A Passage to an Adage...

April Fools?

2007-04-01T12:43:00.000-07:00

"Does the passage remain open?" you might ask, or is this the death of another blog? Is anyone still there?

Wow...2007!

2007-01-12T13:17:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! Please forgive me, eager readers, for losing track of time. It seems I was swept away in the "yule-tide" and only lasted six days into advent. My new year's resolution will be to double my posts from last year, so you can look forward to 12 days of advent this coming Christmas. Hooray! I'll be back....

Day 6

2006-12-06T22:11:00.000-08:00

"This Jesus of Nazareth, without money and arms conquered more millions than Alexander, Caesar, Mohammed, and Napoleon."
- Phillip Schaff

Do not be afraid; for see - I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people.

- Luke 2:10

Day 5

2006-12-05T22:31:00.000-08:00

Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God saying:

"Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel."

- Luke 2:25-32

I don't know if this is story would be considered a part of advent as it is celebrated tradtionally (being that it occurs eight days after the birth of Jesus) but I love Simeon's story. I often think of what it must have been like for that old man and faithful servant of God to, at the end of his own life, bear witness with his own eyes, the Christ child...the salvation of the world. What a hope and peace he must have found in that moment.

Day 4

2006-12-04T22:21:00.000-08:00

Today, I learned that the color of advent is "purple." This is the color of pentinence and fasting as well as the color of royalty to welcome the advent of the king. Purple is still used in catholic churches and is also the color of suffering used during lent. This points to the important connection between Jesus' birth and death and the purpose of Jesus coming into the world (the word became flesh).

Day 3

2006-12-03T14:10:00.000-08:00

You shall call His name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.

- Matt 1:21

What does this name hold for you? Many curse this name not knowing the person of Christ, who's name has been lifted above all names, at whose name every knee will one day bow. May the name of Jesus be glorified by those who love Him today until the day when every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

Day 2

2006-12-02T21:34:00.000-08:00

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 1:14

Send a message to the tribes of all nations
Jesus Christ is the light of hope for their salvation
Rise up O children of the living God
above the pain and suffering
and shine the light of love
Time passes by
it flickers like a fading light
Jesus knocks upon the door
waiting for his bride to arise.

Timothy

Advent-tagious!

2006-12-01T16:17:00.000-08:00

Adventus is the Latin word for "coming", and is the exact Latin equivalent for the Greek word parousia, commonly used in reference to the Second Coming. Thus the season of Advent serves a dual reminder of the original waiting that was done by the Hebrews for the birth of their Messiah as well as the waiting that Christians today endure as they await the second coming of Jesus the Christ.

I have never really observed advent in a traditional sense, so I have decided to incorporate "advent" into my blogging.

Day 1

In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.

John 1:1-5

Jesus Christ, eternal. 'Logos' which is the governing power behind all things. Jesus created everything that is, and later came to dwell among His creation. What a beginning to the most amazing love story ever told.

A Thought For Today.

2006-10-18T01:30:00.000-07:00

I do not know what tomorrow holds
yet I know you hold tomorrow.
You will be with me then
as you are with me today.
Present, as you have always been.
Faithful and unchanging
Steadfast and unwavering.
Of whom or what shall I be afraid?
You have given me today.

Timothy

A Reflection of the Past?

2006-10-12T22:23:00.000-07:00

The Oilers rekindled memories of the "Dyansty Years" by scoring 5 straight goals to come back from a 4-1 defecit against San Jose Sharks and beat them 6-4. Not only that but Ryan Smyth eclipsed one of the Great One's records by scoring 3 goals in a span of 2:01 (two minutes and one second). The record held by Gretzky for fastest 3 goals in Oiler silks (3 goals in 2:18) was a long standing and seemingly untouchable feat, but then again, this game was seemingly out of reach too. Look out NHL! The Oilers are a scoring machine once again.

Oilers Open Their Season With A Win!

2006-10-05T22:12:00.000-07:00

Is there anything sweeter than opening the new 2007 NHL Season than a win? Yes. It's opening the new 2007 NHL Season with a win against the Flames. Woot! The banner for Western Conference Champions was raised in commemeration of last years amazing playoff run that fell a game short of a 6th Stanley Cup. This season the Oilers need to go back and finish what they started. Bring the Cup Home! You heard it here first. Sykora will score 50 goals and Hemsky will put up 90+ points. Go Oilers!

At the end of the day....

