The Hek's Super Playlist.

We're up to 40, baby! As always, new entries are in red.

1. Kennedy Killed the Hat - Buck 65
2. I bought some books - Black Boot Trio
3. Watching the Wheels - John Lennon
4. Vacation - The Go-Go's
5. Like a Prayer - Madonna
6. Night Swimming - REM
7. Chicago - Sufjan Stevens
8. Ring, Ring - Abba
9. Call on Me - Eric Prydz
10. November Rain - Guns N Roses
11. Cruel Summer - Bannanarama
12. Hung up - Madonna
13. 463 - Buck 65
14. Judy is a Punk - The Ramones
15. The Laws have Changed - The New Pornographers
16. Portland, Oregon - Loretta Lynn feat. Jack White
17. Suzanne - Leonard Cohen
18. The Card Cheat - The Clash
19. Canadian Railroad Trilogy - Gordon Lightfoot
20. Boys in the Bright White Sports Car - Trooper
21. Mandy - Barry Manilow
22. Let's Get Together - Al Green
23. Mickey - Toni Basil
24. Bodies - Drowning Pool
25. Folson Prison Blues - Johnny Cash
26. Bawitaba - Kid Rock
27. Losing Grip - Avril Lavigne
28. City of New Orleans - Arlo Guthrie
29. Pump it - Black Eye Peas
30. Lonely Old Eyes - Neko Case
31. Immigrant Song - Led Zepplin
32. Philadelphia Freedom - Elton John
33. Don't Walk Away Eileen - Sam Roberts
34. Bring the Noise - Public Enemy & Anthrax
35. Maneater - Nelly Furtado
36. Gypsies, Tramps & thieves - Cher
37. My Immortal - Evanescense
38. Hips Don't Lie - Shakira
39. Welcome to the Jungle - Guns and Roses
40. Bad Habit - The Offspring

The Hek

Tell me if this makes sense

When composing an e-mail, the receiver's address can be placed in one of the following categories: To, CC or BCC.

Here is what I believe the function of CC should be:

If you receive an e-mail and you find that your address is in the CC category, it means that you are not directly involved with the subject of the e-mail. However, you do have some stock in the aforementioned subject.

A gentleman at the community station I'm helping out at, was insulted because he received an e-mail and his address, was in the To category and not CC. He told the sender that his address should be in the CC category as a form of respect. In other words, the gentleman feels that because he has done his share at the station, he feels that he should be CC'd for all e-mails as a way of respecting and appreciating his contribution.

So with this in mind, what is the real function of CC?

Is it what I feel it should be or, does it match the gentleman's description?

The Hek

Tie and Belinda

I have a question about this story:

WHO CARES?!

Do we really need to know how a hockey player possibly cheated on his wife by sleeping with the "honourable member" from Newmarket-Aurora? Many couples go thorough this unfortunate circumstance. The only reason why this one has taken so much spotlight is because......well......it involves a hockey player and the "honourable member" from Newmarket-Aurora.

I know.......those who choose to be in the public eye can kiss their privacy goodbye. It's nature to know the ins and outs of those we look up to. I'd be the first to admit, I'm very guilty of this. But sometimes, you have to ask yourselves, how much is too much?

Irving Layton is one of my favourite poets. I like him for his poetry. The fact that he was unfaithful as a husband and a father is an unfortunate fact. However, I care more about the poetry then his escapades.

Same can be said with Tie Domi. He brought grit and passion as a hockey player. He may not have been the best husband but, his private life has nothing to do with why people like him.
I am hoping that the sports media ignore this story. There's a lot more important things going on.

Besides, if we really wanted to know what goes on in the private life of an athlete, politician, actor or musician, we should look at our own lives. It's pretty much the same. Of course, with the exception of fame.

The Hek

-Catch Episode Eleven of the Audio Circus-

It's Real. It's Damn Real!

Kurt, I hope you know what you're doing.

On the bright side:

- Angle vs. A.J Styles
- Angle vs. Christopher Daniels
- Angle vs. Samoa Joe

The Hek

Following the Three I's: The Audio Circus. Check out Episode Eleven.

The Working Life

This past week was the first time I could really get the taste of what it's like to have the 9-5 type of job. It has its pros and it certainly has its cons. However, I actually found it kind of fun. Now this is just after one week so, we'll have to see how I feel after I get a few years under my belt.

Waking up 6:15am is not exactly my cup of tea. But I found that getting about 6.5 - 7 hours of sleep every night, before getting up at 6:15, made things much easier.

