doctor tar

Slow Foote and lead foot Pronger

2006-02-24T20:58:00.000-08:00

So the final line of my last entry proved to jinx the Men's Hockey Team. I watched the final two periods of the Russia game and it was easy to see that while, for the most part, the Canadians played hard and gave it 100 per cent, they were disorganized, misguided and ineffective. How does $98 mill translate into 11 (or was it 12?) scoreless periods? In hindsight, it's easy to second guess and play coach or GM and talk about who should've been on the team but you can't live life retroactively so...

So here's a "coffee should be hot but not that hot" story. I guess there's two familes suing McDonald's because they have a sensitivity to them and becmae ill after dining at their fine establishment, he was unaware their fries wheat and milk ingredients. Hence, he is suing them.
Shame on the big M for not having full disclosure on their ingredients and shame on those people for eating there.

Q & A: anyone remember Rodney Allen Rippy? How'bout Mason Reece? If not, try this.

And Manny, FYI, please, please don't correct my spelling on my blog, because I never proof read what I write and, Manny, FYI, on closer inspection, you can see my miss spelling was due to a typo and not a deliberate error.

I drive me crazy

2006-02-14T21:27:00.000-08:00

It's true. I am commuting so often, I woke up last night when I was at my parent's for a Kelowna stop-over and I sat up, trying to recall if I was in Kamloops, Oliver or Kelowna. Then I got up to go the bathroom and, while I was there,k decided to check to see if my head was attached to my shoulders.

Valentine's Day, huh?
"I choo-choo-choose you."

Question: Why do people take American Idol so seriously? I mean, some of the wannabe stars have amazing talent but why do they get upset when they are criticized? By now (what is the AI#8 or 9)? they should know the judges and suck it up and get on with it. Anyway,it's usually the ones with less talent then a dried up sponge who get mad and punctuate their lack of class by shouting expletives into the camera. I know it's entertainment and I know Simon is kind of an ass to most contestants but at least he puts them in their place.
For the record, I've watched only two episodes in my life.

So Canadians coming up short seems to be the theme of this year's Olympic Games. BeckyieScott was favoured to win two medals and came away with one in the team sprint, a silver; Jeremy Wotherspoon (sp.) was a favourite to win the 500 metres in speed skating, and after falling in Salt Lake City in '02 and winning silver in Nagano in '98, he was postured to win gold--but he didn't. He finished ninth. Eric Guay has to pull out of the men's downhill with an injury. Thank goodness for Jennifer Heil. Now I'm not criticizing what athletes sacrfice to get here; it's just I, like others, get disappointed when, for various reasons - not skating their best, having a pole break in the middle of a race -athletes fall short of reaching their pre-Olympic expectations. I'm with Colleen Jones of CBC who said the Canadian public has to want Canadian athletes to win the gold and not to say 'oh well. they didn't win the gold as expected but at least they won the silver/bronze.

Go men's hockey team. Let's kick some ass. I bet you they'll win the gold again....

Darn socks

2006-02-08T21:47:00.000-08:00

Yeah, it's true. I've taken to darning my socks. I know it sound s domestic and, at the risk of sounding like a chauvinist, womanly. (I said it SOUNDS womanly, obviously it isn't)
I bought several pairs of socks - about a dozen pairs - cuz i like changing my socks frequently, and not long after, I began to get holes in the right toe. It's never happened to me before. And yes, I do keep my toenails clipped.
I don't want to have to buy more socks and besides...I like these they're practically new. They aren't works of art but at least they're wearable. I hate socks with holes in them.

***

Work. I've been working long hours this week and I'm having a relapse with my cold...(at least I'm getting some sympathy from my girlfriend though) and I've been up to Apex Mountain twice so far this week, and will probably be heading there again on Friday as I'm doing the sports gig while the regular guy is on holidays. What do you think of that, Manny?

There's nothing like working for a daily paper to improve your story writing speed let me tell you.

***

My friend's wife had her first foray into the e-mail exerience tonight. In this day and age when so many are I-net and mail savvy (saavy?) seems funny she hadn't done it before especially cuz her husband works for a cable and Internet company and they have like five computers in the house.

Stress is a 10-letter word

2006-01-17T12:56:00.000-08:00

Stress is a 10-letter word
I am writing this entry following a long absence, a nudge (ahem) from a couple friends, and two weeks on the job at the Penticton Herald.It has been a challenging gig so far. The quest of churning out a daily differs much from that of a community paper, at least in my experience. I write anywhere from two-to-five stories a day, which have been a combo of short, medium and long pieces.I spent two days on layout last week. Besides being rusty with my skills and having a handful of opportunities to do layout, my editor, S. Paul Varga is a magician with layout and a wizard with keyboard shortcuts. If I blink more than once, he is already half done laying down a page.I have also found new stories can develop and I must be prepared to shift gears quickly.The days have been long, although not as long as Auren's, but I'm still averaging 10+ hours a day.Having said this, the experience I am obtaining can only benefit me and I feel both fortunate and grateful that I made the cut and have been given the chance to showcase my abilities....On the lighter side, I watched Starsky and Hutch Friday and I laughed--boisterously and repeatedly. Those of you not familiar with the series may not see the humour to the same degree but Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson spoofing this late 70s cop drama took the edge of a busy and somewhat stressful workweek....Poor Derek Zeismann (sp)., the former Conservative candidate for the Okanagan-South riding. I guess he learned the hard way that mixing Benz's with booze can give you a political hangover which lasts longer than mixing beer and liquor. ...One final note, on staying 'Trudeau' to my nature, I decided to change my look. I don't have a pic to post - haven't figued that out yet I'm embarassed to write - but if you want to get an image of what it looks like, let's just say it was inspired by Rob Thomas.

What about George?

2005-12-18T11:54:00.000-08:00

So, Prez Bush, the leader of arguably the most powerful country in the world thought kept secret records of communications of people thought to be involved in terrorist activity.
The New York Times sat on the story for a year before releasing it.
Of course, Bush defended the move, saying it only monitored activity within the US and that thanks to the Times, the government's cover is blown.
I guess nothing is beyond the scope of probing into the lives of citizen's in the interest of national security.
And his response? As long as junior is in power, he said the program will continue.
It's scary to think you can justify spying on people and begs the question, 'How many other covert operations are currently underway that only Bush and his cronies are privy to?'

I think I have Christmas pretty much under control this year, which is good, because loathe being at the mall. The people and vehicle traffic gets worse each year.

I watched a movie called Beijing Bicycle (2001) last night. It focuses on two teenage boys in the throes of love and independence; one is a bike carrier and the other is student. Minimal dialogues make it easier to watch for those who dislike sub-titles.

Time for a cool change....

2005-12-04T00:45:00.000-08:00

I at Sarah's watching Sex in the City and was going to change the template from my blog. I selected a new template and was set to make it so when the warning that I will lose my customizations by changing templates.
Before making the changes I have to find out if, by changing my template, that means I will lose all my links?
I also got half of my take home business final done tonight, in between watching Vertigo and the last 10 minutes of the hockey game.
Now that I'm on the verge of completing my final school assignment, I must begin my Christmas preparations, whatever that really means, and begin my jobquest.

mea culpa

2005-11-10T09:22:00.000-08:00

My info about the actors involved in United Artists was incorrect. Names of the actors should have been Douglas Fairbanks and D.W. Griffith along with Mary Pickford and Charlie Chaplin and not Lionel Barrymore--not that anybody noticed but at least I feel better.

Tomorrow is Remembrance Day and I have been thinking - as have do others - about how the message of it means and the impact it has on our everyday lives will recede into oblivity once the last living war vet passes on. I heard a veteran say that the only way to get the message across was to have them visit elementary and high schools to speak to the students. A good intention but most kids would probably view it just as an assembly or as "time off."
I cannnot say that I often think about how fortunate I am to live in a country like Canada and have the freedom that I can do pretty much what I want so long as it is within my means.

