-20109011210321700722016-11-19T18:52:00.000-08:002016-11-19T18:54:56.768-08:00AROUND THE VILLAGE (B)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>At times, when playing outside when the northern lights were
at their most active the kids would be more subdued than usual. Even the adults
didn’t want to yell or exhibited an extra aura of fear in their speech. They
didn’t want to say anything negative nor tick off the old religion ancient
native deities while they were doing their thing and going about their usual
daily life routine. Being under the amazing display in the heavens was now not
regarded as special anymore to the locals who live in that area since they have
seen it so many times each year, every year just like a holiday season. It was
just part of the routine in contrast to the tourists who were fascinated by its
newness. An apt description by the elders would be like an animal’s tail
whipping against the sky while creating sparks at the same time. Mekkar has
never bothered to research what the Northern Lights phenomenon really is in its
true scientific state. The reason could be possibly to native superstitions or
a set of beliefs in legends passed down to him from a few adults in the village.
[nordicway.com; <st1:place w:st="on">Aurora</st1:place>
hunters - ft.com; Aurorafires.ie; Wikipedia; bestnorwegian.com;
hellomagazine.com] </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>However, Mekkar could never completely discount and shun the
old ways because they had been ingrained internally into the very fabric of his
being. Plus, when Mekkar was younger during times on the reindeer trek, he
spent much time with Aslak, and they would together ponder the mysteries of the
universe. However, Mekkar at other times would try to avoid Aslak when the
elder would be in his trance-like state or conducting his medicine man duties.
Mekkar would get spooked and creeped out by the unfamiliar other realm
spiritual stuff the boy saw and referred to it as such. The Native from the
North could sense, even though he couldn’t always describe it, the power Aslak
had during some of their verbal interaction sessions. Other times, Mekkar would
sneakily or stealthily so he thought, observe various leader meeting of the
minds sessions during the animal migrations. No matter if whether he
comprehended it or not, Mekkar realized that there was a whole other unseen
realm/dimension that he didn’t understand. Even after being around Aslak for so
long in the small village and seeing some of these activities, Mekkar wanted to
stay away. Especially from some of the deeper aspects which he felt would
impact him. He felt getting involved with those aspects was playing with fire
and Mekkar didn’t want to get burned. At this point, the Arctic boy still
didn’t comprehend what was really taking place at these sessions and scared at
the possible effects upon him.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Alf called it by what he thought it was, Mekkar’s insolence,
and Alf didn’t feel that Mekkar cared one bit about the old ways and mannerisms
of their native culture. Even though Alf shied away from admitting that he was
a native altogether. Alf felt that Mekkar also was not concerned about ticking
off the old native religious deities. Alf, Mekkar’s younger brother, had even
said this a few times previously by describing Mekkar as having a smart mouth
and manner of speech. The sibling stated that it was also getting worse by the
day as Mekkar got older. Mekkar thought this was an unjustified perception of
him by his sibling considering that Alf rarely admitted his native status to
avoid persecution and negative judgment by others. Mekkar commented that his
brother could get away with this due to his non-native appearance. Alf would go
on to describe that his older sibling as showing early hints of a screw you
attitude towards the world in some aspects of Mekkar’s character. Mekkar
thought Alf was sort of judgmental against him when he was attempting to avoid
that very thing from outsiders. Alf had pointed out, what he thought was the
recognition of these flaws regarding Mekkar to his face. Still, Mekkar just
brushed them aside and attributed those comments as just part of sibling
rivalry issues.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Mekkar feels that no being, high or low, or person should
receive automatic respect from him because of one’s position in life or
occupation, no matter who they are. He knows that his belief in that area is
extremely contrary to most people. To Mekkar, one has to earn his respect on an
individual case by case basis. Mekkar also has this concept, that he is so well
adjusted enough and has a fairly good level of knowledge of the world, as a
result of his travels, reading, and through other methods of learning. Mekkar
reveals this attitude and point in one of many blunt statements, “If I don’t
know who you are, then you are not a star. It doesn’t matter who or how big or
famous you think you are.” Mekkar knows this is a cocky stance and refuses to
back down from it and this thinking has never wavered in Mekkar’s mind even to
this very day and it will definitely never change with him.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>On the other hand, Alf and Lasse both are of the
opinion that there is just a little too much cockiness on the part of Mekkar.
When they noticed that trend, they increased the amount of pranks they would
play on him. The idea was to try to temper that big ego they feel is growing
too quickly and put him in his place. Basically, Mekkar’s younger brother and
best friend think Mekkar is full of himself most of the time and just likes to
run his mouth. Other adults regard it as a matter of a teenager who thinks that
they know everything and are always right about everything. But, adults usually
know that is not the case and have learned from experience that the opposite is
true. If a person is honest, what parent hasn’t encountered that in their
children, especially teenagers, anywhere on the planet?</b></span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04733761095238567348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1039678588858327000.post-89003719928808492752016-11-06T19:00:00.002-08:002016-11-06T19:05:41.373-08:00AROUND THE VILLAGE (A)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Not long after Mekkar started working, more expectations &
increased responsibilities were placed upon him. Mama would tell Mekkar that if
he wanted clean clothes, he would now have to wash them himself since now he
was old enough to start helping out the family around the house too! So, at his
young age, little Mekkar would go collect the washboard along with his dirty
clothes and cleaning supplies and head down to the calmer, but still flowing
part of the river to wash his clothes by scrubbing them on the board that was
propped up against him and in an up and down motion. Mekkar had selected a
location of the river that was not the same area where he and his friends would
catch fish. After all, he didn’t want to get swept away by the river’s current
but needed enough flow to send the soapiness down the river. Mekkar’s mind was
very focused on his task at hand, because one slip-up and he or one of the
items he was washing might be gone for good by floating down the river. He
would be expected to go through his whole basket of clothes, however, there
were some delicate items that needed to be specially cleaned, but not dry
cleaned, and that were exempt from the board less they be ruined.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Sometimes, his mama would blurt out as a reminder to him
that “the washer and dryer is not for your personal use, their operation had a
priority that was for the business. You could use it for items related to the
family restaurant and tourist businesses and usually when you were working
only. It’s for the tourists and those working in the business, not for you and
your friends,” his mama bellowed. These privileges were extended only when
functions related to the family and work were involved. Mekkar’s mama would
also rebuke him, when he would share reindeer meat that was drying on the line
with his friends, saying “leave some for the rest of us, the ones who worked
through the process from raising the animals to drying/curing the meat to make
it edible for human consumption, otherwise it will all be gone!” Part of the
reasoning was that it was a management of the reindeer meat resources, so there
was an account of where it was all going. Some to the tourists that ate in the
restaurant, some for family enjoyment, and then have a bit to share with a few
others. But, she knew that if the decision was left up to Mekkar the meat would
have been all gone quickly with a very limited number of people enjoying the
rich and tasty morsels of this delicacy.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Even when Mekkar’s family stopped being nomadic on a greater
basis and became more permanent with a family home, things were still highly
organized. The main meal of the day, was usually in the middle of the
afternoon, about 2pm or so, and the preparation of the dinner table was
important. No, the people do eat buffet style meals on a daily basis, just on a
few specific holiday occasions and that is only a few times per year. This
tradition is even more pronounced normally down in the south part of the
country where the national culture reigns supreme, because if the natives ate
like that every day they would be way too overweight, 600 lbs each, and would
never get any work done. The preparation work for wintertime is always part of
the life cycle that is a part of life in the Arctic environment. Each of the
children was expected to clean and set up the family table, specifically their
own items required to consume food with. Each kid, in Mekkar’s family, had
their own plate, bowl, cup, fork, spoon, and knife individually engraved,
marked, or labeled with their initials or something similar in regard to
marking. If the utensils were not cleaned or setup ready for and prior to
dinner time then they didn’t get to eat dinner. Mekkar had to learn this lesson
the hard way a few times at first, but because he didn’t relish missing the
best and most abundant meal of the day, he wised up fast. It was no fun to miss
meals, especially good and tasty ones, and watch his family munch away without
him. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>It wasn’t like Mekkar could order pizza with a few toppings down the
street, from the local eatery, and then be able to sneak it by his mama without
