2006 Hooters Calendar

Sorry if it wasn't what you where thinking, but hey you have to admit January is one cut "chick".

Later,
Kenaz

A Look At The Canadian's Heading To Torrino

Cbc.ca Begins February 10th

Speed skating star Catriona Le May Doan carries the Canadian flag as she leads the Canadian team into the stadium for the opening of the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics.

The 2006 Olympics starts in 21 days and Canada is preparing to cheer on their favourite athletes. Canada will send 168 athletes to compete in 15 mens and womens sports.

The Olympics is a unique event in which to see the stars we all know complete, the likes of Hockey superstars Rob Blake, Danny Heatley and womens ledgend Cassie Campbell.

Torrino will also be the place to see athletes compete in sports that don't get much media exposure outside the Olympics. Sports the likes of Bobsleigh and Speed Skating, that offer us a chance to watch incredible athletes the likes of Pierre Lueders and Jeremy Wotherspoon who are the Gretzky's of their respective sports.

Saying that, from now through the Olympics I will be offering my views of Canada at the Olympics. Today I offer an extensive look at all the athletes heading to Torrino.

Athletes Listed by Sport

* Alpine Skiing

Canada

Brigitte Acton
Patrick Biggs
Francois Bourque
Emily Brydon
Allison Forsyth
Thomas Grandi
Erik Guay
Michael Janyk
John Kucera
Sherry Lawrence
Manuel Osborne-Paradis
Jean-Philippe Roy
Ryan Semple
Genevieve Simard
Kelly Vanderbeek

* Biathlon
Canada

Martine Albert
Robin Clegg
Sandra Keith
Zina Kocher
Jean-Philippe LeGuellec
David Leoni
Marie-Pierre Parent

* Bobsleigh
Canada

Lascelles Brown
Suzanne Gavine-Hlady
Ken Kotyk
Florian Linder
Pierre Lueders
Heather Moyse
Kaillie Simundson
Helen Upperton

* Cross Country Skiing
Canada

Amanda Ammar
Chandra Crawford
Sean Crooks
Drew Goldsack
George Grey
Chris Jeffries
Devon Kershaw
Sara Renner
Dan Roycroft
Beckie Scott
Milaine Theriault
Philip Widmer

* Curling
Canada

Mike Adam
Glenys Bakker
Brad Gushue
Russ Howard
Sandra Jenkins
Christine Keshen
Shannon Kleibrink
Jamie Korab
Mark Nichols
Amy Nixon

* Freestyle Skiing
Canada

Deidra Dionne
Jennifer Heil
Kyle Nissen
Steve Omischl

* Figure Skating
Canada

Jeff Buttle
Marie-France Dubreuil
Patrice Lauzon
Joannie Rochette
Emanuel Sandhu

* Ice Hockey
Canada

Meghan Agosta
Gillian Apps
Todd Bertuzzi
Rob Blake
Jennifer Botterill
Martin Brodeur
Cassie Campbell
Delaney Collins
Shane Doan
Kris Draper
Gillian Ferrari
Adam Foote
Simon Gagne
Danielle Goyette
Dany Heatley
Jayna Hefford
Jarome Iginla
Ed Jovanovski
Becky Kellar
Gina Kingsbury
Charline Labonte
Vincent Lecavalier
Roberto Luongo
Carla Macleod
Rick Nash
Scott Niedermayer
Caroline Ouellette
Cherie Piper
Cheryl Pounder
Chris Pronger
Wade Redden
Robyn Regehr
Brad Richards
Joe Sakic
Sami Jo Small
Ryan Smyth
Colleen Sostorics
Martin St. Louis
Kim St. Pierre
Vicky Sunohara
Joe Thornton
Marty Turco
Sarah Vaillancourt
Katie Weatherston
Hayley Wickenheiser

* Luge
Canada

Grant Albrecht
Jeff Christie
Ian Cockerline
Sam Edney
Alex Gough
Regan Lauscher
Chris Moffat
Mike Moffat
Eric Pothier
Meaghan Simister

* Nordic Combined
Canada

Jason Myslicki

* Short Track
Canada

Eric Bedard
Jonathan Guilmette
Charles Hamelin
Alanna Kraus
Anouk Leblanc-Boucher
Amanda Overland
Kalyna Roberge
Francois-Louis Tremblay
Mathieu Turcotte
Tania Vicent

* Skeleton
Canada

Lindsay Alcock
Duff Gibson
Mellisa Hollingsworth-Richards
Jeff Pain

* Ski Jumping
Canada

Gregory Baxter
Graeme Gorham
Michael Nell
Stefan Read

* Snowboard
Canada

Jasey-Jay Anderson
Francois Boivin
Sarah Conrad
Justin Lamoureux
Hugo Lemay
Crispin Lipscomb
Alexa Loo
Dominique Maltais
Brad Martin
Drew Neilson
Mercedes Nicoll
Maelle Ricker
Erin Simmons
Dominique Vallee
Tom Velisek

* Speed Skating
Canada

Arne Dankers
Steven Elm
Kristina Groves
Clara Hughes
Cindy Klassen
Vincent Labrie
Brock Miron
Denny Morrison
Krisy Myers
Christine Nesbitt
Jason Parker
Francois-Olivier Roberge
Brittany Schussler
Kerry Simpson
Justin Warsylewicz
Kim Weger
Jeremy Wotherspoon