As capitalism tries to overtake the rest of the world (or at least as the US tries to force it on other countries to free them from oppressive government), the idea that Canadian soldiers went to war to fight for our country may seem less important as it seems that had we not gotten our freedom in The Second World War because I get the feeling our neighbours to the south would have rescued us from Hitler or whoever would dare to try to assert any type of political governing other than the big "C."

Ona lighter note, who has started to think about Christmas or Christmas shopping? I've thought about it; I just haven't done any of it.

My final three weeks of school are upcoming and as much as I couldn't wait for this time to come, as usual, I am feeling bittersweet as to my time as a student--from five years ago when I decided to give university a shot as a part-time student--to being on the cusp of graduation. I had some of the best times of my life with my friends at school and will carry this time with me I would imagine for as long as I live.

We probably have fewer restrictions on us as students than we will ever have at any time in our lives. We can dress how we want, eat in class, leave class without asking permission, not show up for class, attend all kinds of parties, shows and concerts, be exposed to an assortment of people from different backgrounds and to people with whom we would never have any reason to socialize with were it not for school.
Granted there are those other elements such as having little money, writing long stories and essays, stressing during exam times and finding places to live and people to live with but to me...

...there is something comforting about being a student, something safe. Maybe it's just me and being a mature student, as I like to refer to myself, I am being ridiculously sentimental but I don't think so. There are others who know what I am talking about.

Write on...and on...and on...

2005-11-03T09:41:00.000-08:00

Hard at work in the Writing Centre, waiting for my appointment to show up.

You never know what student will walk through the door up here, whether it's ESL students with a business plan, or article summary, an advertising analysis, a sociology essay, a history paper, or even a students who just want you to proof their work--which we are not supposed to do.

And the centre - located in OM 2674 - has a great view of the common area of the library, CT and Food Training.

I stuck it out in my film class last night for the second half of Heaven's Gate, the failed epic motion picture that pretty much finished off the career of its director Michael Cimino and that of the United Artists Studios (which was first established by Charlie Chaplin, Lionel Barrymore and Canadian Mary Pickford).
Made in 1980 at a cost of $45 million, Heaven's Gate brought in a paltry couple million before it was pulled from theatres. It was about a five hour movie that was trimmed to about 3-plus hours which was still too long. It takes place around 1890, and is about the Johnson County War between the big businessmen and the European immigrants who wanted to have the right to work their homesteads.

It was the unfortunate follow-up to the his Oscar -Winning movie The Deer Hunter. He hasn't done much since then.

If you watch only the last one and a half to two hours, it's pretty good. If you try to watch the whole thing, you will wonder what's going on...questions such as "what does a roller skating fiddle player have to do with the oppression of European immigrants?"

Anyway, I saw they are getting wet rain in some parts of BC, and several of ski moutains are also getting snow. I heard that Blackcomb will be opening this weekend. Having said this, and keeping in mind the amounts of rain that have fallen this year, what are the predictions for the first snowfall of the year? I will pull an arbitrary date from my mind and say Nov. 21.

Who can believe Saw 2 was numero uno at the box office last weekend? I had to struggle through watching the first one, in large part because of Cary Elwes' English accent that kept fading in and out in the middle of his emotional outbursts, so a word like 'bastard' became 'bawstahd' and can't became cawn't.

It did have a good twist at the end though.

However, Donnie Wahlberg's in it so, all you closet NKOTB fans can perhaps rejoice in that.

The ticking of the clock

2005-10-24T23:59:00.000-07:00

It began innocently; I decided to take a glance online at a sport I was immersed in for several years, bodybuilding. I wanted to know who had one the Mr. Olympia Contest which takes place each fall around this time. Two hours later, I'm sitting here writing about it.
Not to worry though. If you want to take a look yourself, go ahead.
Tonight was more about sitting in front of the compter and looking at webistes of bodybuilding and health and fitness. If you invested as much time as I did in bodybuilding, or any sport for that matter, you will understand how I got caught up in it and why, years after my last competition, bodybuilding is still flowing through my veins.
As my workouts have given way to other facets of my life, as I nurse a bad shoulder and recurring back injury and as I face the final few weeks of university, I remain interested in the sport of bodybuilding.
For those of you who know me know, this may come as a bit of a surprise but for those who knew me then - and some of you also competed - you know what I am talking about.

Rainy days and Mondays

2005-10-17T14:09:00.000-07:00

Endulge me in listing as many songs relating to MOndays and/or rainy days as possible. I have just walked the 'wet mile' as my car began making an odd, pinging sound, followed by a loss of acceleration; I decided to abandon car. I walked to the school and now am in the process of getting my car towed to a garage. I am holding my breath as to what is wrong with it.

I thought that in honour of this momentus PITA ocassion to ask my readers to lay some musical suggestions on me as a way of finding humour in what could be a costly problem.

Anyways, that's really all I feel like writing at this time.

Good things come to those who wait

2005-09-24T20:07:00.000-07:00

I am easing into re-acquainting myself with having the Internet at home; it came on Friday.
I realize many of my loyal and devoted readers have been missing my characteristic eclectic thought process, my sentimental observances on life's tender moments and the odd rant about things I hear in the news or read online--all of it based on my brilliant wit and snappy sarcasm.
My daughter's been here this week and was chatting on Messenger within seconds after the Shaw technician exited my house.
Spending time with her always opens me up to a series of movies I would not watch were it not for her. Why, this past week, we went to see Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and have watched Lindsay Lohan in Get a Clue (2002) and Mean Girls (2004) and a new release which is sure to go down in the annals? (or is it with one 'n' and no 's?') of B-movie kid classics, The Adventures of Shark Boy and Lava Girl.
In addition, I've indulged in Rolo ice cream - copious amounts - and tonight we're going 5-pin bowling cuz' Kamloops does not have a 10-pin alley, which baffles me.
School has been a challenge for everyone so far as we are faced with having to 'do school' without the aid of a TRU day planner. Both the Cariboo Student Society and the company who manufactures them have dropped the ball with this one. It bounced up, really high, and we're still waiting for them to land on the desk at the CSS office.

My film class this semester will have exploring films of the American frontier a.k.a. films of the western genre--a stetch for those who know me, right Auren?
But I'm enjoying it so far in spite of the number of cowboy hats and Indian headresses I've seen.

Alright, GTJ my daughter wants to check her blog on MSN Space.

How does it feel to be back?

2005-08-31T21:31:00.000-07:00

This is a test....This is only a test. I tried making a post on Sunday and, after much thought and thoughtful wording, it no post.

I found a place to live and moved a few things in today. I plan to move the rest in tomorrow.
It's good to be back. Partly cuz of school but mostly cuz of Sarah.

I'll leave it at this.

You're so Vain (you probably think this blog is about you)

2005-08-21T12:19:00.000-07:00

Lois: "You need to spend with the kids, Peter. I'm worried that you'll miss something important."
Peter: "Dont' worry about it Lois. I pay attention to everything that's going on....holy crap Ohura's black?"

So I'm watching the Marketplace and the report said that long distance rates for cell phones have no need to be higher than land line phones even though companies claim there's different technology involved.
And did you know that per-minute, rather than per-second billing can increase your cell phone bill by 40 per cent.
Yet these companies charge us access fees that already net them hefty profits.

Apparently text messaging's version of spam is permeating cell phones as people are checking their messages to find out they have messages from dating services and other equally annoying solicitations.
And make sure you check your cell phone bill; one person got charged for a test message she received from one of these services. She got a refund after complaining to Telus. So check your bills people.

On a musical note I watched the Life and Times of Randy Bachman formerly of The Guess Who and Bachman Turner Overdrive and father of Tal Bachman.
Talk about knowing what your calling is; at five-years old he announced to his Grade 1 class that he was going to be a musician.
I've come to the belief this summer that some people have a clear vision for their destiny and it becomes impossible for them to waiver or be diverted from it because it's like they are 'compelled.'
Contrast that with me. I took forever to find a destiny and have waivered and diverted many times unable to step with both feet off the platform of life and dive right in. And even when I think I have, I'm still concerned that there's not water in the pool.

