Well, occasionally my work day is interrupted by an ERT call out as was the case on the 29th, my first day back to work. I was on a grader, thankfully far away from the hustle
and bustle of the valley pit, when a frantic radio transmission came
from the blasting foreman. A stemming truck (they fill the drilled holes
with blasting crush) had overturned and the blaster was stuck inside.
I was thankfully quite close and dropped my grader into eighth gear and rip snorted my way down there. Turns out I was the second member to respond, the first having assumed Incident Command as such was manning the radio. After ensuring no fuel leaks/hazards
I scurried up the underside of the overturned big assed truck to find the foreman already up there, holding the passengers side door open for me. About 10 feet below me, shaking and bleeding a little was the blaster. It was an odd sensation, you train for these things, do all the necessary first aid courses and the like; but it's infinitely different with a real life human subject. I was worried about how to squeeze myself down there without touching him, as this could very well have been a spinal patient. Not rushing in is something they drill into us, so I managed to spot foot and hand holds To get me safely to him without fucking up and falling on him or something horrible like that. Needless to say, got there safely and found myself standing on the unbroken (unreal) drivers side glass and when standing - looking out the windshield as if it were a full length mirror. I began to assess the blaster, noting he had great discomfort in his back and abdomen, bit of blood in the mouth, but thankfully feeling in all extremities. Stabilized the neck as best I could on my own and wondered how the hell we'd get him out. This truck is essentially a semi cab if this helps with the visual btw. I didn't have to wonder that for long. Our wonderful team was beginning to arrive in swarms, and quickly, both windscreens were removed, their divider was cut out with a reciprocating saw, I was given O2 and a spinal collar for the patient, and had another first aider in the cab with me. Blaster man was really going into shock at this point - he was kinda white and clammy when I arrived, and was getting greyer by the minute. He also came close to losing consciousness a few times before we got the 02 to him. Like I said earlier, your training only goes so far, it's truly surreal to be with someone minutes after something like this happens. None the less, shortly thereafter he was extracted from the truck, packaged according to possible spinal injury protocol and on his way to Kamloops. Thankfully, he was later released with no apparent major injuries. All of this, from call out to ambulatory took about 28 min. Felt like days, but wow - quite the experience. Reminds you that accidents can happen anywhere, anytime. It appears this one was due to a mechanical failure. Makes me proud to work with such dedicated, professional volunteer ERT members who seem to handle anything thrown at us with a swift, safe grace.

My albums of this year. before you all start in on me, I now Mr. Steven's album is a bit older, but it's new to me. And if there is a sadder love song than his Casimir Pulaski Day I ain't heard it.

Ok, I've been observing this for some time and it's been long enough. I, as you know tend to drive more than most people. In my travels I've been seeing more and more Subarus on the road and I've come to the conclusion that the twits who drive these blocky beasts are the worst drivers on the highways and biways of our great nation. I know it's a little rough to group together shitty drivers into a specific brand - but I notice it more and more; just yesterday I was cut off and given the business (unneccesary throwing of rocks) for absolutely no good reason. Seems the driver of that ugly wagon just HAD to get into that lane despite the fact he continued along for another four km before again going back into the empty lane to doddle on his way. Anhow, I've decided I hat Subarus and all those who drive em. Thoughts?

Rest in Peace you crazy MoFo. James Brown, dead this Xmas morning. 1933-2006. RIP.

Um - the book is a rip off big time. Too bad the movie didn't attempt stealing some good shit as well. The character developement blew, the acting kinda sucked, and the way over the top score actually made me laugh aloud at very inappropriate times. On a good note, I saw it with lovely company, on cheap night, and the Canucks lost anyway. So I wasn't missing much there. I still want a dragon though. Man the shit I could inflict on the world if only I had a dragon!!! I'd want mine to have a better voice over though, god - the more I think of it; wow - this was one bad flick.

Ok, time to be happier - a movie all about the 'spinner' for big tobacco who battles senators and the Nation's lawmakers all while trying to impress his impressionable young son. This movie was brilliant, Thank you for Filming! Aaron Eckhart is unknown to me, but he nailed this role. The clever eyes, constantly tring to work a spin; I was a believer. The young fella playing his boy made you feel for the 'torn between battling bitter parents' kinda kid. Sam Elliot as the Marlboro man was genius, and as usual Maria Bello just kinda made me admire cougs all the more. Toss in Rob Lowe, Katie Holmes, William H Macy and Robert Duvall and you've got one hell of a cast. Not just that, but a script, a cinemtogrophar, direction and major production value. Can't say enough, loved it - rent it soon. Witty beyond belief.

