Here's Jeff Cowan at his best. Fuck! My heart doesn't want to give up, but my brain says it's over. Don't think we're making it to the playoffs this year.

Jonathan Roy, son of Patrick , Destroys Bobby Nadeau

Apparently - he's every bit as crazy as his father was. Them French keepers are some hot-headed!

The lovely Ms. Silverman at the RiverRock Casino in Richmond on Sat night:



And the Boss at GM Place on Mon. Evening:


This has the makings of a good weekend - think I'll take the apparatus to the city for some good times. There had better be seats involved for the gig though, or my crutches may get used for things other than their intention. This isn't general seating I hope!!!!

While reading this, do like I did. Imagine a 'good old boy' pilot, sipping on a bourbon and trying desperately to impress that pert new flight attendant he fancies!

Pilot's gun fired during flight

An investigation is under way into how a gun carried by a US Airways pilot was discharged during a flight.

No-one was hurt when the gun went off as the plane was preparing to land at Charlotte, North Carolina, on Saturday.

A hole in a cockpit wall apparently caused by the shot is visible in photos obtained by AP news agency.

Under a programme implemented after the 9/11 attacks, US airline pilots are allowed to carry guns on domestic flights following a training course.

Passengers 'unaware'

The gun discharged just before noon on Saturday aboard Flight 1536 from Denver to Charlotte, as the Airbus A319 plane was at about 8,000 feet (2,440m) and was approaching to land.

The plane was sequestered and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is looking into the incident, spokesman Dwayne Baird said.

He said the airline was co-operating and that the FBI would also probably be involved.

The pilot has been put on leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

Mr Baird said he believed the 124 passengers on board at the time were not aware of the incident.

Aeronautical experts disagree on how much risk there is that such a stray bullet could bring down an aircraft.

Psychological tests

Under the TSA's Federal Flight Deck Officer programme, pilots may apply for a licence to carry a gun on board for domestic flights.

They must undergo a week-long training course and psychological tests.

Since April 2003, about 5,000 flight deck officers - captains or first officers - have been authorised to carry weapons, Capt Bob Hesselbein, chairman of the Air Line Pilots Association's National Security Committee, told the Associated Press.

All pilots who qualify from the programme are said to carry the same weapon - a .40-calibre semiautomatic H&K USP - which experts say is extremely unlikely to go off on its own.



Apparently the Jihadists aren't the only worry in the friendly skies! Guess they just don't make those trigger locks like the used to.

Time for a couple of Film reviews:



In Keeping with the Doc's tradition of allowing reviews made up of the amount of words in the title: Bow Bow Bow.

This film started OK, and I must admit I'm really a fan of Casey Afflek. He's head and shoulders above his disgraceful brother Ben. I mean, really, can he ever be forgiven for 'Reindeer Games?' Ron and I experienced one of the funniest evenings of my life watching that shit. That said, he's better behind the camera than in front of it, and this film had it's moments before getting preachy. Take a pass on this one kids.



Liked this one, not exactly going to rave about it, but you do get to see the adorable Ms. Knightly soaking wet and sorta naked looking - so thumbs up! Worth a look, and not just for the pervy parts. The beach scene in France is particularly memorable, and the characters growth (and kept secrets) intertwine nicely.

Canucks by one tomorrow over the Flamers, PPV game - so JFu and family, and Ms. Erin - you're invited to BBQ if ya like; let me know.

And one final note. Can anyone explain why, when I post a UTube clip, it takes days before it shows up here? The last one took three days, and the clip of Patty Roy's kid going nuts is AWOL as well!? Odd.

Jeff Beck with Tal Wilkenfeld at Crossroads 2007 Live

Saw this program last night, and decided to share it. We all know Beck is a god, but this girl on bass is really something as well. I expect filthy comments from Thezo shortly! Sorry I missed your call by the way Mr. Brun, I'll be kinda doing nothing for a while - so we can catch up soon. You gonna make it to the Loops when Lex and Helene are around the Peaks?

photos by Joz

Quantum of Solace, the next James Bond film, is to be released earlier than expected - on 31 October - its producers have announced.

Not a great pic, but this gives you an idea of about half of what it looks like. I have NO idea how I'm gonna sleep with this concoction, but alas - the trials and tribulations of DRo. I'm in a surprisingly good mood, knowing that I'll be whole and beating your sorry asses on the links later this summer. Anyhow, I'm high - and need some rest. And sorry Mr. Brown - wasn't prescribed the meds you were inquiring about! Later kids.