her knowing. His mama would remind him, once in awhile, with statements such as
“I am a mother and that means that I am All-Knowing and All-Seeing.” She
inferred this comment in regards to him on a personal level. Mekkar would
respond in his mind like Oh! I can’t do anything without getting caught. Thus,
Mekkar started to suspect that maybe his mama had special powers like Aslak the
shaman. Mekkar already knew Aslak pretty well, due to quite a bit of
interaction with him in the village, so Mekkar thought that he knew that his
mama was not a shaman or one with that type of ability herself, but maybe he
was wrong. </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Mekkar just thought that she was a bit cocky and now knew
where he received this character trait from. Mekkar’s mama, Sirga, didn’t put
up with any grief from anybody and had a no nonsense personality, another trait
that he acquired from his mama. The Native from the North knew that as a boy, he
would be a person that would push the limits of his mama’s patience. It was
kind of a game with him, in his subconscious mind that he wasn’t always aware
of. However, Mekkar always knew when he crossed the line and Sirga’s wrath
would be exposed in regard to him. When she would yell out first the dog’s
name, his bother’s full name, and then his full name, all 6 of them, in a
strong, ticked off manner; He knew that his rear end was cooked and he was in
real trouble. Sometimes, his reaction to his short tempered mama’s fierce anger
was to get as far away as possible and go down to the river. Another option was
to go to a friend’s house for awhile, even at times for days. While leaving to
avoid his mama’s wrath, he would respond with an unwise comment or a distaining
gesture. Sirga would yell once in a while, “If you go to your best friend
Lasse’s house I will have his mother beat your butt for me”. In that small town
or village, Mekkar felt that he never could escape his mother’s punishment
whether it was warranted or not. Maybe, this was the beginning of the worldwide
adventure streak developing within Mekkar.</b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>In another instance, Mekkar would at times leave his toys
around the house and scattered throughout his room after playing with them and
his mama would bark at him to “pick up your toys or I will throw them out”. On
a few occasions, Mekkar would ignore the bark from his mama. Unfortunately, the
bite was worse because his mama would carry out her threat and throw the toys
away in the trash. Then, Mekkar would get spanked and his mama would sometimes
use anything she could grab close by to do it with, a large kitchen spoon, a
book, a wooden piece, etc. Other times, she would force Mekkar to go get a tree
branch or a stick for his own butt whipping and if the stick or branch was too
small or not strong enough, she would keep sending him back out until she was
satisfied. Mainly, the punishment would occur for not obeying her and Mekkar
would receive another round of the spanking from his papa with his extremely
large hands that would resonate with a loud crack on Mekkar’s behind. The
second punishment was due to Henrik, Mekkar’s papa, being upset because he
would to reconstruct and recreate some of the freshly discarded toys. Mainly,
because Mekkar’s papa would make some of the toys by hand-crafting, carving,
& cutting them from wood. Plus, that would Henrik’s time away from other
needed to completed projects, whether they related to his papa’s work or not.
Projects such as various to-do tasks around the property because there seems to
always be something that requires fixing, it is never all finished.</b></span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04733761095238567348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1039678588858327000.post-25972065445849616642016-10-26T14:18:00.001-07:002016-10-26T14:20:27.871-07:00BEGINNINGS<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">As Mekkar grew and became further advanced for his age, both
in body and mind, he was required to experience integral certain cultural
rituals. One was such that occurred when Mekkar reached the age of 4. Mekkar
felt he was ready for the induction ceremony, as he had seen a previous similar
one beforehand. This ceremony existed for a few reasons that he couldn't figure
out. Mekkar would fully understand later on in adulthood, that this ceremony
began an experience and process for cultural and "self-life
preservation". While at the same time, come out of a need for practical
reasons.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">The feeling was that in a nomadic culture, if one, no matter
how small, young, or insignificant they thought a person seemed - that
individual had to contribute to the tribe, in a physical manner, as part of a
whole. The thinking was that if each part “pulled their weight" the whole
would go with increasing smoothness. Otherwise, non-contributors would become a
burden to entire group and negatively affect the collective.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Thus, the reasons behind why those who are so physically or
mentally challenged, the infirm, and those too old to contribute are left
behind. Usually, left to freeze to their last breath in the winter or sent to any
relatives outside the region that can accommodate them. This selective
Darwinism is according to the nomadic cultural thinking necessary for survival
of the whole tribe. Otherwise, like a domino effect, those who cannot pull
their own weight can put the whole group in grave danger and cause unnecessary
suffering.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Although this application of selective Darwinism is
considered cruel by modern society, the opposite affect could be total annihilation
for the whole group. The reasoning behind this was that the surrounding Arctic
environment is so fragile. It is quick to reattribute against such problems
such as over-population through lack of food supply. Mekkar listened to, but
did not comprehend, these words during the nightly sauna discussions by the
leaders of the tribe.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Many methods of action, carried out by a collection of a
certain society's members, are attributed through their cultural beliefs and environment.
Another basic belief by the tribe was that you only take what is needed at the
current time. So, that the environment could resupply the tribal members the
next time they journeyed through a specific area. This is due to the slow
recovery, and possible irreparable damage that could be done if over-used.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Added to the belief was the agreement that no modern technology
could change this state of affairs. Possibly, because of the massive expense
and potential of little profitable gain to justify the investment. Also, there
is the notion that the more advanced the technology used - the more havoc would
be created. This presumption is based on a degree of further distancing itself
from the original provision of nature. An example referred to is the 20th
century situation in <st1:place w:st="on">Antarctica</st1:place>.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">These were biases that would influence and shape Mekkâr's
thought processes for the rest of his life. He would understand, at a later
time, the purpose for this ceremony. Additionally, match it with the
conversation pieces he had heard during the past few days leading up to the
event.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">It was seven days prior to Mekkâr's birthday. The place was
in a valley near a semi-iced over river. The river, was more a large stream,
was beginning to flow a bit, next to the bank. The top layer of ice, in the center,
continued to thin out. This region was "caught" between the big hills
and small mountains, to the north and south. No one had a map of the area, as
the tribal leaders had been through this place many times, and so knew their
way.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">All the members of Mekkâr's family were present - his mama Sirga,
father Henrik, and little brother Alf. Others on this trek were Sirga's
parents, the village chief Raauno, the shaman Aslak Mekkar, and of course,
other members of the group.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">For this important event, Mekkar appeared in a brand new
winter costume. The tunic was in a deep blue and had brightly colored stripes on
the shoulders. The pants were made with still tough reindeer skin and needed to
be stretched or broken in a bit. The shoes were warm, dry and full of fresh,
matted straw-grass in them. They were water-proof and made with an upward curve
on the toe to slip-on cross-country skis, if desired. The hat straight, and
standing tall - even slightly dwarfing the inductee's head. These special
clothes, as well as, all of Mekkar's clothes were made by his mama or grandmama.</span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">A few ditties were sung by the surrounding group, at the
same time one preformed by Mekkar himself. After that, the shaman proceeded
over the event and carried out specific duties that were required. Rituals,
such as the sprinkling of the reindeer blood on and around the altar. Another instance
was the recipient wearing the "helm of horns" as he approached the
altar to the rythmatic beat of the shaman's drum. The altar itself was made of
stone and was a permanent structure. Various tribal symbols surrounded the outdoor
shrine. In a short period of time the ceremony was completed. Mekkar now was
treated differently as a result of graduating to this stage. Then, his working
career had begun.</span></b></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04733761095238567348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1039678588858327000.post-26653162111918301722016-10-10T20:31:00.003-07:002016-10-10T20:33:11.635-07:00ADDITION TO THE FAMILY<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Then, one day, Bam! Out of nowhere and unexpectedly, Mekkar
overhears a young lady tell another that they hear that Mekkar's mama is
pregnant and about to have another child. This was a dramatic turn of events "floored"
little Mekkar, who was young himself. He was surprised and bothered about this
news and its possible affect on him. He thought, "How could this happen to
him!" and was disappointed that nobody warned him ahead of time.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>He was confused about how he should react to the news of
this event, as well as, how he would have to help care for the young sibling.