Well, this'll be a short post. Pirates of the Carribean II was well - OK. I think I'm being generous actually here, this film just didn't do it for me. There'll be no Oscar nomination this time round for dear old Mr. Depp. Bill Nighy and his CGI character Davy Jones did rock, and I do have very lustful thoughts about the willowy Ms. Knightley; but it just ain't enough to save this dribble. On a related note, apart from Ronin, I cannot think of a film Jonathan Pryce has ever been in that I've enjoyed. he pissed me off so many years back with all those snotty Lexus ads, that I think there may be no forgiving him.

Now this is just laugh out loud funny. Will Ferrell is a genius I've finally realized. It took me a few years to get past the excruciating head bopping club goer dude on SNL when that show started to really shit the bed. (On a SNL related topic - search 'Dick in a box' on YouTube for a Justin Timberlake laugh fest). Ferrell's come a long way baby. Think Elf. Regardless, back to the film. I was a little unsure going in, but wow - the redneck love of Nascar comes through with ferocity in this film. His two snot nosed brats are so good you want to reach through the screen and strangle the little fuckers. His nemesis, a study of Sigreud - or is it Roy, is played beatifully by Sasha Baron Cohen as the stereotypical Snotty, gay as the day is long Frenchman. His scenes with Andy Richter steal the film. Best line - something along the lines of 'Pleas god, let her be 18.' The 'Grace' scene at the dinner table is worth the rental price all on its own. Me Likee.

Alrighty then kids, Knew I needed to get something or other blogged up here today, and decided instead of spewing a Holiday Cheer type rant; that I'd review some films I've seen lately. I attempted to blog all of these reviews into one post, but alas - no luck. It's either to big, or I'm an apple illiterate buffon. My money goes with the latter. Alas, one film, one post = lots of room for you all to rant, disagree, praise (yeah - likely) or spit venom like the Cobras and Asps you all are. Happy Ho Ho's!

I've decided Miss Scarlett is the Goddess extrordinaire to bless the planet. I remember having a bit of a crush on the gravelly voice kid in Ghost World. How she's come along...wowsers. If you can take Woody Allen, as I sometimes can (note the sometimes, neurotic antics can only go so far) check out Scoop. Cute film, and chock o block full of Scarlett! Not to mention Ian McShane being the superstar he is.

Hmm, perhaps this is why I felt on the verge of respiratory collapse while visiting Havana. I thought is was all the Lada's and 1950's American Iron; but no - apparently it was the diesel burning, exhaust belching Soviet Era tanks. Seen here celebrating the 50th anninversay of Castro's return from exile, sailing in from Mexico aboard a yacht with 80 plus rebels (a few survived and made it to the the mountains where they fought guerilla warfare against the government. In 1959, Fidel, Raol, Che and the lads finally succeeded. That's my history lesson for the day.) Said tanks are undoubtedly creating more potholes that no-one will bother to pave in downtown Havana. Anyone who has seen the Cuban capital will tell you that this once Utopian Spanish Colonial inspired city will take your breath away one moment, and leave you on the verge of tears the next. If only the people had no idea about how the outside world lives, Fidel's idea would work. However, that just isn't the case; they want and want and want. Granted they are the best educated, fed and looked after (healthcare) of all the third world folks. All that comes at a price. Long live Fidel, my ass. And here's hoping you're next Raol. Wonder if this blog will slow my next entry to Cuba? Oh yeah, they won't know about it.

Patches, you're gonna love this shit. Nice album - reccomend it to any Clapton fan. By the way, Slowhand is going to be in Van in March I believe.

SAY IT AIN'T SO COSMO:

After all of the headlines Mel Gibson received for his controversial remarks, Michael Richards, better known as Kramer from the popular sitcom Seinfeld, has landed himself in an equally bad situation when his comedy routine turned into a string of racial obscenities aimed at hecklers in the audience.

Michael Richards, 57, came to fame for his role as Jerry Seinfeld's wacky neighbor on NBC's former hit series, Seinfeld. Since then, Richards has been performing his stand-up routine, usually to some good laughs, though, at the Laugh Factory in West Hollywood on Friday night, his routine took a turn for the racist. A video posted on TMZ.com shows the comedian's racist tirade after two black audience members heckled Richards.

After hearing the remarks from the men in the audience that he wasn't funny, the Associated Press reports that Richards retorted with "Shut up! Fifty years ago we'd have you upside down with a f------ fork up your a--." After that outburst, Michael Richards began pacing the stage, sending volleys of racial taunts at the men. Richards screamed at the men, "You can talk, you can talk, you're brave now mother------. Throw his a-- out. He's a n-----!" After that profane reply, Richards began repeating the racial epithet over and over again.