Later,
Kenaz

New Playlist Uploaded Over At Kenaz's Old Time Radio

1. Author's Playhouse- OffTokyoBay - 430106 32/44/sc 28:38

2. BennyGoodman - MadhattanRoom - 37-12-18 32/44/sc 29:04

3. Bobby Cisco - Tall Dark And Handsome Man - Chess Story 1947-1975 (1955-1956 Part Two) (Disc 6)The 32/44/sc 2:17

4. CallingAllDetectives- mystery - 480902 32/44/sc 8:06

5. ElleryQueen - TheAdventureOfTheMessageInRed - 45-11-07 32/44/sc 29:55

6. Etta James & Sugar Pie DeSanto - In The Basement - The Chess Story 1947-1975 (1965-1966) (Disc 11) 32/44/sc 2:24

7. Forrest Sykes- Tonky Boogie - The Chess Story 1947-1975 (1947-1950) (Disc 1) 32/44/sc 3:09

8. Howlin' Wolf - Sittin' On Top Of The World - The Chess Story 1947-1975 (1957-1959 Part One) (Disc 7) 32/44/sc 2:34

9. Jack_Benny_show- variety - 19xx 32/44/sc 21:21

10. John Lee Hooker- Leave My Wife Alone - The Chess Story 1947-1975 (1950-1951) (Disc 2) 32/44/sc 2:47

11. John Lee Hooker - One Bourbon One Scotch One Beer - The Chess Story 1947-1975 (1965-1966) (Disc 11) 32/44/sc 3:02

12. Koko Taylor - Love You Like A Woman - The Chess Story 1947-1975 (1967-1968) (Disc 12) 32/44/sc 2:08

13. Library_Book-OTR_-_Suspense- Myrna_Loy - 1945.09.20 32/44/sc 28:59

14. Lights_Out - Neanderthal - 1942-11-03 32/44/sc 24:48

15. Little Walter - Mean Old World - The Chess Story 1947-1975 (1952-1954 Part One) (Disc 3) 32/44/sc 2:55

16. Lone_Ranger - The_Escape - 19xx 32/44/sc 24:42

17. Lights_Out_Uninhabited-1937-12-22-071 -Christmas Story 32/44/sc 30:00

18. Lowell Fulson - Trouble Trouble - The Chess Story 1947-1975 (1955-1956 Part One) (Disc 5) 32/44/sc 2:53

19. Lum and Abner-- comedy - 32/44/sc 21:30

20. Marshall ChessInterview - Marshall Chess Interview - The Chess Story 1947-1975 (Interview) (Disc 14) 32/44/sc 3:10

21. Muddy Waters - Trouble No More - The Chess Story 1947-1975 (1955-1956 Part One) (Disc 5) 32/44 2:41

22. Old Time Radio (OTR) - Club Of Doom - The Shadow Jan 18, 06 32/44/sc 24:04

23. Otis Spann - It Must Have Been The Devil - The Chess Story 1947-1975 (1952-1954 Part Two) (Disc 4) 32/44/sc 2:42

24. Sgt. Preston of the Yukon - Ghost Riders - ep 14 32/44/scmp3PRO 24:55

25. Phil Chess Interview - Phil Chess Interview - The Chess Story 1947-1975 (Interview) (Disc 14) 32/44/sc 11:10

26. Solomon Burke - I'm Leaving On That Late Late Train - The Chess Story 1947-1975 (1969-1975) (Disc 13) 32/44/sc 3:03

27. Sonny Boy Williamson - Ninety Nine - The Chess Story 1947-1975 (1957-1959 Part One) (Disc 7) 32/44/sc 2:39

28. The Calvaes - Anna Macora - The Chess Story 1947-1975 (1957-1959 Part Two) (Disc 8) 32/44/sc 2:24

29. The Corsairs - Smokey Places - The Chess Story 1947-1975 (1960-1961) (Disc 9) 32/44/sc 3:03

30. The Vibrations - The Watusi - The Chess Story 1947-1975 (1960-1961) (Disc 9) 32/44/sc 2:40

31. Tony Clarke - The Entertainer - The Chess Story 1947-1975 (1962-1964) (Disc 10) 32/44sc 2:37

32. Vincent Price - Come as You Are - The Price of Fear 32/44/sc 28:40

Enjoy, Later,
Kenaz

The Best In Canadian Commercials

I thought I'd post some of my favourite Canadian television spots. These and more can be found at www.canada4life.ca

Oh, as a Kenaz p.a announcement on the 23rd, please don't forget to vote so we can send a message to our politicians that's it's time for change. Tell them "I AM CANADIAN!"

I remember this commercial for "Molson Canadian" from a while back, this teaches anyone who want's to mess with Canadians.

molson-canadian-no-doot-aboot-it

And in case you have never seen this ad entitled "Joe Canadian Rant" here it is. It is the most popular Canadian TV spot in history.

Joe Canadian Rant

Here's another great commercial from Molson. We should adopt this as our national anthem.

I Am Anthem

In this commercial Molson tries to disprove a couple more stereotypes about Canadians.
Canadians Are Polite

Later,
Kenaz

Canadian Gold Rush

The 2006 Golden Globes provided some great entertainment and some special moments for me. One of the biggest moments for Canadians came early in the evening when Nepean's (a suburb of Ottawa) Sandra Oh shook as she accepted the award for best supporting actress on a television series.

"I feel like somebody set me on fire," the Canadian star of Grey's Anatomy said. "This is fantastic. Look at all you people."

Oh began her career as a ballet dancer and eventually studied drama at the National Theatre School in Montreal. She then starred in a London (Ontario) stage production of David Mamet's "Oleanna" and appeared as the title character in the Canadian television production The Diary of Evelyn Lau (1993) (TV), beating out over 1,000 applicants. Her list of awards includes the FIPA d'Or for Best Actress at the 1994 Festival International de Programmes Audiovisuels at Cannes, France, two Genie Awards (the Canadian Oscar), a Cable Ace Award, a Theatre World Award and a Screen Actors Guild Award. In 2003, she married writer-director Alexander Payne and their first film together was the Oscar-winning Sideways (2004).

Later on, another actor finally getting some credit, Philip Seymour Hoffman arrived on the podium to accept the Best Actor in Drama award for playing the title role in Capote.

"I just was given the best part of my life basically, and I know that," said the actor, who has returned to his usual stocky self after slimming down to play author Truman Capote.

Walk the Line, a biopic of country icon Johnny Cash, received several accolades as well, including Best Comedy or Musical. As expected, Reese Witherspoon picked up Best Actress for playing June Carter, while Joaquin Phoenix won Best Actor for playing the Man in Black himself.

"Who would ever have thought that I'd win in the comedy or musical category?" asked Phoenix, thanking "John and June for sharing their life with all of us."

I can remember in an interview Phoenix told a story about an unnamed "journalist" who had the gaul to ask about his motivation for a scene for Walk the Line, in which an emotional Johnny Cash distraught over a death of a close person begins to slam his head into the head board of his bed. In his infinate stupidity, the man querried, "where you using the death of your brother as a motivation?" Phoenix using more professionalism than this guy will ever have, calmly replied something like I'm not a method actor, if you need to use a personal experience as motivation for a scene, than your not an actor.

Here! Here! it's a big difference between these three great actors who work tirelessly to learn their characters and someone like Russell Crowe who needs to keep five hundred extras waiting three hours while he "becomes a boxer". Cinderella man deserved much more credit for it's directing and co-stars than it got. Courtesy phone, for Mr. Crowe, it's your wake up call from your ego. It want's you check out.

Later,
Kenaz

Rune Reading For The Week Of January 16, 2006-January 22, 2006

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).

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. Gebo means gift, and like many gifts, the rune may be understood on many levels. Gifts are generally positive things, for both the giver and the recipient. In many cultures however, gifts and favors carry with them an obligation to respond in kind. It is for this reason that gifts, and hence the rune Gebo, are frequently symbolic of friendships, marriages, alliances, mergers, and other bonds between people or organizations. Gebo is a strong rune and the unions represented are strong as well. Moreover, Gebo is not reversible, as true friendships are not easily undone.

2.


The middle rune represents a deciding element of the present. Hagalaz is the rune of hail. Hail is a destructive and elemental force, so one can expect this rune to represent the disruption of one's life. In the harsh northern winter there is a halt to activity, and so delay or hindrance is frequently associated with this rune. The opposite of chaos is yet more chaos, as illustrated by the fact that this rune cannot be reversed.

3.


The right rune represents the critical element of the future, at the core of the final outcome. Uruz symbolizes the Auroch, a member of the ox family that became extinct long ago. This rune represents the strength, bravery, and endurance of this animal of old. Uruz portends the ability to meet problems head on and to overcome them. When the world was new, warriors used to test their strength against the Auroch. Hence, this rune has come to represent the masculine principle and the capacity to meet a challenge.

4.


The top rune represents a force that works for you. 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...

5.


The bottom Rune represents a force that works against you. Man represents Mankind. This rune evokes the image that although we must make much of our way in the world on our own, there is nevertheless an entire populous that shares similar experiences. Thus, this rune represents the relationship of the self with the whole - working together we can produce great results. Additionally, Man speaks to intellect and culture that separate us from the animals.