Also, he felt that he wasn't old enough to do this and be a "big
brother". He was furthermore upset that no one would pay as much attention
to him anymore, since he currently was "the cat's meow". It seemed to
Mekkar that his upcoming brother would become the "new special one"
and that Mekkar would be the forgotten one.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Later on, when the little brother had arrived, Mekkar was
still jealous and even a little bit resentful of Alf. This is where the
competition begins between the brothers. Mekkar attempted to take care of his
little brother from time-to-time, but didn't always know how to make this small
creature understand and relate to him. Mekkar was thought to be mature for his age,
but his "real immaturity" was revealed in these situations because Mekkar
would get easily frustrated with Alf.</b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>No matter what Mekkar believed, he couldn't comprehend that
infants were not able to communicate in a similar manner as fully developed individuals.
Added to the fact, that even though Mekkar was learning many languages at this
time - he still was not even close to being "fully evolved" yet.
However, eventually in time, Mekkar would come to appreciate his sibling and
Alf's affect on him!</b></span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04733761095238567348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1039678588858327000.post-60774445850588009422016-10-02T17:56:00.000-07:002016-10-02T18:08:19.631-07:00WORLD WIDE HOCKEY TOUR – RUSSIA (D)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Alf was known as the go-between on both sides since he was
the only one there who had a full command of both spoken tongues at the fiesta
and inebriation session. Alf translated for Mekkar a comment made about him by
one of the Russians as, “At least Mekkar is too drunk off to dish out anymore
punishment right now like he did at the rink. That crazy dude! He (Mekkar) got
worse when the score became lopsided and had gotten out of hand. He didn’t care
and played tonight like one of the vicious Canadian squads of past tournaments.” However,
Alf’s translation abilities were hit and miss at this point because the
youngster was also greatly affected by the spirits he had consumed. Alf was at
the same time laying on the floor right next to his brother. One could hear
Mekkar only sometimes acknowledge his sibling with a murmur or an
undecipherable sound. The older one, Mekkar, was in his own dream-like state
and was fortunate to drink the good vodka this night and thus avoiding the homemade
alcohol. Despite that, even in this frame of mind Mekkar would have gulped down
that booze too, if that is all there was available.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>After the blowout of the last match and the drinking episode
at the dacha, Mekkar thought the poor treatment and mind games on the part of
the host authorities actually improved somewhat. Even so, it would have been
better if they had not confiscated the last shipment of alcohol from home some
of the Selects’ players had arranged to tide them over. It was about then, Mekkar
and those in his little clique among the squad began to overhear biting
comments regarding his team. Government officials, police, and others on the
street would make statements like, “We don’t have to worry about them too much
since they are young and not good competition for our players and teams. This
showed when the Red Army kicked their butts so bad the other night.” Of course,
this is how Alf interpreted it for the guys. “At least, they gave us a break
and less hassles since the drubbing,” positively quipped Mekkar. Still, the
Arctic Warrior was still not amused.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Native from the North had an inkling that the result
could have been much more lopsided regarding the score. Mekkar was of the
opinion the host Russian club let up a bit in the latter part of the game. He
thought they started to eventually use the match as an opportunity to get some
work in against live competition. In other words, shore up and focus on some
weaker aspects of their game strategy and tactics for future tougher opponents.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Lasse and Mekkar had a discussion at the beginning of this
world wide tour about the perception regarding the Selects as a squad. The
Selects were aptly described as a collection of misfits, trouble makers, rebel
rousers, and cast offs which in a way fit Mekkar. There was also a sense on
Mekkar’s part that their skilled opponents could see those aspects as well. In
his mind the Russians saw that Mekkar’s squad was hastily put together and they
took advantage. The Soviets always used the opportunity to show that their
sports system and clubs were superior in every respect as compared to the rest
of the world. Mekkar distinguished this same haughty attitude as being
displayed in major international tournaments, as well as, the annual World
Championships and The Olympics.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Alf’s older brother, Mekkar was not the only one on the team
who felt that the leadership of his nation’s hockey federation sought to find
out if this group could jell as a team. However, it was a hard thing to ask for
a lot of successful cohesion in such a rapid manner. The Selects executives and
their bosses wanted to observe any individual examples of responsiveness and
the ability to thrive under pressure. It was determined that those factors
would go a long way to decide who does and doesn’t participate in other
pursuits with various hockey possibilities at higher echelons. Mekkar thought
that it was just another exhibition of position where head honchos always want
to assert their power and influence on any given situation.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Selects next opponent was no slouch either. Dynamo <st1:city w:st="on">Moscow</st1:city> was usually looked at as the second best hockey
club in the whole of the <st1:place w:st="on">Soviet Union</st1:place>. They
had talented athletes who also performed admirably against the professionals
and squads from <st1:country-region w:st="on">Canada</st1:country-region> and
the <st1:country-region w:st="on">United States</st1:country-region>.
Since the Red Army first string team only had a limited number of slots
available some of the other similarly talented Russian hockey players would
land here. Other squads that called the capital their home would absorb talented
individuals also. Alexander Maltsev and Valeri Vasiliev were two of the better
known players that dotted this Dynamo roster. They were well known for their
participation in the 1972 Summit Series versus <st1:place w:st="on">Canada</st1:place> [hockeydb.com;
eurohockey.net; chidlovski.com; Wikipedia] </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Due to his Russian language skills, Alf warned his Selects
teammates and especially his maniacal brother Mekkar about this matchup. Alf
mentioned that this club was related in some manner to a security apparatus or
organization like the police or the infamous and dreaded KGB. The young Alf
said that most, if not all, Dynamo squads are set up in this way. Alf flatly
said to his older sibling, “Don’t get too outrageous or do something really
stupid in this game against this team or they might throw you in jail here in <st1:country-region w:st="on">Russia</st1:country-region>. I would
feel sorry for you. They could also still later on banish you to a gulag in the
eastern part of the country. Good luck ever getting back home, if that happens.
Many World War II prisoners from the German military never made it back home
following the war, if you are familiar with past history.” </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Not that Alf realized it or not but his comments
unintentionally screwed up the Selects in their game preparation for this
match. Due to their lack of aggressiveness as a team the game plan execution
was lacking also. Mekkar was even less effective as well because his game
relies so much on his drive and aggressiveness factors for success. The result
ended up with the Selects being stomped nine to one and it could have been much
worse.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Even though the Selects were not scheduled to face off
versus a more talented Moscow Spartak club, they did have to have to square off
against a younger and hungrier team. The Soviet Wings squad was not short on
skills or ability either. The Wings would achieve an overall winning record
when matched against pro franchises in <st1:place w:st="on">North America</st1:place>
during this era. Despite not being as well known as some other Soviet star
players, the Wings’ roster still was represented by players who donned the <st1:country-region w:st="on">USSR</st1:country-region> jersey in
international play. Alexander Bodunov, Yuri Shatalov, Yuri Lebedev, Yevgeny
Zimin, Alexander Sidelnikov and more filled in at times, on those powerhouse
squads, versus the world. </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Mekkar remembered the ice surface that day as being
more conducive for speed. The Wings took a decided advantage of their speed and
experience over the Selects by running away with a ten to three victory. Mekkar
didn’t feel that the Soviet Wings club were very physical but he exclaimed,
“Boy they could skate and were fast too!” Mekkar thought that weariness of his
team contributed to the shellacking they received. Since Mekkar hated to lose
the only positive he could see was the barometer of what he needed to do and
continue to develop. There were many more lessons for him to learn to elevate him
to higher levels in the hockey world. Now the trip home would give him some
time to heal up the bumps, bruises, and that shattered hand to prepare him for
future battles on the ice. Unfortunately, Mekkar wouldn’t get as much time as
he hoped.</b></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04733761095238567348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1039678588858327000.post-35651549450136149472016-09-30T21:52:00.000-07:002016-09-30T21:56:30.329-07:00WORLD WIDE HOCKEY TOUR – RUSSIA (C)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>There was a barrage of constant interruptions throughout the
night and on the day of the game as cautioned earlier. Mekkar was mindful of
the intentional nature of these actions due to the forewarning before ever
leaving home on this whirlwind tour. Despite this being aware of this
environment Mekkar still became irritated. Mekkar considered this as a problem
and was cherishing the chance to exercise his wrath. He would get his
opportunity to dole out payback that night as a result. Mekkar’s disposition is
to get ticked off and get even by reacting in a specific manner while knocking
some heads in.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Mekkar started the game and got his revenge in a physical
manner and hit everything in sight on the ice. He judged most of the Selects
squad and said they had too much respect for the Soviet champions. The Arctic
Warrior was like a man possessed and showed no fear while carrying out his own
sense of ice frontier justice of punishment. It got to a point where even the
opposition players did not want to provoke him anymore with nasty stickwork.