2006-10-01T17:57:00.000-07:00

What is it about a sunset
that brings calm at the end of a restless day?
resting golden laurels on surrounding clouds
as they slowly pass by in quiet awe of the settling radiance
and warmth gracing their cotton candy masses,
setting the horizon afire,
the sun stretches out in a mighty and brilliant yawn
and gently pushes the peaceful azure of the sky to the edges of it's
glossy finish
and bids this day farewell for now.
God speaks volumes to this heart, this very soul of mine
through the silent wonder of His creation
The Son has risen.
The Son will surely rise again.

Norn Iron Does It Again!

2006-09-06T15:54:00.000-07:00

Northern Ireland 3 Spain 2

Almost a year to the day when Northern Ireland beat a heavily favoured England 1-0 in a friendly (Sept 7/05), they have put another feather in thier cap with a 3-2 win over another footballing giant in Spain during a qualifying match for Euro '08 today. David Healy turned in an electrifying performance with the 'trick! Well done lads! Another memorable victory for the green and white.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/internationals/5321964.stm

Who Can Know The Heart?

2006-08-14T11:28:00.000-07:00

My flesh and my heart may fail,

but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

Psalms 73:26

Happy 5th Birthday Ben!

2006-08-08T22:07:00.000-07:00

best wishes l'il buddy!

-Uncle T

Neigh, A Horse!

2006-07-20T12:52:00.000-07:00

Well. To all those adoring fans that read this blog and to the multitudes that remain anxiously perched on the edge of their seats awaiting the next epic installment...I apologize that it has been so long since my last revelations. My intentions have always been positive since I set up in this small, personal corner on world wide web, yet many great thoughts and ideas never quite made it to fruition here. Hopefully that will change...someday! I was out with a friend yesterday getting lost in Elk Island (and surrounding area) when we happened across an historical Ukranian village just off highway 16. It was interesting to see how they lived in the early 1900's. My friend Michal, frustrated with having to drive around in a Ford Taurus (loan car) for the past two weeks while her own car is being fixed up, tried to boost a classic 1930's Ford but she was unsuccessful in the attempt (no coat hangers were handy in the ukranian village of yore!). We wandered up to a field were a couple of horses were hanging out and after spending a few minutes there in their presence the thought occured to me "these horses have the easy life." I then thought, in that moment, how i'd love to be one of those horses, chewin' the cud, shooting the breeze....my only worries in life being those pesky flies always buzzing around and staying cool under a hot sun. Yep. I think i'd make a dandy horse...I already enjoy apples and carrots! Unfortunately, this aspiring horse has to put some thought to publishing another blog entry...i'll be back...i'm just going to go out and enjoy the sun...maybe practice my "galloping."

Happy Canada Day!

2006-07-01T21:39:00.000-07:00

July 1, 1986. 20 years ago today, I became a canadian citizen. Seems like a long time after reading over that last sentence, and yet, I don't feel that far removed from the memory of those first years I spent in Canada as a young boy. I remember loving the fact that school uniforms were not required. No shirts with collars. No ties!! I loved the casual approach appropriated by the Public School system in Canada....a place were the sky seemed "big" and neverending. Anything and everything seemed possible out here and grew the imagination of a scrappy yet quiet little irish kid. Soccer was my game and I played with a passion, but I soon was exposed to the national sport of ice hockey and was wowed. Of course, it was a treat growing up in Edmonton in the '80's and being introduced to the coolest game on earth by guys like Gretzky, Messier, Coffee, Fuhr, and so on, sealing my fate as a life long fan! Go Oilers Go! Seeing the Rocky Mountains for the first time is an experience I will never forget and the start of a love for the outdoors that continues to grow to this very day. Majestic is a word that always comes to mind as I think back on those experiences and i've never felt closer to my creator than when I am amidst those mighty mountains. The one thing that holds the greatest appeal for me personally is the culture and diversity that I discovered while living in Canada. I have met so many great and interesting people along the way and i'm a better person because of it. So...thanks Canada! You know who you are ;)

Images from Northern Ireland

2006-06-25T21:15:00.000-07:00

A Salute To The Oilers!

2006-06-19T21:51:00.000-07:00

A disappointing end to the season without a doubt. The Oilers were one win away from claiming hockey's holy grail but fell short in Carolina. That being said, the Oilers or their fans need not hang their heads because it was a great and unbelievable run in the playoffs. This team exceeded all expectations and gave us all something to cheer for. Kudos to the Oilers and the fans for a great season and proving that anything is possible! Cheers.