If you are further interested in Rune stones, please check out a script I wrote about three years ago. The story tells of a women's chance encounter with the towns rune reader and physcic. Her reading leads to a terrible discovery about her ex-husband.Click here to read 'Evil Of A Different Kind'

Later,
Kenaz

Entertainment Report: Cheers ,Sorrow and Giggles

TV ads for 'Karla' movie pulled

CHUM Ltd. and Alliance Atlantis are pulling advertising for the controversial movie Karla, based on the crimes of Karla Homolka and Paul Bernardo.

The networks said the 30-second television ads, which had been running since Jan. 10, would be inappropriate for their channels.

CHUM owns 33 radio stations, 12 local TV stations and 21 specialty channels including MuchMusic and Bravo! Alliance Atlantis has 13 specialty channels including the Life Network and Showcase. Officials from the networks have not indicated whether they were under pressure or received complaints.

"We're surprised about the boycott of the ads and we don't agree with that," said Sylvain Gagne, vice-president of Christal Films in Montreal, which is distributing the movie in Canada.

Gagne said his company was planning to buy air time for about 500 commercials in Ontario, only to be shown after 9 p.m.

Gagne told The Globe and Mail that the TV spots were "soft" and "well-intended."

Karla is set to debut Jan. 20 and will be shown in 100 theatres across the country, except in St. Catharines, Ont., where the crimes were committed. Karla Homolka is played by Laura Prepon from the TV series That '70s Show.

Homolka and her husband Paul Bernardo were convicted in the sex slayings of teenagers Leslie Mahaffy and Kristen French in the early 1990s. Bernardo is serving a life sentence while Homolka completed her 12-year sentence in July.

The Ontario Film Review Board recently gave the movie an 18A rating, which means anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

As I said in a previous post on the subject of this movie, I may not agree with censorship but, the subject matter of this movie has left this country with too deep of a wound to allow this movie to be a comfort to anyone. I applaud CHUM Ltd. and Alliance Atlantis decision.

Actress Shelley Winters dies



Actress Shelley Winters has died of heart failure at the age of 85, according to her publicist in California.

Shelley Winters poses with her Oscar backstage at the Academy Awards, April 4, 1960. Winters won best supporting actress for her role in 'The Diary of Anne Frank.' (AP Photo)

Dale Olson said Winters died early Saturday in Beverly Hills. She had been hospitalized in October after a heart attack.

An outspoken star who went from a young blond bombshell to acclaimed dramatic actress, Winters captured supporting actress Academy Awards for The Diary of Anne Frank (1959) and A Patch of Blue (1965). She donated her 1959 Oscar to the Anne Frank museum in Amsterdam.

A history of literary hoaxes

Earlier this week, news broke of two literary fakeries. On Sunday, an exhaustive exposé on the Smoking Gun website alleged that bad-boy writer James Frey exaggerated and fabricated details in his best-selling addiction-and-redemption memoir — and current Oprah Book Club pick – A Million Little Pieces. It seems Frey’s violent and drug-addled youth — which the book at once embraces with a macho swagger and denounces with pious contrition — might not have been as harrowing or eventful as written.

On Monday, the New York Times reported that HIV-positive, androgynous author JT Leroy was himself a fictional creation. It appears 25-year-old Leroy’s “autobiographical” fiction about his life as a truck-stop hustler and homeless drug addict is actually the work of Laura Albert, the 40-year-old woman Leroy claims rescued him from the street. Meanwhile, Albert’s sister-in-law, Savannah Knoop, has been exposed as the mysterious figure in wigs and sunglasses that makes public appearances as Leroy, who along the way has befriended celebrities like Courtney Love, Billy Corgan and writer Mary Gaitskill.

Writers with a hard-luck memoir in the works may want to wait until the dust settles before approaching a publisher. With both of these swindles, industry insiders have spent the week alternately claiming they “suspected all along” that something was up and nervously defending their fact-checking processes. As for the rest of us, we can sit back and relish the juicy details of the latest incidents in the long, illustrious history of literary hoaxes.

Lampooning the Group of Seven

The Group of Seven is the epitome of established art, the oil-on-canvas equivalent of O Canada. It’s this air of respectability that Winnipeg’s Plug In ICA can’t resist. The gallery has rounded up works by 75 artists from across Canada for Fabulous Fakes With a Twist, an acerbic homage to the G7.The exhibition is a telling 21st-century comment on Canadian identity; the artists mess with the Group’s nature/culture divide, subvert its rugged, manly virtues with feminist comment and give some multicultural dimensions to its predominantly beef-eating British-Canadian outlook.

The works include, Early Snow with Bob and Doug, by Diana Thorneycroft

Diana Thorneycroft celebrates a more recent incarnation of Canadian nationalism in this intricate little photo work, which features SCTV’s McKenzie brothers splitting a two-four against a backdrop of wintry Group of Seven poplars and pines, oblivious to the circling wolves. (Thanks to the Group’s efforts in the cause of populist art education, even your average hoser can appreciate its works, eh?)

And, Jack Pine with Approaching Sasquatch, Steve Gouthro

Several of the show’s artists try to slip humans — or, in this case, humanoids — into the Group’s famously depopulated wilderness. Here, Steve Gouthro gives a tabloid spin to Tom Thomson’s iconic jack pine. The Winnipeg painter claims to have found the painting preserved in a peat bog near Canoe Lake, and suggests that it offers “an alternative explanation to the sudden demise of Canada’s greatest painter, Tom Thomson.”

Later,
Kenaz

Hamilton, Raise Your Hammer High For Davie A.

Hamilton's native son, NHLer Dave Andreychuk, has been put on waivers by the Lightning.

Professional hockey's new look has claimed another famous victim. Three months after Brett Hull retired from the National Hockey League's Phoenix Coyotes, the Tampa Bay Lightning put Hamilton native Dave Andreychuk on waivers yesterday. The move will likely end Andreychuk's impressive 23-year NHL career.

If Andreychuk clears waivers as expected, the Lightning will assign him to their American Hockey League team in Springfield, Mass. That allows them to remove what remains of Andreychuk's $800,000 salary from this year's salary cap calculations.

But Tampa Bay general manager Jay Feaster said in a lengthy statement on the club's website that the Lightning would not ask Andreychuk to report to the minor leagues, where he has never played, and would still pay him for the rest of the season.

Andreychuk has another year on his contract but the club did not say whether he would be paid that amount, should he retire. Hull, the third-leading goal scorer of all time, cited that sea change as the reason for his retirement. And although Andreychuk has the second-highest goals, assists and points totals of any left winger in NHL history, his portfolio of superb skills has never included "fleet of foot."

The Lightning's captain, who hoisted his first Stanley Cup in the spring of 2004, didn't comment directly but many spoke on the stars behalf. "I think, obviously, an athlete wants to continue playing," Andreychuk's father, Julian ,told The Spectator yesterday. "I believe he understands the game and that it was passing him by.

"No one knew how the game would change. At the beginning of this season, there was the understanding that they would see how it goes. They gave him a good shot -- 42 games."

Andreychuk told The Spectator last week he was frustrated with his diminishing playing time and conceded that a full year without playing during the bitter lockout had affected his timing. But he also felt that after two months of adjustment, he had rediscovered his touch. He had six goals, five on the power play, adding to his NHL record for goals scored at a man advantage.

"When we entered into the contract with David this summer, both sides did so in good faith, recognizing that no one would work harder in the summer preparing for the new season than David," Feaster said on the club website.

"Both sides understood that it would take some time to work through the impact of missing an entire season. What neither side could foresee was the type of game the 'new NHL' would be upon its return: a game in which speed and quickness carry the day.

