Beer, Wings & Diamond Rings

Back in Sudbury. Back to wings and beer!! This year was punctuated with the FANTASTIC news that Tony & Chantal are engaged! (Check them in the center pic). For me, it was great to hang with my undergrad buddies at our usual place.

We are all starting to move in different directions. Beth is getting secured in her job and a new relationship. Brian is getting married in the spring and is kicking ass down in Windsor. Justin is pumping out auto stories and contemplating the BIG move out of the nickel city. And Tony and Chantal are heading to Ottawa. But that central activity is SO nice to have on the calendar for the holidays. I hope we keep it up for a bit. Fingers crossed for the years to come.

Blood Diamond - movie review

I don't think I can write a review about this film without being completely honest - I love Leonardo DiCaprio. Always have. Continue to do so. I think the guy is a great actor and after The Departed he has shown some genuine grit that will hopefully propel him into the next phase of his career. Enter Blood Diamond and DiCaprio brings the manly. He shows up in Africa with his stubble and accent and shows everyone that the boy has grown and you should pay attention. The fact that he is doing this in a bullet-riddled, polictially-tinged action film about conflict diamonds may be the best setting of all.

Diamond takes three stories and cuts them together in an exciting and illuminating tale about the diamond trade. Djimon Hounsou plays a family man struggling to protect his family in a war-torn environment and the threat of rebel militia. Jennifer Connelly (rocking her amazing hair and eyes) is a journalist travelling the country in an attempt to find the "truth" about the gems. And DiCaprio arrives on the scene as a smuggler with less-than-honorable intentions. Thus, with the victim, the profiteer and the observer in place the movie is prime to explore the topic from all angles. After Hounsou is forced into a diamond labour camp (his family in a refugee camp and his son captured for the child's army) he discovers an especially large specimen. And so the game of hide-and-seek begins to recover the diamond with all sides using each other to get there first. An alliance between the three main characters if eventually achieved and motives are exposed.

Where Diamond excels is in its balance. It manages to be political yet entertaining. It mixes mainstream action with disturbing commentary (the scenes of the child army are particularly impressive). It offers romantic possibility and eventual comraderie. It provides for greed and for grace. And it illustrates the loss that supports luxury. It is unlikely that anyone will leave Diamond without having something to think about. And in the world of action-adventure that is an impressive thing.

Christmas Cheer

Christmas was a mellow affair this year. I was looking forward to it immensely even though it was a much shorter break than the year previous - that's the downside of working rather than being a student! Anyway, the plan with year had my closest family in southern Ontario at my brother's new home. So we did a small thing and it was a blast. This year Taggart was actually in toddler mode so he was more fun to have a Christmas. It is incredible how much he is talking now! When the room gets quiet he looks at someone and goes "HI" with the cutest tone. You can see him here in his santa suit sitting on the giraffe (a reading pillow) that Nana had sewn for him.

We opened all our presents on Christmas eve - starting with the pyjamas of course! I got my Futurama DVDs and WAY more other stuff than I could have imagined including a massager for my chair at work which is going to be awesome! On Christmas morning my stocking was stuffed to the brim but the "big" gift is coming in January when Mom comes to visit - I'm getting a sewing machine. (Look out for a future post about the first thing I actually sew!) The next day a mellow one and then it was time to hit the road to Sudbury for a couple of days. I am so happy that my brother's family hosted this year. Things are changing ... and its great.

The Pusuit of Happyness - movie review

Will Smith continues his path towards being the best black actor of his generation. Smith's son establishes himself as a natural. Thandie Newton reaffirms her ability to lift limited material to an incredible level. And the Pursuit of Happyness shows how just how crappy it can be to chase the American dream ... until you achieve it.



Based on the "true" story of Chris Gardner, Happyness starts with his struggle as a door-to-door salesman trying to work off a contract on a new-fangled bone density x-ray. His once-passionate marriage has crumbled under the strain of limited finances and the demands of raising his child. After a decision to enter a wage-free internship program Gardner loses both his wife and his apartment. And yet, with his child in tow he continues on in order to "make something of himself".

