Islanders Suck! You're Suspended.

Tonight the Rangers play the Islanders. Certainly one of the best hockey rivalries around. Lot's of action: hits, fights, goals, penalties and attitude (why did we trade Avery?). These match ups never disappoint.

This morning on the way to work, my most (and only) favorite hockey song came on my iPod, as if it knew about tonight's game: Johnny Got Suspended, by the Zambonis.

Johnny is a Ranger fan, and he wears an "Islanders Suck!" t-shirt to school. His teacher sends him to the principal's office, who quickly suspends him and calls his mother. His mother is shamed and in a "state of disarray", but she also brings a message from his father: "Your father says he's proud, and the Rangers Rule!". Johnny Got Suspended for wearing an Islanders Suck t-shirt. Oh yes he did.

So what am I getting at? I remember school. Despite being a Rangers fan, I'm also an Islander's fan, and I'd (probably) never wear such a t-shirt. I was a HUGE Islanders fan when I was young. Winning four Stanley cups in a row helped! I wore an Islander's jersey to school all the time! I did not get into trouble. If I had worn an Islanders Suck t-shirt, I doubt I would have been suspended, but I probably would have been beaten up.

Despite all this, and my objections to standardized education, I still am nostalgic about things of this nature. Not the education, but the camaraderie, pranks and fun that can be had in school. I'm almost disappointed that I'll never be called to the principal's office to pick up my child for doing something daring and fun (that I'd be proud of) despite any rules, regulations and/or feelings that my son broke, hurt or bent.

I remember once in the fourth grade putting tacks on a substitute teacher's chair. I've never seen a fat lady move so fast. Her yelp alone was worth it! I was hero to my classmates and a pariah to substitutes. I'm sure my parents got a good laugh out of it, too. My dad got a good laugh when I reminded him of it recently.

And who wouldn't, really? I had to write a two page essay on why that was a bad idea. (the essay was a bad idea!) I got into further trouble by double-spacing my lines. But as I pointed out at the time, they didn't say it had to be single-spaced. That's how you piss off a principal! Good times.

Anyway, I don't think I'll have any of those proud moments. Aside from not going to school, my son is a Penguin fan.