"After giving ourselves half a season to evaluate and analyse, it became clear to us that David's game was not suited to the 'new NHL.'"

This move was foreshadowed in Montreal in November, when Andreychuk was a healthy scratch from a game for the first time in four years. Last week, Sportsnet reported that Feaster was shopping Andreychuk to the other 29 clubs.

Feaster remains an Andreychuk booster and praised what he'd done for the club since GM Rick Dudley brought the big winger to west Florida in 2001.

"There were times early in his time here that he carried the entire club on his back," Feaster said. Andreychuk's cool professionalism helped settle Vincent Lecavalier, who was having enormous trouble handling the double pressure of pending super stardom and wearing the captain's C. Andreychuk took over the captain's job and helped Lecavalier and Brad Richards, another star centre, make a smoother adjustment to the NHL.

As his playing time decreased, Andreychuk was aware that his teammates were watching to see how he handled the situation. So he accepted his reduced role stoically.

"But it was hard to captain from the caboose," his father quipped.

Out of respect for Andreychuk's enormous contributions to the growth of the franchise, Feaster and head coach John Tortorella met with Andreychuk on Monday, trying to work out a way that they could remove his salary from cap consideration, not have him play in the minors, and still pay him. It is believed that a high-ranking official from the players' association was also involved.

"They don't make hockey players like Dave Andreychuk any more," Feaster said yesterday. "From the moment he came to Tampa, he led by example and he helped our young players understand how to be professionals."

Andreychuk's strong-willed dedication to win a Stanley Cup after 22 seasons, 1,597 regular season games and 162 playoff games helped inspire the Lightning's championship run in the spring of 2004.

Some people, including his father, tried to talk Andreychuk into retiring then, so his greatest hockey moment would also be his last one.

A look at Dave Andreychuk's carrer

Dave Andreychuk entered the NHL as an 18-year old for Buffalo, close to his home in Hamilton that he could still pretty much live at home. He scored a goal in his first game, and in his first full season he scored 38 goals, establishing himself as a natural scorer.

During his first ten years with the Sabres, the team won only one of nine playoff series. Midway through the 1992-93 season he was involved in a major trade that sent him to the Toronto Maple Leafs with Daren Puppa and a draft choice for Grant Fuhr and a draft choice. The move rejuvenated his career, as he finished the season with 54 goals, one of the few times a player has hit the 50-mark during a year he was traded.

Andreychuk scored 53 the next year to break Frank Mahovlich's team record for a left-winger, but again in Toronto he didn't win a Cup and GM Cliff Fletcher sent him to New Jersey for two draft choices. He signed with Boston as a free agent but was traded to Colorado in the same deal that involved Ray Bourque, but still the Avs made it no farther than the semi-finals in the spring of 2000.

After a return stint with Buffalo in 2000-01, Andreychuk signed with the Tampa Bay Lightning. He is one of only four players to score 30 or more power-play goals in a season and is the second-highest scoring right-winger in league history, surpassing the 600 goal-mark in 2002-03 and the 1,300 point mark the following year while captaining the Tampa Bay Lightning to their first Stanley Cup title in franchise history and Andreychuk's first of his illustrious 22-year career.

Internationally, he has won a bronze medal with Canada at the 1983 World Juniors and three years later won another bronze at the World Championships.

stats and gallery of action photos

Tidbits

Played in two NHL All-Star Game (1990, 1994).Traded to Toronto by Buffalo with Daren Puppa and Buffalo's 1st round choice (Kenny Jonsson) in 1993 Entry Draft for Grant Fuhr and Toronto's 5th round choice (Kevin Popp) in 1995 Entry Draft, February 2, 1993. Traded to New Jersey by Toronto for New Jersey's 2nd round choice (Marek Posmyk) in 1996 Entry Draft and New Jersey's 3rd round choice (later traded back to New Jersey - New Jersey selected Andre Lakos) in 1999 Entry Draft, March 13, 1996. Signed as a free agent by Boston, July 29, 1999. Traded to Colorado by Boston with Raymond Bourque for Brian Rolston, Martin Grenier, Samuel Pahlsson and New Jersey's 1st round choice (previously acquired, Boston selected Martin Samuelsson) in 2000 Entry Draft, March 6, 2000. Signed as a free agent by Buffalo, July 13, 2000. Signed as a free agent by Tampa Bay, July 13, 2001.

Andreychuk's first stop was to visit new friends at the Children's Hospitals

When Dave Andreychuk won the Stanley Cup he showed his class by immediately giving back his love to his fans of Hamilton. He showed up to McMaster Children's Hospital bringing the beautifully-polished trophy up and down the halls, visiting the children who are patients there and leaving the delighted kids with autographed photographs and specially-printed t-shirts. Dave then lugged the Stanley Cup up the hamilton escarpment to the backyard of his parents' home to the great delight of family, friends and neighbours who plastered their homes and garages with his pictures and then it was off to the newly renamed Dave Andreychuk Areana for a condragulatory speak.

more of the events

The cry of "Davie A!" will always be sunonomous with one of Hamilton's home grown children and forever the hammer will be held high in gratitude for everything this ledgend has accomplished.

Later,
Kenaz

The Murky World of Election 2006...

Just got a whole lot murkier. The lies and deceit from all four major party candidates are hitting Canadians fast and furious. These are from this week alone.

Video linkMartin says he only approved transcript of controversial 'soldiers' ad.

Liberal Leader Paul Martin told CBC News he only approved the transcript of a controversial ad suggesting the Tories would post armed soldiers on the streets of Canadian cities.

During a CBC News Town Hall meeting hosted by Peter Mansbridge on Thursday, Martin said the ad was pulled when he saw the finished product and realized it could be misconstrued.

But earlier in the day Martin made no reference of only signing off on the transcript, saying he approved the ad. He said it was pulled "because we felt that there were better ads. That's essentially it."

The ad, which was briefly posted on the Liberal website, features an ominous drumbeat underneath a voice-over that says: "Stephen Harper actually announced he wants to increase military presence in our cities. Canadian cities. Soldiers with guns. In our cities. In Canada."

The ad, which was never broadcast, stems from the Conservative platform which calls for 100 regular troops and 400 reservists to be based in major Canadian cities. But, according to that plan, their purpose would be only for humanitarian means or disaster relief efforts.

Martin said the ad was intended to criticize the Conservatives' policy, saying it would spread soldiers too far apart across the country.

But Mansbridge questioned Martin further about the ad, saying it makes no mention of policy and instead highlights the fact that would be soldiers in Canadian cities with guns.

Martin said it was when he and his campaign team saw the ad, and not just read the transcript, that they realized it was going to be misconstrued.

"When we saw what the ad looked like, it was very clear the message we were trying to convey would not be conveyed by that ad," Martin said.

Origional StoryTories lash out at Liberal attack ads.

The Conservatives reacted angrily to negative ads released on Tuesday by the Liberals targeting Stephen Harper, calling them "vicious" and "baseless."

Focusing on one ad that suggested Harper would station armed soldiers on the streets of Canadian cities, Tory MP Jason Kenney told a news conference in Ottawa that the Liberals have sunk to a new low.

Meanwhile Harper's own secret agenda is reveiled,

Tories would turn back Kyoto

A Conservative government would abandon the Kyoto accord and set new Canadian-made targets that are easier to meet, leader Stephen Harper said Thursday in Halifax.