I understand the film's earnestness to show how perseverence and love can conguer many obstacles. As well, the film seems to revel in its interest to promote the do-it-yourself/up-by-the-bootstraps legacy of most American success stories. And while the film is obviously trying to be inspirational it doesn't quite get there. The first challenge is moving beyond the harshness of homelessness that figures prominently. In fact, much of the movie feels more like a comment on the state of homeless people and posits the idea that if they were only more committed to the dream they could succeed. Anyone who knows anything about the discrepencies in society resource allocation will find this theme of the film frustrating.

The second challenge is Gardner's incredible success. He achieves an unbelievable position through immense odds but the film never shows how he manages in the internship itself. The audience is never illuminated on the driving forces to keep him in THAT program. It hints at Gardner's affinity for numbers but never illustrates how this factored into his decision to just get a "regular" job. As such, the concept of supporting his son becomes intertwined with a motivation for money (lots of finance industry money!) that could only be respected in a capitalist world.

Add to these challenges a sledgehammer on the heartstrings and really slow pacing and the film falters further. And so, although the actors involved are bringing their full commitment to the table the film never rises above Hallmark-gilded propoganda.

CFL is Leaving CBC!?!?

I think I may have to cry. In what is, potentially, the saddest TV deal evah! the CFL has signed an exclusive contract with TSN for 2008. The deal will see all Canadian Football League games leave our trusty free broadcaster for the land of cable - including the playoffs and Grey Cup. The 2008 Grey Cup will be the the first time in 50 YEARS that the game has not been shown on the CBC. I don't know what to say. I can't believe that our league would leave us this way!

The best thing about games on CBC is that you knew - no matter what! - you would be able to find reception. Maybe fuzzy, bunny-ear reception but at least the game was on. And the CBC had just gotten flashier and the panel had gelled and that music, that gear-up-for-the-game theme music just made Saturday evenings in the fall the best things ever! And it is all going to end! Seriously, I am starting to REALLY hate what the business of broadcasting has done to the enjoyment of sport (ahem NHL - and now this!). That's all I have to say at the moment. Thank goodness I get one more season to ease into it. But Damn!

You can read about the deal here (CBC) and here (CFL) and here (TSN).

"My Boys" Makes the Cut

TBS has released a new series on its schedule called "My Boys". It is about a female sports writer and the group of guys (including her brother) that make up her social circle. The stories are always built around a baseball team (team, free agent, slump) and center on PJ's navigation through the single world. It's like "Sex and the City" with a testosterone twist. And, if you have ever spent ANY time in a buddy cicle of boys, it rings wondefully candid and true. It is a funny and enjoyable slice of entertainment. TBS airs two 1/2 hour episodes back-to-back on Tuesday nights (with replay on Saturdays) so you get a full hour of comedy TV that doesn't drag. The quips are sharp and feel like you are actually hanging out with this team. I admit to being completely addicted. Give it a try out if you are looking for something new on your TV roster. You won't be disappointed.

Nephew Alert

This is my nephew in full-on toddler status during his visit "out west" to see the other side of his family. Apparently the trip went really well. I haven't bee out there in WAY too long. I used to go once a year but I think the last time I visited Dad and Co. was 2002. I just don't have the means to get out there these days. Anyway, looking at Tag, I am getting all excited to see him again for the holidays. Only 5 more sleeps till I fly back to Ontario and then only 3 sleeps till Christmas. I actually have ALL my shopping done and am happy with all my selected gifts. I bought more than I should (since I am "technically" living on credit) but I had a job this year so it was nice to splurge. It is going to be a small Xmas at my brother's new house and I am looking forward to that. Then I have a mad flurry of visits up in Sudbury for 3.5 days before heading back to Trawna for (hopefully) a mellow and conversation-filled NYE with Jodi & Cindy (fingers crossed). In all, I haven't been this stoked for the holidays in a long time. And I get to hug this awesome little nephew of mine. Happy Holidays!

Potential

In the SO true words of Beth...