While Michael Richards' outbursts seemed to catch many by surprise, as people were heard to be laughing at first, the repeated use of the "N-word" led many in the audience to say "Oh my God." The original two hecklers were not the only ones to take potshots at the former Seinfeld actor, as the AP quoted an audience member as replying "It's not funny. That's why you're a reject, never had no shows, never had no movies. `Seinfeld,' that's it," as the audience noted that Richards has had very few roles other than Kramer.

As Michael Richards continued his expletive and racist diatribe, the video shows many members of the audience leaving the Laugh Factory in West Hollywood, not impressed by Richards' "comedy". The Washington Post reports that Richards performed the following evening at the Laugh Factory without incident. Calls to Richards' reps were not returned, though Richards' former co-star, Jerry Seinfeld, weighed in on the situation. Seinfeld was quoted by the Associated Press as admitting he was "sick over this," adding, "I'm sure Michael is also sick over this horrible, horrible mistake. It is so extremely offensive. I feel terrible for all the people who have been hurt."

I tried to link up TMZ.com, but that site is getting slammed at the moment.

K - can't sleep, but I've been thinking about Casino Royale some more and have decided to share with y'all the line that made the film for me. Won't say too much about its orgins, but in being asked how a bad guy's associate died: Bond looks steely eyed across the table and replies "Not Well." We then see 'not well' in a monochrome flashback sequence. Wow, still absorbing this film, think I'm gonna see it again next days off. So so so GOOD. Anyhow, Daniel Craig's first catch phrase for me is just that, 'Not Well'

Well, this will be short and sweet. Until tommorrow when I hopefully have some rad photos and a more thorough story of tonight's events. Well, well - Bond is back baby. The film stayed true to Fleming's character, no more Mr. Nice Guy. Daniel Craig's bond is one cruel son of a bitch, just as I imagined him all those years ago when I sat, enjoying the novels. Nary a gadget in sight, the babes remain thankfully. Eva Green is truly a goddess, the fights are vicious and more realistic than anything we've seen in years, the develepmont of the the Bond character is believable, and the whole film rocked my world. The Vespers made it in intact, and were shaken, not stirred as the trademark Bond credit's rolled. The theme blew chunks, but a small price to pay considering the company was wonderful, and this was a night to remember. As I've said in the past, run - don't walk to see this film. Let's Patch's slagging begin...

Dear God:


Publisher says O.J. Simpson book 'his confession'
Last Updated: Wednesday, November 15, 2006 | 5:56 PM ET
CBC Arts

In a bizarre move his publisher says amounts to a confession, O.J. Simpson has written a book that speculates how, hypothetically, he could have killed his ex-wife and her friend.

The news was announced Tuesday night by Fox, which plans to televise an interview with the former football star acquitted in 1995 of murdering his ex-wife Nicole Simpson Brown and her friend Ron Goldman.

Fox plans to broadcast a two-part interview with O.J. Simpson (seen here in 2000) in which the former football star plans to speculate on how he could have killed his ex-wife and her friend. He was acquitted of their murders in 1995.Fox plans to broadcast a two-part interview with O.J. Simpson (seen here in 2000) in which the former football star plans to speculate on how he could have killed his ex-wife and her friend. He was acquitted of their murders in 1995.
(Richard Drew-file photo/Associated Press)

It was one of the most publicized — and controversial — trials in recent history.

"O.J. Simpson, in his own words, tells for the first time how he would have committed the murders if he were the one responsible for the crimes," said Fox in a statement for If I Did It, Here's How It Happened, the name for the television interview to be broadcast in two parts on Nov. 27 and Nov. 29.

The book, If I Did It, will be released in two weeks and will be published by ReganBooks, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers.

"This is an historic case, and I consider this his confession," said publisher Janet Regan.
Continue Article

Denise Brown, sister of Simpson's slain ex-wife, said the publisher was "promoting the wrongdoing of criminals."

For the 12 years since his trial, Simpson has maintained his innocence and even suggested — to much ridicule — that he would track down the real killers himself.

Though acquitted of murder, Simpson was found liable for the deaths in a lawsuit filed by the Goldman family. He has yet to pay the $33.5 million US judgment in the case and continues to fight legal battles over the settlement.

Simpson's lawyer Yale Galanter said he did not learn about the book or interview until this week.

"The book was not done through our office," Galanter said. "I did not have anything to do with the negotiations of the book. This was strictly done between O.J. and others."

Others in the publishing community were critical of ReganBooks for agreeing to publish the book.

"This is not about being heard. This is about trying to cash in, in a pathetic way, on some notoriety," said Sara Nelson, editor-in-chief of Publishers Weekly. "That a person keeps wanting to bring this up seems almost nutty to me."

At least one other network, NBC, turned down the interview. But Fox executive Mike Darnel told the New York Post the show, set to air at the end of sweeps week, will be a historic moment.

"This is an interview that no one thought would ever happen," said Darnel.

