The Twelve Best Christmas Songs

Here is a list of my twelve favourite Christmas songs ever written and performed.

Away in a Manger
I'll Be Home For Christmas
Little Drummer Boy
White Christmas
Silent Night
Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairy
My Favourite Things-John Coltrane's version is easily the best rendition of this classic. I couldn't find a midi, but a search of your favourite file sharing program will turn up a copy.
O Holy Night
Silent Night
What Child Is This
Do They Know It's Christmas-It's been twenty one years since Sir Bob Geldof organized Live Aid and got everyone together for this great cause. A cause that is still so relevent, the countries may have changed, but the need is the same.

and just because it's so funny,
Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer

Later,
Kenaz

Top Ten Worst Christmas Gifts For 2005

From ShopInPrivate.com a company that describes there services this way, "If you have an embarrassing condition that needs attention, you can shop in private for a cure at ShopInPrivate.com. The purchase will be easy, delivery will be fast, and we hold your personal information in the strictest of confidence. We just want you to remember that some items are best purchased for oneself."

Since 1998 ShopInPrivate.com has proudly sold embarrassing items in the world's most private shopping environment. Each year we bring you a list of the worst Christmas gifts. Here are 2005's worst.

10. The Man Catcher Voodoo Kit: Nothing says 'I think you are reaching the point of desperation' more than a gift of voodoo charms meant to attract a mate.

9. The Handi-Cleanse Personal Bidet: While personal hygiene is important, the exact method that your friends and family use to freshen up should be left for them to decide.

8.The Bulge: Even if some people buy an item that fills out the front of their underpants, no one should be given such an item.

7. The Razorba Back Shaver: There is only one way to remove your back hair without enlisting the help of another person. It is called the Razorba, a strange invention and horrible gift idea.

6. Bubbles Butt Lifting Lingerie: Even if it is a good idea. Even if your friend looks the same front-to-back. Even if they weigh 50 pounds less than you. Don't do it.

5. Anal Bleaching Cream: This year E! channel made a big deal out of anal bleaching and sales skyrocketed. Fortunately for all of us anal bleaching cream won't make it on anyone's wish list.

4. The Hardness Factor: Books on erectile dysfunction, while useful, don't work well as stocking stuffers.

3.The Strippers Guide To Looking Great Naked : Some gifts say "I love you". Some gifts say: "I care about you";. This gift says: "I don't like the way you look naked"

2. A Nose Hair Trimmer: Rarely will you see a retailer try to discourage sales but each year we ask people not to buy nose hair trimmers for their relatives. Unfortunately over 1,000 do.

...and the worst gift idea for 2005 is:
1. Cross Dress for Success: Even if Aunt Mildred used to be Uncle Milton you might want to let that tidbit of family history rest for a little while. A how-to book won't solve anything.

Later,
Kenaz

Rune Reading For The Week Of December 5-December 11, 2005

Introduction to Rune Readings

Rune readings are arrangements of the 24 runes (letters) of the old Futhark alphabet. The layout of the runes is known as a spread, and determines what each rune refers to. For example, in the Three Norns spread, the first rune represents the past, the second the present, and the third the future.

Sets: In addition to each rune having a meaning, the material in which the runes are carved can color the reading. Most people consistently use runes made of ceramic, stone, or wood. In order to broaden your experience, we offer readings with Gold Runes (for questions about business, career, and property), Jade Runes (for questions about love, friendship, and relationships), Ice Runes (for questions about struggle, conflict, and achievement), Spirit Runes (for questions about mysticism, spirituality, and religion), and Stone Runes (for questions about the natural world and things beyond human control).

Here we go.

The question will remain the same: "Will this week be a successful one?"

Rune Alphabet



Spread:Cross(in order of reading)
The Cross spread is used to plot the arc of your life and the forces acting on it. It is the most popular spread, giving a very complete view of the situation. Ice Runes are most commonly used for questions about struggle, conflict, and achievement.




Here is the Reading Using the Ice Set.

1.


The left rune represents an important element of the past. Wunjo is the rune of joy. The reversal of this rune suggests that joy is withheld. Since joy is frequently communal, this rune often suggests loneliness. Alternatively, some have seen Wunjo as the rune of perfection and the rune of the gods. Therefore this rune reversed could signal a feeling of separation from one's deity, or as imperfection in an important work.

2.


The middle rune represents a deciding element of the present. Raido means to ride. In this rune, the image is not so much the riding of a horse as in riding in a cart or as cargo. As such Raido may suggest a journey, but is much more indicative of communication. Alternate interpretations based on the use of Raido as a cognate in other words give it the meaning of council, judgment, and moral correctness. Therefore, this rune is the rune of wise advice and good leadership.

3.


The right rune represents the critical element of the future, at the core of the final outcome. Ken is the rune of light and knowledge, driving away darkness and ignorance and revealing hidden truth. This rune also brings forth images of friendship and comfort. Ken is the light of inspiration, the light of imagination, and a beacon in the darkest hours.

4.


The top rune represents a force that works for you. Ger is one of the runes that touches on the cycles of the year, in this case the fall harvest. These cycles are eternal, which is represented in the rune by the fact that it is unchanged by reversal. Ger can represent pregnancy or other forms of fruitfulness, and is especially indicative of the cycles of providence and karma - that which has been sown is now being reaped. This rune can also represent the cycles of wealth, for crops were frequently a sign of wealth.

5.


The bottom Rune represents a force that works against you. Fehu represents cattle the Norse symbol of wealth. This rune has some interesting implications based on the fact that cattle, unlike land, move about of their own accord. Cattle also reproduce, so this rune often speaks of wealth that renews or perpetuates itself. Wealth takes many forms, but this rune generally represents the value that is purely material or monetary in nature. Alternatively, this rune is deeply associated with Frey, and hence can be the harbinger of fertility and children.

Later,
Kenaz

The Twelve Days Of Christmas Classics

These are my top twelve Christmas movie classics of all time. Although "The Song of Bernadette" isn't technically a holliday movie, I included it because of the inspirational message.



How The Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)

Now the story has been redone a couple of times, even including a major motion picture starring Jim Carrey. Despite that, I find that the short made for television version of the story was the best one to date. Created in 1966, this was an animated feature based on the book by Dr. Suess. It covered the exploits of "The Grinch", who had lost is spirit for Christmas over the years. His only goal in life now, is to rid the world of Christmas joy. In order to do this, he will attempt to remove all of the gifts and spirit from the small town of Whoville. The story is really well done, and appeals to a younger audience, but it is still one that I will watch if I ever come across it during the season. The animation was really pretty basic, but I still enjoy the story, and I still enjoy thinking back to the first time I saw it. It clocks it at only 26 minutes, but it still is able to pack a great little story into that time.



A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)

Charles Schulz brought his comic strip to life, by writing a mad-for-television version of his Peanuts. A Charlie Brown Christmas was about his main character Charlie Brown, and what he and his friends go through one Christmas. This is another animated holiday special, but this one broke a lot of new ground when it was shown. The most important part, was that they used childrens voices in an industry that had been overwhelmed by adult actors playing the roles of the kids. In addition to that, there were biblical references in the story that helped talk about the real meaning of Christmas. Charlie Brown has been around for years, and will be around for many more years, but this was our first glimpse of him and his gang around the holidays. This is one that I own, and I think that it is one of the great stories that shows how children see and react to the true meaning of Christmas.



A Christmas Carol (1951)

Another one of the Christmas stories that has been redone a thousand times, I like this version the best. Some people like the newer Patrick Stewart version, and some even like Scrooged (with Bill Murray) as a great one in the remade versions. I however, really like the original, simply because it seems like it should be in black and white, and the story seems better placed in the past. A Christmas Carol was written by Charles Dickens, and tells the story of an old "scrooge" who wants nothing out of life but to make more money. He sacrifices his family and friends, and everyone that has ever loved him, in the pursuit of becoming richer. He is then visited by ghosts in his old age, attempting to show him the error of his ways, and hoping that he can go down a different path for his remaining days on Earth. It is another great story depicting the importance of being their for your fellow man on Christmas, and it does a great job of giving a scare while telling a deep story. Charles Dickens "A Christmas Carol" will always remain one of the most famous, and most well loved of Christmas stories.