I just saw on CBC that Hunter S. Thompson's ashes were blasted from a cannon near his Colorado home as he requested. It says Bill Murray and Johnny Depp were there along with 'rock bands, blow-up dolls and plenty of liquor.'

You'll never walk alone

2005-08-15T23:27:00.000-07:00

For Auren.

I appreciated your entry today and I sympathise with your plight.
I spent hours researching to write an reasonably intelligent editorial as I'm laying down the paper for the second week in a row and what will be my final time before leaving.

Deadline for the paper is at 3; absolute deadline is 5. My publisher comes into the office and asks why I'm running a particular story on page one. I agree but it's been quiet lately. And part of laying down a paper has to do with the size of the editorial hole.

Well, I agree that we have to cut that story and it'll probably run next week. Now I have to fix up two pages and write another editorial cuz it was based on the story that is now not going to run. I went from being ahead of the game to being faced with one of the worst possible situations in a newsroom.

Did I mention that it's 3:30 at this point?

I got the third page - the editorial - done at the absolute latest dealine by 6. When I got home I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. But I got the job done and nobody got hurt, most imortantly me.

Although I cannot echo your thoughts 100 per cent, I know how you are feeling. You will appreciate that I have no suggestions to offer and no advice to dispense.

As for moving back to Kamloops, if you wanna come back, I can look for a two bedroom.

John: "I bought a vineyard in the Napa Valley. I got tired of New York."

Carrie: "When you're tired you take a nappa--you don't move to Napa."

Caw! Caw! Caw!

2005-08-07T15:57:00.000-07:00

"Peter, why are you running against Lois? You know how competitive you are."

"I'm not competitive. As a matter of fact I'm the most uncompetitive person there is." So I win."

Speaking of my guilty pleasure has been watching the X Games the last couple nights it's my way to live vicariously thru the amazing, incredible and some might say insane tricks these athletes pull not to mention the broken bones they endure in the process.
One thing that sticks out; they are both fierce competitors and close friends. I like the comraderie extreme sports brings.

Number three may not have been the charm for me in laying down the newspaper but in spite of it eating away at a pretty good chunk of my weekend the operation has gone well--no bruises from hitting my head on the desk in frustration.

For those of you with credit cards FYI:Did you know that you can ask to have your interest rate lowered and in some instances they actually listen?
I did that recently because they jacked it up five per cent out of the blue. Check your statements cuz the credit card companies are sneaky, although they would never say that.
The keep raising your limit because they know they can suck you in and then when you have a fat balance they jack up the interest rate which makes it damn near impossible to pay down if you just make the minimum payments.
I am on a quest to pay down mine so these bastards don't make any more money off of me.

How is it that some people excel at many things - giving them the prestige of having a bunch of 'slash' marks following their name? Example, author/journalist/actor/playwright/part-time astronaut/entrepreneur/heir/athlete/...
...you get my point.
How do they do it? I have difficulty establishing myself in one career. My goal is to eventually have several slashes beside my name too.

FYI - I didn't know that Anderson Cooper, who works for CNN and was the host of 'The Mole' is the son of Gloria Vanderbilt, the socialite/writer/designer (see what I mean?)
Apparently Gloria had quite a few trists with very famous actors and business moguls. She has just released a revealing book of her sexual encounters and apparently she doesn't hold back in her descriptions.

One more thing. Shout out to the group Heart. I caught them on TV last night. They are truly amazing. Ann and Nancy (a.k.a. Cameron Crowe's wife) still rock and to me are one of THE BEST if not the best female duo of all time.

Waterloo

2005-08-02T22:23:00.000-07:00

"Ralphy just remember if your nose bleeds you're picking it too much. Or, maybe you're not picking it enough."

I sometimes like to try to write in my blog about something I have read that is interesting, entertaining or informative. If I achieve that then I can put my head to rest and sleep well.

Not this time.

I'm watching a TV show about a journalist who is on the road with Abba during a tour trying to get to know the real them. I haven't decided if it's real or not; but it sure is amusing to watch him lugging a gigantic reel to reel tape recorder around with him and poking this huge mic under people's noses. It looks like a gigantic u know what.

Oh, I did find something good on boing boing. It studied the number of people blogging and the results will blow you away.

I do not like to admit it but I in the words of the late Freddie Mercury--'I'm going slightly mad.' Luckily I have my own company to keep me weighing in on the sane side of my personality.

Yeah I know. And you thought you knew me.

Question:

Making it work

2005-07-28T19:36:00.000-07:00

"Mom! Dad! Bart's dead!"

"Oh, no! Bart!"

pause

"That's right. I'm dead--dead serious--about going to Itchy and Scratchy Land."

Today was a productive day and a reflection of the implosion of the old Kitimat General Hospital (a.k.a. da 'Pink Elephant).' Yes, it was a mostly pink-coloured building that sat on a prime piece of land perched abolve the downtown area.

It was a pretty big deal. It garnered more attention and more traffic at 6 a.m. than the town has ever seen. I watched it from atop the fire ladder on one of the fire department trucks. One-hundred feet in the air with three other people including a guy named Earl who works for a company that covers implosions and blow ups for the Discovery Channel.

If you're thinking how'd he get that job? It was the first thing I asked him.
"I was in the right place at the right time," he said.

Anyway the elephant was brought down in about 10 seconds followed by an ever-expanding pillow of smoke that drifted to the southwest and out of harms way (used to be asbestos inside it and inevitable still some left).

**Was reading on Wired that some film directors are on board with coming up with a program that would allow companies to send movies to theatres via a computer program. It would reduce about 90 per cent of the costs of the current method of shipping film reels to theatres. Audiences wouldn't have to worry about those lines and glitches that pop up occasionally in film reels as a result of digital technology.

Sounds cool and would allow theatres to have more screening options. For example movies that are good could run longer and movies that suck could be shelved sooner.

^^Is cereal a guys thing? Cuz I'm sitting here munching on some Shreddies right from the box. Sometimes when I eat cereal - like if it's Cap'n Crunch or Vector - I could eat a half box at a sitting.

Tell me you favourites and tell me if it's a guy thing. If it is we could start a cereal club.

2005-07-25T00:28:00.000-07:00

"How come you kicked me? I was already screaming with pain?"

"I saw my advantage and I took it. It's what superheroes do."

So I had a doozy of a weekend. I did nothing on Saturday. Nothing. Nil. Zip Zilch. Zero.
Serves me right....I had been out for a beer with my boss and another lady from work. Turned in to a rather long night that ended several hours later. I probably would not have been so tired had I first, eaten something and second told Sarah what I was up to.
I got a an early morning phone call from her "reminding" me that letting her know would have made for a better night's sleep for her and - as it turns out - me.
Serves me right.

I could muster only enough jam to watch an episode of American Chopper and a couple of episodes of Sex and the City before I checked out for night.

Today not only was I not a whisper of my normal self I was also productive. I have now a clean apartment not that it ever gets dirty), freshly laundered clothes and linens, an idea of what courses I will be registering for this fall and a nearly completed feature story that, no matter how much time I work on it, will never be as good as I want it to be.

Beauty School Dropout

2005-07-19T23:03:00.000-07:00

If you haven't already heard or read about it, TO loves its Miss Universe Natalie Glebova. Thanks to a bylaw the city reneged on its promise to allow her to open up a food festival. That is, unless she does not don her sash and crown at the opening. Read it for yourself and see if you think it's as stupid as I do.

I found a good pop culture blog called popped culture that has some entertaining links (and the Glebova story) you should have a gander at.