Ok, I've only seen the clips on the net. But I'm thinking from what Ron said; and how I almost peed myself watching the trailers that this could be one of the funniest films of all time.

Hmm, in keeping with the Bond theme,

Best baddie line: "No Mr. Bond, I expect you to die!"

Best action: Sean and the big pinko scrapping in the train, 'From Russia with Love'

Best Bond Girl: Hands down, Ursula Andress as Honey Ryder, 'Dr. No' 'Close second to what's her name as 'Onatop'

Best gadget: Anything other than the invisible car, god - how piss poor was that?

Best film: From Russia with Love, or GoldenEye...so tough to decide.

Interested in what y'all think. Feel free to add more categories.

Everything is coming together for one week from tonight. JFu, his lovely wife, the ever adorable Miss Kate and I will be heading up the hill with pockets and purses weighed somewhat heavily down to catch casino Royale on opening night. Here's a rundown on the contents of said purses and pockets:

The Vesper:


Using my martini shaker I got from Patches all those years ago, shake over ice:

3 oz. Tanqueray Gin (got it)
1 oz. Vodka (got it)
1/2 oz Liller Blank (need it)
1/8 tsp. quinine powder (gotta google it)

Pour into some yet undecided glass (or plastic) ware and enjoy!

Oh yeah, and then say something witty, look tough and perhaps shoot someone evil.

By the way, if I get my way: JFu and I will be looking debonaire in suits, and the ladies ought be wearing some slinky evening type apparrel. It's gonna be sweet.

Hmm, turned down sex for sleep and the thought of a clear head in the morning. First Troy, then Ron, add a sprinkling of DRo, and a twenty two year old smoking hot hardboby who kep me up til 4am yesterday - well you get the idea. Volvo needs tires tommorrow. lunches need made, and dammit I'm old. Felt like a schoolboy yesterday though, alas I'm pissed.

Checking out my last two posts, I've decided to give up on Google images. All those images were taken from there and posted in 'large' format. Going to have to give up on the easy route and actually search out good, full size pics. On another note, expect a rebound from Luongo tonight. I predict a 2-nil shutout for the Nucks. Dammit, I'd better be right! Bedtime for me, must finish night shifts later today and prepare for the arrival of Hold Steady and his upcoming engagements. No JD here for Thurs night, but the 'piano-tuner' is ready to rock! Tango's Thurs. night is gonna be fun. Be a fitting place to try the 'Vesper' perhaps! Night y'all.

From the BBC:


'Brilliant' Bond seduces critics

Daniel Craig in Casino Royale
Choosing Daniel Craig as the new James Bond upset some fans

Daniel Craig's performance as James Bond has been hailed as "terrific" and "simply brilliant" in early reviews of his 007 debut in Casino Royale.

The first verdicts on Craig - who was a controversial choice to play the spy - have been gushing.

The Daily Mirror said he was seen "oozing the kind of edgy menace that recalls Sean Connery at his best".

And the Daily Telegraph wrote that he "steps with full assuredness into Sean Connery's old handmade shoes".

Connery, who appeared in seven Bond films, was recently voted the best 007 of all time.

The actor has promised a tougher and grittier 007
But when Craig was picked to replace Pierce Brosnan last year, a small band of disapproving fans called for a boycott of Casino Royale.

In the new film, Bond makes a break from the super-slick, stereotyped spy of the past, the UK newspaper critics said - but all declared the end result a triumph.

"It's Bond, but not as we've known it," according to the Telegraph.

"The guns and action are there... the girls are certainly there... but the clonking double entendres of the old days are gone - in their place is a much more teasing, smartly written prospect."

'Unpredictable and vulnerable'

Daniel Craig had a face "like an Easter Island statue" and makes "a terrific debut", it added.

"He manages to exude not only danger and unpredictability and wit - but also, and this is a first, some vulnerability."

Daniel Craig has earned comparisons with Sean Connery
The Times declared: "Craig is up there with the best - he combines Sean Connery's athleticism and cocksure swagger with Timothy Dalton's thrilling undercurrent of stone-cold cruelty."

Craig's impressive physique makes him "a far more plausible Bond than many of his predecessors", it added. "But his main asset quickly becomes evident. He can act."

The action was "edgy", the paper said, with stunts that were more physical and violence that was more raw.

The Mirror said the James Bond rule book had been "well and truly torn up" for the 21st official film.

'More human'

"From the start you can tell this isn't your average Bond film," its critic wrote, adding that it was "easily the best film since GoldenEye".

Based on Ian Fleming's first Bond novel, Casino Royale begins with a brutal black-and-white fight scene in a bare bathroom.

Since Craig was chosen, the actor and film-makers have promised a more human and gritty character.