It's A Wonderful Life (1946)

The essential film when it comes to Christmas, It's A Wonderful Life is a story about a man going through some hard times, and makes the wish that he had never been born. Feeling that the world would be better off without him, he wants to remove the pain of everyone around him, by removing himself. For a short time, and angel grants him his wish, and the chance to see what life would be like if he really had never been born. Frank Capra directs, and Jimmy Stewart stars as George Bailey, a family man, who has come across some tough times. The movie is really about hope, and the thought that everyone has something to offer, no matter how small we may feel we are in the scheme of things. The film attempts to show just how much one man can change the lives of everyone around him, and gives us the feeling that even the smallest of deeds can turn into the biggest of deals for someone else. It's A Wonderful Life if a classic Christmas film that has made some lists as one of the best movies ever made.



Miracle on 34th Street (1947)

Is there really a Santa Clause? You bet there is, and this is the film that proves it! Another one of the classic films about Christmas, A Miracle on 34th Street surrounds a man who claims to be none other than Kris Kringle himself. Of course nobody believes him, and it is up to a lawyer and a little girl who must set aside their logical thinking just long enough to have faith that this man could really be THE Santa Clause. Edmund Gwenn as Kringle exemplifies everything we have ever associated with what Santa Clause would look like. He fits the part, and from the start of the movie, you want to believe that it is really him, but you have no proof to go along with your assumptions. It is one mans word, and we are taken through legal proceedings where he must prove who he is, or be deemed insane by the state. It is really a great story about the opinions that people have, and whether or not we are willing to believe something we can't see or prove for ourselves. Miracle on 34th Street is one that should not be missed if you haven't seen it yet.



Frosty The Snowman (1969) (TV)

Another of the great holiday animations, Frosty The Snowman tells the tale of a magical top-hat, that when applied to the head of a snowman, brings him to life. Named Frosty, this man made of snow shows the children of a small town everything great that the Christmas season has to offer. Though it comes it at less than half an hour, this Christmas Special really does a good job of presenting many different emotions in that short amount of time. You find yourself laughing out loud as he marches through town, and even sad at the thought that someone could keep Frosty from having his snowy fun. It is a far-fetched story if we are going to look at it honestly, but it is fun to watch, and it is endearing in everything that it presents. The best part though, is the theme song of Frosty, which is something I always end up singing during the Christmas season. Frosty The Snowman is one of the great animations that came out of the 60's around Christmas time, and still has a place in my home movie collection.



The Bishops Wife (1947)

An episcopal Bishop, Henry Brougham, has been working for months on the plans for a new cathedral paid for by a stubborn widow. He is losing sight of his family and of why he became a churchman in the first place. Enter Dudley, an angel sent to help him. Dudley does help everyone he meets, but not necessarily in the way they would have preferred. With the exception of Henry, everyone loves him, but Henry begins to believe that Dudley is there to replace him, at work, and in his families affections, as Christmas approaches



Holiday Inn (1942)

Lovely Linda Mason has crooner Jim Hardy head over heels, but suave stepper Ted Hanover wants her for his new dance partner after femme fatale Lila Dixon gives him the brush. Jim's supper club, Holiday Inn, is the setting for the chase by Hanover and manager Danny Reed. The music's the thing.



White Christmas (1954)

After leaving the Army after W.W.II, Bob Wallace and Phil Davis team up to become a top song-and-dance act. Davis plays matchmaker and introduces Wallace to a pair of beautiful sisters (Betty and Judy) who also have a song-and-dance act. When Betty and Judy travel to a Vermont lodge to perform a Christmas show, Wallace and Davis follow, only to find their former commander, General Waverly, is the lodge owner. A series of romantic mix-ups ensue as the performers try to help the General.



Babes in Toyland (1934)

Ollie Dee and Stanley Dum try to borrow money from their employer, the toymaker, to pay off the mortgage on Mother Peep's shoe and keep it and Little Bo Peep from the clutches of the evil Barnaby. When that fails, they trick Barnaby into marrying Stanley Dum instead of Bo Peep. Enraged, Barnaby unleashes the bogeymen from their caverns to destroy Toyland.



The Bells Of St. Mary (1945)

Father O'Malley the unconventional priest from 'Going My Way' continues his work for the Catholic Church. This time he is sent to St. Mary's, a run-down parochial school on the verge of condemnation. He and Sister Benedict work together in an attempt to save the school, though their differing methods often lead to good-natured disagreements.



The Song Of Bernadette (1943)

In 1858 France, Bernadette, an adolescent peasant girl, has a vision of "a beautiful lady" in the city dump. She never claims it to be anything other than this, but the townspeople all assume it to be the virgin Mary. The pompous government officials think she is nuts, and do their best to suppress the girl and her followers, and the church wants nothing to do with the whole matter. But as Bernadette attracts wider and wider attention, the phenomenon overtakes everyone in the the town, and transforms their lives.



The Little Drummer Boy (1968) (TV)

When Aaron's family is killed, he hates all people and his only friends are the lamb Baabaa, the donkey Samson and the camel Joshua. But an unscrupulous travelling performer convinces them to join his troupe, and then sells Joshua to a trio of kings. Aaron follows the star to find Joshua, but then Baabaa is badly injured, and Aaron must overcome his hatred of mankind and find a gift with which to approach the babe in the manger and ask for help.

Later,
Kenaz

Tonkin Gulf Cover Up Finally Set Straight

The murky events in the Gulf of Tonkin in August 1964 propelled the United States into the Vietnam War. Over three days, the U.S. government reported two attacks on its destroyers. The first assault by North Vietnamese PT boats on August 2 provoked only a protest from Washington. On the cloudy night of August 4, two U.S. ships detected another apparent ambush. They fired their guns in response, claiming to have sunk several enemy boats. The incident prompted Lyndon Johnson to order airstrikes and obtain what amounted to a declaration of war from Congress.

Now, a newly declassified NSA study--and over 140 formerly top secret intelligence reports--confirm just how wrong McNamara was. Indeed, the 55-page report by NSA historian Robert Hanyok effectively rewrites the history of this pivotal event. Hanyok proves not only that there never was a second attack but that the NSA had plenty of contradictory evidence that was actively suppressed. "The overwhelming body of reports, if used, would have told the story that no attack had happened," Hanyok concludes. "So a conscious effort ensued to demonstrate that the attack occurred."

Hanyok concludes officials "deliberately skewed" intelligence to support the claim of a second attack. But he blames lower-level NSA analysts, not senior political leaders. "The conspiracy was always believed to be that President Johnson and Secretary McNamara basically manipulated the intelligence . . ." says intelligence historian Matthew Aid. "Now, we know the mistakes and conspiracy were widespread but at a midlevel." Still, the Johnson administration set the climate. For one thing, there was intense White House pressure to confirm the attack to clear the way for immediate retaliation. Hanyok quotes Ray Cline, the
CIA's deputy director for intelligence at the time: "We knew it was bum dope that we were getting . . . but we were told only to give the facts with no elaboration on the nature of the evidence. [Johnson] did not like to deal with uncertainties."
full story

In August 1964, Stockdale's squadron played a role in the Gulf of Tonkin incident, which involved North Vietnamese attacks on U.S. naval vessels. The Johnson Administration invoked these occurrences to justify a massive American military response. Interestingly, Stockdale always maintained that during the Incident's key "engagement," he saw no enemy vessels. In his words, "I flew so low there was salt spray on the windshield, and I still didn't see a thing!" But the die was cast. The next morning, he was ordered to lead a raid on North Vietnamese oil refineries. America -- and Jim Stockdale -- were at war.

biography

Once I read Jim Stockdale's book "In Love and War", the story of his storied life, including the events of that fateful day, I couldn't help be inspired to write a screenplay faithful to reaccounts. It was only after I finished the screenplay last year that I found out there had been a made for TV drama made based on the same book back in 1986 starring James Woods. I feel the story desearves the big screen treatment. You can upload my screenplay here, enjoy.

Click here to read 'In Love And War-The Jim Stockdale Story'

Later,
Kenaz

Canadian Excellence:Jayne Eastwood

I've had the pleasure of being on a couple of sets to partake in the excellance that is origional Second City allumnus Jayne Eastwood. At the 1999 Gemini Awards, Eastwood received the Earle Grey Award for her body of work in theater, tv and film.