This one stands on his own.
He's not an X.
He's not a fling.
He's not leaving.
He's not the best friend.

These are all good things. Hmmmmm ....

Celebrity Skin

So, my horoscope this week said I should try to find my celebrity look-a-like and offered up a fun site to do just that. The site references key features in your face and matches them to a celebrity photo in the database. However, the results are not universal - they are photo specific. So when you change your picture, thus potentially changing the prominent elements in your visage, a different match may appear. The matches are also based on the type of celebrity pic in the system. (This explaines why I somehow managed to become a 96% match for Angelina by the end of the day. I always knew I had it in me!) You can see my four closest matches below for four recent pics of myself. And you can find your own celebrity doppelganger here. Have fun!

Bad Wave

I am all over the emotional map this week. I can't explain why but I am riding waves in too many directions and it is annoying. I wish I could figure out how to calm the anxiety. I wish I could push past the inertia. I wish I could fight back the fear. I wish I didn't feel like a crashing mess of WTF? splashing all over the place and going nowhere.

The Fountain -movie review

It has taken me awhile to process this film into anything like coherent comment for my review. I don't know if this difficulty says more about me or the film itself - but I dare anyone to not find The Fountain at least a bit challenging in the comphrension department. On that note, your interest in non-linear visual philosophy will likely determine your enjoyment of the film. That, or your use of some recreational "support".

What is undeniable about The Fountain is that it is visually stunning. As the big-name follow-up to Aronofsky's Requiem for a Dream, Fountain offers up a dreamy and intriguing experience. And this time it is Hugh Jackman and Rachel Weisz in a time-twisting tale of love, life and death.

The film opens with a bald Jackman floating in space, facing hallucinations and talking kindly to a dying tree. I know - it feels exactly like it sounds. Time and place are unknown. Jump to the present where a modern Hugh is obsessed with finding a cure to the brain tumor that plagues his lady love. He is so intent on stopping her death that he is missing out on experiencing life with her before it ends. Weisz's Izzie is writing a book - "The Fountain" - about a conquistador's search for the tree of life (aka = fountain of youth) in South America. He is sent upon this quest by Queen Isabella and a third story begins. From this point the film becomes a collage of images drawn from the three paths flashing back and forth between the incarnations of the characters at various points in their quests.

Finally, the tree is located, the loss is accepted, and the path to everlasting "life" is found. However amid the allusions of life=death and a final fantastical sequence with a Mayan warrior, body-devouring plants and glowing space nebula, The Fountain falters. Its philosophizing is lost in the meandering musings. If you are looking for an outrageous optical diversion it may be exactly what you need. If you are aiming for a straight-forward story (of any kind) then it may be a filmic frustration.

TBS is TV Crack

I have decided that the crack version of TV-cocaine is manifested in TBS. Seriously, this station can ruin your life. It's like it has a couch-potato raygun that paralyzes you the minute you flick on the channel. If you ever have TBS as part of your cable package you will understand this dilemma. Nothing helps you waste time like watching TBS. And you would think that its incredible program repitition would be a negative but it only reinforces its power. Like on those weekends when the same movie plays everyday and you WATCH IT EVERY DAY! You don't mean to, but there is nothing else on. Except TBS. Movies ALL weekend. Entire evenings of one show. NCAA football games. Roadhouse on late night AT LEAST once a month. Really bad advertising for third-rate southern US universities and aluminum-siding. The addiction is a given. I don't even know why I bother fighting it. Oh wait, I don't.

First Date

So I had a first date with a sweet, funny, cute-as-hell guy last night. What can I say? It was so much fun - and that is not just the beer talking. Ok, right, you are not supposed to drink alot on a date - whatever. I think you do what flows for the person you are with and a night at a great watering hole followed by dancing sounds like a perfect time to me. So good times. It is always nice to meet someone new. It is even better to spend time with someone and have that time just flow. To just run through the hours with energy and smiles and laughs. That doesn't mean it will become anything. That doesn't mean it will always be that way. But it was a wonderful way to spend a wintery Friday night! Check it!