Morning Kids - I'm off for surgery again this morning. This leg is truly going to be bionic by the time we're done. If I can talk JFu into being my photog-dude, I'll post some cool gory pics here soon. Over and out for now.

Voleur!!!

Gotta love being a soul who gets to jump queues, sorry bout that folks, but I"m due for surgery again on Thurs. If I can get a Doc to fill out a form outlining my height, weight and BP by tomorrow at noon, I'll be getting sliced and diced again ASAP. It rather bothers me that I'm going in for a privately paid (WorkSafeBC) surgery, while others wait. I'm also bothered by the fact that I'm going to have an external device holding together parts of my skeletal system, and that after this is done - that I'll be sent home. I've been through a lot, but I figured that this might warrant a night or two of observation, but apparently not. I'm thinking of making this a pictorial type blog of the recovery, in an attempt to keep any of you you from putting yourselves in a situation where your leg might almost get blown off! Should have stayed in school or something! Live and learn Kids, you really don't wanna go through this. If you aren't into the risk, I suggest you pull up the blankets and stay at home, because it could happen anywhere, anytime - but you don't want it to. I remind myself that there are many others out there who are having a much tougher time than I. And have you seen the price of scrap steel? I'm gonna clean up when this is all done!

Be - O - Wulf:



Be - A - Dog

Pronger Stomps on Keslet's Leg *NEW ANGLE*

I'll predict 12 games - anyone who knows me knows my feelings about Pronger. He's as good a defense man as I've ever seen, but plays the game with a filthy style that is truly disgraceful. His two suspensions (one game each)in last years playoffs were dirty hits that warranted longer suspensions, but this is Bettman/Cambell's NHL and 'superstars' are treated much differently than the Chris Simons of the world. Eagerly awaiting tomorrows reply form the the league. Not half as much as I'm looking forward to therzo's take on this. Am I the only one who thinks he really ought to start blogging again? In my bored senseless state, I'm not sure if I post because I want to - or if I post to illicit his utterly wonderfully worded responses. Anyhow kids, hope to see you at the end of the month for the Bosses concert - but time shall tell. Nucks 4-2 over JFu's Stars tomorrow.

Hmm: Boy's Only '08 idea:

The U.K. has Glastonbury, the U.S. has Coachella and, this summer, Canadians will get a similar type of music festival in the village of Pemberton, B.C.

Organizers announced on Friday plans for the first-ever Pemberton Festival, with the fledgling event set to take over the town of about 2,200 — noted for being a picturesque hub for outdoor adventurers and located just 25 kilometres from famed ski resort community Whistler — from July 25-27.

Coldplay, led by singer-songwriter Chris Martin, is among the headliners for the inaugural Pemberton Festival.Coldplay, led by singer-songwriter Chris Martin, is among the headliners for the inaugural Pemberton Festival.
(Associated Press)

Spearheaded by concert promoters Live Nation and Good Boy Productions, the inaugural festival will feature a host of headliners that include Coldplay, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Jay-Z and Nine Inch Nails.

Canadians slated to take part include The Tragically Hip, Sam Roberts Band, Metric, Buck 65, MSTRKRFT and Wintersleep.

The bill will also feature many newer and emerging acts, including Death Cab for Cutie, Interpol, The Flaming Lips, Vampire Weekend, MGMT and The Airborne Toxic Event.

The concert site will feature two stages, a dance tent and a "festival village" — all located at the foot of Mount Currie, with concert-goers able to camp or set up recreational vehicles on-site. Officials will also run a shuttle service to and from Whistler.

As with other massive outdoor music festivals, Pemberton organizers have also vowed to keep the festival as green as possible, with incentives planned for concert-goers arriving via car pool and concessions to feature bounty from local Pemberton Valley farms.

Sir Paul may be getting of easy:

Heather Mills will get $50 million Cdn in her divorce deal with ex-husband Paul McCartney, a British newspaper is reporting.

A judge is scheduled to hand down a decision in the bitter divorce case on Monday.

But the Evening Standard reported Friday that both Mills and McCartney have accepted a settlement proposed by the judge of $50 million.

The couple split in May 2006 after four years of marriage. They have a daughter, Beatrice, 4.

The former Beatle, 65, married former model and charity campaigner Mills, 40, in 2002, four years after the death of his first wife Linda.

Mills and McCartney said they split "amicably" but their divorce wranglings have been acrimonious, with public accusations of cruelty that threatened McCartney's image with the British public.

The size of McCartney's fortune is unknown, but is believed to be in the region of $1.6 billion.