After a standing ovation, she thanked everyone she ever worked with and talked about how people recognize her on the street.

"They say 'You're that Canadian actress. I don't know your name but you're good.' Well, I'm very, very proud to be that Canadian actress, what's-her-name."

Good indeed, her credits read like a enclopedia of film lit. Since 1970 Mrs. Eastwood has garnered over 80 feature and television roles. Most notable, Gwen Twining (1978-80) on the widly acclaimed Canadian series "King of Kensington" and as a regular on the sketch comedy series "Bizarre"(1980).

Two add to her already impressive list of credits, Jayne Eastwood has made over 35 guest appearances on many graet television shows. Most notably, on Degrassi:The Next Gereration and Sue Thomas FBEye.

Recently, I had the oportunity to be on the set of This is This Is Wonderland to watch her work her magic. Unfortunately, she is so good, she got her scene done in a couple of takes and was off.

Other Memorable Rolls of Mrs. Eastwood:
Riding the Bus With My Sister(2005)Tv-Estella the sympathetic bus driver friend to Rosie O'Donnell's Beth.

Dawn of the Dead(2004)-Norma, the gun weilding zombie killer.

The Man Who Saved Christmas(2002)Tv-Mrs. Gilbert, mother to Jason Alexander's, A.C Gilbert. This wonderful holliday treat tells the story of the man who waged a personal war against the US government who tried to convert his Erector Set factory over to a municians factory during WWI, and won. The movie also stars Edward Asner as Mr.Gilbert. I loved being on this set when it was shot during August of 2002 down in Toronto's Distillery District.

Welcome to Mooseport(2004)-Lucy Decker, the boistrous, town gossip of the small town who makes it hell for the local inhabitants. Again, it was a pleasure to watch this star work while I was on this set in May 2003.

Her full filmography can be found at IMDB
and
Norther Film Stars

Later,
Kenaz

Karla Homolka Gains Freedom

A judge Wednesday lifted all restrictions against Karla Homolka who served only 12 years in prison for her role in the rape and murder of three teenagers, considered one Canada's most notorious crimes.

The ruling by Quebec Superior Justice James Brunton means Karla Homolka, who was convicted of manslaughter in 1993, does not have to report regularly to police, can go where she wants and see and talk to whom she pleases including her ex-husband and co-hort in crime, Paul Bernardo.

full story

I hope Justice Brunton comes to his senses and listens to the appeals of the families that this monster devestated and got away with. Homolka should be free to do what ever she pleases as long as it isn't anywhwere near St. Catherines, children, or her sick ex-husband. Is that too much to ask? I think not.

Later,
Kenaz

Anti-teenager sound weapon

I found this story on boingboing and I appologize to any teen who reads this, but this is funny.

Anti-teenager sound weapon
Today's New York Times profiles an invention that emits a high-frequency sound designed to annoy people younger than 20. Apparently, people older than 30 can't hear it. Howard Stapleton of Barry, Wales invented the device, called the Mosquito, to drive away teenagers loitering around storefronts. From the NYT:

A trip to Spar here in Barry confirmed the strange truth of the phenomenon. The Mosquito is positioned just outside the door. Although this reporter could not hear anything, being too old, several young people attested to the fact that yes, there was a noise, and yes, it was extremely annoying.

"It's loud and squeaky and it just goes through you," said Jodie Evans, 15, who was shopping at the store even though she was supposed to be in school. "It gets inside you..."

Stapleton, a security consultant whose experience in installing store alarms and the like alerted him to the gravity of the loitering problem, studied other teenage-repellents as part of his research. Some shops, for example, use "zit lamps," which drive teenagers away by casting a blue light onto their spotty skin, accentuating any whiteheads and other blemishes.

Using his children as guinea pigs, he tried a number of different noise and frequency levels, testing a single-toned unit before settling on a pulsating tone which, he said, is more unbearable, and which can be broadcast at 75 decibels, within government auditory-safety limits. "I didn't want to make it hurt," Stapleton said. "It just has to nag at them."
link

Why not? There's already a device similar to this to keep those over thirty away, it's called a Ashley Simpson CD. Works the same way, it emits a high pitched bothersome noise.

Later,
Kenaz

Blind Bat Press

Yesterday while I was out on set I had the opportunity to read the first addition of a young talented Hamilton cartoonist, Mark Inness. I met Mark back in July, 2003 when we where cast as football officiating crew members on the set of "Playmakers".

Anyway, here's a look at the cover of his comic and the link to his site where you can purchase it. The comic also contains his take on the world of background acting, accompanied by photos and illistrations.



Blind Bat Press

Later,
Kenaz

Tales From The Set

Alexandra Paul(Baywatch, The Paperboy)is currently filming the movie in Guelph, Ontario, called, Gospel of Deceit, the story of a preacher's wife who falls for a mysterious 23 year old man and creates havoc in her marriage and in the church.

Guelph is about 52km North East of Hamilton and 90km West of Toronto. We were filming at Chalmers United Church on Quebec Street.

This yet to be listed on IMDB so details other than the details of the scenes that I was in yesterday are a little sketchy. The scene entailed about a hundred of us to be regular church followers of the good reverend who preaches a weekly televised program.

As he is giving his latest speech on how the devil tempts us all to perform acts of debotury, perversion and hate and how the lord allows us to be tempted as a test to our faith his wife played by Paul enters the church with a Pennsylvania State Trooper.

Pauls character in full rant accuses her husband of trying to poison her and then covering it up, making it look like a suicide. Embarrassed the good reverend tries to win back his shocked followers by trying to discredit his wife as a mentally unstable women, who he has been actively trying to obtain medical help for and then drops the bomb that his wife is indeed pregnant and he is very happy, looking forward to the future.

His wife now in total dismay, shouts back that this in fact is an obscene lie, a fact that this bolstered when the young twenty something intended alibi enters the church holding a microphone to a cell phone, playing a recording of a conversation between himself and the reverend. On the recording the reverend lays out his plan to poison his wife and ask the young pan to help him cover up his treachery and provide him with the cover.

Desperate, the reverend grabs a hold of the cops gun and fires a point blank shot into his former friends chest who promptly falls to the ground. All of us followers immediately sought cover behind the pews.

The reverend now showing his true unholy side, stands in front of his wife holding the gun to her forehead still clutching at his straw rhetoric. Telling how his wife tried to run the ministry for herself and that all he wanted was a wife not a business partner. Standing firm Paul's character manages to talk him down and the weapon is dropped. allowing the cop to regain control.

End of day. Overall this was one of the most pleasant sets I've been on. The director was a "good ole' chap" from the old country, the DOP was extremely funny and Alexandra Paul and her co-stars are genuinely nice

Until next time, later,

Kenaz

Peter C. Newman Exposes The Truth About Mulroney

"What a bizarre phenomenon he was, this backwoods combination of Machiavelli, leprechaun and Dr. Phil" - Peter C. Newman writes.

I caught the CBC doumentary entitledThe Secret Mulroney Tapes last night and although all Canadians new of his reputation of being caniving and contemptuous. This expose by Canadian award winning reporter Peter C. Newman proved that Mulroney lived up to his more civil nickname 'lyin' Brian and many of the less civil adjectives that he garnered. Mulroney was despised for his toading to the US, meech lake, GST, free trade and a boatload of other issues. I'd rate him as our worst PM in recent memory with newly ousted PM Paul Martin a close second. The first leader to receive a non-confidence vote in Canadian history.

Click on the link and you can watch and read a few excerpts from the show.

Later,
Kenaz

Rune Reading For The Week Of November 28-December 4, 2005

Introduction to Rune Readings

Rune readings are arrangements of the 24 runes (letters) of the old Futhark alphabet. The layout of the runes is known as a spread, and determines what each rune refers to. For example, in the Three Norns spread, the first rune represents the past, the second the present, and the third the future.