Stanley Is In The House!

2006-06-19T15:30:00.000-07:00

Lets Go Oilers! Bring The Cup Home!

In the Mix...

2006-06-18T20:28:00.000-07:00

Steady, As She Goes - The Raconteurs

Runaway Train - Soul Asylum

Slow Cheetah - Red Hot Chili Peppers

Pull - Blind Melon

How To Save A Life - The Fray

Ambulance - Pilate

Hands Open - Snow Patrol

Vision Valley - The Vines

We'll Meet Again - Johnny Cash

I Grieve - Peter Gabriel

Will The Future Blame Us - Our Lady Peace

Soulfire - 12 Stones

Light My Way - Audio Slave

December - Colletive Soul

Off He Goes - Pearl Jam

Sway - The Perishers

Game 6 = Oiler Domination!

2006-06-17T21:37:00.000-07:00

Game 7 is a reality!

From the goaltender to the defence to the forwards, this Edmonton Oilers team dominated game 6 from beginning to end. You have to wonder about this being a team of destiny. Heart, determination and a blue collar working attitude has so far secured them an 8th and final playoff spot, a first round upset over the best team in the NHL regular season, a second round comeback versus the Sharks after being two games down from the outset, battling flu in the Western Conference Finals and then onto the Stanley Cup Finals. Lost their starting Goalie in game one and then lost the game. Shut out in game two. Squeked out a win in game 3. Lose a close game 4. Win a 'barn-burner' short handed in OT in game 5 and continue with that momentum into tonights game by outplaying the 'canes in every aspect of the game. This sets up one heck of a matchup for game 7 and the Oilers are seemingly turning the tables on their opponents. Time to bring Lord Stanley's mug back home where it belongs. It's been too long. Go Oilers Go!

No Words Required!

2006-06-15T20:20:00.000-07:00

Still Alive...

2006-06-11T09:12:00.000-07:00

A hard fought 2-1 win last night kept the Oilers alive in the Stanley Cup Finals. Our best players played liked our best players and were the difference in the game. The Juice proved he could take over where Roli left off and had an outstanding game, giving his team every chance to win. Smyth capitalized late in the third with one of his prototypical goals while crashing the net. Hemsky had a pair of assists and made the Canes nervous every time he touched the puck. An assist also goes to the fans who were at Rexall who nearly blew the roof off the building with the noise they generated. Bring on game 4!

Bestest in the West!

2006-05-27T22:26:00.000-07:00

Well...i've just arrived home from "home" in time to see the Oilers become the Western Conference Champs booking a ticket to the Stanley Cup Finals. Sweet! Stanley has been away from Edmonton for too long. Time to make a comeback! Lets go Oil! Oh...Ireland was a blast. I'll post pics soon.

Going Green!

2006-05-10T08:42:00.000-07:00

Well, i'm returning to the "green" for a couple of weeks tomorrow. I'm really looking forward to being by the ocean again. I'll make sure i'm blogged on again when I get back and let you all know how it went. Cheerio!

Gone

No more upset mornings

No more trying evenings

This american dream I am disbelieving.

When the gas in my tank feels like money in the bank

I'm going to blow it all this time, take me one last ride.

The lights of the city, they only look good when i'm speeding

I wanna leave them all behind me because this time i'm gone

Gone, going for it all this time, gone.

In the far off distance

As my taillights fade

No one to witness but they will someday

Feel like a question is forming

And the answers

I will be what I could be

Once I get out of this town.

The lights of this city

They've lost all of their feeling

I wanna leave em all behind me because this time i'm gone

Gone, going for it all, this time i'm gone

Nothing is everything

I'll have it all

If nothing is everything then I will have it all.

I'm gone.

(Written by Ed Vedder, Pearl Jam)

Giant Slayers!