Experts said a $50-million settlement would be in line with British law. Mills would be entitled to a limited amount, because the marriage was relatively short, but McCartney also must provide for Beatrice as she grows up.

The highest amount ever awarded by a British divorce court was $96 million to the ex-wife of multi-millionaire businessman John Charman.

Pricey divorce settlements
Michael Jordan $168M US
Neil Diamond $150M US
Steven Spielberg $100M US
Harrison Ford $85M US
Kevin Costner $80M US
John Charman $96M Cdn

Moral of the story - I'm hoping you all will provide that in the comments section!!!!

Cloutier v. Salo

And seeing as Danny-Boy had such a great game last night, thought I'd honor him with this classic...that's one mean Quebecois keeper!

scary animal attack

See what you find when you can't sleep...

OK - I know they won't be taking too many buses, but:



A little interweb theft for you to browse: It kinda spooks me out when I see it actually written out before my very eyes:



The Kings were the easy part for the Vancouver Canucks. This is what we're looking at from here on in:

Wed, Mar 12 @ Anaheim PPV

Thu, Mar 13 @ Phoenix

Sat, Mar 15 @ Dallas

Mon, Mar 17 Phoenix PPV

Thu, Mar 20 @ Edmonton

Fri, Mar 21 Minnesota

Tue, Mar 25 @ Calgary PPV

Wed, Mar 26 @ Colorado

Fri, Mar 28 @ Minnesota

Sun, Mar 30 Calgary

Tue, Apr 1 Colorado

Thu, Apr 3 Edmonton PPV

Sat, Apr 5 Calgary



=> The Canucks play back-to-back three times and both involve plane trips in between. They also play three times in four nights twice. Meanwhile, Colorado doesn't have a single back-to-backer and Minnesota has one. Seems fair.



=> Four games on pay-per-view. Fantastic. We appreciate the Canucks are in the money-making business but this doesn't exactly create a tonne of goodwill. In fact, the word "hostage" comes to mind. And that's the way it's gonna be until the production value surpasses that of professional wrestling at the Croatian Cultural Centre. Or, Kirk McLean paints his face like Sting. We'd pay for that.



=> Everyone knows by now that Vancouver's last nine games are against Northwest Division foes. That could actually be good considering the Canucks are 12-6-5 against the division. Only Detroit (15-2-3) and Colorado (14-7-1) have done better. Calgary is 11-8-4, Minnesota is 11-9-3 and Edmonton is 9-12-2. So basically we're on easy street. Smoke 'em if you got 'em.



=> All those away games could put a lot of pressure on the Canucks to win at home to close things out. As of today, if you asked the oddsmakers, Vancouver would be favoured against Phoenix and Edmonton on the road, and the Oilers' line would be tight. For the rest of the away games, the Canucks would be underdogs. In other words, try not to freak out if they lose tomorrow in Anaheim; they're meant to. The Ducks are good.



=> In a related story, Calgary fans have to be concerned that nine of the Flames' last 13 games are on the road, including four straight to end the season. Luckily for them, the Flames are 18-13-1 away. Last year, they finished 13-20-8 on the road.



=> The one Vancouver game that sticks out as particularly huge is March 21 at home to the Wild. If the Canucks lose there, they'll have to endure all sorts of abuse (both self-inflicted and not) for three days before embarking on a brutal three-gamer. It won't be easy, either. Vancouver will have played in Edmonton the night before, the Wild two nights ago in San Jose. Again, thanks, Mr. Schedule Maker.

Love this stuff:




ANCHORAGE, Alaska, March 7 (UPI) -- Scientists studying fish stocks off Alaska got a glimpse of the "icing on the cake" -- a rare white killer whale.

The orca was spotted with its pod about 2 miles off the Kanaga Volcano in the Aleutian chain on Feb. 23, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reported. The NOAA research vessel Oscar Dyson was in the area to study stocks of pollock near Steller sea lion haul out sites.

"Despite the typical stormy weather that makes research operations very difficult in the winter, the scientific team on Oscar Dyson has been pulling in a huge amount of planned research data," said Doug DeMaster, director of the Alaska Fisheries Science Center. "Extraordinary sightings like this white whale are icing on the cake."

Scientists are trying to determine from a comparison of markings if this whale has been seen before. White orcas have been reported in the Aleutians, the Bering Sea and off the Russian coast.


Speaking of Orca's - Canucks 5-2 over the starting Dan Cloutier and the LA Kings - we've got to beat them eventually?