Harper said Kyoto's emission targets couldn't be met within Canada or even internationally. He pointed to the country's woeful record on climate change since the agreement was signed in 1997.

"The Kyoto accord will not succeed at achieving its objectives and this government, the Canadian government, cannot achieve its objectives," Harper said while campaigning for the Jan. 23 election.

The Tory plan to cut emissions would begin with consultations with the provinces to create a made-in-Canada solution, something the Liberals under Jean Chrétien should have done before signing the Kyoto deal, said Harper.

"The Liberal government signed an international agreement that touches on provincial jurisdiction, without consulting the provinces," he said. "The result is that the government was incapable, and remains incapable, of meeting its obligations."

Kyoto calls for a six per cent cut in emissions from 1990 levels by 2012. However, Canadian levels have actually risen about 24 per cent since 1990. The United States, which never ratified the accord, has a better record than Canada.

Harper said any international treaty negotiated in the future would have to include the world's largest polluters: the United States, China and India.

To make things worse Harper or George W. light? was put on the hot seat over his remarks to U.S. conservative movement

Conservative Leader Stephen Harper faced questions over past remarks he made to an American conservative movement, comments the Liberals claim prove his allegiance to a radical right-wing agenda.

The comment is quoted in one of a series of controversial ads the Liberals released earlier this week. One quotes a speech Harper made eight years ago to a conservative American think-tank.

"America, and particularly your conservative movement, is a light and an inspiration to people in this country and across the world," the ad quotes Harper as saying.
Stephen Harper

Liberal Leader Paul Martin said Harper for years has "been courting and wooing the far right, the U.S. conservative movement."

But Harper defended his comment.

"I was the leader of a conservative organization addressing another conservative organization. And obviously we admire values of freedom and democracy and the promotion of our traditional values and I think we all understand that," Harper told reporters.

In the same speech, Harper also told the group that Canada was "a northern European welfare state in the worst sense of the term."

Harper said he wasn't serious about that quote.

"The other comment as you know was tongue-in-cheek."

"It was Mr. Martin during that period of our history who was actually cutting the social programs that I was only referring to in my analysis," he added.

And if you think Jack Layton is a viable choice, check this tap dance over his health care gaff.

NDP Leader Jack Layton, who has campaigned as a defender of public health care, is answering questions regarding a hernia surgery he had at a private clinic in the 1990s.

Layton had the operation at the Shouldice Hospital in the Toronto suburb of Thornhill while he was a Toronto city councillor.

But Layton told the Canadian Press he wasn't aware the clinic was a private facility.

"It's just part of the system," Layton said in an interview. "The doctor says, 'Go there.' You pay with your (Ontario health) card. It never occurred to me (it was) anything other than medicare, which it is.

"I can tell you now, if my doctor ever refers me anywhere, I'll ask him that question. It never occurred to me at the time. It wasn't a controversy at the time. It wasn't something on one's mind."

Layton stressed that the Shouldice facility is a not-for-profit facility that has been part of the Ontario medical system for decades

He said the surgery was well publicized at the time and that he has not been trying to hide his operation at the clinic.

"This was no secret, believe me," he said. "Heck, [Toronto] Mayor [Mel] Lastman came to visit me there. Every family I knew, every middle-aged man that ever ran into a hernia, went to Shouldice. It's part of the system."

Earlier in the campaign, Layton said he would not go to a private clinic nor would he send a loved one to a private clinic, even if he could get faster treatment.

And finally the Bloc Party is just making the Choice easier.

The leader of a Quebec provincial party is telling Quebecers not to vote for the Bloc Québécois.

Mario Dumont, who leads Action démocratique du Québec, said on Thursday that voting for the Bloc only isolates Quebec from the federal political process.
Mario Dumont leads Action démocratique du Québec.

The ADQ is a right-of-centre provincial party with five seats in the Quebec legislature.

"Go back two years ago, before the sponsorship scandal, the Bloc was really going nowhere," Dumont said. "People were questioning the relevance of the Bloc and its role in strengthening Quebec."

Dumont said the Bloc limits the province's influence on the national scene and acts more like a millstone around Quebecers' necks.

He said he would vote Conservative, but only recommended that voters not vote for the Bloc.

The Bloc won 54 of the 75 seats in Quebec in 2004, and for much of the campaign looked like they could increase that number by continuing to capitalize on Quebecers' anger at the Liberals over the sponsorship scandal.

Bloc Leader Gilles Duceppe said he respects Dumont's opinion, but that the only opinion that really counts is that expressed by the electorate on election day.

"Mario Dumont is not in the campaign," Duceppe said. "He can say whatever he wants to say."

This upcomming Federal election isn't going to be a slam dunk for any of the parties, nor for the voter. With the four leaders spewing lies to cover lies faster than a man on death row, we are left with few options, but I hope that people do not start looking at the Green Party of answers. Pleas we don't need to throw away valuable votes on single platform fridge parties who's only answer is "smoking a joint"

Later,
Kenaz

"We are being culturally integrated into the U.S. and our politicians are not doing anything about it"

Discussion about Canadian culture has been missing from the current election campaign, according to a group of prominent actors who gathered to draw attention to their concerns.

'We have so much freedom in this country to say what we want,' comic actor Colin Mochrie said at a conference aimed at increasing political focus on culture. 'The only freedom we don't have is financial.'

Wendy Crewson, Sonja Smits, Colin Mochrie and R.H. Thomson were among those who assembled in Toronto Wednesday morning to call on the federal political parties to share their cultural platforms with Canadian voters.

From www.cbc.ca

"During this federal election campaign, we have heard nothing about cultural issues and we're here today to put culture on the election agenda and to demand action," Crewson said.

"Our own broadcasters are more interested in simulcasting U.S. programming than they are in showing Canadian programs. The reality is this: we are being culturally integrated into the U.S. and our politicians are not doing anything about it," she added.

"We are facing cultural appropriation by the U.S. and our next government needs to take action."

Mochrie, who has been seen on TV comedy shows in both the U.S. and in Canada, emphasized the difference between them.

While on the U.S. production Who's Line Is It Anyway?, Mochrie had a nifty wardrobe and dined from a well-stocked craft table, but he recalled listening to arguments "over whether the word penis would be used in the show" and "whether it would be inappropriate for me to fake-kiss a man on the lips."

Conversely, while working on CBC-TV's This Hour Has 22 Minutes, Mochrie joked, he may have once worn a hand-me-down wig and had only snacks to nibble on backstage, but he had the freedom to do skits like one about Viagra, where "my erect penis gets stuck in an elevator door."

"We have so much freedom in this country to say what we want," he concluded. "The only freedom we don't have is financial."

Stage and screen actress Fiona Reid recalled that in 1999, there had been a dozen, hour-long, English-Canadian dramas shown on TV during prime time. By the end of 2005, that number had dwindled to just three following CRTC changes (in 1999) that loosened Canadian content regulations during prime time.

"We have to get the teeth back in those regulations," Reid urged. "We must not apologize for asking government to support culture. Every other developed nation – save the United States and India – supports their culture and they make no bones about it...it takes money."

Wednesday's event, organized by English-language performers union ACTRA, stressed the three main issues it is pursuing with politicians:

* New CRTC content and spending requirements for private broadcasters.
* Increasing and stabilized funding for the Canadian Television Fund, Telefilm and the CBC.
* Maintaining current limits to foreign ownership of Canadian airwaves.