2006-05-01T22:08:00.000-07:00

Amazing! I had the opportunity to attend my first NHL playoff game, and a pivotal game in the series, with the Oiler's having the opportunity to upset the #1 seeded Detroit Red Wings, owners of the Presidents Trophy (best team in the NHL regular season). Edmonton's theme for these playoffs was "Get Electric" and WOW, was that building ever electirc tonight! I've been to many a regular season game but have never experienced the intensity and energy created by the fans in Rexal Place tonight. From ten minutes prior to the puck drop and the start of the game the place was jumpin' and LOUD! How loud was it, you ask? One anouncer on the radio likened it to standing next to the engines of a 747! It was so loud it drowned out the anouncer on the loud speakers and made his voice sound like a whisper! The actual game was an emotional roller coaster. The first period the Oil came out strong outshooting the Wings and playing physical. The second period was completely awful with the Oil continuously turning over the puck all over the ice and taking penalties. The Wings capitalized on the Powerplay and the Oil escaped the period down 2-0 (it easily could have been 5-0). Then the third period arrived and Oh Boy, I haven't witnessed a more exicting 20 minutes of hockey in my life. The Oilers came out and played like they were possessed with Pisani bringing them within a goal on his first of the game and a PP marker. Pisani then scored the tying "highlight reel" goal and the place went nuts. "I haven't seen anything like that," said Edmonton goalie Dwayne Roloson."The place erupted. It was unbelievable." The Wings then pulled ahead 3-2 and the place went quiet for about 30 seconds. After that the Oil continued to press and forced the Wings to take a penalty. On the ensuing powerplay Hemsky tied it up on a goal that went upstairs to be reviewed. After a few minutes the goal stood and the place went crazzzy again. I was elated and thinking to myself that this game was destined for OT, when, with just over a minute left in regulation the Oil were in the offensive zone. At this point everything seemed to go into slow motion and the puck was on Samsonov's stick. I saw him driving to the net and a caught a glimpse of Hemsky out of the corner of my eye cruising to the front of the net and I knew a split second before, that it was going in the back of the net. It was the "give and go" and Hemsky burried the puck behind a helpless Manny Legace. Clutch! It won the game and clinched the series 4-2. I'm sure the roaring chants of "Manny...Manny...Manny" directed at Legace didn't help his confidence. Overall, a great game and an amazing experience.

One more thing. To all you poolies (and supposed Oiler fans) who selected Red Wings to your fantasy team thinking they were going to go all the way....Bwaaahahahahaa! RazzzzZzzzZzzzZ!

Oil Slick In Win At The Joe!

2006-04-29T22:08:00.000-07:00

Edmonton are one win away from the biggest upset in the '06 playoffs after frustrating the Wings once again in their own building with a 3-2 vicotry and establishing a 3-2 series lead! Bring on Game 6! woot.

Edmonton Takes Series Lead At Home!

2006-04-26T09:29:00.000-07:00

Jarret Stoll won game three last night with a goal in double overtime and the Oil take a 2-1 lead in the series. There was lots of drama in this game. Edmonton did blow a two goal lead late in the third which forced OT, and then there was Detroit's "no goal" which actually went in under the side of the net when Roloson bumped it backing up in the first OT. They finally rediscovered their offence in the second over-time and it came at the right time!

Oilers Get The Split!

2006-04-23T12:48:00.000-07:00

The Oil played a solid game 2 and leave Detroit with the series tied 1-1. Pronger and Peca, our two big off season aquisitions, were the difference in the game playing great at both ends of the ice. Game 3 here in Edmonton is going to be huge! Woot!

Road to Secana

2006-04-18T09:47:00.000-07:00

The Andes - Bolivia

2006-04-16T16:20:00.000-07:00

Switchbacks in the Andes are quite an experience to drive, compared to the nice paved roads we have in the Rockies

One of many villages scattered across the Andes.

Reflections of Bolivia

2006-04-15T20:28:00.000-07:00

It was a year ago today when I began a 16 day journey through Bolivia as part of a missions team who's goal was to deliver 600 pre-tuned, solar powered radios to remote villages in the Andes and then down in the jungle. Over these next sixteen days I will be sharing some of my favourite pictures along with some stories as I reflect on my time in Bolivia last April. The picture above was taken as we returned from a village called Secana which was a 5 hour hike down a dried up river bed(the only access to the village, in season). This, after 11 hours of travelling on some rough roads through the mighty Andes the day before. We took a number of radio's out to the people there. Many people had gathered there from surrounding areas, some walking for as many as 2 days just to receive a free radio. We were able to show the Jesus movie(in their native quechuen language) because a few local men helped carry a 60lb generator on their backs for that five hour trek to the village. They took turns carrying this thing on their backs, and they weren't big men, but they were strong and always had a smile on their faces. I hadn't realised this group of men until we were returning from Secana. After some banter, joking and a few laughs they relented and allowed me to carry the load for a leg of the journey. It wasn't an easy task and it was made even more challenging under the heat of the sun there. Of course, in the spirit of competition I had to race the donkey! Everytime I look at this pic it reminds me of one of my favourite passages in scripture, Matthew 11:28-30.