Mekkar spent a lot of time to think and ponder the ongoing match from the
penalty box. Alf’s older brother had seen quite a few tapes, etc. and knew what
to expect in the game itself from the Red Army club.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The young man from the arctic had the best statistical night
of all the Selects defensemen despite spending so much time in the sin bin. He
was only a minus one which means that the other squad only scored one more goal
than his team while he was on the ice. Lasse said the stats were misleading
because it might have looked better if Mekkar had not made his team
short-handed so often by taking frequent aggressive penalties. Still, the
Russian club possessed quite a bit of speed and talent. Kharlamov himself
undressed Mekkar on the ice with an incredible move and then immediately scored
a goal. </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Right before the match Mekkar had implored his Selects
teammates to adopt a successful strategy that worked against the Soviets in <st1:place w:st="on">Quebec City</st1:place>. He had Alf
translate a newspaper article for him that revealed a tactic to interrupt the
commonly used flow and weave game. Mekkar was willing to combat and overcome
the well schooled style of smart, elegant, and officially clean hockey. A
method with a penchant for connecting on longer breakout passes to create
odd-man breakaways to rack up the goals. [1972summitseries.com; chidlovski.com]
</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>However, Mekkar’s teammates did not heed his advice and it
was to their demise. Also, later on in the game several members of the Selects
just ignored anything the Native from the North said and counted him
responsible for the Selects handicapped situation. The Selects were effectively
crushed eleven to two. They failed all over the ice that night even while
Mekkar dished out some devastating hits. One of the few positives was that none
of their players were seriously injured in this debacle. None of them wanted to
visit any hospital facility there as a patient. The players had been previously
told stories about the doctors performing operations without anesthesia while
the subject is fully awake during the procedure. Mekkar’s response was, “No way!
I will wait until I get back home for anything like that. No surgery here for
me.”</b></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>After the drubbing and post-game formalities such as both
squads exchanging of gifts, the fun part was about to begin thought Mekkar.
Some of the Soviet players had invited a few of the Selects athletes over for a
get together, that is - a party. The Russians had heard that their young
opponents could consume considerable quantities of drink. So, they had to test
Mekkar and a number of his teammates to see if the alcohol intake rumors were
correct. </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Mekkar got into one of the host’s vehicles along with Alf,
Lasse, Johan, and another to journey to unknown location. He didn’t know where he
was being taken to but felt, for some unexplained reason, secure in the fact he
had some quality booze with him. As the crew started to roll along the streets
further away from the city center some nagging thoughts crept into Mekkar’s
mind. Were the agents still watching them? He supposed, that finally, officers
and the like would leave him alone and not hassle him or any of the other
visiting hockey players. Mekkar’s reasoning was where would they go when they
didn’t quite know where they were. Plus, they were with some of the most famous
athletes in the country and were visible in that sense.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>They finally reached the outskirts of the capital and
arrived at one of the home side player’s little home. Right then a numbers of
cars rolled up onto the scene and Mekkar quipped, “Now! We have a party.” Many
of the cluster went inside and participated in activities like card games while
ingesting copious amounts of drink. While the music was in the blaring in the
background, Mekkar noticed that the host individual’s family was absent from
the premises. He then downed more booze and didn’t concern himself with anymore
trivial matters like that.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Both Mekkar and Lasse esteemed themselves lucky that Alf was
there because he was the go between to break any language barriers. The young
Alf was a valuable asset as to the interaction between the two team’s players
at the party. There were not a whole lot of people there including a lack of
females. The goal was to get totally blasted and Mekkar was fine with that. In
time, most of the group were so wasted that many had landed on the floor,
sprawled across coaches, and a couple ended up under a table passed out drunk.
There were only a small number that were even remotely conscious, as most were
in a stupor.</b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>When the phone rang there was a collective groan in the room
and everyone just neglected to answer it including the property owner. He was
sort of hanging halfway out one of the windows basically toasted. One person
asked if anyone was going to pickup the phone. Another responded, “Who cares,
leave it alone. Anyway, I am too drunk to get up off of the floor.” Mekkar
wouldn’t answer it because he didn’t speak the local language. Plus, it wasn’t
his residence. Plus, he was still in a semi-aware catatonic hammered state and
fairly unmoved, along with others, on the floor also.</b></span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04733761095238567348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1039678588858327000.post-31997478114536992016-09-26T22:13:00.000-07:002016-09-26T22:17:31.911-07:00WORLD WIDE HOCKEY TOUR – RUSSIA (B)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Sixth, expect your hotel rooms, cars, busses, etc. to be
bugged so be careful as to what you say all times. Their goal is to make you
paranoid and distracted in a manner as to negatively affect your performance
during a match. Seventh, bring multiple sets of top notch ear plugs to help
block out all noise and interruptions. The phone will certainly ring during
your afternoon nap; late night phones calls to wake you up, and flicking hotel
room lights. Plus, fire alarms will go off in the middle of the night to also disturb
your sleep. Not to forget, bugging the phones of all of the visiting player’s
quarters. Many other out of the ordinary events will occur to throw you off of
your routine.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Use these occasions as a trigger to foster more team
building among yourselves. Increase the cohesiveness of this squad in a manner
with a focus of it is us against the whole world and use it as motivation.
Eighth, bring your own preferred alcohol and possess it on you. Otherwise it is
assured to be stolen and you will be stuck having to borrow some from one of
your teammates. Barring that, reduced to drinking nasty tasting homemade vodka
most likely made from your own hand. There was a lot of additional advice and
tips stressed to the players. </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Anyway, Mekkar was still upset at the ever changing schedule
and itinerary of this tour. He, along with his team, was informed in the air to
be prepared to play three different clubs located in the <st1:city w:st="on">Moscow</st1:city> area. This had been expanded from just
one as originally planned. The Selects players were told that it was to make up
for previously cancelled games and also for the long break they had in <st1:place w:st="on">Africa</st1:place>.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>When the Selects had touched down in <st1:city w:st="on">Moscow</st1:city> and got off of the aircraft events
happened almost exactly as they were described beforehand and warned about. It
was fortunate that Mekkar heeded the pre-trip advice and purchased some less
expensive goods during the North American part of the journey. Those items were
originally intended to be taken back home. He now decided to sell those items
behind the Iron Curtain for a tidy sum profit. Mekkar was not the only team
member to do this, even a couple of the coaches got into the act by bringing
alcohol that couldn’t be found here. The players just expected those coaches to
drink it in style instead. Boy, they were wrong!</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The KGB agents and a few of the military personnel they
encountered since disembarking their flight and on the way to the hotel
appeared to Mekkar to be very smug toward them. It seemed that way throughout
their whole stay there. Mekkar distinguished the steely eyed looks and cold
stares as a type of borderline arrogance. Takes one to recognize another
haughty person. Unknown to the hosts, Alf was a secret weapon in the Selects
arsenal since he was fluent in the Russian language. Mekkar and other teammates
were always pestering Alf to translate for them. They were continually asking
Alf, “What did they say?” over and over again. Alf knew his older sibling was a
pain in the butt and now he felt the rest of the squad was acquiring this
defective trait from Mekkar. Well, Sirga’s expansive language plan was at least
being put to good use after all and outside the scope of the family business.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>After checking in at their temporary quarters them boys
ventured out around the capital city. They soon broke off into smaller groups
and pairs to track down the locations to unload their goods. Mekkar was eager
to make some exchangeable cash and wanted to get rid of the smuggled articles
on his person. He had a sense that the government security people were
following him, Lasse, Alf, & others were sort of letting them slide. Mekkar
felt those authorities were overlooking minor breeches of the law and protocol
with regard to bringing items from outside the country. He thought that they
might pounce on the recipients after they leave. Mekkar was of the opinion that
the agents were looking for a handout or a bribe to look the other way. He knew
this is a normal practice with police and state figures all over the world.