These issues were included in a series of questions the national union sent out to the major parties, including the Green Party, in early December. However, after follow-up letters and phone calls, only the NDP and the Bloc have replied.

"We haven't heard anything from the Green Party although they've got something on their website about culture. Nothing from the Liberals or the Conservatives," Stephen Waddell, ACTRA's national executive director, told CBC Arts Online.

"So where are they? Where do they stand?" he asked. "We're hopeful that we will get a response. Why not? These are very simple questions. Tell us what you believe in terms of the future of Canadian culture."

CANADIAN CULTURAL SOVEREIGNTY UNDER THREAT

January 11, 2005 - Toronto - Canadian stars today called on federal politicians to let Canadians know where they stand on Canada’s cultural future. Among those members of ACTRA taking
part in a Toronto press conference were Wendy Crewson, Richard Hardacre, Dan Lett, Miriam McDonald, Colin Mochrie, Cara Pifko, Karl Pruner, Fiona Reid, Wayne Robson, Sonja Smits, Julie Stewart, and R.H. Thomson. These well-known Canadian actors are determined to raise the alarm during this election about the threat to Canada's cultural sovereignty.

"It is our culture that defines us as a nation - it is what makes us who we are. Unfortunately, Canadians are overwhelmed by Hollywood content from American broadcasters; they're dumping their product into Canada. We're being culturally integrated into the U.S. and our politicians are not doing anything about it. Our next government needs to take immediate action," said Wendy Crewson.

At the press conference, actors spoke passionately of their concerns about the devastating decline of Canadian drama programming on our television screens and the lack of Canadian films in our movie theatres. They also drew attention to the alarming potential for foreign ownership of Canadian airwaves and the need for increased long-term funding for Telefilm, the Canadian Television Fund and the CBC.

"U.S. programming dominates our private broadcasters' schedules and Canadian drama is disappearing from our own TV screens. We're asking politicians to tell us that they will direct the CRTC to impose both drama content and spending requirements on private broadcasters so that Canadians can see our own diverse culture on our screens," said R.H. Thomson.

Culture is a $26 billion dollar industry that provides more than 700,000 direct jobs for Canadians. Performers and others in our cultural industries are frustrated that federal politicians are ignoring such a large part of Canada’s economy and sovereignty.

"There are less than two weeks left in this federal election campaign and we know very little about the parties’ plans on cultural issues," said Crewson.

"Canadians deserve to see the parties' cultural planks before we let them lead us down a path of no return" said Thomson. "And we’re asking Canadians to vote for the party and candidates who are most committed to taking action to give our country a strong, vibrant and independent culture."
ACTRA (Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists) is a national organization of professional performers working in the English-language recorded media in Canada. ACTRA represents the interests of 21,000 members across Canada – the foundation of Canada's highly acclaimed professional performing community.

Later,
Kenaz

Dare to Dream?

Hamilton City Hall has a severe PR problem. Last year to much media hype and cost to the tax payers, our civic leaders launched their marketing campaign Reach, dream, rise. The plan would see to the restoration of the downtown landmark Lister Block back to it's previous splendor, providing a corner stone to the revitalization to the much needed economy.

Yesterday council decided their plan was too expensive. Instead they have decided to let another landmark die in an undignified way. Along with a city hall that is crumbling, and the forced demolition of the Tivoli Theater, letting our Lister Block await the same fate is not effective advertising.

It's sad that we let McMaster University pursue a campus in Burlington, rather than our own downtown. Instead Hamilton hangs on to a thirty plus year pipe dream of a sprawling culs-de-sac and big box stores. The "Red Hill Creek" has already cost tax payers a half billion dollars and all we have to show for it is enough legal red tape to choke the life out of every proud Hamiltonian.

I came across a great article from Trevor Shaw of Hamilton in which he shares a "dream" that he had.

"In a dream I am Christmas shopping at Robinson's, Eaton's, and Kresge's. I take a walk in The Right House, just to look at the high-end, expensive clothing. I am enjoying walking from store to store, the street alive with people, musicians, carolers, and families. Gore Park is decorated and lit up - the core of the city, like a giant beating heart. I stop to get a hot chocolate at little café, resting for a while. Then I cross the street and get on the bus that is waiting to take me home."

Like Mr. Shaw and myself every person of our generation had this dream of our downtown, not that long ago. It was one of the best shopping experiences ever had. Each destination was different, far from the vanilla boxes that make up every store in every mall, each the same except for the logo above its entrance. It's too bad an entire generation doesn't even know this existed, instead what's left of the downtown is populated by the misguided "youth" of the "why me?" generation.

Hamilton had one Canada's great downtowns. Even if wealthy, well-run cities like Burlington, Mississauga, North York, and Brampton wanted, they could never have great downtowns with their commuter friendly signs urging you to park and experience the splendours of Hamilton. But, now the city core is a butt of jokes and just a place you pass through as you head through the "gateways". If I remember downtown the way it was, then certainly Mayor Larry DiIanni and every person on council does too.

Hamilton could expand the journey east down Barton Street. Barton Street could be the centre for artisan's. New-economy businesses, lofts, mixed-use buildings to replace the crack houses, creating a safe public space, retail stores that don't close-up at 6:00pm all together, restaurants, family housing on the side streets.

The city tried to liven up the street with a boulevard and lighting. All this does is snarl traffic to a crawl and give commuters a chance to view the effects of neglect and crime. The area needs to have the police patrol it the old way, walking the beat.

I think council knows what to do. I'm just waiting for someone with guts to do it. Guts means designated neighbourhoods, like a China Town, Artist Town, Little Italy, a Fashion District, an Entertainment District. It would give the areas a marketing edge, an identity, a niche for stores, a place that people who shop and live their a feeling of pride.

It needs to be more than hanging banners on light poles; we need unique street signs, streetscaping, wide sidewalks, on-street parking and appropriate businesses that mix well with the intended identity. We are the third most popular city in Canada for immigrants. Canon Street should be our China Town.

Let's take advantage of our rich multi-culturalism, we need more streets to look like James North, the roll-up canvas canopies/tents over each vendor stall and cafe, making a virtual roof over the street. A place to grab a great cup of Turkish coffee or a Greek pastry.

Oh well, if this is a fairy tale, I hope I make it to prosperity land before I get eaten by the evil dragon.

Later,
Kenaz

Rune Reading For The Week Of January 9, 2006-January 15, 2006

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).

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. 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.

2.


The middle rune represents a deciding element of the present. Dagez means daylight, and represents divine light. This rune generally refers to dawn (the initial sparking of energy) or to midday (the climax of energy). Both dawn and midday are symbolic of change, but unlike the changes in the perpetual circle of the year which are slow and subtle, the changes over a day are much faster and more dramatic. The breaking of a new day is symbolic of the rapid illumination of dismal circumstances, and is suggestive of Satori. Be careful - although this rune generally suggests a positive change, the symbology of a peaking point suggests that there must be a change downward as well. Fortunately for some, this rune is cyclic and irreversible, and so permanence is not promised - the only thing you can be sure of is an exciting ride.

3.


The right rune represents the critical element of the future, at the core of the final outcome. Sowelu is a strong symbol, for it represents the sun. Unlike equatorial cultures who may see the sun as a harsh and imperial force capable of causing droughts, in the cold north the sun is a purely feminine force that gives life and allows crops to grow. In dark times, this rune represents clarity of sight and the victory of good over evil. Sowelu is irreversible, as the cycles of the sun and seasons are perpetual.