What I really enjoyed was just the so-called "hustle and bustle." Rushing off to make a couple of busses, standing shoulder to shoulder with people, getting to know the bus drivers; this was something I never really got to experience as a student. Public School and High School were five minute walks from my house and of course, I lived on campus in Ottawa. Taking part in "Rush Hour" makes me feel human, it makes me feel alive. It brings a smile to my face because as you know, these were feelings I didn't have last year at this time.

Best of all, I get out of my house.

The Hek

The Doc is out.

I feel so sorry for Roy Halladay. The poor guy works his tail off. Without him, the Blue Jays would probably be in the American League East cellar.

He hasn't won a game since August 20th against Baltimore. Since then he's pitched in six outings. Two of those resulted in losses, there was one game where he had to leave after getting a ball off his elbow, and the remaining three would have been wins but, the Jays bullpen blew it.

Yesterday, he had to leave in the 4th with a strained right forearm. His season is officially finished. Talk about a rough way to end the 2006 campaign. What's really unfortunate is that he had a good chance to win the Cy Young award this year. He also had a good chance last year as well, if it wasn't for that liner he took off the ankle in Texas. Hang in there, Doc.

Now if you excuse me, I hear the Chief calling me:


The Hek

Job Hunt Update

So here's what's happening now.

I'm helping out at a radio station in Markham, Ontario. Right now, it broadcasts over the internet. However, the station is slated to begin broadcasting next week (if all goes well) on an AM frequency.

I read the news, sports, and weather, every 30 minutes from 9-12pm. In the afternoon, I do some admin work and help out as best I can. I enjoy my time and the staff are very friendly. I'm not sure what this will lead to; but hey, it's an opportunity.

In case you're wondering, here is the link to the station. The show I'm on is called "BTN" and airs Monday to Friday, live from 9-12pm and then rebroadcasts from 8-11pm.

The Hek

Stratusfaction

Pro-wrestler and Toronto native Trish Stratus is retiring after a successful career in the WWE.

Trish had the great fortune of having the perfect retirement from wrestling. She got to win her last match, win her seventh Women's title, leave at a time where she has not overstayed her presence, and do it all in her hometown.

Over the seven years she spent in the WWE, Trish was involved in many great matches and storylines. When she joined the organization, she had no training. However, Trish worked her tail off so that every time she stepped in the ring, fans would witness a flawless match.

If there's one thing you should remember about Trish, it's this:

While many WWE "Divas" have appeared in the pages of Playboy, Trish Stratus would always turn down the offer to appear in the magazine. She wanted to be remembered for her work in the ring, and not for her looks.

Good luck in your future endeavourers, Trish.

The Hek

Be sure to catch Episode Ten of the Audio Circus Podcast.

Mothers Say The Darndest Things

When it comes to live WWE events, I've had some recent bad luck.

When they've done shows in Toronto, I'm usually in Ottawa; and when they've done shows in Ottawa, I'm usually in Toronto. Even if the WWE to were hold an event in the same city where I'm living, chances are that I won't be able to attend the event. This is due to the following reasons:

A. I don't have a credit card so, I can't buy tickets over the internet.
B. I live far from the arenas and by the time I'd get to the arena's box office, the tickets are usually sold out.
C. (With the exception of Mr. Wood) I can never convince any of my friends to go because they all think wrestling is "dumb."

But that's not the point of this post.

Anyway, yesterday I was heading to the Jays game with a friend. As per usual, I took the "Skywalk" which gives you a great view of the Air Canada Centre, the site of last night's Unforgiven Pay-Per-View. Parked outside the ACC were three WWE equipment trucks.

Meanwhile, a mother with a toddler was kneeling next to her stroller, pointing to the arena. As I walked past her, I heard her say the most adorable thing to her young son:

"Look sweetie, there's where all the wrestlers are going to be. Maybe we'll get to see John Cena."
I couldn't help but laugh. The mother then smiled and we briefly talked about the show. She was rooting for Cena while I, was rooting for Edge.

The Hek

-Catch Episode Ten of The Audio Circus-

Peter and Condi: Diplomatic Love

I've always tried my best not to get attached to rumours. However, this was one rumour I could not resist.

Word is going around that Peter McKay, our Foreign Affairs Minister, and his counterpart, Secretary of State Condelezza Rice, have been romantically linked. Recently, Ms. Rice was in Nova Scotia (Peter's home province), to discuss a number of political matters. As they toured the province, reporters, photographers and the public watched as the two acted quite friendly with each other. Who could not forget the playful chat they had as they were ordering at Tim Horton's.

Let's say this rumour is true.

If that's the case, then Peter McKay is THE MAN! First he goes steady with Belinda Stronach, who dumps him and jumps to the Liberals, only to rebound and hook up with the Secretary of State, the most powerful woman in America. If we were to take McKay, Stephen Harper, Bill Graham and Stockwell Day, and compare them to the main male characters of Family Guy, then McKay would be the "Cleveland" of the group because obviously, he finds power sexy.