And in other Honky-critter news:

Can't say enough about this film - so perfect in every way. Juno was all it ws cracked up to be in my humble opinion. And Ms. Page is truly unreal. Great soundtrack too, I'm attempting to buy it from ITunes as I type...wait - got it. One thing about it was odd though - we were the only two people in the theatre - been a long time since I've seen that; oh well, gave JFu and I time to blather away the ads and previews! Go see this film, and enjoy the tunage as well. Highly, highly recommend this one. Oh, and go to Duffy's for a beer first; enjoy the brew, hot wings and scenery!

UH - OK:

By George! There's talk of renaming Georgia Strait the Salish Sea.

George Harris, a representative of the Chemainus First Nations, this week put the idea to B.C. Aboriginal Relations Minister Mike de Jong, who thinks it's an idea worth exploring.

"Quite honestly I like the sound of it," de Jong said following a meeting of the First Nations Summit, where Harris raised the idea. "It is descriptive of the geographic location of the body of water, and I also think it recognizes the history of our province extends further than 150 years."

While the 240-kilometre-long body of water between Vancouver Island and the mainland has long been called Georgia Strait, this would hardly be the first time it gets a name change.

Before Capt. George Vancouver came along in 1792 and called it the Gulf of Georgia to commemorate King George III, it was referred as the Gran Canal de Nuestra Senora del Rosario la Marinera by Spanish explorers. Then in 1858 Captain G.H. Richards called it a strait on his charts.

Referring to Georgia Strait at the Salish Sea is already happening in artistic circles.

Singer-songwriter Holly Arntzen has organized a festival at Fort Rodd Hill using the name, and a group of Gulf Islands artists renamed the waters around them the Salish Sea in a community mapping project that saw artistic maps depicting values and features of the area they lived in.

The diving and whale researching communities have also at times referred to the Salish Sea when talking about the area.

However, geographical name changes are complex, "and politicians who tend to wish to rename things in the past have landed themselves into hot water," noted Peter Keller, Dean of Social Sciences at the University of Victoria.

He noted the community uproar that emerged when former prime minister Jean Chretien wanted to rename Mount Logan after fellow former prime minister Pierre Trudeau.

"The community said 'Hold on. There is a good reason we named it Mount Logan.' "

Nonetheless, Keller said there is also a strong trend to revert locations to their traditional name, as happened in 1987 when Frobisher Bay was renamed Iqaluit in the territory of Nunavut. But it took three years after the community to vote on the change for it to officially happen, indicating how laborious the process can be.

"During the era of colonization we assumed the right to name features that already had traditional names associated with them," said Keller.

Change, however, is never easy, he added.

Canada has a toponymy committee - the Geographical Names Board of Canada - which has a mandate to review all geographic names. There is also a provincial authority that weighs in on the process.

Good stuff here, though way too long. Ang Lee is just a fine filmaker, and this period film reeked of realism. However, if the 'spit in hand tent scene' in Brokeback Mt. bothered you; you're not going to like the first 'intimacy' shared by the huntress and her prey. He plays rather rough. It was a bit disturbing to say the least. Beautifully shot with telling performances. Most of the regular readers will like it, Geo - I'm warning you now - you'll hate it!

On another note, the Canucks keep falling to injury. Nonetheless - I'm predicting Louie doesn't let in any softies tonight, as per last game. In fact, I'm predicting he lets in none at all. 2-0 Van. over SL.

Uh what to say - a bit of straight to DVD Canadian porn here. Her amorous affairs were bizarre to say the least, but her motivations weren't every fully explained. The audio was horrible, but that may have been the individual disk. Lots of, how do I put this - oh yeah, cock in this film. Don't see that very much these days, it's only fair I suppose! But the 'matador scene' was worth the price of rental - laugh out loud funny that shit!

A fun film - liked it a lot, the intro was particularly interesting as it gave you some history to Saudi Arabia while rolling the opening credits. Ray Charles, I mean Jaimie Foxx was great again, as was Chris Cooper. Recommend this one.

Read this:



I've been meaning to mention this of late. This book caught my attention when I heard it being discussed on the Mother Corp. I'll go out on a limb, and suggest that Geo might even enjoy it! Twas a great read - JFu has my copy at the moment, and I suspect this book will travel from hand to hand until it falls apart. A fantastic read, but don't take my word for it, pick up a copy. Here's a cut and paste wee description:

Being a Greek god is not all it once was. Yes, the twelve gods of Olympus are alive and well in the twenty-first century, but they are crammed together in a London townhouse-and none too happy about it. And they've had to get day jobs: Artemis as a dog-walker, Apollo as a TV psychic, Aphrodite as a phone sex operator, Dionysus as a DJ.

