Not quite sure what to make of my latest film viewing. 'The Mist' had a poor start, with some questionable adaptation from novella to script. It was, well - hokey I suppose. Once they got into the supermarket, I really liked it. It ended in different fashion than did the story I'm told, and had an ending that really wasn't very satisfying. There was a 'Reindeer Game' scream at on point, that was absolutely fucking hilarious. I'm unaware of how much King was involved with the production, but I do know that the director was also involved with 'Shawshank' and the 'The Green Mile' - two far superior films. It jumps between horror/suspense and a human morality play, which was an interesting take, and some of the effects in this film are stunning. The best performance was by far Marcia Gay Harden's. She really made you hate her, which is never a bad thing for an actor. She played her role to a tee. I was unusually disappointed with André Braugher, which upset me some. All in all - it's worth watching, but I'm looking forward to tracking down a copy of Skeleton Crew and reading it for real.

Seeing Alex the other night had me thinking about the digitized versions of the B/W film I shot while he graciously played my host and showed me about France and the Netherlands. I found em and finally got them added to my IPhoto library, which really has me thinking I ought back the music/film on this machine up. If it ever crashes, I'm positively hooped! Thought I'd post this one for posterity. What a couple of studly lads!

A little email image I received this morning from Jon's Mom - rather cute, no? Thanks Allison, now if only it enabled me to leap tall buildings in a single bound...

If there is anything that this horrible tragedy can teach us, it's that a male model's life is a precious, precious commodity. Just because we have chiseled abs and stunning features, it doesn't mean that we too can't not die in a freak gasoline fight accident.

There was a moment last night, when she was sandwiched between the two Finnish dwarves and the Maori tribesmen, where I thought, "Wow, I could really spend the rest of my life with this woman".


Really, with quotes like theses - how could I not have seen this movie before. Laugh out loud funny - I accept my mistake here kids. I was incorrect in dissing this show before actually watching it.

Well, I liked this one - very interesting film that follows a number of characters on the day Kennedy is killed. It flies back and forth between the different folk in a very funky way, and the cast is absolutely killer. Worth a view in my humble opinion. Tonight is apparently Zoolander night...to be followed tomorrow by 'I am Legend' and maybe 'The Mist'. More rants to surely follow. Oh yes, The Master's are ahead of us this weekend. Expect a few man-tits jokes as well...

You may own the night, but you only made me sleepy. Wow, is this some kind of crap. You know the kind I'm talking about? Dog crap. Perhaps it's runny, perhaps it's been in the sun way too long, perhaps it's crawling with flies. Perhaps you stood in it. I know that's how I felt for 110 minutes - like I'd stood in it. That's the kind of crap this movie is. I want my money back, or to at least be able to throw the disk at anyone involved in this pile. Overacted to the extent of hilarity. Choppy, obvious, and apparently given up on by all those involved. That said, Geo - I think you'll like it. If I hate it this much - it's gotta be your kind of flick!

Rough night. Thanks for everything Trev., I must note that Jarome Igininla waiting at center ice to lead his team in shaking the hand of one of the finest Canucks ever was a moving moment. Perhaps the classiest moment I've seen in almost 30 years of watching this fine game. Captain Canuck, aka Linden, seemingly handled the moment well, though I'll admit to adding a bit of volume to my pail...Here's how a real writer summed it all up:

With the Canucks season already over after Thursday’s lack of finish on a plethora of scoring chances in a 2-1 loss to the Oilers, there’s definitely not a lot to look forward to in tonight’s season ending game against the Flames.

If the Canucks had won that game instead of making Dwayne Roloson look all-world, game #82 would have been another classic in the rivalry with a playoff position on the line for both teams. Instead, the annual Fan Appreciation night will be nothing but a formality to close out one of the most disappointing seasons in the Canuck’s oh-so-disappointing history.