Yet, Mekkar did not dare to do this because he did not know who he could trust
there.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>It dawned on Mekkar when he looked around the place as to
why the locals consumed a lot of alcohol, just like back home. He determined
that many people there drank like a fish. He described the scene as kind of
depressing and thus maybe the reason for these societal habits. To him people
were not upbeat and didn’t appear to be happy as a whole, at least not in
public or in front of the visitors and most didn’t try to hide it either. Most
of the individual dour citizens also seemed to Mekkar as being cut from the
same cloth with little variety in dress or mannerisms. Mekkar attributed it to
being under the thumb of powerful communist rulers for so long in the vein of
Joseph Stalin, etc. It was as though Mekkar had stepped back in time into the
1950’s similar to an old black and white movie on television. Mekkar has never
been a fan of tv shows and films that are from the pre-color period.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Could it be the host city residents and government employees
knew something that he didn’t? Thus the reason for displaying their
overconfident attitude thought Mekkar. He let out a sigh of relief when the
small contingent had gotten back to their hotel for the evening. Especially after
trading their goods for money that could be switched for a real internationally
valued currency before leaving the country. Mekkar definitely didn’t want to
get stuck with rubles afterward since they weren’t accepted as payment back
home.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>In the Arctic Warrior’s opinion, the Soviet players appeared
to already believe they had victory over their opponents. Especially of
opposition squads as inexperienced as Mekkar’s team. Like a boxing match, a
team can be scared and defeated before the game itself. The Selects players
were already warned about these dubious tactics would increase when the home
squad’s own confidence waivered. Even more so, if there was a thought of
potential defeat. Mekkar & his brother Alf both suspected the KGB’s role
behind various actions that might be taken against them. The intensity of the
nefarious activities almost always increased the day before a game itself. The
fatigue factor was the goal through paranoia and suspicion. That is, to have
you wiped out by game time and to force mistakes on the ice. </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Preparations during the next day for the Selects’ focused on
the matchup against the mighty Russian Red Army team, otherwise known as CSKA
Moscow. The Red Army squad usually supplied most of the personnel to the
powerhouse Soviet National team. Yes, Mekkar knew some the history and it was
well known the <st1:country-region w:st="on">USSR</st1:country-region>
team had dominated the international hockey landscape since the nineteen sixties.
The Selects’ opponents also regularly defeated top-level pro clubs from North
America and National teams on both sides of the <st1:place w:st="on">Atlantic
Ocean</st1:place>. The Red Army club (CSKA) was able to attract the best
players because of the required military commitments of most males in the <st1:country-region w:st="on">USSR</st1:country-region>.
{Wikipedia]</b></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The CSKA roster was filled with names acknowledged throughout
the hockey world. Players such as Valeri Kharlamov who was as talented as
Gretzky or Lemieux, one of the best goalies ever Vladislav Tretiak, Vladimir
Petrov, the tenacious Boris Mikhailov, Alexander Gusev, Vladimir Lutchenko,
Yuri Liapkin, a young budding superstar defenseman Vyacheslav Fetisov, and
more. Many of those players had gained experience on the international stage
and now were squaring off against kids. [Wikipedia; hockeydb.com;
1972summitseries.com; chidlovski.com; russkiyhockey.wordpress.com] </b></span></div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04733761095238567348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1039678588858327000.post-19028220479966455512016-09-23T16:26:00.002-07:002016-09-23T16:28:30.953-07:00WORLD WIDE HOCKEY TOUR – RUSSIA (A)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Before the Selects embarked on their worldwide barnstorming
hockey tour Mekkar, Alf, Lasse and some others watched tapes of the 1972 Summit
Series. It pitted the Canadian NHL All-Stars against the Soviet Union’s national
team The boys also watched all the matches from the 1974 Summit Series
featuring the WHA All-Stars versus the USSR. The others watched, but Mekkar
studied.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Mekkar had seen other games involving Russian squads because
of the large satellite his papa constructed back home. It was the only one of
its kind in the area and stood out like a sore thumb. He even paid attention to
a practice session of the Soviet national squad carrying out their precise
drills to perfection on the ice. All the while they were blindfolded. Mekkar
thought that was incredible!</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>He attributed it to the environment those players’ trained
in and it appeared to him as intense. That is how they became the well-oiled
Red Machine as he described it. Mekkar had the feeling that sometimes the
Soviet players were so extremely well drilled, like the soldiers they were,
they gave him the perception they were more machine than human. Mekkar also saw
the other side of the coin and that might be a possible flaw in the system to
be exploited. </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Most of the Soviets did not seem to him to exhibit that
internal drive in an outward way much of the time. Although there were a few
exceptions that displayed their emotions on an individual basis, it was very
rare. Maybe it was a tactic used to show that the Eastern European powerhouse
was not at all intimidated by extroverted Canucks, examined Mekkar. This was
contrary and very unlike the players from <st1:country-region w:st="on">Canada</st1:country-region>
and to a lesser extent, <st1:country-region w:st="on">America</st1:country-region>.
There was no quit in the North Americans and a continual non-stop striving for
victory until the gametime clock had expired. [1972summitseries.com; Wikipedia]</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Native from the North noticed this lack of excess
outward emotion as a visible behavioral trend in the great majority of Russian
athletes of the time. Yet, there were still pointed exceptions. Mekkar applied
those expressed unmanifested characteristics and demeanor to individuals in all
sports behind The Iron Curtain, not just hockey players. He was of the opinion
that this psychological profile trend was a by-product of the Soviet sports
system itself and could be possibly attributed to the Russian culture as a
whole. Out of a historical subjection to dictatorial national leaders and the
expectations for complete obedience of the population. Mekkar labeled many of
the European players in this manner also. Outward displays of emotion on the
ice were frowned upon by high ranking officials and subordinates. It seemed to
Mekkar as if there was a waiting for a specific reaction from a superior before
a display of their own. Many things resembled being contrived and much too
calculated for Mekkar’s taste. </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Arctic Warrior did not want to live his life that way,
where he would be always on pins and needles. He couldn’t do it because he was
too bold and brash for that. Mekkar acknowledges he never could be successful
in any venture with such extreme structure and protocol. Mekkar many times acts
before he thinks without the extensive thought process of possible scenarios
and actions beforehand. He would have done his own thing anyway and somewhere
along the line eventually snap. The reaction would be something totally stupid
while at the same times ticking off the authorities, thus, sabotaging future
opportunities. Especially people who have the power to make decisions with
regard to Mekkar’s now growing hockey career aspirations. </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>He recalled prior to this hockey barnstorming tour some
veterans were brought in to give advice, tips, and answer any questions of the
Selects players regarding this trip. The guest speakers had been involved in
numerous hockey games in many places around the globe. They gave Mekkar and his
teammates some good hints and insights especially relating to issues they
probably would encounter behind the Iron Curtain of Eastern Europe and <st1:place w:st="on">Russia</st1:place>.
</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Some of the topic points were: First, don’t expect to like
the food and find alternatives to fit your taste. Second, put all of your
hockey gear in other bags that are not on your person because those will get
searched. It will almost definitely be the case when you are not near them and
more specifically at the airport for your inbound flight. Third, bring any
normally used personal accessories and utility items. Plus, carry any goods
that are hard to find at your destination in your one carry-on bag and never
let it leave your sight. Keep that tote with you at all times. So you can
jettison the contents as quickly as possible to make some extra cash. </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Fourth, assume that you and your entourage will always be
watched and followed by the KGB, secret police, or some type of security agent
at all times. Travel everywhere in groups so that individuals can split up at
any time to hopefully lose them. Unload through selling your snuck in
contraband items to black market sources as quickly as possible. Don’t forget about
the back end of the official political party stores which are not ordinarily
noticed by much of the general public. Those goods will bring a nice profit for
you. Bring scarce things like Levi’s and other items from outside the area, but
in all instances be careful. </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>We can give you guys more detailed information of where to
go and who to speak to. Be sure to make friends with the hotel concierges by
bribing them with products and money. They are resourceful and a wealth of good
information of the best deals to be had for you. Each one of them is usually hooked
up with particular black market connections that will purchase the goods.