When I was making my way home today - it's four and a half minute drive - I listening to CBC. Vancouver council gave its support to a proposal to close two lanes of the Burrard Street Bridge and turn them into bike lanes.
It reminded me of my trip to Van. We had caught a cab to the wedding reception and were at a standstill over six lanes of traffic. Suddenly, a cyclist comes whizzing by us and skips between us and another car with about two inches of clearance on either side of his bike handlebars. I was nervous watching him. I couldn't do it. What if a car inches to the other lane, the cylclist would get projectiled 20 feet down the road and becomes part of the rush hour pile up.
Did you hear about Liberal MLA Lorne Mayencourt not getting charged after he 'agressively pursued' a pandhandler on Vancouver's eastside? Seems there wasn't enough evidence. That's ok though, Mayencourt said that although he would not apologize for his actions, he learned a lesson: let the police do their work. Ok so the panhandler was swearing at people. But one would think Mayencourt would know better than to follow and harass this guy (who may have a mental illness which is the bigger problem). Oh well, he stuck his nose in where it didn't belong and got slugged in the face. Next time you get the urge to chase down a panhandler, keep your left up Lorne.

Didn't make it to Batman tonight. I drove there but the line was too long. Yes, even in Kitimat, they get the odd lineup. Plus I didn't know for sure if I wanted to go to the movies tonight so maybe I was looking for an excuse to go home.

Lesson of the century: Don't try to kill your wife; you'll never get away with it no matter how many tears you shed.

Flyin home(r)

2005-07-18T23:41:00.000-07:00

Here's a line you may be familiar with:

"D'oh."

"A dear."

"A female dear."

I got back from Van. I finally got to see Sarah and attend my first very large, very Italian Catholic wedding. There was food aplenty, ample alcohol and a musical melange till the early hours of the morning.

I was around more people in three days then I was for the past three months in Kitimat. It was as though I was in a sort of social prison and I had been given a weekend pass. I said sort of...anything but a prison environment up here, it's just bustles so, like a kaleidoscope of activity, bubbling and fizzing like a freshly-poured carbonated drink.
Alright. Enough with the metaphors. I had a great time and got to take in a completely different lifestyle for three days.

On a side note, I am working my way through (with pleasure) the fifth and sixth season of Sex and the City. I didn't have the chance to watch them before school ended and I have, so far, found it to be the perfect cure for the mid-summer blahs in this chapter of 'Life in a Northern Town.'

2005-07-10T10:04:00.000-07:00

I heard what I thought was a funny quote on a TV show last night.

A: "I don't want to be vice-president."

B: "You have to do this. You're nice to people. You're polite. You say excuse me. You look like birds dress you in the morning."

Laying down the paper is going much better this time. My head isn't smarting from banging it on the desk, I'm not frantic about not getting it done and I feel--invigorated, almost like the first smell of spring when it teases your nose and your mind wanders back to the magical whimsical days growing up when you didn't have a care in the world and you rode bikes, wind blowing in your face, hair blowing in you face as you shake your head to clear it from your eyes as you couldn't ride down to the store quick enough to buy chips, chocolate bars and pop that you wanted to eat and then your mom would get mad at you for spoiling your dinner appetite and the memory of that voice rings in your ear like a nagging little cramp in your stomach that you would get after going outside to play too soon after eating but you didn't care and sometimes you would ignore them and carry on like a warrior because all you wanted to do was have the spontaneous type of fun, like going to the fair every year and wandering around as the heat from the pavement would hit your face like a wave of fire and you were sweating which made you think of the swimming pool at your friend's house but he wasn't with you because you had a fight earlier that week because he stole your ribbons from play day at school after you got more than him and he was trying to be better than you at everything and you just smiled as though you didn't care because your parents told you to ignore it but you didn't think they understood what it was like because you know everything when you're a kid and the world revolves around you like the kind of spinning top that you had to wind string around but the string kept breaking like it did on those old school yo-yos that came out in like the 40s or something when there was no TV and people used to gather around the radio to listen to radio programs like War of the Worlds when about 3 million people actually believed that earth was being invaded and they left their homes like a little kid running away from home and then came back after they found out it was just a show and they felt silly that like got sucked in and the newspapers printed the story about what happened kind of like we would today except they would be using different methods then I'm using today to lay out the paper today which is going very well compared to the last time I did it....

Gotta go. The paper awaits me.

Words (what are words for)?

2005-07-04T21:51:00.000-07:00

I was talking to my daughter today. She's nine and like many her age, she's crazy about Hilary Duff. Our conversations cover various topics relating to pop culture. Today it was the Backstreet Boys (in rank of who is best looking. She ranked, I listened) and 'friends' who talk behind your back. She's had it happen and claims it doesn't bother her. I hope not. But I know how words can cut you emotionally and leave lifetime scars.....Takes me back to Grade 5. To digress, this incident came about after watching School of Rock. The kids in the movie all play their own instruments--and they are all very talented. (Take that Partridge Family). I think playing an instrument is an amazing thing. I felt like knocking on doors in my building to try and find someone who was willing to sell me their guitar.Anyway, Grade 5. In what was a scientific way to decide if people had any musical ability, we took half of the 5th grade and put them in a room with a tape recorder. Different sounds were played in three categories: one was like, rhythmn, one was sounds and I can't remember the third. You had to answer from a series of multiple choice questions and, based on a score ranging from 1 to10 (1=best, 10=worst) you were recommended to try out for band if you so chose. My scores were 10, 1 and 4. Cut it in half and in there pretty solid. I had trouble hearing the first category sounds and I think that affected my score. Excuse? Maybe....So I didn't fit the criteria for band. I got over it. But I didn't get over the teacher Mrs. Sheardown - yes, that was her name - and what she said to me. She looked at my score, then at me and 'Scott, you don't...' and she stopped short of whatever she was going to say. She just shook her head as if to say you don't have what it takes. And even though I was interested in band, I listened to her.I guess I write this for two reasons: one, what you say can impact someone else for a long time; two, i shouldn't have listened to her. I should have figured out for myself if I was cut out for the band.

Oh Canada

2005-07-03T18:11:00.000-07:00

Yes I was one of the 2 billion that watched LIve 8. And I enjoyed it. For those of you who were too cool to watch (if you were too busy i understand) you missed what I called a smorgasboard of entertainment; it had something for every taste.
I gotta say right off that Motley Crue rocked the crowd in Barrie with energy-injected good ol' rock and roll. Although some of my j-school compatriots hadn't cracked the double-digit age mark, opening with Kickstart My Heart brought the people to life. You can dislike the music but you cannot deny they enrgized the crowd.
There were some unusual pairings of note: Sarah McLaughlan w/Josh Groban and Adam Levine of Maroon 5 and Stevie Wonder. I knew Groban could sing but Levine impressed me. The guy got soul. Speaking of soul, Joss Stone (in her traditional barefoot attire) worked the stage and the crowd and was as soulful, sultry and seductive as ever. She's got the voice and she knows how to deliver.
One of my favourites was Madonna. The stage was awash in white as Madonna opened with Like a Prayer. I couldn't help but think back to when the video was released the protest from the Catholic Church. With Madonna was a beautiful African lady whose life was saved after the first LIve Aid 20 years ago--for those who think you cannot make a difference. Of course in true Madonna fashion, she managed to blurt out the 'F-word' right as the church choir accompanying her was filing off the stage. I kept thinking, she may be a mom of two, she may author children's books and she may be 'mellowing out some' but she was amazing.
Of all the bands I saw, only one seemed a little uncomfortable and that was A-ha. Lead singer couldn't hit the high notes like back in the day.
I was taken aback by the performances of Deep Purple and DMC (yes Manny DMC=rapper)

I watched School of Rock this a.m. and something Jack Black's character says in the movie fit with the theme of Live 8 perfectly: 'One performance can change the world.' I'll admit I'm doubtful that one performance can eradicate worldwide hunger but I think that is the easier way out is to take the apathetic stance that events like these are a source of enjoyment more than raising awareness. I've heard that Geldhoff is abrasive and has no business pressuring the leaders of the G-8 countries to make debt cancellation a first priority. Perhaps my logic may be faulty here but NASA has spent billions (or trillions) on space travel. We all spend billions on things for our own pleasure and entertainment. Arguments that there are better ways for governments and the general public to spend money are always hovering near the surface.
Yes people like to get together and have fun and many were doing just that. But I like to think that some were actually touched by the events of the day and that at some level - whether that be child sponsorship or missions trips to build homes or bring medication to the people - some people will be inspired or compelled to do their part to make a difference.
And in the time its taken me to write this entry, I'm estimating that about 400 hundred Africans have died of starvation. And yet, my life goes on with a full stomach I might add.