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden light.
Matthew 11:28-30

Oilers Clinch Playoff Berth!

2006-04-13T22:25:00.000-07:00

Woot! So today wasn't a completely awful day. The Oilers beat the Ducks on a huge late goal from Hemsky and San Jose did us a favour by eliminating the Canucks! Bring on the Red Wings! We've got playoff hockey coming.

Dude! You Stole My Wallet.

2006-04-13T17:23:00.000-07:00

So, today I experienced the misfortune of having my wallet stolen while at the gym. Some dude actually had the tools to cut the lock off the locker I was using, so i'm thinking he wasn't there for a swim. The thing that bothers me most is the inconvenience this causes. It had to be reported, then I had to cancel credit cards, set up precautions in case they try to use my ID by calling creditors, file a police report and replace all my ID. To add insult to injury, my poor brother decided to tag along today, share my locker, and have his wallet stolen as well. Yar!

Dear Mr. Thief,

Thanks so much for the inconvenience you caused me and my bro today. I'm sure you were stoked to load up a cart with $500 worth of goodies at Zellers and looked forward to charging it on my credit card. Oh, sorry that the transaction didn't go through! I neglected to leave you sufficient funds as I paid for my vacation a short time ago and ended up close to my credit limit. But hey, God's grace is still evident in our situation, so let us both be thankful. You didn't take my car keys and other belongings and I didn't catch you! Grace to you. Maybe catch ya next time dude.

The Timinator ;)

Rollin' Up On Da East Side!

2006-04-07T15:08:00.000-07:00

Although I have no pictorial evidence, or any evidence as a matter of fact, I finally found a winning Timmy's cup while in Ottawa last week. I rolled up the rim and was informed I was the winner of a coffee...and in two different languages to boot! Maybe it's a sign....... :)

In the Mix...

2006-04-07T14:47:00.000-07:00

Shelter - Bedouin Soundclash
Unemployable - Pearl Jam
Right Here - Staind
Personal Jesus - Johnny Cash
Lord Raise Me Up - Matisyahu
Intergalactic - Beastie Boys
Passenger Seat - Death Cab For Cutie
Follow Me - Finley Quaye
Rusty Cage - Soundgarden
Novio - Moby
I Believe In Miracles - Pearl Jam(live)
Turn My Head - Live
Comin' Home - City and Colour
About A Girl - Nirvana(acoustic demo)
Neighborhood #1(Tunnels) - Arcade Fire
Wondering Where The Lions Are - Steve Bell
Pain Lies On The Riverside - Live
Drive Away - Ocean Colour Scene
By The Way - Red Hot Chili Peppers
Testify - RATM

Street Level Conference 2006 - Ottawa

2006-04-06T11:13:00.000-07:00

"Where there is no vision the people perish."

It was a great experience for me to travel to Ottawa and have the opportunity to meet so many people with "vision" at the Street Level Conference, for without their visions in action, the poor, the marginalized, and the homeless would surely perish on the streets of our nation. For myself, the conference was not about numbers and statistics but rather about people, their personal stories and experiences. Everyone who works at street level has a story to tell and there is no greater advocacy for those who live on our streets than to tell their stories, to give names to the faces rather than have them seen as just another statistic.

The theme of the conference was "Truthtellers and Peacemakers" which was a call, an invitation, a vision for who and how we want to be as we address the overwhelming issues, symptoms and root causes of homelessness, in small towns and cities across Canada.

This was a time of listening, reflecting, learning and growing which will hopefully lead to investing in and encouraging those with whom I work with and have built relationships with at "street level."

Feed the hungry and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as day. The LORD will guide you continually, watering your life when you are dry and keeping you healthy, too. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring. Your children will rebuild the deserted walls of your cities. Then you will be known as the people who rebuild their walls and cities.

Isaiah 58:10-12

Rimmin' out!

2006-03-23T18:14:00.000-08:00

RRROLL UP THE RIM TO.....PLEASE PLAY AGAIN!

