Then there’s Roberto Luongo above, in a formal portrait done at the All Star Game. Took me a minute to realize who he reminded me of, then it hit me…

Mason Raymond‘s portrait done on the weekend is just plain weird. Something very Charlton Heston about it. Or perhaps Mona Lisa? Either way, dude needs a new publicist. (Update:Cameron Frye pointed out to me that there’s a Queen comparison to be made. Oy.)

And finally, let’s consider the International Conspiracy Against the Detroit Red Wings.

From Stu Hackel at the NY Times Slapshot, a response to the atmosphere of conspiracy that’s pervaded Detroit hockey circles the last few days:

Oh jeez, give it a rest, guys. The Red Wings are probably the most popular team in hockey. Everyone hates them? Everyone wants them to fail? The league picks on them? Wait, isn’t everyone actually against the Canadiens for all those Stanley Cups? Or against the Leafs for their unfounded arrogance? Or against the Rangers because everyone hates Glen Sather, James Dolan and New York City? Or against the Devils because they’re so boring? Or against the Islanders because they’re the Islanders? Or against the Bruins because they’re cheapskates and did Bobby Orr wrong? Or against the Flyers because they ruined hockey in the ’70s? Or against the Penguins because everyone hates Sidney Crosby? Or against the Lightning because the owners are cowboys? Or against the rest of the Sun Belt teams because they’re in the Sun Belt? Or against the rest of the Canadian teams because they think they invented the sport? Or against the league because everyone hates Gary Bettman?

Victims of the world, unite! Enough already.

Indeed. Although you might ask, “Is Hackel too quick to dismiss the reaction as paranoia?” Perhaps he is. After all, a search asking if there is an International Conspiracy Against the Detroit Red Wings on Googledid lead me to this…

Look into it. I bet Gary started that boycott. First he goes after their shoes, then, well… anything could happen…

Either way, “boycott” and “Red Wings” on the same image is a winner no matter how you wanna look at it. ;)