Corky and the juice pigs

2005-06-27T23:27:00.000-07:00

I heard the best line today on muchmusic. (Sarah, bear with me, I know you heard me laughing about this already). I was watching the Top 20 rehab rockers. Some of the usual suspect like Ozzy-#1, Scott Weiland-#6, Elton John, James Hatfield, Steve Earl, Keith Richards (the poster boy for heavy drug use) plus the unusually surprising like Michael Jackson (unusual in that I didn't realize he had to go into rehab for an addiction to prescription meds).

Anyway another who made the list was Courtney Love. And in light of her recent newsmaking events such as not showing up for court dates and fighting with photographers (didn't she)? and losing custody of Frances Bean for a few months, Ms. Love responded to how she is intends to get her life stable once more.
"I'm gonna rock my way out of trouble." I love that line. What does she mean and how does she intend to do it?
Next time I face a challenging story, I'm going to tell my editor not to worry because 'I'll rock my way into a good story.' That'll get me off the hook. Sure it will.

I have a word for you--it's called 'krumping.' I first heard it last night because someone has made a docu movie called 'Rize' a style of dance that has its roots in a group of clowns who invented the dance as kind of a counter dance movement to the gansta image associated with hip hop. Apparently people flock to the Great Western Forum to take in an anuual contest. Sometimes, something new is often followed by the confirmation of that that something new is new to other people as well, even though really, it's kind of well, old.
Anyway, it was on the Late Show I think. I would describe it as agressive break dancing. The smooth, undulating movements that are characteristic of break dancing are rivalled by the jerky, yet fluent ( i know, how can it be both?) and less polished moves in krumping. They're in time with the beat yet they aren't but somehow, they keep the rhythm These guys were amazing - punching and kicking at the air, dancers take turns rotating in 10-15 second intervals, partly because it seems to take a ton of energy to even attempt.

You have to see it for yourself and I think you'll know what I mean.

Next, my thoughts on Live 8. And FYI, tis better to have been a 'has been' then a 'never was.'

Switchin' to glide

2005-06-23T18:22:00.000-07:00

I was just sitting here and thinking about the word balance (in relation to one's life not the type that gymnasts and dancers possess) and and how its meaning is defined by the individual.

I can say that most of us in western, capitalist societies have pondered what determines balance. My pace is not your pace. Some people work 10 hour a day, six days a week. Others claim they need at least eight hours of sleep per night; some individuals require a mid afternoon nap to keep functioning to the best of their abilities (I don't nap and I don't envy anyone who spends their time coccooned in their beds, sleeping like a Who in Whoville while the Grinch robs them blind).

Some people subscribe to the belief that life's too short not to get out and take advantage of all that's available; others caution that people miss out on the little things if they don't slow down once in awhile. And what's more, we live in a society that gives us options - numerous choices - that beckon us. How do we use our time or rather how do we use our time wisely? And what is a wise investment of time? Can it be found in balance? Or does nothing succeed like excess? And what about success--does excess lead to success? Think about people you know and those you don't and how excess and success interplay.
I have to admit I think in our society it can, maybe not as a hard and fast rule because like balance, people define success in different ways and on different levels.

But returning to balance... what is it? and can one achieve it? Before I even begin to describe my views on what balance means to me I must say that balance is not static. It is not something that once achieved can be ignored. One can seek balance but once their life takes on a balanced appearance and manifests itself in a life that has meaning, purpose or happiness. For example, one must live a life that is in alignment with some overarching moral guideposts or religious belief system, such as in the former one may live by the Golden rule whereas in the latter one would turn to the Good book (depending on their religion). I have friends that insist what goes around comes around (same as charma)? My favourite - and I realize I'm straying here - 'I'm basically a nice person.'
Would you have many friends if you said otherwise?

Steven Covey in his book The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People says balance is related to time management. By examining which area we devote our time, and shifting where we invest our time we can accomplish more and enjoy a richer life. I've tried it and I admit it works.

Japan has what it refers to as pillars that represent different areas of your life (health, finances, family, for example) and strives for balance in that manner. And the list could go on.

Is there a universal meaning of balance? And who has the edge? The person that lives hard and fast, constantly on the go? Or is a lower-key, slower-paced lifestyle? A blend of both?

Just some of my thoughts. So to avoid going deeper and getting too analytical, I'll cut it here.

Congrats to the Spurs for winning #3.

In the summertime

2005-06-22T00:11:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I question why I don't spend more time watching news and news shows. As a result, I spend my mornings tuned in to Canada A.M. and my home page set to CBC.ca. I start each day with a hearty bowl of oatmeal, a steaming cup of coffee and a healthy serving of Canadian content.
At lunch, I indulge in back-to-back Canadian comedy shows--This Hour has 22 Minutes and Canadian Air Farce, and if I get home earlier, it's The Red Green Show although I find Red a tad less entertaining than the other two.
Tonight I started to watch the local news but hearing about some driver who made bowling pins out of human beings at a Victoria bus stop, a homicide in the Vancouver area which left the dead man's fiance to give birth to and raise the twins she is expecting and a Vancouver business school that was forced to close its doors to students after the owner most likely skipped the country due to owing a heap in back taxes. Ahh what a wonderful world we live in.
That 's why I watch Seinfeld episodes every night; it gives me a laugh and keeps my mind off wondering how our planet will evolve and how stupid we can act.

Everybody's got issues...have you?

2005-06-20T00:02:00.000-07:00

I have confessed to those who know me that I am deplore most reality TV shows. I put the blame on the oodles of these ridiculous to the fans of the one that started it all--Survivor. That's right. If that show didn't draw record numbers on a weekly basis, things could have turned out different. When networks saw how popular (and cheap) they could produce reality shows a funny thing happened. We got more and more and more and...well you get the idea. I haven't done a count so if someone wants to tally up the number of shows since Survivor....Having said that, I spent my day working on some stories for this week's paper and watching a fourth season marathon of The Surreal Life the MTV show where they bring seven once famous celebs who have faded from the public together to live together as a family in an LA mansion.I had entertained a couple epsisodes of season one but just couldn't justify spending my time watching an entire episode. Well, from like, 11 a.m. till 5:00 p.m. I endulged - I did get my stories written - in the day to day of Chris Knight (Peter Brady), Chyna Girl (Chyna from the WWE), Da Brat, Jane Weidlin (Go-Go's, America's top model male and female (Markus Shekenberg-sp. and Adrianne Curry) and Vern Troyer (Mini Me).Chyna has some major issues to overcome, Jane Weidlin is insecure, Da Brat is brutally honest, Vern puts on a tought front; the two most normal seem to be Chris and Markus.Well, I pretty much saw it all: excessive drinking, skinny-dipping, S & M, verbal slinging, confessions of suicidal tendencies, fight or flight parenting skills, tears of joy and laughter, late night phone calls from a supposed 'abusive boyfriend' and stripteasing and lapdances. I tell ya, this had it all. And I was buying every minute of what they were selling me.My favourite 'plotline' was where 22-year old Adrian falls for 40-something Chris. Any guesses why?I also chatted with my daughter on messenger for about an hour and I called to wish my dad a Happy Father's Day.And for those of you who are fans of "Animation domination" on Fox, check out American Dad. It's funny, it's risky and it has an alien and a talking German goldfish.

Bawitaba

2005-06-19T03:47:00.000-07:00

It's 2:44 a.m. and I've just finished updating my blog with the help of a bottle of red wine. I added a few links which for reasons known only to me took a lot longer than it should have. It's par for me however.
I dashed out the door at 9ish this morn to take some pics of the Alcan Half Marathon. The weather was sunny and warm today. Glad it isn't like southern Alberta-flooding galore and I know I wouldn't be prepared for that. Who wears gum boots these days? Not me.
I spent the day reading one of my Stuart Maclean books, watching a bit of TV and dinking around with my blog.