Casino Royale reaches cinemas on 17 November.

And Eva Green:



So excited, I have the day off, JFu and I are planning on opening night, just trying to figure out how to sneak in the martini shaker (to have the Vesper of course) and all the neccessary ingredients. We may get kicked out, but fuck - gotta try right?

A few DRo recommendations:

Healthy defense and Matt Cooke traded, but alas I digress.



What a wonderful book. I'd heard about it a while back, forgotten about it and picked it up one day finally by chance. It centers around a freaky, rather unnatural gold Sikta Spruce revered by the Haida and growing in Haida Gwaii. It also follows the life of a timber scout named Grant Hadwin whose life will cross the spruce in a way that made headlines back in 1997. The writing is superb, it makes you feel and smell the forest and provides great insight into the history of logging in the province as well as the rise and fall of the great tribes of the Northwest. I can't say enough about this book as I fall far behind the eloquence of the author, John Vaillant. Read it, enjoy it please.

And hmm, a disk to enjoy while perusing your newly aquired or borrowed book?

A pick from the lovely Kate:



I'm terrible at describing music, I only know what I like and dislike. I really enjoy this album; her voice is magic and the vocal and musical pace of the record put me in a nice place. Hope you like it if you get off your asses and check it out.

And finally, after a day touring the vineyards of the Okanagan, I should probably recommend a bottle of vino to accompany your text and audio selections. One shouldn't neglect the palate after all.



Winemaker's Notes
Our 2003 Grand Reserve Meritage is an expertly crafted blend of all 5 of the classic Bordeaux grape varietals - Cabernet Sauvignon (40%), Merlot (40%) and Cabernet Franc (7%), Malbec (10%) and Petit Verdot (3%). This wine was aged in new French and American oak barrels for 18 months to add complexity and structure. Deep ruby in colour, our Meritage has a nose dominated by aromas of ripe raspberries, plums and vanilla underscored with chocolate and spicy black pepper. The concentrated fruit flavours of berries, chocolate and coffee intricately fold with the firm leather tannins providing an elegant prolonged finish.

I just thought it was tasty! There is a bottle in my basement now...hmm...wish I wasn't working tonight now. Oh well, there's always next week! Enjoy kiddos.

I hate computers, I hate myself for being so crappy at computers. Somehow, Leah's link is going through Rob's, and Rob's has dissapeared. Help me JFu, help me. It's going greyer as we speak. I don't find it distinguished! And the Canucks lost, and I gotta drive to work in the snow tommorrow!!! UGHHHHHHHHHH

Hmm, game isn't even over yet and I just dunno. Salo injured? Ohlund looks like he's got the bird flu, and Luongo get's scored on with a slap shot on a PS? Whacky game. Nice work by the king of the trap yanking his starter after 1, this 28 yr old rookie looks alright! We'll see how it goes, I don't have a warm cozy feeling...Oh yeah, and Cooke still oughta be employed wandering about strangers yards picking up dog poo/grass clippings etc. He fucking blows. That said, he'll probably score three from here in. One can only hope.

A few picks from our visit to the Adams River Sockey run. We went to observe where the river empties into Shushwap Lk., so we didn't see the numbers of fish that make the river look completely red enough to walk over; none the less it was a humbling experience as always. reminds you of the fragility of it all.

Oh yes, a newly added photo of the monster. He would have been more aptly named Grendel. His latest claim to fame is that he can eat half a wash cloth which may smell remotely of food within minutes. Oh yeah, and he yells for food incessantly. Ughh.

http://www.boardsmag.com/screeningroom/commercials/3458/

Copy and paste the above into your browser, some funny shit.

OK, the Nucks won tonight, but I'm truly fed up of this little shit disturber. There was a time and place for this kind of player, but we have far too many fast young players who will eventually put the puck in the net to afford Cooke at 1.5 M. He had one nice hit tonight (late as always), but otherwise was invisible. Don't like him, haven't for sometime, and it's time to move this hinderance before he pulls some guttless Bertuzzi like move and further soils this club.