Even more disturbingly, their powers are waning, and even turning mortals into trees-a favorite pastime of Apollo's-is sapping their vital reserves of strength.

Soon, what begins as a minor squabble between Aphrodite and Apollo escalates into an epic battle of wills. Two perplexed humans, Alice and Neil, who are caught in the crossfire, must fear not only for their own lives, but for the survival of humankind. Nothing less than a true act of heroism is needed-but can these two decidedly ordinary people replicate the feats of the mythical heroes and save the world?

This about sums it up:

There were a lot of good things to like about the Canucks' 6-2 win over the Nashville Predators. They played, perhaps, one of their most complete games of the season and six different guys scored. Most importantly, they overtook the Predators and put themselves back in a playoff position. Unfortunately, I think what most people will be talking about tomorrow is the stupid ending to a good game.

Jordan Tootoo is an ass. With a little more than a minute left in the game, he charged at Aaron Miller and injured him with a late hit. Then when Luc Bourdon tried to get at him, he cross-checked Bourdon to the face. Was he trying to defend himself from Luc? Of course. Did he need to introduce his stick to Bourdon's face in the process? Of course not. This is exactly the kind of bullshit the league should be eliminating.

The thing is, this isn't Tootoo's first cheap shot. He's a repeat offender and this is already his third such offence in a year. And that's not counting some of his less-publicized late hits. Last season, he did the same thing to Stephane Robidas, albeit with a glove instead of a stick. Earlier this season, he took a run at Daniel Winnik's head. Apparently, Tootoo's a slow learner.

I'm curious to find out if the league will review the incident and issue some sort of additional punishment. If they weren't planning on it, then they should. I love hard-hitting hockey as much as the next guy, but I'm sick and tired of this kind of cheap shit.

All right kids, it's rant time. There have been a few disturbing stories in the news that have got me a wee bit riled. First off is the seniors home where staff were reportedly taking and distributing nude photos of elderly patients:

Tony Baena, the vice-president of the Summerland, B.C., facility's parent company, Retirement Concepts, issued a statement Tuesday saying they first became aware of the allegations in October 2006.

RCMP were called immediately and an investigation was launched by the Interior Health Authority, said Baena.

One employee was fired after the health authority investigated the allegations of emotional abuse of residents at the care home, he said.

An employee who took the photos and another who witnessed the photo taking, but did not report it, both resigned, Baena said.

"It is unfortunate that from time to time, health care, like any other industry, is confronted by unacceptable actions by misguided individuals," he said.

B.C. Health Minister George Abbott says the 80-unit facility in Summerland was brand new at the time the alleged incidents took place.B.C. Health Minister George Abbott says the 80-unit facility in Summerland was brand new at the time the alleged incidents took place.

Secondly is the case of two women (one who had just had her fucking leg cut off for God's sakes) robbed of their rings by scum of the Earth thieves prowling away at VGH. This praying on seniors, and the complete disregard for the respect of a fellow human being makes me ill. That said, I'll contradict myself and say that the hoodlums responsible for this crime deserve no respect. I'm really at a loss as to what punishment is applicable to people such as these, but man it otta be some harsh.

On a completely unrelated note:

The lovely lass I'm seeing at the moment was late for our date today. When she arrived, she had quite a story to tell. She was pulled over for speeding, and the copper, after checking her ID and registration came back to the car and had some questions for her.

Questions like"
"Where's your husband tonight?"
"Maybe we could have a drink sometime?"
"Here's my card if you change your mind - it's even got my email on it!"

Uh apparently - this fella doesn't frequent this blog or read newspapers. Didn't another of the RCMP's finest just lose his job over actions kinda like this?

On a good note, despite the shoot down, he let her go! What is it with me and girls who love to speed? HAAAAAAA!

Hillary Clinton Ad Featuring Jack Nicholson

OH MY!

I found this on one of the silly hockey boards I spend too much time surfing. Thought it had an interesting, vibe and decided to toss it us here.