Anyone familiar with 'Evening Magazine?' I was watching it tonight and they were giving out a bunch of 'Best of the Northwest' awards. They gave for most daring hairdresser--no biggie really. I started to think about what I would do if I wasn't a journalist and I decided tonight that being a hair stylist would be a career option I would consider. For those who know me, why would you be surprised? If not, then either you don't really care or you think I'm limp in the wrist maybe (not that there's anything wrong with that--I'm not homophobic).

I watched Orange County Choppers....I love that show. Tonight the guys were building a custom vintage bike for Jay Leno. If you haven't seen it, maybe take it in. I promise you do not need to have a keen interest in motorcycles to enjoy it. It's kind of a (shudder) reality show but it's got a sense of reality to it which is more than I can say about most of the crap that's on the air.

Here's some beneficial tips for filing a complaint I got from CBC. The show was based on people who had received poor customer service but had a legitimate complaint. When you phone in to most companies, the messenger that you speak with is either reading from a script or just trying to disuade you from pushing your concern. Number one, ask to speak with the manager or supervisor in charge; if you're told one isn't available, it's probably B.S. Keep trying. Two, be nice. Getting angry is not helpful cuz usually the person at the other end tunes you out. If you hear them typing, it doesn't mean they're actually doing anything. Sometimes they pretend to check on something and tell you 'we don't have any in stock' or 'I'm not showing we have any right now,' anything they can do to turn you away. So be nice, but be firm; insist or demand they resolve your problem. If a resturant screws up your order, ask what they'll do to make up for your inconvenience. Three. If you do not receive satisfaction or a company refuses to help you tell them you will be posting comments about their service on their website and anywhere else. In this instance, a lady couldn't get satisfaction about a two-year old bed that was falling apart but after the expert that CBC brought along to help with the lady's complaint and posted a message on the company website, she got a new bed even though the manager had refused earlier. I think I'm going to try this approach myself.

In case anyone is wondering, my blog title is title of a Kid Rock song. I gained some respect for him today after watching Driven on muchmore music today.

K, that's it. Peace out.

Rock and roll high school

2005-06-15T23:20:00.000-07:00

Tonight I covered a high school grad at Kitimat City High; it's a school designed to meet the needs of students who face challenges and difficulties in their home environment that would, most likely, prevent them from graduating high school.
Classes are small; this year's class had nine students compared to last year's where there was almost double the amount. In a society that makes it easy to step on board with the wealthy, the beautiful, the gifted, was it ever refreshing to see these kids - who have travelled a hard road, but are no less gifted, attractive or wealthy in many ways (it was evidenced by the number of proud parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents, nieces, friends and faculty members) - rceive their high school diplomas.

So BC had a tsunami warning and several people living nearby were unaware of it has some questioning the warning system.... my boss told me there was a tsunami warning issued here a few years back. People were actually driving down to the beach to watch it. Which is better - being an unwitting potential victim or a witless informed citizen?

Take it easy

2005-06-13T23:26:00.000-07:00

I interviewed a marathon runner on Thursday, wrote about him on Sunday and sat through a council meeting that felt something like a marathon tonight. But at least I had some time to myself at work today. I farmed some old issues to look for follow up stories to things I covered last summer.
The whole interviewing, drafting, crafting and final review process relating to my work as a journalist is improving I feel. My purpose in writing here is to either allow some random thoughts to flow into my mind and find a way to merge them into something that has some sort of flow and rhythmn in less than about 10 minutes. So far, I am having the most trouble finding my flow which in turn affects my speed.

So Michael Jackson was found not guilty on all counts. I wasn't surprised. The words 'guilty beyond a reasonable doubt' that the jury must use as a guideline when reaching a decision made it obvious to me with Jackson's case that he would not be doing time.
I think that the number of inconsistencies on the prosecution's part hindered its case against him. The day Macaulay Caulkin took the stand and discredited the housekeeper's claim that the then child star slept with Jackson in addition to other charges regarding the singer's actions was the end of the ballgame for the family pressing charges.
So where does Michael go from here? Many are speculating whether his career is through. Seems to me it was on the way down anyway. He had his time and that time was the 1980s.
Is America ready for a reality show featuring Jackson? With gluttony of reality shows on TV One would think so. But I'm not convinced. Give him a couple years to chill or reinvent himself, maybe change back into a black man. How about vegan cooking with Michael Jackson? He and his favourite fan could hide out in the kitchen and cook up something special for admirer's family. Or how about a new spin on a familiar favourite? It could be called 'Who wants to marry Michael Jackson.'

They should have made my living arrangements a reality show. I could haved called it Mr. Know-it-all and the two peabodys. And no I am not Mr. Know-it-all.

Mastering the knack of my Sharona

2005-06-09T23:59:00.000-07:00

Unbelievable. I tried to use a different word but I kept coming back to this one. Caught bits and pieces of a show that was basically regurgitating one hit wonders by bringing them in front of an audience where they sang their hit.
The had groups from the 70s - The Knack; the 80's - The Motels and Tommy Tutone; the 90s - Vanilla Ice and Haddaway.
In the second half they returned to the stage to sing a cover of a current hit of their choice. I think that's how it worked.
Now, I will admit I was a fan of these songs and in the case of The Motels, I still listen to their music and I do not think they are a one hit wonder.

A thought occurred to me. Wouldn't life be grand if we all could revisit a high point in our lives, a time when we were at a the peak of our success? Why does celebrity afford second chances, express sentencing (think Russell Crowe) and even reality TV shows to spice up a floundering career (insert your favourte one here).

I wouldn't mind the opportunity to go back in time either. I could apply for that job I didn't, take that bartenders course that I didn't or stick with school when I didn't or take one step forward when I didn't; lots of didn'ts in my past.
And hindsight makes the mind grow wiser but the grow fonder and suddenly, I'm 10, 15 or 20 again, doing the same things I did the first time around.

The theme from Hockey Night in Canada

2005-06-08T22:56:00.000-07:00

I flicked on the TV when I got home and caught a Montreal Canadiens Oldtimers vs. the Legends of Hockey game.

The names carried me to another time in professional hockey, which was not tainted by scandal, rising salaries and strikes. It also took me back to a time when I would sit with my dad and we would watch Hockey Night in Canada. I think that genetically, I was born to be a Habs fan. Watching the game tonight I saw names from the Canadiens dominant time that consumed most of the 1970s; I think they won like 6 Stanley Cups with four in a row from 76-79.
I saw Guy Lafleur (the flower), Pete Mahovolich, Yvan Cournoyer, Serge Savard, and more recent names from the 80s and 90s including Gaston Gingras, Guy Carrboneau, Chris Nilan, Benoit Brunet, Shane Corson, Stephane Richer.
I get feelings from a time that I cannot return to. A time when I was building memories with my dad that will grow deeper, more meaningful yet harder to retrieve as the years pass.

I think that almost every story I write I can attach to myself. Today for example, I covered a re-enactment of an MVA using the jaws of life for the high school's dry grad campaign; in the afternoon I was at the multi-level care unit. One era has passed by me on the train of life and the other may become my future; God only knows.

I'm not sure if these kind of thoughts make me more appreciative of my current life, or make me look back in regret at things I did or did not do or finally, if these thoughts make me look forward with trepidation at what my life will represent and if I will make it that long.
Sometimes expressing your deepest, personable thoughts that cling to you like plastic wrap but without the freshness.

I should laugh a little and enjoy the moment.

What you are

2005-06-07T23:21:00.000-07:00

Went for a long walk today. And in Kitimat, I can always count on crossing paths with another walker. Because the sun was shining against the rugged, snow-speckled mountains, I knew other Kitimatians would have the same idea. (Kitimatians refers to the residents of Kitimat-of course).
It's easy to kill an hour walking in the town because it's designed for walking. There are sprawling walkways throughout the town, fanning out in all directions which gives walkers and runners a more relaxed and inviting surrounding.
The concept of "taking a walk" brings various meanings to mind, from stretching your legs, to getting outdoors for some light exercise, to removing yourself from an intense or frustrating situation, to walking and talking with a friend.
I think as much on walks as I do when I am sitting at home or at work. So for me, a walk is usually a catalyst for invigoration followed by the feeling that I am wearing size 13 shoes and that most of my bodweight has shifted to the soles of my feet.