LOST

Yeah, I am sometimes late to the TV show bandwagon. And sometimes I just don't find the time to make up the slack. Last spring I watched the Season 1 DVD of "LOST" with my gal Cathy. We LOVED it! We got addicted. But then Season 2 wasn't yet available - in fact the final episodes had not aired! I did my best at staying away from the remainder of Season 2 on TV and then the DVD was released this fall. Sadly, I was WAY to busy to get into it until recently. But I have finally gotten there (again, in time to be behind on Season 3!) and it was great. Not as impressive as the first season but still pretty cool I mean, what the hell is the Dharma initiative? So I will be ready this January when the season starts again. I am onboard with this one. Let's just hope it can keep the goods coming cause I really hate it when a show starts strong and then leverages its popularity to become pointless. Time will tell. Until then, being LOST is fine by me.

And Snow it Begins...

It snowed for the first time today. Big, fat flakes filled the sky and whited-out the world. It was glorious. Everyone in my office stood by the window and watched the tree branches get heavy with fluff. I love snow. And the first snow of the season is always a wondrous experience. It changes the world. It makes it a different place. Of course, tonight that was a wet, chilly, frustating place full of blackouts and gridlock. I got to avoid most of it as I walked home under a black sky still dropping blobs of uniqueness onto my toque. It was great.

My Mom

Today I have to send out Happy Birthday greetings to my Mom. I don't know if she reads this blog (and maybe, considering some of the content, I wouldn't want her to!) but I thought it was important to send out birthday vibes. It also give me the chance to share this old pic of her - she is about 19 - and freak everyone out with how much I look like her. I still do. My mother is an amazing person. Her life was completely different from mine (and that is, admittedly, a challenge to our relationship now) but I am always inspired by her strength, intelligence and generosity. I don't think I have met anyone who knows my mom without feeling some impact from her. She is coming to visit for a week in January - look for the updates then!

Kind Words

So last night I am struggling to get my final paper done. That last minute stress of trying to finish! That feeling of knowing that once you get this ONE thing done you are free (well, almost). But I was stuck. So in a moment of pure panic I sent out a random call for kind words to my messenger contacts in the hopes of restoring my faith in me and spur me on to complete the task. My wonderful responses are below ... thanks you guys for making my life grand. (btw ... paper is done - 9 full pages. I rule!)

you are a lovely friend with an ever amazing collection of footwear! – Justin

you bleep a mean bleep – Matt

you are the smartest person I know. If it wasn't for your support....I never would have passed my last year......everything you write sounds beautiful. that is why I read your blog.......because you write so well! It always amazes me that I know the girl that writes this stuff! - Beth

you can DOOOOOOOOO it .. you DO have more to say! there ARE more ideas to discuss!!!! there's even MORE insight to add! - Nancy

hahaha!!! someting nice..... you have an absolutely amazing talent to put whatever it is that you are thinking into eloquent words. so you will have absolutely no problem getting your paper done... and doing very well on it!!!! - Diane

One Word

Because I am having an absolutely horrible case of the Novembers, I needed a diversion post. Thankfully Kat and Steph offered up this one as good choice.
You.
Can.
Only.
Type.
One.
Word.
No.
Explanations.

1. Yourself: Frustrated
2. Your boyfriend/girlfriend (spouse): Non-Existent
3. Your hair: Messy
4. Your mother: Wonderful
5. Your father: Absent
6. Your Favorite Item: Camera
7. Your dream last night: Homework
8. Your Favorite drink: Rye
9. Your Dream Car: Porsche
10. The room you are in: Basement
11. Your Ex: Inspiring
12. Your fear: Rejection
13. What you want to be in 10 years? Settled
14. Who you hung out with last night? Myself
15. What You're Not? Stress-free
16. Muffins: Tasty
17. One of Your Wish List Items: Love
18. Time: Flying
19. The Last Thing You Did: Sleep
20. What You Are Wearing: Pyjamas
21. Your Favorite Weather: Cool
22. Your Favorite Book: BraveNewWorld
23. The Last Thing You Ate: Popcorn
24. Your Life: Confusing
25. Your Mood: Tired
26. Your best friend: Amazing
27. What are you thinking about right now? School
28. Your car: Reliant
29. What are you doing at the moment? Procrastinating
30. Your summer: Great
31. Your relationship status: Me
32. What is on your TV? DVDs
33. What is the weather like? Chilly
34. When is the last time you laughed? Sunday