All that’s really on the line in tonight’s game is playoff and draft seeding. The Flames can finish as high as 6th ensuring a first round match up with Minnesota while the Canucks could finish as low as 20th overall which, if they were to somehow win the Draft Lottery, would give them the 7th overall pick in this year’s extremely deep draft.

Really, the only thing to look forward to is that tonight’s game will more than likely be the last for two of this city’s sporting icons in Trevor Linden and Marcus Naslund. A cynic would say that is definitely something to look forward to as it has been too long as it is, but regardless of how you feel about this team, if you are truly a Vancouver Canuck hockey fan you have to feel at least a little bit of remorse in seeing the end of an era right before your eyes.

Linden and Naslund have served as Captains of this team for a combined 15 years which is 40% of the time that this team has been in this league. They are #1 and #2 in all time team scoring and have given fans in this city many memories while being nothing but upstanding citizens of the community.

Linden will be dressing in his team record 1140th game as Canuck and will be trying to add to his 733 points wearing the Canuck jersey. The most revered Captain in team history is closing out his 20th season in the league and his 2 goal performance against Calgary last Sunday left him in the top 100 scorers in league history. His team goals and points records were surpassed this year by Naslund, but #16 will retire with the most assists as his own at 415 and counting.

Linden has always come through when his team needed him most and this season has been no different as his 5 goals in the Shootout, will attest. He led the team in playoff scoring last year with limited minutes and has scored more points in Game 7’s than almost every player who has ever played the game. In ’94 he scored two goals in game 7 against the Rangers and recorded 25 points in 24 games in that historical post-season run.

Linden has always been the consummate professional and this season has perhaps been his most trying after being a healthy scratch for 23 games, but he has never wavered from his team-first attitude. Even going into tonight’s game which is almost certain be his last ever, he will not allow himself to be put before the rest of his team by letting everyone know that he will be retiring. He apparently has made the decision, but does not want to tonight to be about him and him only.

Naslund, the longest serving Captain in team history, holds the records for most goals and points at 346 and 756 respectively. The last two years, as disappointing as they may have been, added to his goal scoring records with 9 consecutive 20-goal seasons and 11 hat-tricks as a Canuck (tied with Toni Tanti). Leading the team in scoring for 7 straight years and being the team’s MVP 5 times are also both team records. He is the only Canuck to win the Pearson Award as the Leagues best player (voted by the players) in 2003 when he also came second in balloting for the Hart Trophy as the League’s MVP.

Naslund was the cornerstone of this Franchise for many years and was an integral part of allowing us to witness some of the most exciting hockey we have ever seen. Along with Brendan Morrison and Todd Bertuzzi he formed the “West Coast Express” line which was arguably the very best trio in the league for a couple of seasons. When Naslund was at his peak there were very few better offensively, and other than Pavel Bure, there’s no one else in the team’s history that we can say that about.

Like Linden, Naslund will also not comment publicly as to what his future may hold and whether he even wants to come back and play here. The simple fact that there have been no talks to date would seem to mean that the team will be looking to go in a new direction. That does not mean that he can’t come back next year, but the likelihood of re-signing him, even at a discounted rate, does not look very promising.

Honourable mention should also be given to Morrison in this piece as, even though he won’t be suiting up in tonight’s game; it too could also be his last as a Vancouver Canuck. My gut tells me the home-town boy will be back next year to try and resurrect his career that has been devastated by serious injuries the last 3 years, but regardless, he is part of team that we will never see again.

So Canuck fans, in this deepest hour of despair that we currently find ourselves in after missing the playoffs for the second time in the last three years, tonight we can honour the passing of an era and two of the most celebrated players in the team’s history. I for one, am looking forward to it and am sure there will be a few tears in my eyes as I salute these two great players at GM Place tonight.

Thanks for the memories Trevor and Markus!
.

Song list for the Bosses concert:
I'm currently listening to it all, and loving it all over again..