Sets: In addition to each rune having a meaning, the material in which the runes are carved can color the reading. Most people consistently use runes made of ceramic, stone, or wood. In order to broaden your experience, we offer readings with Gold Runes (for questions about business, career, and property), Jade Runes (for questions about love, friendship, and relationships), Ice Runes (for questions about struggle, conflict, and achievement), Spirit Runes (for questions about mysticism, spirituality, and religion), and Stone Runes (for questions about the natural world and things beyond human control).

Here we go.

The question will remain the same: "Will this week be a successful one?"

Rune Alphabet



Spread:Cross(in order of reading)
The Cross spread is used to plot the arc of your life and the forces acting on it. It is the most popular spread, giving a very complete view of the situation. Ice Runes are most commonly used for questions about struggle, conflict, and achievement.




Here is the Reading Using the Ice Set.

1.


The left rune represents an important element of the past. Eoh refers to the Yew tree. The Yew does not go dormant and therefore represents endurance. Even the wood of the tree is strong, resilient, and pliable - the Yew bends, but does not break. The evergreen nature of the Yew is present even in the rune itself, as it cannot be changed even by reversal. This rune is historically symbolic of death, but, as in the Tarot and as suggested by the nature of the Yew tree itself, death is seen only as a transmutation of something eternal and unchanging - the spirit.

2.


The middle rune represents a deciding element of the present. Algiz can be easily recognized as the antlers of the elk that it represents. The elk can represent victory, but is much more appropriately associated with the thrill of the hunt itself. This rune therefore can portend vigor and success in active endeavors. Also, this rune seems symbolic of a hand with outstretched fingers - a protective hand. This hand may suggest that you will be shielded from things negative - the problems still exist, you are spared the brunt of their force.

3.


The right rune represents the critical element of the future, at the core of the final outcome. Laguz is the most strongly feminine of runes, representing water. Deep sexuality is suggested by this rune. Through Laguz, water is seen as the ocean - vast, uncontrollable, ever-changing, and vital. When interpreted as the returning tide, Laguz can also predict the inevitable return from a long journey.

4.


The top rune represents a force that works for you. Fehu represents cattle the Norse symbol of wealth. This rune has some interesting implications based on the fact that cattle, unlike land, move about of their own accord. Cattle also reproduce, so this rune often speaks of wealth that renews or perpetuates itself. Wealth takes many forms, but this rune generally represents the value that is purely material or monetary in nature. Alternatively, this rune is deeply associated with Frey, and hence can be the harbinger of fertility and children.

5.


The bottom Rune represents a force that works against you. Uruz is the name of the Auroch, an extinct prehistoric ox. This animal was strong and brave, and was the focus of rites of manhood in older days. Reversed, this rune symbolizes either the lack of challenge, or the lack of preparation for a challenge. This rune suggests that you must reach deep within in order to gain the power you will need, whether to get out of your current rut, or to face what appears to be a hopeless situation.

Later,
Kenaz

Edmonton's Death 'Ray' Leaves Al's A Little Grey(less)

Ricky Ray went the distance this time, helping the Edmonton Eskimos to one of their most memorable Grey Cup titles.

Ray threw for two touchdowns, ran for another and helped set up Sean Fleming's 36-yard field goal in the second round of overtime to give the Eskimos a thrilling 38-35 win over the Montreal Alouettes on Sunday.

It was just the second Grey Cup decided in overtime - the other was Winnipeg's 21-14 win over Hamilton at Toronto in 1961.full story

Memorable Moments Include:

Canada's version of that 'Yin and Yang Thing'. The crowd reacted very differently to first Gov. Gen. Michaelle Jean and her daughter and then Prime Minister Paul Martin. While the cute couple drew much loved support, Ebineezer Martin garnered as much support as thought of a vacation to Winnipeg in December would. I wonder if Martin copped the coin after the toss?

The bizarre play in which Calvillo was penalized for an illegal pass. After his initial pass was deflected by a defender right back into the Montreal QB's hands, he then proceeded to toss a touchdown, all for not. That was a new one to me and should make all the highlight reels.

Watching Edmonton rookie coach Danny Maciocia, the seventh CFL head coach to win a Grey Cup in his rookie season, fall to his knees and cry tears of joy at the bench was inspiring.

Oh and ya, the Black Eyed Peas at half time where a little more pleasing to the eyes than previous years entertainment offering like Canada's version of the 'Greatful Dead' the 'Stampeders'.

Anywho, congrats, to Ricky Ray for being named 'Outstanding Player of the Game'. This should make the departure of Jason Maas for Steeltown a little easier.

Later,
Kenaz

Gearing Up For The Anuual Grey Cup Classic

It's Grey Cup Sunday up here in the Great White North and I'm ready for the kick off the 93rd classic between the Edmonton Eskimos and the Montreal Alouettes coming live from B.C Place in Vancouver.

The Eskimos will attempt to become just the fifth third-place team to win the CFL championship since 1936. Edmonton had a chance to finish first in the West Division, but lost its regular-season finale to Calgary that not only dropped the Esks to third, but forced them to be the road team in the playoffs.

But that didn't seem to bother the Eskimos, who dispatched the Stampeders in the West Division semifinal before downing the first-place B.C. Lions 28-23 in the final. In both games, backup quarterback Jason Maas came off the bench to rally Edmonton to its victories, but starter Ricky Ray gets the nod Sunday despite not having thrown a touchdown pass in his last seven games.

The Eskimos' defense will get a good test from a Montreal offense that was the CFL's best in yards gained (426 per game), passing (324 yards) and scoring (30 points per game).

Quarterback Anthony Calvillo led the CFL in passing with 5,556 yards and 34 touchdowns, and the Alouettes did have four 1,000-yard receivers for the second straight year, a league first.

But there will likely be a change in the backfield, where Robert Edwards, who ran for a team-high 1,199 yards, is nursing a rib injury. Eric Lapointe replaced Edwards in the East final and rushed for 112 yards and three touchdowns in the second half to rally the Alouettes to a 33-17 upset win over Toronto.

However, the real key to Montreal's Grey Cup run has been a defense that struggled to stop anyone during the regular season. After finishing the season eighth in yards allowed (400 per game), the Alouettes tightened up the running lanes in containing Saskatchewan, the CFL's leading rushing team, in a 30-14 East Division semifinal win, then forced six turnovers in eliminating Toronto.

more from TSN

My predictions: AC will lead Montreal in a tight battle 32-28

On that note it's a sure lock that the Grey Cup on Sunday will be quarterback Jason Maas' final game with the Edmonton Eskimos.

A league source requesting anonymity said Friday night that Maas will indeed be dealt to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats following the CFL's title game for veteran quarterback Danny McManus and offensive lineman Tim Bakker, both former Eskimos.

Maas's arrival in Hamilton won't come as a surprise. Speculation had Maas headed to Steeltown when the Ticats dealt running back Troy Davis and offensive lineman Dan Comiskey to Edmonton on Oct. 5 for receiver Brock Ralph, defensive back Tad Cody and a 2006 first-round draft pick.

There's no doubt Maas, 30, would fill a need in Hamilton. The Ticats (5-13) had four different starters this year - veterans McManus, Khari Jones, Marcus Brady along with rookie Kevin Eakin - and offensively were ranked last in total yards (315 per game) and scoring (17.9 points).

more from TSN

Later after the game,
Kenaz

Funny News Stories

PORTLAND, Ore. - Agents had to use a 20-foot truck to cart away the evidence from a suspect's house — mountains of Lego bricks.

William Swanberg, 40, of Reno, Nev., is accused of stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of the colorful plastic building blocks.

Swanberg was indicted by a grand jury in Hillsboro, a Portland suburb, which charged him with stealing Lego sets from Target stores.

Target estimates Swanberg stole up to $200,000 worth of the brick sets pilfered from their stores in Oregon, Utah, Arizona, Nevada and California. The Legos were resold on the Internet, officials said.

full story

Here's a picture of the arrest,


Later,
Kenaz

"Mr. Miyagi" Dead At Age 73

Pat Morita owed his fame to kids, he once said. "You know why? I'm the same height." A generation raised on Mr. Miyagi might beg to differ.

Morita, who played the iconic martial-arts guru in four Karate Kid movies, and earned an Academy Award nomination for his uncommonly profound car-waxing tips, died Thursday in a Las Vegas hospital. He was 73.