Casino Royale -movie review

The new James Bond franchise has arrived with a blue-eyed blond in the title role. That very statement feels counter-intuitive to most Bond fans. And I admit, when Daniel Craig was announced as the next double-O (over my preferred tall & dark Clive Owen) I was not completely sold on the idea. Further, as the previous offering (Die Another Day) was a bloated and gadget-happy endeavour I wasn't very excited for this one. However, repeated exposure to the trailer inspired my interest. And I am happy to report that I can eat my words on all counts!

Casino Royale is an amazing film. It is kinetic, engrossing and sexy as hell! Craig brings a new level of hotness to the franchise built on a physicality that has been missing. He also mixes his magnetism with a playfulness that few women would resist. And the blue eyes? These are showcased to spectacular effect. All of these elements are released in full force from the beginning and don't let up for 2-plus hours.

Based on the first book of the series, Royale is built on a solid Fleming foundation and it shows. The plot is tighter than previous offerings and has been cleanly updated for the new millenium (although an early Cold War quip my M notes the history). This time around, Bond has just earned his OO7 status and is still coming to terms with his license to kill. He is brash, impulsive and aggressive. He is cabapble of running down a target through a construction zone to demolish an embassy. He can jet to the Bahamas and gamble a man out of his car, his wife and his life in under a day. He can (almost) save himself from a heart attack. He can fall madly in love with a dazzling Vesper (Eva Green) and name a drink after her. And he can kick butt with lethal intensity and detachment until the moment when even his butt is exposed. And all of it is done with style. And by the time the Bond theme is playing over the credits you cannot help but be converted to this new brand of Bond.

All I Want for Christmas...

Another holidy season is fast approaching. This year I've realized that there are not many things that I want this year. I know I don't NEED anything so it makes this least seem materialistic and selfish but I can't help it. So, I have constructed the following list of little wants for this year. The list is highly populated with DVDs - cause really? - I need the distraction form than anything else sometimes.

Things carried over from last year...
- a memory key
- a Herb Ritts "Supermodels" poster print
- subscriptions to "The Economist" & "Harvard Business Review"
- a pair of black leather gloves (6.5/7)
- ORIGINAL TRILOGY Star Wars Monopoly
- any book by John Ralston Saul

New Requests...
- a craft cutting board about 11X14 (they are green)
- a big, beautiful ATLAS of the world

Things on DVD...
- Toy Story
- Out of Sight, The Usual Suspects, Fight Club (special edition), Heat
- Season 5 of "Angel"
- Seasons of "Coupling"
- Seasons of "Arrested Development"
- Seasons of "Futurama"
- Seasons of "Felicity"

Things loved anytime...
- massages, pedicures and facials
- box(es) of After Eight chocolates
- Winners, Old Navy, Reitmans Gift Certificates
- Hugs and Love
- Good health for my family and friends

... 2005 ...