March 31, 2008
Vancouver, British Columbia
GM Place

Atlantic City Tour Premiere
Radio Nowhere
No Surrender
Lonesome Day
Gypsy Biker
Magic
Trapped
Reason To Believe
Because The Night
She's The One
Livin' In The Future
The Promised Land
Waitin' On A Sunny Day
None But The Brave Tour Premiere
The River
Devil's Arcade
The Rising
Last To Die
Long Walk
Badlands

Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out
Rosalita
Born To Run
Dancing In The Dark
American Land

This is a pail, a bucket, a holder of sorts for fluids.

I will now begin to fill it with tears.

I will be even grumpier than normal for the next few days.

Let the dismantling begin...

If ever there was something known as 'crunch time' this is it. Luongo has been technically off a bit the last 6-8 games, but I have a hunch to share with you all. I expect to get get flamed before the game even begins, but could care less! That said, here it is: Luongo will shut out the Edmonton Oilers tonight. Not a goal allowed. He's a fierce competitor, and I suspect he'll take the team on his shoulders tonight to give them a chance...I can only hope so anyway. Good luck lads, and here's hoping the Oilers (mathematically eliminated last evening) went out and good and pissed up...

Interesting read: More shame on the once proud Mounties. This sounds so 'Josh!' Josh is the copper I blogged about a while back who pulled Erin over and proceeded to hit on her and ask her out. He also ran into her at the Springsteen concert, grabbed her by the neck, spun her around and proceeded to hit on her there again. Showing himself to be that moronic, I read this article and just thought Josh! I supposed the alleged car thieves will be happy folks, and I can think of a defense attorney or two who might smile a bit having done their jobs very well.





Evidence in a multi-million dollar trial into a nationwide car theft ring may have been tampered with during a computer security breach, RCMP in Kamloops, B.C., admitted Wednesday.

RCMP had isolated six computers which were dedicated to processing evidence in the case against four Kamloops men who have been charged in connection with the ring, an RCMP spokesperson told CBC News.

An RCMP officer connected the computers to the internet and then used them to download software programs, videos and music files. The officer also accessed chat lines and a dating service.

Subsequently, the computers were infected with at least four viruses over a 20-month period, the RCMP spokesperson said.

One of the viruses caused one of the computers to become part of a Zombie Network, an intrusive web-based proxy network, and sent out thousands of spam messages to other computers.

The viruses also opened a "backdoor" allowing the computer to be controlled by an outside person, including giving them the ability to view, copy, delete or alter any file on the infected machine.

RCMP computer specialists said it's unlikely the files containing evidence in the auto theft ring investigation were altered, but there's no guarantee the evidence was not compromised, the RCMP spokesperson said.

It's not known if the RCMP officer who connected the computers to the internet has faced any disciplinary action.

Not good - I knew when Nashville came back from a 3-0 drilling to defeat the Blues, that the stars were not aligned for the Nucks tonight! They too, took a two nil lead, and promptly shit the bed, allowing the Avalanche to come back and win the game. They also managed to lose another player to injury it appears. They had not so stellar goal tending, the D looks beat down to China Town, and I suspect the chins are hanging a bit low in the dressing room. I won't rule anything out, but limping into the playoffs (not likely) isn't like coming in on a streak.....assuming they don't make it - the fallout is going to be an interesting trainwreck to watch.

Don't Stand So Close to Me

Goodbye Yellow Brick Road

Bell-bottom Blues

The Thin Red Line (LOL)

Sting and Co., Queen Elton, God Eric, and sweet sweet Glass Tiger - stand aside!