This is the slogan Tim Horton's should be running because it is, mathmatically speaking(and math isn't a strength of mine), the likeliest outcome when you buy your coffee and inevitably roll up the rim to....LOSE! I must admit, when the 'roll up the rim to win' event first arrived on the scene I was always full of hope and coincidently caffeine in my endevours to find a prize awaitng me under those teasing rims. Alas, my endevours have turned up nothing but three fateful words. "Please." "Play." "Again." They invoke a special sense of ire in me each time I read them. At one time I would see one word first like "Please" and for a second i'd hoped it might be the beginning of some new string of words, for example, "Please Pick Up Your New Plasma TV", or "Please Collect Your Cash Prize." Sadly, that was all just wishful thinking. Now, in protest, I will be buying my coffee and in shear spite will throw away the cup when i'm done, without rolling up another rim until this contest has once again gone into remission! Ha! I could always protest by not purchasing coffee from Tim Horton's but....No!

Happy St.Paddy's Day!

2006-03-17T08:42:00.000-08:00

3 cheers for potatoes, bare-knuckle boxing, Guiness, U2 and of course....pink hearts, yellow moons, orange stars, green clovers, blue diamonds & purple horseshoes!(their magically delicious).

Go green or go home!

Spare change sir? ma'am?

2006-03-10T22:17:00.000-08:00

I've seen a few great signs displayed by pan handlers in the past, but this picture displays the first sign that has made me laugh out loud. It reads "Ninja's killed my family - Need money for kung fu lessons." Classic!

In other related news: Happy Birthday to Chuck Norris who is 66 today.

Ales in Wonderland!

2006-03-03T23:10:00.000-08:00

Ales Hemsky was a game breaker tonight, capping an exciting five goal third period between the Sharks and Oilers with an amazing high speed dangle leaving San Jose's defense with their heads spinning and goalie Toskala shaking his as he retrieved the puck from the back of his net. I had the good fortune to be at the game with a perfect view of the winning goal from section 232, and the place erupted! It was most definately one of the highlight goals of the year. Kudos to Ty Conklin, who has returned from goaltenders 'no man's land' to help keep the Oil in this game late with some key saves. All in all it was a good night. I got a chance to see one of my favorite players, Joe Thornton, live for the first time, Hemsky scored the winner, and team Whiplash faired pretty well in my hockey pool thanks to both of them!

A-musing into Prose!

2006-02-27T23:00:00.000-08:00

Inspired by my recent rant "Based on a true story."

I heard that....(loosely based on actual facts)

insomniacs can cross time zones unaffected.
a tomato is akin to an apple yet the carrot is a better match.
if the sky falls here Australia needn't worry.
"seeing red" directly related to "feeling blue."
names inscribed on sticks and stones are causing hurt while breaking bones.
chocolate mice tend to run under a hot sun.
I can play piano perfectly in my head.

Based on a true story?

2006-02-27T11:33:00.000-08:00

Max Baer
I've never really given thought to Hollywood's use of "Based on a true story" until I saw Cinderella Man for the first time the other day. Cinderella Man was the retelling of a story from the Great Depression era, inspired by the life of light-heavyweight boxer James J. Braddock and his amazing comeback from a floundering career. The depiction of his character, though quite accurate with the historical Braddock, is not the reason for this rant. Instead it is the way in which the character of Max Baer, who was the current heavyweight champ and Braddock's biggest challenge in the movie, was portrayed by hollywood writers and film maker Ron Howard. Max Baer, as depicted in the movie was a heavy hitter which was accurate, but was villified in the portrayal of the outcome of a fight that saw him kill fellow boxer Frankie Campbell in the ring in San Francisco, 1930. Campbell was knocked out and never regained consciousness, later dying at hospital from brain hemorrages from the devastating blows he's received from Baer. The movie depicts Baer as someone who was 'cold blooded' and proud that he had taken the life of another man in the ring, with the character often boasting about what he had done and using it to stir fear in his opponents. This is were the depiction in the film and the historical go in two seperate directions. The movie created a monster. The historical Max Baer was very different. In reality, this event would profoundly affect and haunt Baer for the rest of his life. He was charged with man slaughter but was eventually aquitted of all charges. He gave purses from succeeding bouts to Campbell's family and went on to put Campbell's children through college. Something the character portrayed in the movie wouldn't be capable of. I will most definately be sitting up and taking notice of Hollywood's next installment of their "true stories." Their version of the truth is very interesting. Picture this:

Star Wars

Episode IV: A New Hope

Once upon a time in a galaxy far, far away

(loosely based on real events....)

blah blah blah

Forward thinking...