Men and Women Friends

Harry Burns: You realize of course that we could never be friends.
Sally Albright: Why not?
Harry Burns: What I'm saying is - and this is not a come-on in any way, shape or form - is that men and women can't be friends because the sex part always gets in the way.
Sally Albright: That's not true. I have a number of men friends and there is no sex involved.
Harry Burns: No you don't.
Sally Albright: Yes I do.
Harry Burns: No you don't.
Sally Albright: Yes I do.
Harry Burns: You only think you do.
Sally Albright: You say I'm having sex with these men without my knowledge?
Harry Burns: No, what I'm saying is they all WANT to have sex with you.
Sally Albright: They do not.
Harry Burns: Do too.
Sally Albright: They do not.
Harry Burns: Do too.
Sally Albright: How do you know?
Harry Burns: Because no man can be friends with a woman that he finds attractive. He always wants to have sex with her.
Sally Albright: So, you're saying that a man can be friends with a woman he finds unattractive?
Harry Burns: No. You pretty much want to nail 'em too.
Sally Albright: What if THEY don't want to have sex with YOU?
Harry Burns: Doesn't matter because the sex thing is already out there so the friendship is ultimately doomed and that is the end of the story.
Sally Albright: Well, I guess we're not going to be friends then.
Harry Burns: I guess not.
Sally Albright: That's too bad. You were the only person I knew in New York.

It has been 17 years since Harry told Sally this "truth". Has anything changed? I would have to say yes and no. Throughout my life I have had some wonderful guy friends (my recent crew topping the list). However, I must admit a consistent theme of platonic-plus episodes along the way. So I think my mental jury is still out on Harry's generalization. But it is still one of the greatest exchanges in romantic comedy history.

Another Grey Down

Grey Cup has come and gone again. Thanks to Ash another fantastic BBQ & drinkfest out on the Shore Road. Admittedly, I was in much worse shape this year than last. I know from the pictures I took that much tasty food was served but I never got around to enjoying it (in spite of Sean's suggestions!) Rather I limited myself to a steady diet of rye and coke. I never seem to learn. Upon inspection the morning after, Ash and I could not really believe how much rye we managed to consume. Still, we had an obligation to give it all to the Grey Cup drinking game and that we did! In the end, it was another great year with great people. So cheers on that!

Oh yeah - the game ... not too bad. Although you gotta hate McCallum for making it essentially a field goal match (and for being the cause of MOST of the drinking!) And although I had been assigned Montreal, I am rather pleased that the Lions managed to win this one. Dickenson finally gets his due. And now that the season is over - I may finally get around to being productive on the weekends!
... Grey Cup 2005 ...

The East East Coast

I spent two days in Newfoundland this weekend. Thanks to may ever-amazing job, I was sent back to the Rock to do some training with our field staff there. This part of my work has become one of my favourite things and it has allowed me to see more of the Atlantic provinces then I would ever have imagined in a short time.

This time around I was on the east side of the island in the capital city of St. John's. First off, I have say how GREAT that city happens to be. It is small and quaint and busy and lively. All of the houses run in coloured rows right up to the street - no yards. The streets twist and connect with complete randomness. The restaurants are great and George street is quite the piece of real estate. (Sadly, I missed my opportunity it get "screeched in" as MUN pub crawls were keeping the taverns busy! - oh well, next visit.)

My favourite part of the trip my visit to Cape Spear this afternoon. On a clear, sunny, unseasonably warm (20 degrees!) November day I got to hang out on Canada's most eastern point. Thanks to a wind that could almost lift you off the ground, the view was gorgeous. The waves slammed into the point. The sun glowed above the lighthouse. There was a moment when I was completely alone and it was amazing

Angelina Jolie's Deformity

OK - I have found it! I have found the "flaw" in Angelina Jolie's body. Yes, you read it here - a FLAW! It is a little thing that can only be revealed when you strip away the trappings of celebrity presentation. Now don't get me wrong. I did not go looking for a blemish on Ms. Jolie. I, like almost every other warm-blooded person on the planet, happen to think she is beyond beautiful. Even more so when just being her "casual" self. But she is not perfect. She has ... are you ready for it? ... Hammer Toes!

This is when you go - What the hell are Hammer Toes?
Well, they are a product of the very stylishness that Angelina has mastered. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons ... "A hammer toe is a deformity of the second, third or fourth toes. In this condition, the toe is bent at the middle joint, so that it resembles a hammer." High heels are the common culprit in creating hammer toes for women. And as evidenced above, Angelina has a text book case.