OK, alright, it was bound to hapen. Coming off a highly rough round in which I carried my partners (who knew I was the long iron guy?) I went for a fun round at home with the lads. Home at Rivershore, playing the tips, all was going well til the fourth. I'd been cranking it off the tee, hitting all irons solid. Then came #4. I've always moved the ball left to right. Stood up today and smashed at it; move it right to left. Into a window. I knew, as soon as I hit it, that this was bad. Let me tell you that nothing is worse than standing on a tee box, grimacing, hearing the glass destruction and knowing you have to drop 3. Anyow, act like a man, let my partners hit and strut towards the house. By now, neighbors are all at their windows watching, seeing if I'll own up. Up I stomped, unafraid. Worst shot of my life, and it blew out some glass. I walked right up the back deck and knocked on her patio door as I watched a woman cooking her dinner. Appologized and described the caranage. Turns out she hadn't even heard the god awful smacking and was quite shocked to hear of the carnage I'd inflicted on her home. Turns out the ball hit the window of her sewing room and had she been there at work, oh my, look our...heart attack central. I asked for a box and volunteered to pick up the glass as we were lucky enough to have only broken one pane. The second was cracked as well, but alas. She went on to tell me that, as I gave her my phone numbers, I probably wouldn't be hearing from her as they have a $35 per year policy that covers them from broken glass due to golf balls with no deductible. Just show's that honesty is the best virtue. Feeling very true to the game, I walked back to the point of entry and hit three wood into the tree in my way, then a one iron into said tree. Finally crushed a six iron into wedge distance, which was follow with a one putt. Oddest 8 (snow man) I ever took. By the way, Bob fell out of the cart laughing. Bugger. Had a 44 on the back though. What an afternoon.

I stole this line, people at the coffee shop stared as I began laughing my bag off: If I were to compare Luongo to Cloutier, I would say Luongo is like a surgeon's hand. Steady as she goes. Cloutier is like trying to pour a drink after mistakenly killing your best friend.

That's some good stuff!

I predict this fella is gonna cost Patches and his anti Nucks betting style a lot of cash and bragging rights this season. The team looked great last night, very quick and explosive shifts coupled with tenacious checking. Nice to see, it was even nicer to see 'The Dominator' get lit up, though I'm sure that Nazzy's high wrister to the shoulder injured him early on. Keep er up lads.

Currently sitting in the coffee shot enjoying a dark Italian Roast and feeling contentment and a wee bit of relief. Seems that we've reached a tentative deal with Tech, and I'll be heading back to work as scheduled tommorrow morning. Be interesting to see what the deal contains, and we'll be going to vote to hopefully ratify within 10 days I understand. But that wasn't the reason I began this post. I'm just wondering on the 'rules of engagement' regarding the use of laptops publically, and more precicely the habit some seem to have of looking over the user's shoulder. There's a guy behind me right now who's apparently very interested in everything I do on this machine. And no Patches, I'm not surfing any of my 'fav' sites! Just newpapers, news and blogs. Yet, wait now...gonna quickly peek over my shoulder! Yup, there he is again, watching enraptured. Caught again, he looks away; only to go right back to staring once I'm back at the keyboard. This whole phenomenon makes me wonder, by bringing such devices into public, are we just opening ourselves up to such 'intrusions;' or was Mom right all along. Don't read over a stranger's shoulder?

I've Fallen and I Can Get Up!!!

Oh well, an imagined dilemma doesn't come to fruition thankfully. What's a few frantic phone calls among friends. We're looking out for you Patches, hope that oh so lovely lid of yours is intact. Did the genious bump withstand most of the blow?

Roberto Luongo, the Vancouver Canucks' $27-million US goaltender, was on the seventh green at Richmond Golf Club on Monday when an errant ball flew within a foot of his head.

"We figured the shot must have come from the second tee box," said a horrified Gerry Sillers, a member of the Luongo foursome in the annual Jake Milford charity tournament. "Somebody must have pulled his drive straight left and over the trees onto our green. It missed hitting Roberto by a foot."

Sillers is president of the Canucks Alumni. Also in the Luongo group was a shaken-up Francesco Aquilini, part-owner of the Canucks. "We heard the thud from the ball hitting the green," Sillers said. "Vancouver's been called a graveyard for goaltenders, but being injured on a golf course during training camp is ridiculous."

This film was quite the little letdown. Sure Copeland's one hell of a drummer, but he ain't no filmaker. This money grab is not a 'must-see' for even the most die hard fan. That said it was interesting to observe that Andy Summers very obviously had a drug problem. But the very best scene by far is that of Sting carrying his own bass, suitcase, and duffles into his very dumpy motel room. Sure that has not happened to the sellout in a very, very long time.

The Mediator signed out after a mere 9 hours. 72 hours strike notice has been served. Don't like this at all, really don't want to go painting. Ughhhh. Why do I let this worry me, they'll settle right???

Burn, Baby Burn!!!

Will this be the man to negoitate a contract between the big bad wolf (United Steelworkers) and the bigger, bad wolf (HVC)? Mr. Ready is scheduled to mediate final negotiations this week in hope of diverting the 72 strike notice the membership of US voted overwhelmingly to issue. In a year when HVC is anticipating a 1.5 B profit, I sure hope this gets settled. However, if we ask for the sun and the moon; we might see the might that is Tech Cominco. Sounds as though medical and dental have been added after retirement, which is super; but once the hand goes out - seems some pople expect it to get really filled. The enviornment at work is not a lot of fun at the moment, seems everyone is walking on eggshells, snarky and pissy as hell. Have to wait and see how this all pans out; should be done one way or another within the week. Here's hoping it's a good, long term contract for all. As a member of the bargaining committee so aptly said: 'We may be whores, but we're expenive ones.' Touche.