4.


The top rune represents a force that works for you. Hagalaz is the rune of hail. Hail is a destructive and elemental force, so one can expect this rune to represent the disruption of one's life. In the harsh northern winter there is a halt to activity, and so delay or hindrance is frequently associated with this rune. The opposite of chaos is yet more chaos, as illustrated by the fact that this rune cannot be reversed.

5.


The bottom Rune represents a force that works against you. Laguz is the rune representing water. Laguz is a strongly feminine rune, and like the ocean contains much power of an uncontrollable nature. Here the rune is seen in the reversed, symbolic of the ebbing tide. This may suggest power being drawn away, or may perhaps the start of a journey. Since this is a rune of sexual power, the reversal can also suggest sexual problems or dissatisfaction.

If you are further interested in Rune stones, please check out a script I wrote about three years ago. The story tells of a women's chance encounter with the towns rune reader and physcic. Her reading leads to a terrible discovery about her ex-husband.Click here to read 'Evil Of A Different Kind'

Later,
Kenaz

North of 60

Virginia Boulay

"North of 60" is an ensemble drama about the fictional native community of Lynx River, Northwest Territories, Canada. The show originally aired on CBC from 1992 to 1998. It has been followed by several TV Movies.

The North of 60 series was shot in Bragg Creek, Alberta, and is still one of Canada's most popular and enduring dramatic series, drawing at its peak an unpressident weekly average audience of nearly 1 million in English Canada. It was a rare production that, instead of finding a formula and playing it safe, continued to go forward and take risks with the character and plot development. You cared about the characters and admired that they are portrayed in their weaknesses as well as their strengths.

Another strength of North of 60 was it's cast. The show was definitely an ensemble show. In fact, the ensemble was so strong that major characters would sometimes be gone for weeks at a time without any deleterious effect on the show's quality. The show garnered forty-four Gemini nominations, winning five.

Many of these talented stars have gone on to many other projects, expanding their appeal to Americans who had unfortunately missed out on this shows greatness. Here a small list of where you have seen many of talents that this show has given us.

Tracey Cook-The Highwayman,The Possession of Michael D,Catwalk(Canadian TV Series),Snake Eater III: His Law,Drop Dead Gorgeous(Tv)
Tom Jackson- Loyalties (1986),Clearcut (1991), Spirit Rider (TV-1993),Medicine River (1993),The Diviners (TV-1993),Grizzly Falls (1999),17 successful years as creator of the Huron Carol
Gordon Tootoosis--Alaska (1996), Black Robe,Cowboys and Indians: The J.J. Harper Story, The Edge,Legends of the Fall
Dakota House-One Dead Indian,The X-Files: The Unopened File,The Diviners,Medicine River,DreamKeeper,Shania: A Life in Eight Albums
Simon Baker-The Sweet Hereafter,I, Robot,Shanghai Noon,Smoke Signals
Nathaniel Arcand- Ginger Snaps Back: The Beginning,Waking Up Wally: The Walter Gretzky Story
Tina Louise Bomberry-Shania: A Life in Eight Albums,Medicine River
Tantoo Cardinal- Black Robe,Legends of the Fall, Dances with Wolves,Smoke Signals
Art Hindle-Paradise Falls(Canadain TV series),Stranded(Black Horizon),The Arrow,E.N.G.,Porky's II: The Next Day,Porky's,Dallas,The Brood,Invasion of the Body Snatchers
Michael Horse-Lakota Woman: Siege at Wounded Knee,The Untouchables(TV Series),Twin Peaks,
Michael Obey-Big Bear
Timothy Webber--Captive (1991),Intersection,Murder by Reason of Insanity,
Byron Chief Moon-Alaska (1996),Scary Movie 3,Little Brother of War,The X-Files: The Unopened File,White Fang 2: Myth of the White Wolf,Medicine River
Graham Greene- Dances with Wolves,The New Beachcombers,The Green Mile,Die Hard: With a Vengeance,The Red Green Show,Dances With Wolves,Spirit Bay
Adam Beach-The Big Empty,Cowboys and Indians: The J.J. Harper Story,Joe Dirt,Smoke Signals,Windtalkers
Robert Bockstael-Any Mother's Son,A Father for Brittany,His Bodyguard
August Schellenberg-Black Robe,Tremors 4: The Legend Begins,DreamKeeper,Free Willy 3: The Rescue,Silence,Crazy Horse,Free Willy 2: The Adventure Home,Tecumseh: The Last Warrior,Lakota Woman: Siege at Wounded Knee,Geronimo,Free Willy

As well the show has had many guest appearances, the most memorable was Robin Duke(SNL) who played the character of Faith, a bank officer who ends up having a personal relationship with Gerry, the town's shady propriator of the only diner around.

The fifth installment of the North of 60 franchise , "Distant Drumming," ,was filmed in August, 2003 and is scheduled to premiere on CBC on January 30,
2005.

A short synopsis,
Teevee Tenia (Dakota House) has a plan - he intends to persuade Lynx River to dump the RCMP and establish an all Dene Police Force. But Michelle Kenidi (Tina Keeper) is concerned: Teevee is Chief now and the de facto CEO of Lynx River Resources. Will a Dene Police Force in Lynx River be answerable to Canadian law? Or to Teevee?

When an elderly tourist (Ken Pogue) from Edmonton is found beaten to death, Michelle’s concerns deepen as her suspicions fall upon Teevee’s friend, Matthew Fowler (George Leach). Teevee brings in another police officer, Marjorie Sebastian (Jennifer Podemski), who focuses on a different suspect; Daniel Deela (Lorne Cardinal).

As both women pursue conflicting investigations, painful events from the past come alive. For the community of Lynx River, the town’s future is now at stake.

The more detailed synopsis can be found at the link above as well as photos, trailer clips and interviews with the cast and creators of this Canadian iconic show. you will need Flash Player installed to view the site.

Later,
Kenaz

You Have Got To Be Kidding!

How would we ever get by without warning labels like this: “Ovenware will get hot when used in oven”?

And many people were probably spared from serious burns after reading this helpful advisory on a heat gun that produces temperatures of 1,000 degrees: “Do not use this tool as a hair dryer”.

In an increasingly litigious society, the Michigan Lawsuit Abuse Watch (M-LAW) has been handing out awards for these blatantly obvious product recommendations for nine years, and the heat gun advisory won this year’s Wacky Warning Label Contest.

The second place prize went to a warning on a kitchen knife that reads: “Never try to catch a falling knife.” Perhaps the company that produces the product was just protecting itself against customers who aren’t the sharpest knives in the drawer.

In an apparent effort to ward off angry tourists who lost their way in the waters around Hilton Head Island in South Carolina after consulting its map printed on cocktail napkins, an eatery printed the following advisory under it: “Caution. Not to be used for navigation.” That notice won third prize.

There were also some interesting honourable mentions in this year’s contest, including a little piece of advice on an unusual product.

The warning on a bottle of dried bobcat urine used to keep pests away from the garden says “Not for human consumption.”

“Warning labels are a sign of our lawsuit-plagued times,” Robert B. Dorigo Jones, M-LAW president, said on the group’s website.