The cause of death was unclear. A daughter told the Associated Press that Morita succumbed to heart failure; his manager told the wire service that the star passed away while awaiting a kidney transplant.

more...

Read Pat Morita's biography at IMDB

Later,
Kenaz

Tales From The Set

It's been a really busy week for me, thus I haven't had the time to post anything. I've been out working background five days this week on four different sets. Here's the rundown for the week.

Monday,
"Hades Factor"Shooting in Toronto at the Royal York. I played a reporter covering a conference on disease control in Germany. Stephen Dorff is just a generally nice, pleasant person to be around and director Mick Jackson moves very quickly, no debating his set ups with the DOP, just set it, get it, move on. Like it!

Tuesday
Again back at the Royal York. This time for Rexxx, the Fire Dog, a Disney Production. Luckily, I was booked as a Hotel Guest and not the majority who where having to walk down Front Street reacting to a fire truck.

Wednesday
Redemption time! Back on Rexxx for a series of pick up shots of scenes filmed back on November 2. Well early November felt like a Spring day compared to the -10C conditions we endured this night. Good thing this crew cared for the background and let us warm up in a nearby office building lobby often or their might still be a frozen body or two left on John Street. I still don't know alot about this film other than a boy, his dog and a firehouse.

Thursday
According to IMDB "Breach" is described as a movie based on a true story of Robert Hanssen, the FBI Agent convicted of selling secrets to the Russian's. This was a short a sweet, although confusing day. I was one of 500 background sandwhiched into a church on Queen St in Toronto for a couple wide shots requiring extras to kneel down a pray.

Friday
Out to Landsdown and Dupont to a studio located in an old factory for the CBC drama "Wonderland" in which I played a cop. Generally nice cast and crew, as is the case on most small sets, and is the case on most television series a short day, this case only five hours.

Sorry this isn't much, but this life of an extra. Can't wait for my ACTRA Apprentice membership to come through, I finally got the required amount of days and apllied a week ago, a little bit extra cash will by a lot of toe warmers.

Later,
Kenaz

Rune Reading For The Week Of November 21-November 27, 2005

Introduction to Rune Readings

Rune readings are arrangements of the 24 runes (letters) of the old Futhark alphabet. The layout of the runes is known as a spread, and determines what each rune refers to. For example, in the Three Norns spread, the first rune represents the past, the second the present, and the third the future.

Sets: In addition to each rune having a meaning, the material in which the runes are carved can color the reading. Most people consistently use runes made of ceramic, stone, or wood. In order to broaden your experience, we offer readings with Gold Runes (for questions about business, career, and property), Jade Runes (for questions about love, friendship, and relationships), Ice Runes (for questions about struggle, conflict, and achievement), Spirit Runes (for questions about mysticism, spirituality, and religion), and Stone Runes (for questions about the natural world and things beyond human control).

Here we go.

The question will remain the same: "Will this week be a successful one?"

Rune Alphabet



Spread:Cross(in order of reading)
The Cross spread is used to plot the arc of your life and the forces acting on it. It is the most popular spread, giving a very complete view of the situation. Ice Runes are most commonly used for questions about struggle, conflict, and achievement.




Here is the Reading Using the Ice Set.

1.


The left rune represents an important element of the past. Nyd represents many things, most of them unpleasant - heed it well. Constraint, delay, loss, need, and sorrow are all frequently seen in this rune. Nyd speaks most strongly of pause, the hallmark of the both the timid and the patient, and is often interpreted as foretelling a delay in the effect of other runes that it accompanies. Fortunately, even where there is misery and danger there are valuable lessons to be learned - the trick is to learn them before you are overtaken by despair.

2.


The middle rune represents a deciding element of the present. Perth is the rune of chance and gambling. Throw the dice, read your fate. Gaming is a fine way to pass the night...as long as one is careful. Games of chance have outcomes that are hidden from us, and as such Perth represents secrets unknown. Perth symbolizes enjoyment and wild abandon, but be watchful, for Perth is also the rune of mystery and the outcomes unexpected. You cannot lose if you do not play, but neither can you win...

3.


The right rune represents the critical element of the future, at the core of the final outcome. Isa is the rune symbolizing Ice - cold, stagnant, frozen, and unchanging. This rune suggests heat removed not just from anger or conflict, but from passion as well. Paradoxically, Isa conveys images of slippery slopes and unsure footing, but also of circumstances that have crystallized and become utterly immutable. Remember that in the cold north, ice is not just THE challenge to be overcome, but the very nature of the environment. Be courageous, for you work against this element every day. Will you fight alone or with others against this, our common foe? Is there much worse than lack of change?

4.


The top rune represents a force that works for you. Inguz is the rune of completion and fertility. The presence of this rune suggests that tasks which have been initiated will come to fruition. This rune is associated with Ing and Frey, it is this connection that explains its connotations of both fertility and sexuality. The variant of this rune shown here is reminiscent of the twin strands of life, and of the challenge and rewards of bringing together things complimentary.

5.


The bottom Rune represents a force that works against you. Man refers to Mankind and your interaction with the whole of human population. This rune is reversed, suggesting a separation from your fellow man. There is a lack of harmony in your interaction with others, either because you do not accept society or society does not accept you. Alternatively, this rune may also represent your separation from nature, and your ability to rise above the base level of being. As the rune is reversed, this may suggest an incomplete level of spiritual attainment or an intellectual block.

Later,
Kenaz

Controversial Exhibit Opens In Tampa

I found this story at local6 an Orlando stations site that offers a unique look at that the news in print, video and pictures.

A controversial exhibit of human corpses, stripped of their skin to reveal muscles, organs and blood vessels, opened in Tampa, despite the state Anatomical Boards refusal to approve it. The "Bodies: The Exhibition" show includes human bodies and body parts preserved with a process that replaces human tissue with silicone rubber. The Museum of Science and Industry in Tampa opened the exhibit even though the state anatomical board said the museum failed to get permission for exhibit and does not have consent forms for those whose bodies are on display. A similar show, called "Body Worlds," opened in the United States last year and has attracted a half million visitors to a Chicago museum since February.

I found this story at first intriguing as an art lover, then repulsed as a human being with a conscience. I remember the controversy caused by the “Human Body Worlds” exhibit, the other anatomy exhibit mentioned in the article when it opened in Germany, in 2000. The controversy arose when it was suggested that the bodies used where in fact tortured Chinese prisoners.

I guess I wouldn't have a problem if the body was of someone who wanted to continue on their legacy as an exhibitionist after they died, but not to have a company trying to boost their profit margins by treating the dead like circus freaks. Since the time of DaVinci artists have been tring to find ways to accurately depict the human form in its most natural state. We already have the scientific knowledge to create life like replicas of the human anatomy, we dont need this type of degradation of the human spirit worthy only of a backstreet freak show. Here are some of the pictures.

A controversial exhibit of human corpses opened at a museum in Tampa, Fla., Thursday, according to Local 6 News.


The "Bodies: The Exhibition" show includes human bodies and body parts preserved with a process that replaces human tissue with silicone rubber.

The Museum of Science and Industry in Tampa opened the exhibit even though the state anatomical board said the museum failed to get permission for exhibit and does not have consent forms for those whose bodies are on display.



The dissected and preserved corpses belonged to Chinese people and went unclaimed or unidentified before being turned over to a medical school in China, according to the exhibit's owner, Premier Exhibitions of Atlanta.

The rest of the fifteen photos can be found by Cicking Here

Later,
Kenaz

CNN Presents: Undercover in the Secret State

Kim Jong II

I just finished watching the re-airing of the CNN Presents documentary entitled "Undercover in the Secret State". The documentary follows Korean-American journalist Jung Eun Kim as she tracks down a new breed of dissident in North Korea. These dissidents are using small digital cameras and cell phones to show the world the brutal life inside North Korea. Here is the transcript from the show found Found at CNN Here

Review From Hardcash Productions
In Undercover in the Secret State, Dispatches exposes the true face of North Korea its strict regime has strived to keep hidden. Although rumours abound of forced labour camps and systematic human rights abuses, Asia’s last Stalinist state and one of the world’s emerging nuclear powers, remains something of an enigma.