Watching the lovely Miss Jennifer Connely in the beautiful 'Dark Water' (had one jump that was almost Shining like) I got to thinking about what makes a great film, what is a great film. What for example, is Top Ten. This film isn't, but here's a list of mine in no particular order. Be interested in receiving yours...

Amelie

V for Vendetta

Lord of the the Rings Trilogy


Raiders of the Lost Ark

Shawshank Redemption


Lawrence of Arabia

From Russia With Love (or any non Moore Bond film), c'mon - James has gotta be on the list. Also adore the jasn Bourne films.

Pulp or The Dogs; gotta say Pulp

Ronin (an unseen masterpiece)

Things to do in Denver When You're Dead (see above)


Could go on and on, the first five are near and dear to me, the following five came to mind quickly. If you haven't seen V yet, log off and do so - wonderful Orwelian flick with Matrix like effects. Anyways, let's get blogging and enjoy, can't wait for the comments. And to sign off, predict Patches says Citizen Kane. Must admit I own a copy and long for my old sled....

Here we are on the 'near eve' of yet another NHL hockey season. The leaves haven't yet fully turned, the golf course is still in whalin shape, and heavy coats aren't as of yet, neccessary. The Canucks have changed drastically of course, and I find myself wondering about this obsession of ours, this game played on ice. With brutal efficiency, speed, strength and courage. These adjectives are going to HAVE to apply to this years version of the Vancouver Canucks, to dust away the cobwebs of last years nighmare. The tenacity of Calgary, the grit of Edmonton, the leadership of the Wings. These are characteristics that this club's gonna have to embody this year to take us where we've never been. I know loads of you are naysayers, but I like the look of this club. Drop the puck already, and let's get this party started!

Hmm, love to blog again, and oh what a story this one is. Got off work this morning and headed down to Kelowna straight from work so as to see my lovely Niece whose BD I missed to the evil countours of our work schedules. I'd booked a room here at the not so stunning Royal Ann Hotel in Kelowna for a couple of nights, and settled in later than I'd expected (communication on how early I could check in was miscommunicated between the reservation person, myself and the dude who checked me in. He was cool by the way) only to have a lovely ear plugged sleep in the afternoon. Leah and I had a great night with coffee, steak dinner, a great wander along the lake, and the sharing of some great conversation. Followed by a lesson in malts, some more wandering til I returned to the establishment with whom I placed my trust and belongings. From here refeered to as the Dump. Thinking I was gonna spend some time reading beside the boats tommorrow, I began to download some new tunes to the jukebox. Only to have the sound of a keyswipe and the creak of my door off to my left. The door swayed open to reveal a lovely young couple that had just been issued a key to this , my room. After chatting a bit, I begin to really get pissed and grab the phone and chat with some moron named, love this...Woody, who appologies like crazy. Go back to the truly stunned kiddos at the door and tell them I hope they get a room etc., and ask them for their keycard. They need it to get into the Dump's parkade, and I have no worries about them as they do seem like great people, I tell them "No worries, take it." They assure me they're also gonna give the night man some shit, and I wish them well in getting a room in this supposed sold out Dump. Gives me a great chance to call Woody back at the desk, and see what he's blubbering now. Loads more appologies, a tinge of ear in Woody's voice. Assures me he's lookng out for the couple whom he describes as the peole who were just at my door. (Beutiful Asian gal with equally handame young buck) Find out the Dump's manager may or not be in at Eight tommorrow, more likely Ten. Can't wait to talk to him. I feel so shitty, my computer, camera, luggage and clothes etc were all in this room, and the Dump's star night man behind the desk is giving out keys to MY room? Think this guy's gonna get fired tommorrow (unless this is a union shop) cuz I'm gonna rip the Dump's day manager, Glen, a new one. Said twit from behind the counter does have the good sense to call and squirm some more to affirm the fact that the young coupe had turned up with the key; but I stil feel no qualms. Gonna give the manager both barrels tommorow.

And you thought the contract on Long Island was bad? Well, we've come to expect that. This move by Bobby Clarke just proves that the old boys club that is management of the NHL hasn't learned a god damned thing. tendering an offer sheet @ 1.9 million for a player with 23 pts out of 82 games is truly a gong show. Wonder is puffy fucked his wife or something? Blow me Clarke.