Overpaid atheletes. Overpriced tickets, parking, hotdogs, beer, gift shop.
The only times in the past 20 years I've had my bum in a seat is on a freebie.
Pressed jeans and black leather jackets isn't my style.
I have coughed up $13.00 for pay per view. No commercials you know.
Unless you consider all the self promotion.
Hockey is never free on TV. I think they call it advertising.
800 cases of beer and still no lousy t-shirt!
So...someone on here suggests Trevor Linden as the next coach?
I am sure he is a great guy to go biking in Europe with, but wasn't he
a part of the Saskin thing and the absence of the NHL for a year?
Now DiPietro, Jagr, Richards, at cazillions? And over 100 players
with no trade contracts?
We should have a big party for him when all is said and done. Maybe
make him the team ambassador. Give him a Shwinn?
Hockey just doesn't seem that fun anymore.
When we used to lose all the time in our ugly yellow jerseys.....
Tiger riding his stick after a goal.
Curt rearranging someone's face.
Harold with his food poisoning and hanging his ass out a car window on the
way back from Whistler.
Hilliard laying on the body.
Gerry Minor and Gary Lupul helping one another stand up.
Roger and his white towel.
The gutsy Stan Smyl.
Petri, Jurke and other hard to pronounce names.
The "Suitcase".
The Colleseum and the drug store cowboys having a beer downstairs
between periods.
When Arthur's dad owned it all.
The "original" Canucks playing the San Diego Gulls or the Portland
Buckaroos.
Hell I'd even like to see the Blazers play.
Maybe times have changed and it is what it is.
A fanny pack filled with "energy" drinks, warm mittens, ear muffs and
i-tunes wired to an ear on a bright sunny day.
Times have changed!


The Canucks are just plain scary bad right now. The weekend game against Chicago was a humiliation, and tonights game was better; though one thing really stood out to me. In the final frame, with the bench clearly give the all go to tie up, an interesting thing emerged. When the defense is given the green light to pinch in, and go deep on the play - the cycle along the half boards disappears and aghast - they get chances! I'm not one to shit on the coach, and blame everything on those running the bench. The game is running too deeply on 'parity' and the defensive game must be played to keep one's team in the running. I don't particularly adore todays game, but watching what a difference was iced with the simple 'pinching of the D' I wonder if the coaches are a bit too comfortable playing a game to maintain the status quo?

Final film festival post. Don't really know what to say here - kinda want to slag this film, but will stop just short. It was very predictable, tried to tug at heartstrings WAY to hard, but had a few moments that caught my attention. Nice performances and all, but I'm just not sold. What caught my attention foremost, however and unfortunately, were the old bags behind me who saw fit to chat away too much during the film with comments like:

"I remember that from the book"

"Oh God - the Poverty!"

"Doesn't she look like Jennifer, I rally think she looks like Jennifer."

Of course this is Kamloops, and all the twits who ignored the earlier films had to show up for this one. Make a final push to appear a part of the Artsy Farty community and all. I hope a few of them meet unexpected accidents that render their vocal cords useless in dark rooms!

Not a terrible film overall, but put it your 'to see list' as opposed to your 'have to see list.' I assume this commentary may bring criticism - and to that I say:

Go Fly A Kite!

In 2007 a British Ian Curtis biopic called Control, based on material from Deborah Curtis's book Touching from a Distance was released. It was directed by rock photographer Anton Corbijn, perhaps best known for the videos he directed for Depeche Mode, U2, and The Killers. Deborah Curtis and former Factory Records head Anthony Wilson were executive producers. Relatively unknown actor Sam Riley, the lead singer of band 10000 Things, portrays Curtis, while Samantha Morton plays his wife, Deborah. The film had its debut at the Cannes Film Festival on 17 May 2007 to great acclaim, taking three awards at the Director's Fortnight. It portrays Curtis's secondary school romance with Deborah, their marriage at a young age, his struggle to balance his domestic life against his rise to fame with Joy Division, and his struggle with poorly medicated epilepsy and depression.

Perhaps my favorite film so film so far from the festival. I've cut and pasted above, because I knew little of Ian Curtis' story. From a purely visual perspective - this film was stunning. It brought grey, blearly England to the forefront to the extent that it was almost a character. The film moved wonderfully, and left little unanswered/examined. You felt the end coming, yet had grown attached enough to the main character that you were bothered by the waste that was his suicide. I wonder about why that is, because he isn't portrayed in a way that should truly make you feel for him. He steals from old ladies, cheats on his wife, and isn't much of a father; yet I still found myself liking him. Odd sensation that. Anyhow, I ramble too much - go rent this, preferably watch it in widescreen format, and turn down the lights. This is a beautifully shot film that shouldn't be missed.

Film number two from the film festival - The Tracey Fragments. Having seen Hard Candy, now this - it's pretty clear that Ellen Page is superstar material. She's beyond talented - the film plays out, as the title would suggest, with many 'fragments' of moving picture on the screen. At first it was a bit tough to watch, but it became clearer that it was crucial to the director's vision as things went on. The story unwinds backwards, and is intertwined with a fantasy life that she creates for herself to escape the torment that is her life. Fantasy merges with reality in some very disturbing scenes, that literally grab your breath away. Very art house, and enjoyable. But to beat a dead horse here - watching Ellen Page's career unfold is going to be a rare treat.