There's a new concert to supersede all. I've seen a few, and they all mean something different to me. I suspected that that the Police would never be surpassed musically to me individually, but they were last night. For years and years, I've heard that Springsteen gigs are truly different. Heart pounding rock and roll. Having been there for the 2 hrs 40 min gig last night proved those stories to be undeniably true. He was, to understate things, the most compelling entertainer I've had the privilege of seeing. The way he and the E Street band captivated myself and the legions of fans was a sight to behold. The sound was the best I've heard in GM Place, and apart from a few bits of nonsense regarding seating and access to said seats, this twas an awful lot of fun. I'll see Springsteen anytime I ever get the opportunity again. I'm no concert reviewer, and am far to tired to attempt articulation. I'll only say that this was the most fantastic show I've ever seen, I enjoyed it (as well as the company of my pals) muchly, and highly recommend that if you're give the opportunity - you go! You will not forget it anytime soon. Thanks for getting the tix, and muchos gracious for the accommodations Doc. Appreciated once again, and as usual! Here's a review with some footage. Go pasting and linking kids!

http://www.straight.com/article-139139/bruce-springsteen-rocks-vancouver-with-born-usa-obscure-outtake

For the Doc:

Taxi passengers have the right to:

* Be picked up and transported to their stated destination by any available on duty taxi driver
* Pay the posted rate by cash, or accepted credit card or TaxiSaver voucher
* A courteous driver who provides assistance, if requested
* Travel with an assistance dog or portable mobility aid
* A taxi that is clean, smoke free and in good repair
* Direct the route, or expect the most economical route
* A quiet atmosphere, upon request
* A detailed receipt, when requested



Taxi drivers must obey all laws and have the right to refuse to transport a passenger:

* To avoid contravening a law or condition of licence
* To protect the driver’s, or any passenger’s, health or safety
* If the passenger is acting in an offensive manner
* If the passenger refuses to provide a deposit, if requested

Off for dinner and the Boss. Review to follow...

Alrighty kids, she's super sexy and cute. I'll give her that - I'm no regular to comedy clubs, but I don't think this gig was worthy of a dollar a minute. The opening act didn't do enough to give the crowd a good start, and the heckling, beer chasers, 'off to the the John' drunk/stoned West Coast crowd took away from what I was hoping would be an amazing show. Talked to one person today so saw Sarah's earlier show, and said person complained that she thought the show was bad as well. I feel kinda sad to have to rip the show, but it really wasn't bang for the buck. The casino itself was pretty nuts - it showed that the BC economy is alive and booming, but ex bartenders @ Geo's pub display that lifestyle to a T. How does a bartender have a 500K condo, Nucks season tix, and a Rolex? Welcom to the Mood...

I couldn't take the childish going ons at the Canucks Forum anymore, and lashed out: this is my fourth posting or something like that. Their response is below:

CuMan,

StealthNuck has sent you this email from http://forum.canucks.com/index.php.


I come here for a laugh once and a while, and enjoy watching both the educated Nucks fans and the kids beat it out over anything and everything. One thing I've noticed of late is how a moderator (who's sig is and example of the most laughable goal tending in the the history of the league) seems to get involved in not only discussion, but moderator duties as well. This seems to me to be a bit of a conflict of interest. You either troll about, or you work here...which is it? Knowing this will be shut down ASAP, I'd only recommend one other thing - I love to see the passion here, but the moronic kids who attack every thread, or start of with 'already been mentioned' in an attempt to bolster their numbers: c'mon - get off of the computer and enjoy life. That especially goes for the Mod who will, undoubtedly, shed me from this forum of poor spelling and grammar. The latter could be overlooked, but the complete lack of hockey sense one sees here is bewildering. Grow up children, treat the acne - and try to get a date. The input here is heavy handed, not terribly well thought out and clearly juvenile. Thought I'd go out on a bang, as this site holds nothing for anyone who understands and appreciates the game (and also is employed.) C'mon mod, if the power is on in Mom's basement - shut me down nerd/commentator who's had nothing better to do that to post TWENTY THOUSAND times on this site! Really kiddo; get some sun.

"12. You will not abuse the moderators. If you have an issue with a moderator's actions, need clarification on a moderator's decision, or want to make a suggestion to the moderating team, you are welcome to. However, this should only be done by PMing a mod, and not by making publicly viewable threads or posts. You are expected to always treat the moderators with respect, even when expressing a disagreement."

Your account has been suspended for one week.

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.