In this film, award-winning filmmaker Kim Jung Eun (Shadows and Whispers: The Struggle of North Korean Refugees) lays bare the cruel realities of daily life, presenting powerful undercover footage and interviews with defectors fleeing the regime.

Working as secret cameramen, the dissidents Jung Eun meets film public executions and concentration camps to expose the subjugated existence of a nation gripped by the cult of its reclusive leader, Kim Jong Il. The chilling footage smuggled to the outside world, hand by hand, along an underground network, makes difficult viewing.

Prisoners whose only crime was to help people escape the country are submitted to the firing squad under the gaze of men, women and school children. Elsewhere detainees in a political prison camp are incarcerated with three generations of their family for criticising the regime.

CNN Presents: Undercover in the Secret State

Aired November 13, 2005 - 20:00 ET

Right now, CNN PRESENTS, an unprecedented look inside one of the most secretive countries on Earth. This is hidden video smuggled out of North Korea and you are looking bodies, pictures of an impoverished people under a brutal regime, a story you will only see on CNN.

I'm Carol Lin, more news in 30 minutes, but right now to CNN PRESENTS.

FRANK SESNO, CNN CORRESPONDENT: North Korea, March 2005, a crowd has been ordered to gather in an open field. A party official makes an announcement. Children have been brought to watch.

UNIDENTIFIED CHILD (through translator): Mom. I want to go.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE (through translator): Just hold on, and let's watch them go.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE (through translator): It looks scary.

SESNO: The sentence is about to be passed.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE (through translator): All the workers who came here today and the inhabitants of the nearby village are about to learn the punishment for these crimes.

SESNO: Three men are about to die. UNIDENTIFIED MALE (through translator): How stupid these criminals are. Kim Jong Il is great in comparison to these worthless criminals.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE (through translator): Carry out the death sentence immediately!

SESNO: These people have committed the crime most damaging to North Korea's leader, Kim Jong Il, they made contact with the outside world.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE (through translator): They have been involved in the illegal act of aiding people to defect the country. They trafficked women across the border to China. We have to protect North Korea from the outside influence and build up a strong guard to keep these influences out .

SESNO: Three policemen step forward and raise their rifles. On the left, a prisoner is tied to a poll.

(GUNSHOTS)

SESNO: The next day, a different town, another public execution for the same crimes, helping people escape to the outside world.

(GUNSHOTS)

SESNO: The man with the secret camera walks into a vacant building and talks to his audience.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE (through translator): I witnessed soldiers executing people by firing squad. They were accused of human trafficking offenses. Men, women, and children came to watch.

SESNO: This video was passed from person to person along a secret underground network, powerful evidence of public executions under the regime of Kim Jong Il.

North Korea is the last Stalinist regime, a closed one-party state founded on a personality cult, a rogue regime known for repression of its people and a menacing nuclear arms program.

A nearly bankrupt nation where in the 1990s the U.S. government says more than 2 million men, women, and children starved to death during a famine. Kim Jong Il denied the famine even existed.

Kim Jong Il's absolute power depends on his people remaining oblivious to life outside the secret state, believing, as he says, that North Korea is paradise. But now his control is being challenged by his own people and word is getting out.

Dissidents are using technology to show the world images of the secret state that have never been seen before. They are also giving North Koreans their first views of what life is like on the outside.

These are the first cracks in the wall of secrecy that isolates North Korea and may cause the downfall of one of the world's most secretive and brutal regimes.

For the last seven years, Korean journalist Jung Eun Kim has reported on refugees fleeing the totalitarian regime. Now she is going in search of the dissidents whose extraordinary images threaten North Korea's rigid isolation and undermine the regime's control.

We follow her on her journey, but she has to keep her identity hidden to protect those she is about to meet.

Inside North Korea a man is putting up a poster. It says, "Bring down Kim Jong Il, he has killed everyone who stood for democracy. Why should we starve and die in poverty? People rise up and fight for freedom!"

This is the first time anyone in North Korea has filmed his own act of defiance and smuggled the pictures out for the rest of the world to see. The filmer has to run for his life and is now hiding somewhere in Southeast Asia.

People like him are using technology to fuel growing dissent in North Korea. Jung Eun sets out to track down the North Korean dissident who put up and videotaped the poster attacking Kim Jong Il. She wants to find out why he did it and if there are others like him.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

SESNO: A growing dissident movement in North Korea is using technology to spread information that threatens the regime. Reporter Jung Eun is searching for a man who used a hidden camera to film his own protest, then smuggle the tape out of the country.

In a darkened building in Seoul, South Korea, this Internet radio stations brings news and information to North Korean defectors.

Kim Sung Min (ph) defected from North Korea five years ago. He was a military propagandist for Kim Jong Il, but now he uses anti- North Korean messages against the regime.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: (through translator): We have smuggled phones inside the country. Of course, the regime intercepts the calls, they have to, to preserve the dictatorship.

SESNO: His callers pick up cell phone service near the Chinese border and feed his station information on life inside the secret state. He was the first person to hear about the public executions.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE (through translator): We got a phone call around 5 p.m. on March the 1st, we were told there had been a public execution by firing squad that day. The regime is cracking down on any sign of anti-government protest.

SESNO: Kim Sung Min may now be on the outside, but he is not out of the regime's reach.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE (through translator): They threaten to stop me broadcasting, they told me to think about my friends, brothers and sisters left behind in North Korea. I was so scared I tried to forget about the threats, but I couldn't. Later on the police protected my home and now I carry a gun.

SESNO: He knows about the dissident who filmed the poster calling for Kim Jong Il's downfall.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE (through translator): I first heard about it through pro-democracy groups. It was the right thing to do and I believe that we will see much more of this kind of protest happening. And if you look at it another way, it's the message from the North Korean people begging for our help.

SESNO: There are underground networks of people that help North Korean refugees escape. And one of them has information about where the man who filmed the poster is hiding.

Tim Peters is an American Christian activist. Tim and Jung Eun are driving through the streets of Bangkok, Thailand, to meet the North Korean defector. Tim has to keep his identity hidden.

TIM PETERS: Well, this case is extraordinary simply because he is a key figure in the North Korean resistance movement. He has become a very important target for any efforts by the North Korean government to muzzle him outside of their country.

SESNO: If the government is to stop the spread of information, it must stop men like him, a dissident armed with a camera.

In a Bangkok shopping mall, an exchange is taking place outside a restaurant. The man in the white top is the North Korean defector. Since he escaped, he has changed safe houses many times to dodge the North Korean agents he says are looking for him.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE (through translator): I am a blind man. If I am taken somewhere, I have no idea where I am. I was given a place to stay when I first arrived in this country. Then one day my minder came and told me I needed to change location for my safety. Today someone came and said, you're on the move again, come with us.

SESNO: In a van in a deserted alleyway, the defector tells his story. He calls himself "Mr. Park."

Mr. Park says he was a loyal citizen in his country, but all that changed when his father and mother died of starvation during the famine of the 1990s.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE (through translator): I was a very faithful soldier, but after I was discharged, I saw people starving to death. There were so many people dying, that authorities were scared that people might revolt. So they publicly executed many innocent people as a warning. I went to watch whenever there was a public execution. I found it heartbreaking. This is how I came to have second thoughts about Kim Jong Il's regime.

One day I met with somebody who runs this anti-government underground organization called Freedom Youth League. One of their strategies was to distribute imported videotapes, these were ordinary movies that showed North Koreans how prosperous people in the outside world are, and hopefully make them question whether their leadership is telling them the truth.

SESNO: For five years, Mr. Park distributed thousands of illegal videos throughout North Korea, before making his own.

In a hotel room on the other side of Bangkok, Mr. Park talks through the video he filmed. It made him a wanted criminal in the eyes of North Korean officials.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE (through translator): This is the center of Hamhung (ph) City, that's the station and that's the road to the market. This is a very busy street. I filmed this with a Chinese digital camera.

We were being very cautious because it would death if we were discovered. We carried knives and one person was on the lookout, another was pasting a poster on the bridge. The bridge was about four meters high, so I stood on the shoulders of my comrade and filmed from there.