Remember to set aside and keep a few hockey related items in the bag as a cover
to hide the other products from peering eyes. You might also have to give gifts
to local police and agents to stay out of trouble if you get caught. Bribery
will get you everywhere there.</b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Fifth, expect bad service and poor treatment towards you for
everything because they want to get into your head beforehand. They believe the
mind games always help the home teams to achieve victory. It is their way. You
are not special; they have done this to all other visiting teams in the past.
[whahof.com] This includes one sided refereeing in favor of the home sides on
the ice too. [whahof.com/Europe-feature.html; chidlovski.com] </b></span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04733761095238567348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1039678588858327000.post-28134017970255618022016-09-17T20:46:00.003-07:002016-09-17T20:46:56.688-07:00WORLD WIDE HOCKEY TOUR - DOWN THE NILE (E)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Nilla, Tazil’s mother, had a hearty laugh and an outgoing
disposition. She said to Mekkar, “When you get here give us a ring and we will
come to see you.” Her education was relayed into work as a civil servant in a
national government building there. The brutal dictator killed her husband for
some unknown reason and no one has ever given any explanation. She seemed to
have a joyful disposition despite the outward circumstances that easily could
have left her extremely bitter.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Selects players, staff, and their transportation crew
were booked into the swankiest hotel in <st1:city w:st="on">Kampala</st1:city>.
However, on the second night Mekkar, Alf, and Lasse went and stayed overnight
at Tazil’s more humble residence instead. The youngsters played diverse games
while they were there with the family. Others in the neighborhood dropped by to
take part in the activities. Mekkar even teased Tazil about wearing a coat when
it was so warm (about 90 degrees Fahrenheit). Next, the three arctic boys retrieved
their hockey sticks and pucks among the gear and taught the kids there about
the game in a number of aspects like how to properly hold a stick and shoot.
Some of the children had never seen anything that resembled ice hockey in any
form. Mekkar wished they had more time to spend there and additional items to
give away there. The three Selects players even autographed a few of the
goodies also. Mekkar figured that they could acquire a few extra sticks and
related items from equipment managers to replace what he gave to the kids
there. He knew it was up to them to customize the fresh gear to their liking
for future contests.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>What the Native from the North remembers best is the animal
chasing contest during the festivities. Tazil was very quick and extremely
proficient at this enterprise. He told Mekkar why and how he became so
exceptional at it, “The reason is you become good at this to prevent from going
hungry.” Tazil also mentioned that this was the case before his mother got that
good government job to feed the family especially after his father had died.
Tazil went on to say, “Now catching the food is just a hobby to keep his skills
sharp and improved my futbol (soccer) goalie reactions.” </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Team staff and their vehicles then arrived to entreat Mekkar,
Alf, and Lasse to get ready quickly so they could depart the city. The powers
that be wanted them to join the rest of the team to forge ahead on the journey.
Both sides waved their goodbyes and the Selects headed off to explore around
one of the largest freshwater lakes on the global map. The assembly took them
through the Masai Mara wildlife area in <st1:country-region w:st="on">Kenya</st1:country-region>
to reach the well-known <st1:placename w:st="on">Serengeti</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">National Park</st1:placetype> in <st1:country-region w:st="on">Tanzania</st1:country-region>. Mekkar wished Tazil could
have been with him on this part of the trip because he knew the region so well.
Yet, Mekkar thought it was probably no big deal to the Ugandan since he lived
so close by and has seen these different animals in person many times over.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>As the vehicles were in the northern part of the park and
not far from the border and the lake they stopped to take a break. The idea was
let all of them just enjoy the scenery. Soon afterward a herd of elephants went
strolling by. Mekkar was glad it wasn’t too close because he didn’t know the
temperament of pachyderms in relation to people. “Hopefully, those big beasts
don’t see us,” stated Mekkar. It was still close enough to make the ground
tremble as they rolled past. Mekkar commented that it felt like an earthquake
on the Richter scale. The vehicle was rocking and swaying from side to side
while also stirring up everyone’s meal from earlier. The tusked creatures were
not quite stampeding, but at the same time they were not walking slowly either.
</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Mekkar came prepared, as always, with a few sets of binoculars
for those in the transport to use. Some of the others had their own as well. After
the distance widened between them and the animals, the vehicle Mekkar was in
headed off in pursuit. He had an overwhelming feeling to pursue the adventure
even while doubting the wisdom of tracking the beasts. They followed the chase
due to the strong urging and pestering of the driver by the majority of the
passengers. Still the truck kept a wide gap between them and the moving herd.
Mekkar and his buddies next saw something that he didn’t believe at first. A
male lion had gotten way too close for comfort. Mekkar felt it might have been
hungry and possibly desperate but also asked the question, “Don’t the female
lions usually conduct the chase and hunt the prey instead?” The rest told
Mekkar to keep quiet as to not attract any attention to them.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Well, one of larger pachyderms, Mekkar was unsure if it was
a male or female elephant, kicked that displaced lion in the air like a field
goal in American football. It seemed as though the big cat was dead before
landing back to earth with a distinctive thud. Yet, they were too far away to
feel the lion’s punishment but could see it with a sense of empathy on behalf
of the clawed cat. Mekkar right then stated out loud, “Whoever said that the
lion is the King of the Jungle doesn’t know what he is talking about! Oh, man!”
He continued on to anyone there that was listening, “Did you see that lion get
kicked like a field goal or a soccer ball? That was so cool!” They were all
cracking up at that statement, but also told him to keep his voice down since
Mekkar gets louder when he gets excited.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Soon after this they left to be out of range of the mammoth
animals. A notification came over the sound box in the truck. When they came
upon another location instructions were passed along that it was now time to go
and resume the tour. The backtrack via a different route began. Mekkar pointed
out a sight to the east. It was the highest mountain on the continent,
Kilimanjaro. Mekkar was not a mountain climber and had no desire to he would
only observe the peak’s majesty from a reasonable distance. He would let the
handheld field glasses amplify and focus the view of the famous mountain.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>They were moving at a rapid pace to their next
destination. Mekkar felt it was pretty amazing to view animals such as
giraffes, etc. in the wildlife preserve with the Kenyan capital skyline
silhouetted against the setting sun. It was then only quick jaunt to <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Nairobi</st1:place></st1:city> nearby to fly out
to unnamed locations northward. </b></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04733761095238567348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1039678588858327000.post-10173633656984286632016-09-15T14:22:00.003-07:002016-09-15T14:24:46.694-07:00WORLD WIDE HOCKEY TOUR - DOWN THE NILE (D)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>This line of vehicles on the desert frontier kept moving at
quite a rapid clip and distance. Basically stopping only for short pit-stops to
refuel, reload with supplies, or have all empty their bladders, etc. When they reached the temple ruins of <st1:city w:st="on">Luxor</st1:city> everyone checked it
out. However, the group didn’t spend near the amount of time in comparison when
they previously visited the pyramids. Mekkar was definitely feeling groggy and
listless at this point on the journey. He figured that he saw the pinnacle earlier
on at the pyramids. Thus, Mekkar was sort of indifferent to the <st1:city w:st="on">Luxor</st1:city> site. It was
different from the manmade similarly named hotel near the <st1:city w:st="on">Las Vegas</st1:city> strip. The contrast between the
beautiful oases here along the <st1:place w:st="on">Nile</st1:place> amidst the
desert was most striking. The column of trucks, well more like sport utility
vehicles, journeyed on. It was estimated the group covered a stretch further
than the equivalent from <st1:city w:st="on">San Diego</st1:city> to <st1:place w:st="on">San Francisco</st1:place> everyday so
far and this travel trend would continue as is.