“An unpredictable legal system – in which judges allow anyone to file a lawsuit on almost any theory – has created a need for product makers to plaster wacky warnings on everything. When judges see it as their job to dismiss cases that are rooted in frivolous theories, we’ll see fewer wacky labels and more fairness in the courts.”

There are several silly lawsuits that have been filed over the years, including a case cited on the M-LAW website where a man was awarded $50,000 after he sued a small company that makes basketball nets.

The amateur b-ball player claimed the business was responsible when he got his teeth stuck in the net while he was dunking the ball.

If you thought this year’s entries were a hoot, here’s a look at some of the silliest entries M-LAW has received over the years:

* A massage chair warns: “DO NOT use massage chair without clothing... and never force any body part into the backrest area while the rollers are moving.”

* A popular scooter for children warns: "This product moves when used."

* A household iron warns users: “Never iron clothes while they are being worn”

* A warning on an electric drill made for carpenters cautions: “This product not intended for use as a dental drill.”

* The label on a bottle of drain cleaner warns: “If you do not understand, or cannot read, all directions, cautions and warnings, do not use this product.”

* A cartridge for a laser printer warns, “Do not eat toner”

* A can of self-defense pepper spray warns users: “May irritate eyes”

* A dishwasher carries this warning: “Do not allow children to play in the dishwasher.”

* A box of birthday cake candles says: “DO NOT use soft wax as ear plugs or for any other function that involves insertion into a body cavity.”

* A popular manufactured fireplace log warns: “Caution - Risk of Fire”

* A flushable toilet brush warns: "Do not use for personal hygiene."

* A digital thermometer that can be used to take a person's temperature several different ways warns: "Once used rectally, the thermometer should not be used orally."

HOW DUMB CAN WE BE?

You might want to know that there are a lot of people who — even when warned in plain English — have not a clue what they’ve been warned about.

A recent article in The New York Times revealed that, when it comes to warning labels — especially those on prescription medicines — many consumers misinterpret what they say.

Researchers interviewed hundreds of healthy, English-speaking adults, showed them actual warning stickers, then asked them to explain what the sticker meant.

The results were scary.

For example, volunteers were shown a warning sticker that advises “Do not chew or crush. Swallow whole.” Seems pretty clear, doesn’t it? Maybe to you, but not to study participants. Many of them thought the label meant they should chew the pill and crush it before swallowing. Others thought the label meant the drug was “just for your stomach.” One participant said the sticker advised users to “chew it up so it will dissolve, don’t swallow whole or you might choke.”

Another sticker, “For external use ONLY,” was interpreted to mean “Medicine will make you feel dizzy” and “Take only if you need it.” Some thought the drug was radioactive.

With those kind of results, it’s no wonder manufacturers feel it’s in their best interests to warn against virtually anything. Still, with those kind of results, you have to wonder if ANY warning label could achieve the desired result.

At least one company seems to understand just how little the average consumer truly comprehends. It makes a laser pointer. An accompanying label cautions, “Do not look into laser with remaining eye.”

Is this gods idea of natural selection?

Later,
Kenaz

My Cat Emilly

My cat Emilly 

These a few sketches that I did of my Calico cat Emilly back in 2002. This month she turns 13, which in human years is 67. Let me tell tell you this kitty aint ready for feline retirement, she still has her claws and damn she likes to use them. I named her after my favourite twentieth century painter, Emilly Carr. She does her namesake justice, she's miss independant, rightous and knows what she wants. In the case of Emilly the Cat that includes breakfast, now!. Hail!, Hail! Emilly.






Later,
Kenaz

Microsoft’s Windows operating system is vulnerable to hackers.

Tuesday, January 3, 2006

It may be the new year, but here’s a seemingly age old problem – Microsoft’s Windows operating system is vulnerable to hackers.

You’ve heard that statement so many times before, it’s hardly news. But this may be.

According to anti-virus firm F-Secure, the latest flaw in the product Bill Gates created may be the biggest ever detected, and has the potential to affect millions of users of the O.S. going all the way back to the 1990s.

It first came to light last week, when hackers published the source code for a problem that affects something called the Windows Metafile, a list of commands that can be used to draw graphics on your screen.

But the virus fighting experts say this flaw is different from others because it covers so many different flavours of Windows, and doesn’t require you to do much more than simply visit a webpage, look at an email or read an instant message. It can then put spyware on your machine without you even knowing it.

"The … vulnerability probably affects more computers than any other security vulnerability, ever," states F-Secure’s Mikko Hypponen on the company’s website.

Worse still, Microsoft – which has been aware of the problem since last week – has yet to come up with a patch for the problem. And when hackers published their findings on the net in late December, they gave their malicious finding out to all who might seek to exploit it.

Spyware can leave computers open to a host of problems, including allowing hackers to track where you go and what you type, as well as potentially turning your PC into a ‘zombie’ that sends out thousands of spam emails a day without you even knowing it.

The flaw also has the potential to allow viruses onto your machine, although that hasn’t happened yet.

It’s a pain for consumers but it costs businesses billions of dollars a year to fight it.

And those in the know now say this is a big business in another way. The old concept of the teenager in his bedroom sending out malicious code that replicates itself across the world is all but over.

Instead, hacking has becomes a major tool for organized crime, allowing it to rake in untold billions at the expense of others in a felony that’s almost untraceable.

So what can you do? Until Microsoft issues its patch, not a lot. The Explorer browser is the most vulnerable. Those who use Opera or Firefox will be prompted about running a .wmf file. Only people answering ‘yes’ run the risk of infection.

And you can always practice safe computing by keeping your virus software up to date.

Microsoft has issued a warning urging its millions of users to simply stay away from suspicious websites and not to open emails they’re not sure of. “Users should take care not to visit unfamiliar or untrusted websites that could potentially host the malicious code,” a statement reads.

Which leaves millions pretty much on their own for now. The computer giant hopes to have a fix ready for its next update on January 10th – still a week away.

It’s another black mark for the company, which has made improving its flawed security a cornerstone of recent marketing efforts.

"Microsoft's delay is inexcusable," rails Alan Paller, director of research at computer security group SANS Institute. "There's no excuse other than incompetence and negligence."

But the Redmond, Washington giant responds it has to be sure any patch works, and won't be rushed into talking millions into downloading something that's simply not ready.

Update:The Fix Is In

Friday, January 6, 2006

First they claimed they wouldn’t have a fix ready until next week.

Then they added they had to thoroughly test all the possible solutions.

But stung by criticism of what some experts are calling the worst flaw ever detected in Microsoft’s Windows, the company has quickly rushed out a patch that can be downloaded online.

The trouble first started when hackers published the source code that would let others take over your PC through an element that the operating system uses to display images.

Pictures have been used to spread viruses and spyware before, but this one was different – all users were vulnerable because they simply had to visit a tainted web page or open an email to get it, and they wouldn’t even be aware of it.

Worse still, firewalls and anti-virus software could do little to stop the problem.

Microsoft has been roundly criticized for waiting so long to come out with a fix, simply advising users to beware of where they went on the Internet instead.

"Microsoft's delay is inexcusable," fumed Alan Paller of the security group SANS Institute when the full scope of the problem was made public. "There's no excuse other than incompetence and negligence."

The computer giant has been stung by such comments and rushed the patch online. It can be downloaded by clicking here.

Microsoft has been the focal point of hacker attacks for years, leading the firm to promise it would takes steps to improve security. This latest setback may solidify the idea in the mind of users that it still has a long way to go.

Later,
Kenaz