SESNO: Even mentioning Kim Jong Il's name in unflattering terms will lead to imprisonment. Filming political graffiti could be punishable by death. But inside a vacant factory, Mr. Park put up a defaced photograph of Kim Jong Il.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE (through translator): This is the portrait of Kim Jong Il. The words on this portrait read: "Kim Jong Il, who are you? You are a tyrant. People will not forgive you and we will bring you down from power. We want freedom and democracy. Open policy is the only way for us to survive."

SESNO: This videotape was smuggled out of the country and posted on the Internet, a powerful message of dissent for the world to see, and the North Koreans' hunt for him began.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE (through translator): I got home at 4:00 in the afternoon and found somebody waiting for me. He identified himself by secret code and then told me, don't ask any questions, just run away, get away.

I wanted to grab a picture of my family but then I realized that their fate and also that of the underground would be jeopardized if I was caught, so I just ran.

SESNO: He never said good bye to his wife or 7-year-old daughter.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE (through translator): I got to the river that was frozen. Crossing dressed in civilian clothes was completely unthinkable, but thankfully my organization had arranged for someone to meet me with a military uniform, a cap, and boots, and even a rifle.

This person then guided me across, showing me where the ice was too thin. When I got to the other, I handed the uniform to my guide and watched him walk back to North Korea.

SESNO: But even outside the country he feels his life is still at risk.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE (through translator): I was in the army for 11 years. I know that Kim Jong Il believes that unless he kills his political opponents, they will kill him. And I know that he will not rest until they are hunted down. I know that I'm in mortal danger.

SESNO: While Mr. Park remains in hiding in Thailand, there is growing evidence that other dissidents are joining a network of secret cameramen. They are determined to bring down Kim Jong Il's regime by showing the truth about North Korea.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

SESNO: In the past year, a movement of dissident filmmakers, some motivated by money, others by the desire of change, have used undercover cameras to expose a chilling picture of North Korea that has never been seen before. If they are caught filming, they will face prison, or death.

Korean reporter Jung Eun Kim is searching for some of these dissident cameramen and for the rare images they've captured and smuggled out of the country.

Images like these: This is Yodock (ph), a concentration camp. Authorities deny it exists. The inscription above the entrance says: "Give up your life for the sake of our dear leader Kim Jong Il." Human Rights Watch estimates that there are 200,000 political prisoners inside North Korea. These men and women are ferrying buckets of their own waste for fertilizer.

On the city streets, another cameraman captured these images. Homeless and hungry children, forced to fend for themselves, steal from the markets. A pickpocket is caught and justice is carried out on the street.

This is rice donated by the U.N.'s World Food Program. It should be rationed out directly to the people. But instead, it is sold for profit in the street market. Only the well-off can afford it, leaving the rest with nothing. This woman is lying in the street dead. North Korean refugees say it's a common sight.

The man who secretly filmed these images calls himself "Mr. Lee." He says he will meet Jung Eun if he can cross the treacherous border between North Korea and China. He is bring brand new pictures out.

This is the Chinese side of the border. Over there is North Korea, and that's the Tumen River, across which those fleeing Kim Jong Il's regime will make their dash for freedom.

On that side of the river, North Korean border guards have a shoot-to-kill policy. Somewhere over there, Mr. Lee hides and waits for the chance to cross over.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

LIN: Good evening, I'm Carol Lin with the latest. And here is what's happening right now. A tornado strikes fear in Iowa. Did you see this video?

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Oh my God! (INAUDIBLE) Oh my God!

(END VIDEO CLIP)

LIN: This is a dramatic shot of yesterday's tornado that struck Woodward, Iowa. The storm destroyed dozens of homes and downed trees and killed one person. And I'm going to be speaking to the men who were shooting this videotape, why in the world were they standing outside? They're going to tell their remarkable story.

In the meantime, an Iraqi woman confesses to being an attempted suicide bomber. On Jordanian television today she explained her role in last week's attacks in Amman. She said her husband detonated his explosives, but her belt failed to explode, and she ran from the scene.

Now coming up at the top of the hour, "LARRY KING LIVE," former President Jimmy Carter talks about religion, the Supreme Court debate, and the CIA leak investigation. "LARRY KING" starts at 9 p.m. Eastern right here on CNN.

Right now, more of CNN PRESENTS: "Undercover in the Secret State." Dissident filmmakers risk their lives inside North Korea, the results of their dramatic work offer a rare glimpse inside the world's most repressive regime.

And I'll see you at 10 p.m. with the latest up-to-the-minute news on "CNN SUNDAY NIGHT," including a report on the devastating toll of the meth epidemic and its effects in some of the...

SESNO: We now return to Undercover in the Secret State.

At the Chinese border smuggled cell phones and DVDs cross into North Korea. These are the powerful new weapons of the dissidents.

Kim Jong Il has always said that North Korea is paradise. But now, its citizens are sharing the truth about life inside their impoverished closed society.

After dark, reporter Shong Lum (ph) is taken to a secret location and introduced to a person they call a finder. For a fee, this man will locate people in North Korea. She's hoping to make direct contact with someone there. But it's dangerous.

SHONG LUM KIM, UNDERCOVER REPORTER (through translator): You must have had a lot of difficulties crossing the river. Do you come here often?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE "FINDER" (through translator): I'll only cross the border if there's business. Crossing the river is a matter of life or death. The level of security along the border is different each year and I have to plan ahead thoroughly. If I get caught, then I'll certainly end up dying inside a prison.

KIM: Can you tell me about how you cross the river?

FINDER: I bribe the guards with money and find them while crossing the border. There are little hidden watch posts so the guards who took my bribes would tell me which routes to take and outreach points to cross the river.

SESNO: Seven years ago, during the great famine, Shong Lum met two North Korean boys when they came to China in search of food.

Minho and Hyung Gong (ph) survived by begging on the streets. They took their earnings back to North Korea to feed their starving families.

KIM (translation): Do you know where we are now?

MINHO: Because that's North Korea over there.

KIM: How do you feel about seeing it?

MINHO: I feel good.

KIM: Why?

MINHO: Because it's my country.

KIM: You prefer to be there though you can eat better here?

MINHO: Yes.

SESNO: Traveling along the Tumin River, they prepare for their return home.

KIM: Why do you plan to cross the river today?

MINHO: Because it's Thanksgiving Day.

KIM: So what's so special about today?

MINHO: There's less security along the border on the holiday. So it's easier to cross today.

SESNO: They waited until dark to float past the border guards on rubber rings, back to North Korea.

Before they left, they swallowed their earnings wrapped inside chewing gum.

That was the last time Shong Lum saw them. But she knows Minho is still living somewhere inside.

Shong Lum asks the Finder to smuggle a cell phone into North Korea in hopes of talking to Minho again and learning first hand how he's doing.

KIM: How long do you think it'll take before you find him:

FINDER: Well, I can start looking for him from tomorrow. And, of course, it will be good if I can find him quickly. But since I do not have his exact address, it's going to be a difficult task.

KIM: I don't know his exact address or his father's name, but I do have a photograph of him.

FINDER: How long ago was this photo taken?

KIM: I believe it was taken a few years ago.

FINDER: I'm not trying to boast, but there are a lot of North Korean men who make money out of conning people in this business. They convince people to hand over the cash and then they disappear. So whenever possible I do this myself without resorting to contacts.

SESNO: After midnight, Shong Lum gives the Finder two cartons of cigarettes to bribe the border guards. He returns to the river and wades through the darkness, back to North Korea, carrying the illegal phone.

This is how connections are made and one way that information is getting out of the country.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

SESNO: For years, reporter Shong Lum Kim has been talking to refugees leaving North Korea. They've been fleeing lives of hardship in hopes that life outside the secret state might be better.

It has always been difficult to know what life is like inside North Korea. Refugees have provided the only information and their accounts can be hard to substantiate.

Most North Korean refugees in China are reluctant to talk to outsiders. They risk arrest and repatriation if caught.

This woman is willing to share her story. She escaped by crossing the river with her three-year-old son on her back, and is now in hiding.

KIM: Why did you leave?

UNIDENTIFIED WOMAN (through translator): After my husband died living was hard. I had a huge debt and I thought, maybe, I could make some money in China. But now I am here, it isn't going very well.

SESNO: She said she decided to flee North Korea after watching illegal South Korean soap operas.

