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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SAY IT AIN'T SO COSMO:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dear God:


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hmm, in keeping with the Bond theme,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Vesper:


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

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

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

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

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