If you have been reading the news this week, the recurring warning is "avoid hiking around mountains or jogging along mountain trails and don't launch a boat without putting on a life jacket. One man washed up at the bottom of a river, a lady got mauled to death by a grizzly and an long-serving member of the RCMP fell from a boat and drowned. Makes me feel so much better that I am living in a vast wildlife area with mountains, a river and many bear sightings.

The trees in Kitimat grow in a compacted, dense mass that clings to the mountains like thick, green moss on a rock. And the sight of snow-peaked mountains in 25 degree temperatures astonishes me every day. I may be alone in Kitimat however if you are going to be spending time by yourself, much better to do it in Kitimat than in a large city like Vancouver.
Here, loneliness is permitted; there loneliness is a sin. Here, one is normal, everyday, mundane; there, it's dangerous, vulnerable and unusual.
Here, one can get to know many; there one can get lost, left out and pushed to the fringe.

Neither is good nor bad, only different. Just my take on it.

Couldn't get it right

2005-06-06T23:03:00.000-07:00

At least that's how I feel sometimes. Regardless of my efforts, I didn't get "it" right. It could refer to most anything although right now it centres on my work at the paper and searching for the big question-- you know the one, the question that will land me a research grant and $5,000 that goes along with it.
Course I'm interested in the grant, besides I may find that I discover something rivoting that some magazine, newspaper or e-zine will want to purchase.

This week the convocation is taking place at Thompson Rivers University. I'll have to wait another year before I receive my degree--maybe then I will have an answer to the question "if it's a graduation ceremony, why do they call it a convocation?"

I realized today that I am not excited to return to school this fall. Even with Sarah around to make life more enjoyable, and knowing many of the returning fourth years, the sentiment I have for my graduating classmates is unequalled. Really doesn't feel like it's been two years in Kamloops. It does however feel like it's been two years out of Kelowna. Maybe longer.

Living in what I call controlled isolation in Kitimat has made me aware of TV's fatal future. My astonishment at the growing number of reality TV shows is both disturbing and puzzling. The latest: Dancing with the Stars and Making the Cut with designer Tommy Hilfiger. Wherever networks and advertisers can make a buck.
Makes me believe that my idea for a reality show has potential because merit-based TV is fading from the Top 10. Maybe it isn't TV programming; maybe the problem with TV is me.

That 70s show

2005-06-02T21:20:00.000-07:00

Computers have been my nemesis for the past six days. As I mentioned in my last entry, I was laying out the paper. My editor told me above all, don't panic--I panicked. I felt overwhelmed on several occassions but I stuck with it. I logged about 24 hours over the weekend. I packed things in around 3 a.m. on Monday morning and was back by 8:30.
I got the paper finished with an hour to spare and breathed a sigh of relief. Felt good.
Today, I spent most of the day waiting for my computer to be fixed--it can't be. It's toasted. I tried to work on the my editor's--it was running really slow. I got little done today. But I got a free lunch from the good people at Alcan, the aluminum king of the world.
Tonight, I made an attempt to pay some bills and again I was told to wait. I was getting frustrated yet it was all for not as it turned out the server was down and I was able to get my hard-earned dollars into the hands of my money-grubbing creditors.
Can't wait for tomorrow to be done.

Kept thinking about the 70s, and the days before computers were a household item, the days when you had to go to a movie theatre to watch a movie, pong was the only game available on an overpriced home video system and you could get an entire meal at McDonald's for less than a buck.
Although my music collection was small (Kiss, Boston, Billy Joel, various K-Tel compilations and Saturday Night Fever) playing it on my friend Jeff's hundred dollar Sears stereo system with the glowing blue lights is etched into my mind like summer sleepovers and the first time I had sloppy joe hamburgers.

A touch of cynicism - the result of time's erosion on my otptimism - makes me appreciate the simple, unfetterred things of that time, where the biggest worries were whether the girl I liked, liked me back and if I had money to head to the groceteria near the elementary school.

Concentration now begins

2005-05-28T11:18:00.000-07:00

This weekend, I have the distinction of laying out the Northern Sentinel where I am working for the summer. It's Saturday, nearing noon and I have a long road and many miles ahead of me.
I have not layed down a paper before and even though I know I will get it done "because I have to," I am approaching it with hesitation. I have never been one who is inclined to work on the more technical or mechanical elements of any subject, task or job.
But I wanted to take this on because I think it will enhance my resume and hopefully make me more attractive to potential employers.
You know that I am delaying leaving when a regular season baseball game is appealing to me--not a "diss" on ball; just normally not much of a fan until post-season hits.
So, I have about to sips of coffee remaining and then I'm heading to the office to start.
I'll keep you posted as I attempt to get the job done and stave off insanity at the same time.

Hard to Explain

2005-05-26T00:35:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, life's temporary setbacks are hard to explain. Oftentimes, any possibility to come up with a logical explanation is mind-numbing. And I find the frustration that comes from trying to make sense of why things play out differently than I had expected. I blame myself for many fo these "setbacks," which the more I think about - with a steely-eyed determination to fix what went wrong underlying my frustration - the angrier I get.

It's like my computer. I sat down to write about an hour ago and it's now 12:52 a.m. I was trying to fix a problem with my computer. I try, really I do but I am not technologically inclined/blessed. I'm the type of person that will pay to have his computer fixed rather than trying to save money by investigating and figuring out the problem on my own.
I was the kid who built models from the outside in; I lacked the patience to break apart the tiny, intricate plastic pieces, dot them with a needle head dab of glue and fasten them together. Inevitably, the glue found its way onto my fingertips and I would leave a rice paper thin layer of my skin on the each piece.
I was more into the aesthetics, the finished product. I would put on the decals first and hope that I could cram the "guts" of the model in at a later time. Whenever I finished a model, I had several leftover pieces.
Today, my desire to be able to fix things (such as computer problems) on my own hasn't subsided but that six-year-old kid in me doesn't have the patience to allow the adult in me to dig a little deeper or explore a little more to try to solve the problem on my own without throwing my hands up in frustration. Maybe it's just the way I'm wired. Maybe I'll live long enough to be able to accept what I can do and what I can't without feeling guilty about it.

Steal My Sunshine

2005-05-24T22:07:00.000-07:00

In keeping with the weather theme that began yesterday, I thought I would offer my version of "steal my sunshine." It goes like this.
Spring in my part of the province is usually sandwiched between late March and early April. If you have the misfortune of living in another part of the country, you may have no idea what I mean. For example this year, I was basking in summertime conditions in mid-April (30 degree temperatures) while trying to finish my school assignments and somehow study for my finals.
Yet in the middle of one of the hottest springs I experienced in years - maybe the hottest - I felt depressed--not the "my-life-is-going-nowhere-I'm-all-alone-I-have-no-motivation" kind of depressed but a fearof the intense sunlight. (I am not an albino nor a vampire). My fear probably seems odd because most people love the sunshine and an early spring. I think my apprehensive feelings to bright and sunny days stems from a dark period in my life about eight years ago.
Everything I had put my security in was taken away from me. i was trying desperately to cling to an emotionally wrenching relationship with the mother of my two-year old daughter; I had no money; I could not find work and was taking odd jobs to pay bills; my dad had a heart attack earlier in the year. My self-esteem was taking a beating. Some friends could not relate to what I was going through while others just drifted away. Not their fault; it just happened. I know others have had it worse than I but to me, it was real and harsh and lasting.
But it was to that point, the darkest and most challenging time in my life. It occurred during March and April.
I guess the emotions I felt in the spring of 1997 were strong enough to create an association with that time of year and every spring I have to work my way through a valley of depressed feelings during a time when most are outside enjoying the warmth.
This year was no different; but seven years later I have learned that I must take that rough ride through the first two to four weeks of spring. I manage to break through and soon find myself relishing in the comfort of a long, summer day and warm summer evening.
I have to let the aftershocks of my own storm pass before I can see the rainbow.