WOMAN: We carried our films in a rice sack just in case there are street inspections by security guards. The South Korean medias were really good fun, but we must watch secretly with the lights out and the curtains drawn.

Security's gotten really heavy in the last two years. Now if you are caught watching foreign films you are sent for re-education.

The security police inspect you in the day, so you have to watch at night. But sometimes they come around and cut the electricity to your house, then you cannot get the videos out of the machine. They are stuck. The police then inspect your house and catch you. Lots of people are caught that way and are sent to prison.

KIM: But everyone watches them, right?

WOMAN: Yes, people like them.

KIM: Do people's views of South Korea change?

WOMAN: Yes, watching movies really opens your eyes. Once when we watched South Korea films, we thought there were many beggars in the outside world. But in reality, we are the beggars. That's what the South Korean kids are always talking. Wow, it's just not true.

SESNO: Smuggled South Korean soap operas are fueling subtle changes inside North Korea. People are beginning to question line from Kim Jong Il that North Korea is paradise.

WOMAN: There are many people with a complaint over there now. So many.

KIM: How do people express their dissatisfaction.

WOMAN: There was a banner that was put up under a bridge and that caused a lot of problems.

SESNO: She is talking about the poster the dissident, Mr. Park, put up and filmed under a bridge in Hungnam (ph) KIM: Tell me about it. What did you hear?

WOMAN: There is a bridge on the way to the factory. Somebody put a banner up saying bring down Kim Jong Il, but you'd never be able to catch them. They must have put it up at the crack of dawn.

KIM: Did everyone in Hungnam see?

WOMAN: Yes, the security guards came but it was too late. The person had already taken off. Security has been really tight since them. Eighty families were expelled as a result of that banner. People were crying all over the region. They were put on a train and sent to an island.

SESNO: She says the North Korean Secret Service is still looking for the person responsible.

Across from this hill in China is one of the border towns in North Korea. Loudspeakers pump propaganda through the streets.

Somewhere over there, Mr. Lee, the undercover cameraman has new pictures to smuggle out.

When he finally arrives, Mr. Lee brings his new footage to a secret location.

LEE (through translator): It's been an incredibly tense time. How can I say this? There would have been no way if my work was discovered. They would have put me out of existence.

SESNO: This is uncensored North Korea in its bleak unadulterated form.

LEE: Video camera is the most serious form of treason in North Korea. My wife came with me on the journey and she kept telling me not to do it. That we should just get on with our lives.

SESNO: He's captured people outside the station huddled in the streets, waiting for a train to arrive. Fuel shortages mean the trains don't often run.

LEE: I was petrified the guard was coming. The punishment they afflict on political offenders in North Korea is extremely severe. The system is such that they don't just punish the offender himself, his family and relatives are also punished.

I placed my camera inside a bag and made a hole on the side to secretly film. But the thing is, light was being reflected on the camera lens, so I had to be very, very careful.

SESNO: No one is allowed to travel from one town to another without a permit.

SECOND UNIDENTIFIED WOMAN: Quickly, quickly get out. Both of you. I saw what you did in there. Get out. LEE: I was on a train and started secretly filming the guards checking passenger's travel certificates. I looked back and there were these people watching what I was doing. I couldn't stop filming right then because it would look more suspicious.

SESNO: An official resorts to threats and violence on failure to produce the needed travel documents.

GUARD (through translation): Get out, get out of there right now.

TRAVELER: No, leave us alone.

GUARD: Get out right now.

TRAVELER: Why are you doing this to us? We haven't done anything wrong.

GUARD: How dare you say that. Get out. Don't even speak to me, just get out now.

SESNO: As the train comes to a halt, adults and children scramble in the dirt for fertilizer, fallen from a freight car, to sell.

The specter of famine is stalking North Korea once again. But the government has announced that aid agencies must leave.

LEE: During the great famine, we didn't have anything to eat. We are simply starving. Food was so scarce that there wasn't even enough greenery for a single person to eat. We survived on water. It was why I went to China to get some help. And it's from there that I realized how different the world outside was.

SESNO: Mr. Lee chooses to go back across the river to carry on his secret filming and expose the world to the harsh realities of North Korea.

But it's becoming dangerous for Shong Lum to stay in China for much longer. Doing so could attract attention and endanger her contacts.

She awaits news of Minho, the boy from North Korea. There's been no word from the Finder since he left a week ago.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

SESNO: Seven years ago, as a journalist reporting on North Korean refugees, Shong Lum Kim met a young boy named Minho who begged on the streets of China for money to feed his family back in North Korea. Now she is trying to make contact with him. To hear what is life is really like.

A week ago she gave a Finder a cell phone to smuggle into North Korea. Finally, he calls to say he's located Minho. Now a man in his 20's, working for the government. Speaking to anyone in North Korea on a cell phone is extraordinary. It's a sign of the changes brought by technology.

KIM: Thank you for all the hard effort you've gone to in finding Minho.

FINDER: I went from place to place asking people if they knew the boy in the photo you gave me. But he was really difficult to find.

SESNO: Suddenly, the phone goes dead. Both the Finder and Minho risk serious punishment if caught talking to anyone from the outside world.

FINDER: I hung up because a car was passing. The signal's not very good on this mobile so I am standing next to the window. I'll put Minho on the line now.

KIM: Is that Minho? It's really nice to hear from you.

MINHO: Yes, me too Auntie.

KIM: It's been a long time. Are you eating well these days?

MINHO: They give us food rations now. We get flour rations.

KIM: They ration out flour? That's good. Do they give you rice as well?

MINHO: It's been a long time since we had any rice.

KIM: It's really extraordinary that you can call me from North Korea.

MINHO: I've shut all the doors and windows and I'm talking to you in a whisper.

SESNO: Minho says that he has a girlfriend, but it too poor to marry her. His parents are both ill. Over the years, he's worked in a mine and foraged for firewood to sell. It is a hard life and a typical one.

Not long after this call, the secret police grabbed Minho and questioned him for three days before releasing him. The Finder had his phone confiscated and was fined.

They were fortunate not to be imprisoned, a harsh fate in North Korea.

The undercover cameraman, Mr. Lee, captured these images of inmates as they are loaded onto a truck at a labor camp.

Back in Thailand, Mr. Park is trying to find a way to safety. If he's caught, his efforts to bring his anti-government messages out of North Korea could land him in prison or cost him his life. Tim Peters is driving him to the United Nations High Commission for refugees in the hope that he'll be given emergency refugee status and protection.

TIM PETERS: Lord, as we approached the UN HCR building, we ask for your supernatural protection over Mr. Park and over all the activists. Lord, you know better than we the possible danger of North Korean secret agents or secret police that would love nothing better than to try to intercept and to muzzle Mr. Park. We ask Lord, in Jesus' name, amen.

PARK: Amen.

SESNO: Mr. Park is caught in a frightening catch-22. He's told by the UN HCR that it will only give him refugee status if the American Embassy in Bangkok agrees to take him. But the American Embassy will only take him if he has official refugee status from the UN HCR.

PETERS: He's a stateless person and essentially he is a lawbreaker in Thailand or any other country that he's in. He's an illegal immigrant and this is very, very problematic.

PARK: The more I stay here, the more I realize that no real help is being provided for the North Korean defectors by the UN HCR. If the U.S. won't take me, I'll have to go to South Korea. But there are many North Korean spies there and I face being assassinated or being abducted and sent back to the north. My organization is like a bomb on Kim Jong Il's back and he'll want to wipe us out.

SESNO: For now, he's stuck in Bangkok, stateless, penniless and without his family. He's heard that his wife and daughter are safe for the time being, inside North Korea, but realizes he'll probably never see them again.

PARK: When I crossed the border, I found myself in a snow- covered field. I looked back at North Korea and thought about my fatherland and my family and the life I had lived, and I stood there and wept.

SESNO: North Korean officials were asked about the allegations of this film, about the public executions, the smuggled videos and the dissident movement. They did not reply.

The country's leader, Kim Jong Il, has used fear and force to control him people and keep them isolated from the outside world. But the walls may be starting to crumble. And for those brave enough to fight back, technology becomes the weapon at hand. A weapon, like the human spirit, may be unstoppable.

Later,
Kenaz