"If the toe is bent and held in one position long enough, the muscles tighten and cannot stretch out. A higher heel forces the foot down and squishes the toes against the shoe, increasing the pressure and the bend in the toe. Eventually, the toe muscles become unable to straighten the toe, even when there is no confining shoe." As she may look extremely lovely in her T-shirt & jeans you can notice that her toes are not as relaxed. They are stuck, bent, deformed. Not a major concern, to be sure, but a small balancing point in the cosmic scales of beauty distribution nonetheless.

Lest We Forget

I was listening to the radio yesterday morning and there was a four-question quiz about Canada's war history. The four questions are:

1 - Which of the following are Canadian War heroes:
Billy Bishop
Ulysses Grant
Arthur Currie
Douglas Macarthur

2 - John McCrae wrote a poem that has become the definitive WWI memorial - what is it called?

3 - Canada's first major victory in WWI took place on what ridge?

4 - What war was instrumental in changing the roles of women and moving towards womens' right to vote?

Apparantly, 60% of Canadians (and the numbers are higher for young Canadians) fail this quiz. That is really sad and it makes me wonder about the state of Remembrance in our country. For my generation the link is clear through our grandparents. But how is sacrifice remembered for those new generations that do not have a living familial connection to the events? It is a challenge.

That is why I am very impressed with the current Remembrance Day notice put together by the Canadian government for this year. I saw it for the first time on TV last weekend and I knew I wanted to grab a copy for today's blog. Take a moment of silence today and watch it below.

Quiz Answers: 1 - Billy Bishop & Arthur Currie ... 2 - In Flanders Fields ... 3 - Vimy Ridge ... 4 - World War One (BTW - I got 100%!)

Down Came the Rain

Crazy weather out here on the east coast. We got almost 50mm of rain in the last 24 hrs (I know - it was crazier in Vancouver). Still, today I sat in my grey-lighted office with the rain whipping against the windows. It just kept coming. And the swirling rivers of fallen leaves were racing to the gutters and clogging up the drains and flooding the intersections. It was SO wet - everywhere. And the wind bent my umbrella and made it all crappy and useless. But it was so warm. It is November and the temperature was 13 degrees! So I thought I would post another fun quiz in honour of the weather (because that is what I do when I have nothing better to write!) and it seems it is my kind of atmosphere afterall.

You Are Lightning

Beautiful yet dangerous People will stop and watch you when you appear Even though you're capable of random violence You are best known for: your power Your dominant state: performing

What Type of Weather Are You?

Dear Stampeders...

I don't want to pretend to say "It's OK - we will get them next year". That is what I said LAST year when you put on a good fight in the second half of the season and got to the semi-finals.

This year you were great from the start. You came out strong. You seemed to have a plan. You were confident. You lost as many games as you won, it's true, but you had climbed out of the loser ditch where you had been dwelling these last few years. You had succeeded in beating those Riders twice before to take the regular season series. You had clinched second place in the west and a home field advantage for this game. You even banned the Gopher - lest his fuzzy voodoo taint the field. And look what you have done. You collapsed. Again.

With your six turnovers and two interceptions and missed field goal you lost. You took your SIXTEEN point lead and lost. Again. Repeat performances of this kind are not impressive. They are sad. They are frustrating. And, considering your start to the game and the stakes of its result - they are NOT SUPPOSED TO HAPPEN! I cannot possibly understand what happened. I saw what happened but it is too pathetic to accept as real football.

Next week, as I watch Saskatchewan take your place against BC I will have a heavy heart. It was going to be our year. I really believed it was. I had all the faith I could muster in you this year and you let me down. My only consolation is now I don't have to buy the beer for Grey Cup. But I won't have any cheer either.

See you next season.
- Raye

Black Light on the Back Nine

One of the worst things about working in a tight-knit office is when one of the team members leaves. Last night we had a goodbye event for another departing friend. The activity on the menu was day-glo mini golf and it was fabulous.

I am a total fan of mini golf but I had never been to this place. It was so cool. And as I fell farther behind in the scoring, I turned by attention to taking fun photos of my friends in the black light environments. Some resutls above. So sad to see Janet go - but cheers to her for such a great evening of electric enjoyment.