Just a crazy wee update in the life of Dunc. Before heading to the Island golfing with Dad, my sweet Volvo (untainted in four years I might add) suffers a hit and run at Bob's house. Made me think of Vincent Vega's chat with his dealer in Pulp Fiction. 'You know, it'd be worth it just to catch them doing it...there's nothing worse than fucking with another man's automobile.' K so enough about that, the car sits, we travel the beautiful East coast of Vancouver Island (in an untainted car I might add) enjoy the courses, accomodation, sights and people. Come home, unwind for a few days, hop in the Volvo and drive to work. On said day, hit a deer on the way to work. Said deer essentially pulls a 'Duke's of Hazzard' slide across the hood, very efficiently scratching the hell out of the hood with those oh so cute razor sharp hooves of hers. Said deer proceeds to bounce beautifully away, up and over a fence before stopping to pause and look back at my now twice tainted Volvo. People say deer are cute, delicious with potatoes and roasted veggies I say. A day and a half after this little ungulate soiree, I'm minding my own business at work when the ERT pager goes off. Hop in with the foreman and grab a ride down to the crushers where there is a 240 ton haul truck completely engulfed in flames. The tires are burning and threating to blow. Our literature tells us these tires will blow rubber, rock, firemen or whatever is in the way up to a distance of three hundred feet. Sufficient to say, we fight this carefully and have the fire put out with no injury, loss of life or further equipment damage within four hours. We feel heroic, I however am on a major adreneline rush and find sleep elusive that morning. Next night shift really, really sucks! Days off go by uneventfully, which brings us to BC day, Aug. 7th. After work I'm ripping my way down the road towards home and a cozy bed when the vehicle in front of me enters an intersection before my eyes and get's T'Boned by a van at around 80 km. Said truck is turned sideways and comes to a stop on the side of the road some 80 yards from where he was hit. I'm watching this from 40 or so yards away and watch as the vanrolls twice and comes to a stop on the drivers side in the ditch. All this wreck was missing was flames and it would have been true Hollywood gold. Pull the Benz over, grab my first aid kit and cel phone and run towards the van. The two occupants are already attempting to get out. I'm on the phone to 911 as I approach the van, finish the call and lift the woman who's alreadied scurrying her way ou down to the ditch. Her man follows, informing me through an eye watering booze breath that they're ok, and don't need 'no fucking cops or ambulance.' I remind him they've hit another vehicle, and have been in a pretty bad accident. At this point, I really don't give a shit bout said asshole, and focus my attention on his gal pal. She too, ignores my plees for her to lay down and attempt to relax and insist on hobbling around on what I think is perhaps a broken leg. (there are shards of metal sticking out of it as well) Whatever, these hillbilles are gonna do there own thing, so I set out to check on the truck's occupant who's by now wandering around the highway, picking up the odds and ends which flew from his truck box after impact. Turns out he's another ERT guy from the mine. One who got off very lucky as the van had struck the box of his truck, avoiding the cab entirely. None the less he was a bit shocked, but otherwise fine. I helped him to gather his things (as this seemed first and foremost on his to do list) and convinced him to sit down and await the police and ambulance. Went back to check on the hillbillies to find only her where I'd left them. She said her man had left to go to his uncles. An attempt to defeat the DUI I imagine. By now the woman is in complete shock, ashen and shaking. We managed a blanket from a passer by, and were forced to carry her a distace (Ouch!) as the van was now leaking it's fuel and smoking a bit. Finally, the RCMP and Logan Lake volunteer Fire Dept. show up and take over the first aid. Do the witness thingy with the cop (who appears to be twelve by the way) and then get roped into helping out with splinting the gal's leg as the Logan Lake ERT also suspect it to be broken. Thankfully, she was packaged easily and shipped off to Kamloops hospital where I later heard she was doing fine. Buddy from work was OK as well. As for booze breath, dunno, don't care. Regardless, thought I'd share that little insight into one hell of a crazy couple of weeks. Enjoying a coffee as I finish typing this up, and really hoping the roof stays intact!!!! Cheers y'all.

This one's for you Lex....

In the wake of what's going on in the Gaza, I sinply found this pic and wanted it posted here.

Happy Birthday Baby! And just think of the hockey acquisitions on our nation's BD...should be fun.

Some very recent photos of the very manic yet personable Hiram:

The Future??? A gutsy move made by Puffy today. Sign's Luongo on as a franchise for reasonable money in a trade that's iffy. Only time's gonna tell, but I predict overall I'm gonna like it! Now about that JoVoCop............

Well, Vancouver was swell to me as always. Saw the NHl entry draft, golfed in a marvelous tourney, ate some great grub and spent some quality time with Doc and mr. Brown. Truly couldn't have asked for anything more, even watched the bidding go to $200 and then got to shave Geo's lid! Priceless.






Alas, a wonderful trip to Vancouver, not sure how George feels about it though!!!!