This really is what it's all about kids! Nothing feels better. Apart from maybe the Nucks winning the cup, but hey - that's just unrealistic.

More good news for the BC RCMP:



A British Columbia Mountie who had sex on the job and used his uniform to draw dates will have to resign, an RCMP adjudication board decided Wednesday.

RCMP Const. Trent Richards admitted to having sex with women on at least 15 occasions while on duty at the rural detachment in Shawnigan Lake, B.C., on Vancouver Island.

Richards, 34, posted his profile on internet dating sites offering "sex with a hot cop" and posted a photo of himself in his red serge dress uniform on one site.

RCMP accused Richards of using force computers to pursue his extra-curricular activities.

Richards has been suspended with pay since January 2007.

The adjudication board decided Richards must resign within two weeks or be dismissed for "repeated on-duty sexual activity, as well as repeated misuse of RCMP information technology."

He has 14 days to appeal the decision to the RCMP commissioner.

The force declined to comment on the case until the appeal period has lapsed.

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly is a translation of the French memoir Le scaphandre et le papillon by journalist Jean-Dominique Bauby. It describes what his life is like after suffering a massive stroke that left him with a condition called Locked-In syndrome.

The entire book was written by Bauby blinking his left eyelid. An amanuensis repeatedly recited a french frequency-ordered alphabet (E, L, A, O, I, N, S, D ...), until Bauby blinked to choose the next letter. The book took about 200,000 blinks to write and each word took approximately two minutes. The book chronicles everyday events and what they are like for a person with locked-in syndrome. These events include playing at the beach with his family, getting a bath, and meeting visitors. The book was published in March, 1997. It received excellent reviews and sold 150,000 copies in the first week. Ten days after the book was published, Bauby died.



A great film, one that really makes you wonder what your reaction to anything this horrific might be? To overcome the anger and frustration he must have felt, and reversing it all, thusly enabling himself to do something worthwhile is remarkable. The film jumps between flashbacks, fantasies, and the most moving - his thoughts accompanied by the vision of what he comprehends going on around him, but is unable to react to. Enjoyed it mucho - not a 'feel good' kinda vibe walking out, but the strength of the character settles into you, and I feel better having seen it. On a lighter note: Are all French Nurses, therapists, publicists, wives and mistresses really that smoking hot? Cuz, like wow - those were some lovely ladies. My company wasn't all that bad either! You know it missy! This was the first film in the KFF, I'll update the others I see within the coming week in an attempt to bore you all to tears...

Stole all this from the Kurtenblog:



Poor Matty - 'I'll fight ya next time, promise! It's my job to try and injure a guy daily, it's my job!'

Vancouver Canucks

What they got: A third-line grinder named Matt.

What they gave up: A third-line grinder named Matt.

Synopsis: Pettinger could not come into a better situation. All he has to do is fight once - just one guy. Hell, the way AV sees it, he could take on one of the ice girls and he'll instantly earn more credibility than Cooke.

Love the Kurtenblog, them's some funny lads!

Well, time for a movie review. There Will be Blood. I was upset I didn't get to see this Pre-Oscar night, I might have picked it in a few more categories had I viewed it. First off, the film opens with nearly 20 compelling minutes, sans dialog. You don't need words to be spoken to tell Daniel Day Lewis is gonna be beyond good in this film. And he was. This could be one of the top ten performances I've ever seen. I'm going to be careful and brief about what I say here, so as to not ruin for those of you still planning on going. The score was unusual, very industrial sounding and it built up the energy of the film in a most unusual way. It worked very well in a film whose dialog comes in spurts - and whose pacing seemed non conventional. In all the film is 2.5 hrs long, but moves very nicely. DD Lewis's character grows before our eyes, we slowly learn why he despises the full of shit evangelist played wonderfully by the big brother from Little Miss Sunshine. His character has touches of Citizen Cain (no Rosebud though), John Huston's character in Chinatown, or even a little bald Brando in a cave! There is tons I want to say here, but I'm already deleting items for fear of ruining it for ya folks. Tonight it's off to the Kamloops Film Festival for opening night and The Diving Bell and the Butterfly.

OH WHAT A GLORIOUS MORNING, OH WHAT A GLORIOUS DAY!!!



THE VANCOUVER CANUCKS HAVE DEALT FORWARD MATT COOKE TO THE WASHINGTON CAPITALS IN EXCHANGE FOR FORWARD MATT PETTINGER.