</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Other sites passed by and viewed by Mekkar, when he was
awake, was the large Aswan Dam & Lake Nasser. They were going to exit <st1:country-region w:st="on">Egypt</st1:country-region> soon. Yet
the voyage continued as they advanced through the desert like so many before them
had. Mekkar reflected to his studies in an instant and thought just like Erwin
“The Desert Fox” Rommel’s tanks would have if they had reached this far south.
Of course, Mekkar was quite aware that travelling companions were a very
different type of warrior, on ice. The only true uniformed and active soldiers
accompanying them were in service to the Egyptian military. Their tasks on this
trip were not military in nature, just as drivers. Mekkar felt it was not wise
for their guides and chauffeurs to wear any uniforms since it would just cause
trouble down the road. Especially since they would be crossing into another
country real soon and later on during this trip.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Ever a student of history and from research, Mekkar was only
slightly perceptive of the deep animosity of various tribes and nations in this
region of the planet. But, not the full extent. The Native from the North
discerned and decided that former colonization and imperialism of these parts
of the world created a sphere of issues still existent today as a result.
Elites drawing up national borders while at the same disregarding the local
populations and dividing homogeneous tribes. Of course, he reasoned there would
be future complications and it happened.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>It was another day or so until the Selects reached another
large metropolis but they were all dwarfed by <st1:city w:st="on">Cairo</st1:city> in comparison and where this excursion
began. After passing a generous bend in the river and near the Sudanese capital
<st1:city w:st="on">Khartoum</st1:city> the <st1:place w:st="on">Nile</st1:place>
joins together from multiple branches. Despite many efforts by the surrounding
people to harness resources from the longest watercourse on the planet to meet
ever expanding power requirements, the ancient river still flows on. It has not
been brought to a halt at all. Now Mekkar and his caravan crew can enjoy the
fruits provided by the waterway as a result. Assorted construction of bridges
and other crossings assure that locals have access to all the benefits the Nils
provides on both sides of the river.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Mekkar recalled this was one of the places where the
ancients were able to build whole civilizations without the modern tools of
today. He guessed that the area was probably more despite deforestation. The
desert has claimed much of the land in our times in his opinion. Even historians
that Mekkar has read about have admitted to this trend. However, the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Great</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">River</st1:placetype></st1:place>
has not been completely conquered, like his own dwindling people, and the water
still flows.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Some of the days still seemed warmer to Mekkar and he would
request that the driver turn up the air conditioning in the truck. The boys
from the coldest regions of their nation were here, so there were no outward
complaints from the other passengers. Yet, none of the others including Alf or
Lasse preferred it as chilly as Mekkar. They were always teasing him about having
ice in his veins. Mekkar had too much time on his hands and was examining the potential
change of seasons and possible effects upon him as they reached closer to the
equator. He has enough trouble with hot weather because his regular body temperature
is much lower then the normal 98.6° F (37° C). The funny thing is that his
friends notice that heat radiates and emanates from Mekkar more than anyone
they know. Alf mentions that his older sibling is unable to keep his heat
within but at the same time prefers it colder, when healthy. Not surprisingly,
no one who knows Mekkar is astounded that he is contrary to accepted scientific
norms and conventional wisdom, but accepts him as an oddball in many ways. The
poor driver ended up wearing a heavy coat while doing his duty. He didn’t even
mentioned anything about it nor bring up the subject at all. The guide kept
speaking about details of the sites the crew arrived at or passed on by without
a beat. Alf had a theory that the coachman was talking so much to keep warm,
who knows!</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><st1:city w:st="on">Khartoum</st1:city> was almost the half
way point to Lake Victoria, but the White Nile runs past that onto <st1:country-region w:st="on">Burundi</st1:country-region>.
However, even scientists were unaware of this continuation at the time and the
true source in <st1:country-region w:st="on">Burundi</st1:country-region>
was discovered in the early twenty-first century. [Wikipedia] The group didn’t
stay long, but solely needed to replenish and resupply and be on their way. </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>As the chain passed past various regions they finally
approached and journeyed through <st1:country-region w:st="on">Uganda</st1:country-region>, the locals there cast their
gaze at them with a lot of suspicion. Mekkar had the concept that the possible
reason for the distrust could have been because their group was viewed as
guests of Idi Amin. An off-handed comment regarding how the visitors were
travelling by land instead of by boat on the water was the basis of this misjudgment.
The regular custom was that normal tourists followed the locals and moved
between different stopping points on the water.</b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>When the Selects and their small entourage arrived in the
Ugandan capital Mekkar contacted a person he was acquainted with, Tazil.
Tazil’s mother worked with Sirga in some capacity for a short time up north.
Mekkar was unclear on the actual connections and details between the two women
and didn’t really care too much. However, he befriended Tazil during that time.
Mekkar had previously contacted the Ugandan and his family when they got closer
and told them that he might make it there, if it all works out right. He said
it would depend on the time frame and possible schedule to the area excluding
any unforeseen changes that were very common on this trip. Thus, Mekkar was not
definite in the planned visit, just estimating a potential occurrence. </b></span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04733761095238567348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1039678588858327000.post-34839462827910884062016-09-09T19:15:00.000-07:002016-09-09T19:15:11.309-07:00WORLD WIDE HOCKEY TOUR - DOWN THE NILE (C)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Mekkar must have stated his concerns in his mind and also
out loud because another person there told him that the nose had been shot off
by way of a cannon ball. A misfire that was done by one of Napoleon’s soldiers
long ago and that he was not in any danger of falling debris. [Wikipedia] The
young man was hoping to see the rest of this vast pyramid complex on this day
and he accomplished this. As dusk approached they loaded back up into the same
vehicles and continued on. Happily the vehicles were supplied with snacks,
drinks, and whatnot as they caravan travelled south through the desert with the
great river nearby flowing in the opposite direction northward.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>As he was leaving the pyramids in the distance of the rear
view window, Mekkar felt sad for the long lost people who built those
magnificent symbols. Masterpieces that are still around thousands of years
later to be treasured by the earth’s inhabitants today. He also reflected about
the culture and the people who lived during that time period. Would they be
pretty much forgotten today if these manmade structures no longer existed?
Would their past accomplishments be basically erased today and banished to the
annals of history? Mekkar pondered on these questions.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The native from the north was still a product of his
upbringing and environment. He thought that hopefully some in the future will
still remember us as a people. That our good deeds might be recognized long
after our own native culture is no longer present in the world. That maybe we
failed to leave any massive makers of a culture long passed like these the
Egyptians did under the Pharaohs. He realized right then the future fate of his
own indigenous civilization. Mekkar felt somber because many ancient peoples
along with native societies have come and gone. </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>They disappeared and those stepping stones for progress, as
well as, the lessons that could have been gained now are perished forever. The
usefulness can’t help us in the current age, even though there are some areas
where mankind has gained ground. The basic truth is people have changed little
in their nature throughout the sands of time. Mekkar is of the opinion that
ancient peoples lived in the same vein as today’s native environments. They
both face similar dilemmas in that many of their contributions are rarely
recognized by the dominating and overwhelming surrounding modern lifestyles.
Mekkar knows one thing for sure, that concrete jungle dwellers are fairly
inflexible and unadaptable in comparison to his tribe and society.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Whereas a passenger in the moving transport during that
first night Mekkar had plenty of time to think about things, that is, when he
was awake. He deliberated that everyone has their own agenda, no matter whom
they are or when they lived. The team’s visit to the pyramid valley reinforced
this belief in his head. Mekkar kept speculating ways to show others those
native manners of living also have their benefits. He affirms those are, on a
smaller scale, excellent examples that resemble provision of a more equal
distribution of resources. Which in turn raises the overall prosperity to the
group as a whole due to sharing concept among its inhabitants. As long as
everyone works and contributes their fare share of the load, and not sit on
their rear end expecting others to take care of them. It is not a welfare
system but a matter of survival just like, in a sense, a pack mentality of
sorts.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Emerging from Mekkar’s concept is that he feels modern
societies have a very different screwed up viewpoint. For the most part those
in charge do not care about their overall populations, except perhaps as slave
classes to provide for the state and the benefit of the elites. This is a
result of the dog eat dog greed mentality that is embedded into the
consciousness of each modern society. Mekkar says it has also been imparted
into the subconscious of the people by way of design as designated by the
elites. It’s all one facet of a greater overall plan to brainwash the people.