2006-02-24T19:27:00.000-08:00

I'm an observer. I like to watch life, but I don't like to watch life go by. I'm someone who enjoys living in the moment, thriving on the spontaneous and trying to figure out the sublteties and mysteries of life from one minute/hour/day to the next. When I think of the future I think mostly about the potential held in the next 7 days. Anything beyond the next week loses stature and importance in my minds eye. Don't get me wrong! I have my hopes and dreams, my plans and goals, and there are many things that i'd like to acheive that could potentially take years to realise or see come into fruition. BUT. ...and that's a big 'but' people! I don't like to waste time worrying about it. Do I worry? Of course I do. I find though that, in my own experience, worry always takes and it never gives back. I see a lot of people who invest so much of themselves in 'tomorrow' that they can't find time for today and what it holds.

Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Matt 6:26
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of it's own. Matt 6:34

So, what, you ask is a good alternative to worrying? I'd say the best alternative and probable cure to the 'worries' is prayer. I defiantely am someone who needs to practice what I preach, yet everytime I take a care or concern to prayer (which I don't do often enough) rather than fret about it, any challenge or obstacle in life doesn't seem so daunting or overwhelming.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:6,7

I think if 'worry' could be packaged and sold you would probably find a warning regarding the potential side affects. It might look something like this:

Warning: Any use of this product may result in you feeling one or all of the following symptoms: Shortness of breath, heart palpitations, cold sweats, headaches, nausea, insomnia, tics, and possibly diarrhoea.

Don't worry, be happy!

A Thought Provoking Quote...

2006-02-18T10:55:00.000-08:00

"Everybody is doing the best they can with the knowledge they have and there is always room for change when something new is added in."

Canada Rocks!

2006-02-17T16:49:00.000-08:00

Congrats to the canadian Olympic team on another big day in Torino, which included Gold and Silver medals in the Skeleton!

Oh Canada!

2006-02-16T18:44:00.000-08:00

Congrats to the canadians over in Torino who doubled Canada's medal count today. 2 silver in long track speedskating with both the men's and women's teams finishing on the podium in the pursuit event. 2 bronze medals were also captured. One in the woman's skeleton and the other in men's figure skating. Alberta is being well represented amoung the medal winners! The highlight of the day for me was, of course, watching some olympic hockey as the men's team secured their second victory of the games with a 5-1 win over Germany. To be fair to team Germany, Olie Kolzig wasn't in net and the team was missing the services of two of their better forwards in Jochen Hecht and Marco Sturm due to injury. It's going to be a tough test for Canada facing the Finns and Czechs in their next games.

In the mix...

2006-02-16T17:20:00.000-08:00

I realise that a lot of you must be losing sleep wondering what tunes have been keeping my i-pod warm recently. So, here's my top 25 'most played' - get some sleep, will ya!

Fix you - Coldplay - X & Y (maybe their last album, rumors of a split)

The Travel Song - Pilate - Caught by the Window

The Grace - Neverending White Lights - Act 1: goodbye friends of the heavenly bodies

The Storm - Doves - Some Cities

Strength of My Life - P.O.D. - Testify

Man Of The Hour - Pearl Jam - Rearview Mirror (Best of)

Low C - Supergrass - Road to Rouen

In A Little While - U2 - All That You Can't Leave Behind

Harvest Moon - Neil Young - Greatest Hits

Save Your Scissors - City and Colour - Sometimes

Who Did You Think I Was - John Mayer Trio - Try!(live)

Wake Up - Arcade Fire - Funeral

Good Friday - The Black Crowes - Greatest Hits(90-99)

The Last Song - Foo Fighters - In Your Honor

Dalit Hymn - Caedmon's Call - Share The Well

Walnut Tree - Keane

Apocolypse Please - Muse - Absolution

NYC Weather Report - Five For Fighting - The Battle For Everything

Free Me - Foo Fighters - In Your Honor

The Song Goes On - Ocean Colour Scene - North Atlantic Drift

Question! - System of a Down - Mezmerize

Talk To Me - Reef - The Best Of

Hurt - Johnny Cash - American IV: The Man Comes Around

Soul Meets Body - Death Cab For Cutie - Plans

Blue Paper - Moby - Hotel(disc 2)

Baby vs. Birthday Cake! (A pictorial)

2006-02-11T12:31:00.000-08:00

.....no contest!

Happy 1st Birthday Jayden!