Fucking beautiful - go turtle down south ya fucker!

Three generations of Border Collies at my place for Brunch this morning. As is Bailey (mine), Purdy (Rory's) weren't enough; Leah got a beautiful tri-color whose name I'm about to butcher I'm sure. Shellah. She's the one in the bandanna. That just so doesn't look right. Alas, it was fucking bedlam around here - and Hiram (my Siamese) was rubbing his eyes thinking Bailey had cloned herself to gain an advantage!

Duncan wins the Oscar ballot again! I'll take the top bill please JFu, and I won't even post the score! Oh man, victory is some sweet action.

K - can someone explain to me why my watch is appearing on my right wrist, and my ring on my left finger when just the opposite is the case? I took the pics with Mac Photo Booth, and am confused as to why the image is shot 'mirror-like'

Prediction Time:



Actor - D.D. lewis
Actor/Supporting - J. Bardem

Actress - J. Christie
Actress/Supporting - T. Swilton

Animated - Ratatouile

Cinematography - Assassination of J. James

Directing - The brothers.

Editing - Bourne of course

Sound Editing - see above

Score - no fucking idea - same goes for song

Picture - Juno (got a hunch)

Screenplay Adapted - NCFOM

Screenplay Original - Juno/Lars and the Real Girl

Thought I should should start blogging again here, been kinda slacking off I must admit. As some you you know, I had surgery again on Wed. Instead of posting a pic to upset the masses - thought I'd give you a somewhat less morbid one. This is the surgical steel that was screwed into my leg. I'm thinking of grinding it down into a cool letter opener!

This could possibly be the funniest thing I've ever seen in my life. God, does it make me laugh...

Truly Mr. NHL: Isn't it time Simon was banished from this league? I blogged last season that this 'player' has no place in the world of professional hockey. Isn't this enough? I mean come on - stomping on a guy's skate? After slough footing him to the ice? Fuck - be gone big fella; you're a disgrace.

Injuries Galore:





The Canucks are officially down by three. Luo is obviously the most worrying - but it's sad to see Morrison's iron man streak end. Could be a very scary week ahead with so many games in so few days. In other news:

No Country for Old Men

Still reeling about this film. It moved me in so many ways. I was stunned, horrified and awed throughout most of it. The ending however was rather brave. The comments I heard after the final words were spoken did not bode well for the Coen brothers, but this is Kamloops after all. I noticed much fidgeting in the theater and an unusual amount of people getting up for refills etc. That all said, highly recommend it and am looking forward to watching it again to catch the odds and ends I surely missed last night. Great filmaking, but I suspect it won't do well come award time.

It's snowing - and I'd rather be golfing! Thanks for the pic (and the hospitality Doc!)

Hmm - coming to Vancouver tomorrow - hope the highway is Ok, sems winter can't make it's mind up in this this province. Should be a good time catching up with the peeps, and looking into the whole Cloverdale situation. I other news:

The Canucks rule

I'm going to NY in May

Xmas dinner is up to 14 (gulp)

I'm bored as hell - thus this post.

Another RIP notice:

Cookbook author and television chef James Barber, who appeared on CBC-TV for 10 years as The Urban Peasant, has died.

"As far as we can tell, James was sitting at the dining room table, he was reading a cookbook, and he had a pot of soup simmering on the stove. So he definitely left this world in a way that he would have wanted to, but I think he would have been pretty upset about the timing,"

Geo - I know you won't care less, but this man took the spook out of the kitchen for me at an important time in my life. His approach of using what you had, and being willing to experiment was valuable beyond belief. Sound familiar Doc?

Movies NOT to see:

The Contract. We didn't even finish it. It was that bad. The scene where a car plummets down a hill while the occupants struggle with a gun (before, of course - crashing into a river) was laugh out loud funny.

Breaking and Entering. Had it's moments, though my favorite line came from Jaime and I. She said 'I think this is going to be good.' I said, 'We haven't heard the dialog yet.' Turns out I thought the script blew. Jude Law's line 'I love your laugh, I want to capture them and keep them in a box.' made us both giggle like kids - and 'laugh box' is going to get some serious chuckles in the future.

Go see the longly titled The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford

Can't say enough about this film. It was no Unforgivenbut unreal none the less. Casey Affleck will be nominated for an Oscar guaranteed.

Evel Knievel at Caesar's Palace

Just watch the shattering of bones on impact. He really does look like one of those crash test dummies, bending in all those god awful ways. RIP you crazy bugger.