This has not changed since the beginning of time. </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Wanderer from the <st1:place w:st="on">Arctic</st1:place>
considers it is ironic that the more technological civilizations are in many
ways more backward and regressive. It is due to the impersonal, detached, and
narcissistic attitude that infects and permeates the various societies. While
at the same time delude them also. It is quite a quandary that he hasn’t yet
internally solved. Mekkar let these type of thoughts swirl through his noggin
while he took in the majesty and expanse of this area. He appreciated how long
these natural and interspersed manmade objects have stood the test of time. Mekkar
answered some of his own questions regarding how these lasting wonders of the
ancient world were built and still remain today.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Mekkar realized that even back then the same issues plagued
mankind and the powers that be. That those in charge still will do or say
anything to retain their status, positions of power, and influence just like
today. Unfortunately, the human species never appears in Mekkar’s mind to learn
from their own past history with its flaws and errors. If they did, he
questioned whether the supposedly civilized human race would continue the same
courses of action to their own folly. Mekkar would respond with a definite - I
think not! He saw these physical symbols as just a part of another empire and
culture. One that has come and gone in a long line of successive great powers
who existed for at least awhile, but fell due to internal decay and inefficiency.
His inquiry of when will it ever end never was resolved during this
consideration process.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>These crazy ideas kept popping into Mekkar’s head to
fight the absolute boredom during the transportation travel period along the
stout <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Nile</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">River</st1:placetype></st1:place>. He could only be fascinated by
sand for so long. Still, much to his chagrin, was the long journey to the next
destination wherever that may be. It was an unknown factor as Mekkar was kept
in the dark about this just like the rest of the players. He was not amused, as
it was Mekkar’s nature and preference to be in the know of upcoming
developments. </b></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04733761095238567348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1039678588858327000.post-6669377256416215462016-09-05T19:49:00.002-07:002016-09-05T19:49:28.645-07:00WORLD WIDE HOCKEY TOUR – DOWN THE NILE (B)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Then the mob in the stands took a hostile tone and was
shouting out statements. None of the members on the Selects team could decipher
except for Alf and another on the team. Only because they could speak any Arabic
at all. Yet, Alf kept silent and reserved. He went into his own shell, his own
cone of silence as was his personality. [Get Smart TV Show, 1965-70] Some
people in the crowd began to throw various food items at the players on both
teams whether they were on the ice or not. The now unruly mass of humanity did
not discriminate with regard to the targets of their wrath. Mekkar thought he
was lucky enough to catch a homemade loaf of bread right after he had rotated
his spot on the Selects bench.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The arctic boy even exclaimed to some of his teammates,
“Hey, bread! I am going to eat it because it looks good and I am kind of
hungry.” Mekkar loved heavy, fresh homemade bread which then reminded him of
home. Unhappily for Mekkar and the rest of his squad the coaches were tapping
them all on the shoulder. It was not for a line change this time, but to gain
their attention and to tell each one of them not to consume the food. No matter
how delicious the food might appear. The staff explained that it could be
contaminated and could have bacteria, plus who knows what else. They were
concerned about potential illness because it seems that someone on the team is
always sick. On top of that, colds and other illnesses are spread through the
whole squad around and around throughout the season.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Behind the Selects bench players were being implored with
comments and questions about the possible lack of hygiene habits of the
individuals tossing the edibles at them. Mekkar snickered to Alf and Lasse
nearby, “So much for good relations, what a crock!” The ice surface then took
quite awhile to be cleared of all the items that littered it. Due to that the
rest of the game was cancelled and called completed as a result, even though it
there was a few minutes left to go. The lopsided score was a foregone
conclusion anyway.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Lasse led the team to escape the madness back to the
lockerroom because there was no telling how the rowdy multitude might respond
next. Plus, the Selects still had to reach the parking lot. A few of the team
members now felt that factions of the hostile mob might want to attempt to
physically attack them or possibly shoot at them. Once the Selects all reached
the bus safely, there was a sense of relief. Nevertheless, they were not out of
the woods. There was another announcement for all the passengers to hear. There
would be a change in the itinerary again. This time it would include a break
with no matches coming up soon and a sightseeing trip too! The staff person
didn’t really give more details about the detour so there were some doubts.
Still, Mekkar and some of the injured Selects players welcomed the interlude to
heal. Mekkar joked with Lasse and uttered, “Well, at least the incompetent
organizers of this tour did something right for a change. They needed to make
up for the scheduling screw ups during this whole trip around the globe.”</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Relayed by the coaching crew as the current word to the
players was that this break would last anywhere from a week to twenty one days.
Mekkar knew that this could always be changed at any juncture, so he just
considered the info fed to them with skepticism. It frankly became like a joke
among the team members. Mekkar expressed himself, “I will believe they (the
team management) will keep their word, when I see it. Otherwise, they are all
full of lies and more lies!” </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Mekkar was the lone exception among the individuals that had
suffered afflictions on the tour. The rest were sent back home already due to
the declaration of those players being unfit to continue in any more matches on
this journey. Whew! Mekkar was relieved that the contentious environment at the
arena had been swept away when the Selects checked out of the hotel the next
day. At least, they got to see a few sites around <st1:city w:st="on">Cairo</st1:city>. Afterward they gathered together all
of the remaining members of the Selects at a specific rendezvous point in the
south part of the city center. Fortunately there were no confrontations or
conflicts as a result of the match the night before.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>A lineup of well maintained in appearance off-road Range
Rover vehicles were there to whisk them to destinations unknown. None of the
players, including Mekkar, had an inkling as to the direction that was to be
travelled or locations they were steered towards. Like most athletes they, most
of the time anyways, do as they are told and follow the directives of those in
charge. The life of high level athletes is in many ways as structured as the
military including the family schedules at home also. Mekkar thought it must a
surprise for the reason we are not being informed as to where we are going. He
snapped, “In the dark much like the rest of this debacle of a journey.”</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Even in unfamiliar surroundings Mekkar aligned himself with
those on the team he knew best. So Mekkar, Lasse, Alf, and Johan were all
together in the same vehicle. Similar personalities hanging out together. Well,
at least the gang of four rebels on the squad still had undiscovered alcohol in
their bags to make the trip more enjoyable. They were unable to acquire more
booze in the city so it had to last - but still must be consumed. Even though
it was fully past the darkest part of winter back home, Mekkar deemed it crazy
that some locals in this area would be wearing outer garments or jackets when
it was ninety degrees Fahrenheit (32.22° Celsius) outside. He was still an
arctic boy at heart. Mekkar inquired of the driver regarding what he saw and
was told that temperature was downright chilly here in the <st1:place w:st="on">Northern
Africa</st1:place> desert region. Think of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Phoenix</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">Arizona</st1:state></st1:place>
during the middle of the summer heat and one would get the idea of the norm.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The group of motorized transport machines headed out
toward the great river <st1:place w:st="on">Nile</st1:place> and then turned
south. It was an awfully quick trip thought Mekkar as they first arrived at the
<st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Gaza</st1:place></st1:city> area where
the mighty pyramids, built long ago, towered nearby. Right at the entrance to
their destination, the line of trucks stopped and everyone got out. The Great
Sphinx was there as if to greet the visitors to its domain. Mekkar figured that
this was part of the intentional design of the area back in ancient times to
invoke an automatic response of respect. He guessed that the Sphinx was there
as a symbol to protect this place and display the glory of the kingdom. After
moving around the various blocks of carved stone, Mekkar stood near the head of
the statue looking up at it in awe. He wondered why it had crumbled somewhat
especially in the facial region. He also, at the same time, wondered why am I
basically standing near the face and underneath this monument? Some of this deteriorating
figure might fall directly upon me while I am here in this position. That
realization forced him to quickly move away abit.</b></span></div>
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