Bring on the rain, the clouds and the blues

2005-05-23T22:56:00.000-07:00

INTO OUR LIVES, A LITTLE RAIN WILL FALL

I sigh when I first hear the pitter patter of the sounds of rain droplets tap dancing on the roof of my car, but the noise acts as a cue for my emotions and I divert into a positive state of mind. Once I understood rain, I learnedto appreciate it. Rain is not an unwelcome visitor, intent on squelching out plans for a picnic, or a day at the beach, or even a good attitude; it reminds me that I am not alone. Rain clothes the earth in refreshment and nourishment, misting the grass, painting the leaves on the trees with a translucent residue and giving off a distinct and fragrant bouquet.

Inside every droplet of rain, energy is building, and like a time bomb, it tumbles from the sky, exploding on impact, dispersing among the billions of drops each rainfall brings forth. Occasionally, rain bursts from the mouth of a broken drainpipe that clings to the corner of a house. The drainpipe amplifies the downpour, enhancing the sound of the droplets from mild to menacing. Seeing rain fall sketches my mind with images of umbrellas, cooler temperatures and guilt-free afternoons spent indoors with no anxieties or obligations to a warm, sunny day.

Appreciating the rain is similar to growing in wisdom. Rain can be characterized as mature sunlight reflecting her beauty from the inside out. Rain nurtures us like a baby chick gathered under its mother's wings and soothes our false securities. Preceded by the rumble of thunder and the crackle of lightning, rain emerges with sincerity, from inside the clouds and makes a bold statement. And when rain falls, I listen; there is nothing I can do to suspend the outpouring of liquid emotions.

I embraced the rain in all its beauty, as the person who is thought a fool when they stand in the rain, fully-clothed, welcoming a downpour with open arms, singing. I spend time with rain, much like the couple who stroll under the cover of an umbrella while laughing and holding hands.

Even though rain is romantic and comforting, rain also takes on a mysterious and frustrating tone as well. The length of time of her visit is unknown. It could be here for a few minutes in the form of a brief, but intense downpour or continue for hours, overstaying its welcome like a door to door salesman; or like a flood it can be almost vindictive, extracting revenge on us in a constant surge of free-flowing water, flushing away all living things. When droplets touch down, a single drop of rain is a speck that is insignificant and overlooked. But, when these drops of rain converge the soil and the landscape remain forever affected.

Rain walks side by side with us through human inadequecies, enduring through trial, disappointment and challenge. Inside us, a skewed part of our being remains tucked away, until the rain comes calling. A shower of rain is a jolt into reality. That I would attempt to resist the rain reveals my need to allow it to run its course.

Upon rain, I place my expectations. Not too much and not too little, always expecting the perfect measure. In spite of its bad timing and irritating mannerisms, falling on even the most beautiful of days and from the bluest of skies. Rain's voice can be loud and volatile; but it is also soft, sensitive and comforting possessing a rhythm and eloquence that revives the body and refreshes the spirit.

Familiarity of a new surrounding

2005-05-23T00:32:00.000-07:00

For a little under three weeks, a 200 square foot room is my temporary home. Techinically it's larger, about 300 square but I spend most of my time in the kitchen/living room area. I have very little furniture for one long, drawn-out reason; I didn't want to squeeze an excessive amount of stuff, most of which I will not use, into my car and cart it up to the northcoast of B.C.
Having a sparse amount of furniture adorning my apartment is more relaxing to my mind, as is living on my own--sans roommates. It's like a cleanser for my mind, a mind that all-too-often is preoccupied with thoughts of a past I cannot change and a future that is riddled with uncertainty, even one semester from graduating.
Sarah, if you are reading this, take comfort. You are the person who can pull me away from my self-indulging moods of frustration and doubt.
Celebrities and their prominence in the media raises the question: Why do so many people suffer from a fascination with celebrity and their daily lives?
I suppose the answer is subjective and I suppose an equal amount of people have more important things on their agendas, things that really matter. Yet, celebrity shows serving up the latest gossip on all aspects of celebrities' lives litter the TV, while magazines and tabloid newspapers account for most of the covers at grocery stores. I find that I am both repulsed by and drawn to celebrity infotainment. At times, I feel embarassed but I still find it interesting. It is a nice separation from the "heaviness" life can bring. But it is a reality that is far detached from any type of day-to-day that I will live.
And here is a splash of irony for you; everyday people who fascinated with celebrity someitmes wonder what it would be like to live in the shoes of a someone famous; those who are famous sometimes wonder what it would be like to live in the shoes of an everyday person. But right now, it seems that youth and celebrity are revered in a society that I can neither fully understand nor keep pace with. And we seem to want to make celebrities out of everyone. I figure in about 10 years, EVERYONE will be connected to some kind of reality TV show and we will all be playing Six Degrees of Separation in which all of us will be connectable to a celebrity in six steps

It's all in the mind

2005-05-21T23:14:00.000-07:00

I watched I heart Huckabees today and I was expecting a little more from it than I got. But I like the idea of the plot which has fun with two ideologies: one that suggest we are all interconnected - from person to person to the world we live in to the universe - and back to ourselves; the second, to me, reeks of influence from Neitzsche to Neo-naziism, that is, nothing is permanent; everything is temporary, so why bother striving to achieve anything if it is merely a sort of an illusion?

Nuf said, I was thinking about Belinda Stronach's defection to the Liberal party--a surprise to all and no one was more shocked that Peter Mackay - Stronach's now former beau - that she left the Conservatives and him, three days before the budget vote--two for-the-price-of-one, an economic move if ever I saw one. In a brief interview, Mackay appeared stunned and dishevelled. "I never saw it coming," he said. I believe him. He has my sympathy. But really, and I know I'm not the only one, did you expect their relationship to last? It had makings of a celebrity type of buzz surrounding it, meaning it was destined to fall short. Now the two sit opposite each other in Parliament. Oh well, that could all change in about a year if Martin calls an election. Maybe there si something to everything being temporary?

jobs, jobs and more jobs

2005-05-19T22:34:00.000-07:00

Got two e-mails in the last two days from school friends who just graduated from journalism school and have found jobs in the industry. I kind of envy them because I am returning this fall to pick up three classes to finish off my degree, and most of my friends will either have found jobs elsewhere or moved from Kamloops. I guess I'm a sentimetalist at heart but life goes on.

In the news. No, I am not going to comment on the budget vote--why? It's all over the TV. Newsworld is airing a special about violent young offenders such as gangs and the increase in crime in large cities. Surprising to me was that the city with the highest number of murders among all Canadian cities are Regina and Saskatoon--lots of gangs. It's happens though. A lady was murdered in one of the buildings on my street, might have been my building. Not sure.

One of my profs is big into criminals, particularly incarceration. Too bad our prison systems are overrun with people who, when they get out, will probably end up back inside.
Anyway, before I start to meander into more depressing territory, I'll stop writing and stop watching the news.
Becker's on. Like that Ted Danson, and Shawnee Smith, who, by the way, has her own band. Get back to you with name of it. Hope it's better than Tina Yothers band.

Take the long way home

2005-05-18T22:33:00.000-07:00

I'm 1,200 kms from home working for the summer in Kitimat, B.C., and writing in a blog with a glass of red wine sounds like a good way to pass the time. Unsure how to approach blogging - kind of torn between stream of consciousness writing or posting something that is insightful and observant. Right now, it doesn't seem to matter. I keep wanting to glance over at the TV but it's kinda blurry. I finally came out of denial and got some glasses--that was less than three weeks ago so I'm still getting used to them. It's like discovering a new world, glasses make everything come alive--it's like I've discovered another dimension. Two things I hate about them though: One, they slip down my nose sometimes and two, they're a bitch to keep clean. Anyway, got to go, time for a refill.