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.