2006-02-10T10:53:00.000-08:00

This is my nephew Jayden, also known as Jay-D-Kong or Jay-D-Pottomus. He's turning 1 today. His hockey skills have already surpassed my own and he is currently working hard on besting me at my own game of soccer! If this should happen i'll be forced to take up, and dominate the sport of field hockey. He couldn't possibly be interested in that? But, then again, Jayden has a little sister on the way that will probably rob me of field hockey glory as well. Woe is me! Happy birthday Jay-D.

Bad news sports fans!

2006-02-05T21:56:00.000-08:00

Apparently the latest "Hells Most Wanted" list now includes sports fans? Oh oh! Time to renounce those favorite teams people. C'mon now, burn that merchandise and memorabilia, discard those season tickets, and don't even think about fantasy leagues again!! This must be pretty serious in light that 'murderers' didn't make the short list, but maybe i'm just being old fashioned.

Do you think it's ok to watch the Olympics? Cheer on your country? Canada is known to wear red jerseys. Does that make them the devil's team? and.....who's bringing the s'mores?

A poem perhaps?

2006-02-02T11:06:00.000-08:00

The Red Braye

Pedals pushing
Wheels spinning,
Sun shining warmly
glimmering like a medal in the sky
Breeze lightly blowing
Ruslting, the leaves in the trees whisper,
Spurring us on
Up one gentle rolling hill and down another
Surrounded by green pastures
more dazzling than gold,
Anticipation rises
the heart quickens,
the rider’s pace hastened as
the pinnacle of the Red Braye
enters the iris of our eyes,
and awakens the imagination,
Take-off,
We spread arms wide and soar,
Weightless
The lines on the road
Blur into one
Time is different here
In this moment of pure exhilaration
And freedom
Soon, we’re back
Where the journey began.

A glimpse, everafter....

2006-01-31T20:33:00.000-08:00

Heaven. From an earthly perspective or interpretation, the great hereafter always seems just beyond our reason and understanding. I remember sitting through sermons at church when I was young. When the pastor spoke of the reality of hell I was usually on the edge of my seat, fearfully picturing in my minds eye a vividly descriptive and horrible place devoid of a loving God's presence. Hell wasn't a difficult concept to grasp or understand, even at a young age. Yet, when anyone made an effort to describe a place called heaven, never was a lasting impression made on me or awe inspired in me. It has always fascinated me that any attempt to conceptualize heaven from down here on earth falls terribly short of what the Kingdom of Almighty God must truly be like. From movies to books, theological explanations to artistic impressions, the wonder of heaven seems ever elusive. For myself, hope is founded in the meeting, one day, of my Lord and saviour Jesus Christ, face to face, knowing that to be in His presence is what brings heaven into perspective here and now, from my limited understanding. The mystery of heaven creates in us all a healthy longing to return 'home' which will be fulfilled, according to God's plan, at the perfect time. I do believe that we are allowed glimpses of heaven as we walk through this life. I personally tend to catch those glimpses when out in nature, miles from the busyness of life, where you can't get a signal on a cel phone, when time itself seems to slow and come to a stand still. I took this picture in Yoho National Park in August, while hiking and camping one weekend. In the moment there was such a peace that came standing there in the mountains beside this lake. God's presence became very clear in this moment, uninterrupted, and here I caught a glimpse...everafter.

What's the Craic?

2006-01-24T17:59:00.000-08:00

NB: For those of you unfamiliar with irish sayings "craic" is derived from a gaelic word that alludes to the unmistakable combination of chat, laughter, music and the special atmosphere that accompanies these things. I like to think of it as having a good time, enjoying the company of others, friendship, fun and a lot more besides.

NB: For those of you with whom I work, the use of the word "craic" in this instance bears no relation whatsoever to the illegal drug, crack, maunfactured from cocaine to become smokeable, so there is no need to fill out any Occurance Reports. Thanks!

So, this be my maiden voyage into the blogging fray. It is my hope that on this voyage i'll have the opportunity to share some good craic with you all. Everybody is welcome and if I can hold your attention for 30-60 seconds, well, it's a mighty feat in my books! I tend to process the majority of life's events and happening's via the left side of my brain, so the results can be quite colourful or completely baffling. I have gained some skill in using the right side of my brain to tackle such skills as structure and organisation, although at times they still seem very foreign to me. So, there may be some days when this blog has some nice structure and organisation to it but please don't expect it on a consistent basis. I will only let you down. My alpologies to all you "righties." I'm sure it was a wise southpaw that once uttered "Right is nice but left is best!"

So hey, kick back, somebody put on the tunes and enjoy the atmosphere...