The best part of this rumour occurred during a dual press conference when McKay mentioned that even though it was a chilly night, Rice slept with the window open. Myself and Global's Leslie Roberts both thought of the same question: How did he know she slept with the window open?

The Hek

Dutch Horizons

First off, seeing the events in Montreal today, sent a nasty chill down my spine. Thank God there haven't been any fatalities so far (with the exception of the gunman). I'm hoping and praying that the students who have been seriously injured pull through, recover, and be able to continue their lives without any serious hurdles to jump over.

Meanwhile...

My friend Kirsten from the Carleton Improv Association is spending the next four months in Holland. She's created her own blog to document her adventures. Check out Kirsten Goes Dutch for a unique look at one of the most interesting countries in the world.

The Hek

Irwin fans taking revenge on stingrays

Like you, I was saddened by the death of Steve Irwin.

What I really enjoyed about the guy was his passion and his ability to stare death in the eye and not blink. This is what he translated on camera which, won over many fans.

Since his death, there have been moving tributes and even a little humour; some tasteful and some, not so tasteful (I'm looking at you Matt Striker). However, what is interesting is how some fans are grieving.

According to the article above, people are actually hunting down stingrays. In the last few days, there have been groups popping up on Facebook such as "I'm hunting down the stingray that killed Steve Irwin." But, I never thought people would actually seek vengeance against the ocean creature.

Kind of makes you wonder; can vengeance in some cases, be a pathway to closure?

The Hek

- Check out Episode Nine of The Audio Circus -

It's Suppose to be a Film Festival

I cannot wait for the Toronto International Film Festival to come to an end.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not against the festival. It's just that I am sick and tired of turning on the television and having to watch (insert network)'s "coverage from the red carpet."

Could someone explain to me why the networks, think its more important to focus their coverage on "star sightings" instead of why the "star" is actually in Toronto? I'm starting to think that the networks don't even realize that there are films at the TIFF.

So many people put their hearts and souls into these films and by having them screened at the TIFF is perhaps, the best accomplishment of their hard work. They should be honored for their hard work and I feel that is the message the networks should promote. But instead, viewers are forced to know when Brad Pitt arrived in Toronto, where did he eat supper, is his significant other with him, and what he's wearing.

That's the part that really gets me. The part about what type of clothes the actor is wearing. Why should I care about what he or she is wearing? I won't be able to afford the clothing anyway.

If I ever have to walk down a red carpet, I'm just going to wear a simple suit and tie. Unless of course, the top designers offer me a rather expensive, tailored made suit for free ;-)

But that's not the point! What's important is that we care about the films and not "who's in town."

The Hek

Not sure if any stars listen to The Audio Circus; but in any case, be sure to catch Episode Nine.

He's No Karate Kid

Clearly, this was not a good idea.



The Hek

No Happiness Here

I always get a kick out of certain soap operas. My mum loves to watch Young and the Restless and Bold and the Beautiful. I will admit that on occasion, I will walk by the television when these shows are on and be captivated by what's happening on the screen. What I really enjoy is the "over-the-top" dialogue.

Case in point: On BnB, Nick found out that his wife, Brooke, has been fooling around with her ex-husband (and Nick's step-brother), Ridge. Driven by grief, Nick escapes to his houseboat where he turns to alcohol as a way of forgetting his misery. He is then confronted by Brooke's twenty-something daughter, Bridget. The following conversation takes place:

Nick: I'm feeling a lot of hate right now.

Bridget: Don't! It's poison for your soul.

Nick: In that case, either my soul has been poisoned OR CLEANSED!
(Throws glass against the wall, causing it to smash into a million little pieces)

A little more banter and Nick and Bridget begin to make love as the show ends.

On to more important matters. Someone should know the answer to this.

I sent an e-mail to a representative at a marketing company. I then received an "out of office automatic reply." Now, when you get a message like this, does it mean that your message will still be in your recipient's inbox when they return to the office; or, was the message deleted and therefore, I have to send the e-mail again.

The Hek

The Hek's Super Playlist

As always, new entries are in red:

1. Kennedy Killed the Hat - Buck 65
2. I bought some books - Black Boot Trio
3. Watching the Wheels - John Lennon
4. Vacation - The Go-Go's
5. Like a Prayer - Madonna
6. Night Swimming - REM
7. Chicago - Sufjan Stevens
8. Ring, Ring - Abba
9. Call on Me - Eric Prydz
10. November Rain - Guns N Roses
11. Cruel Summer - Bannanarama
12. Hung up - Madonna
13. 463 - Buck 65
14. Judy is a Punk - The Ramones
15. The Laws have Changed - The New Pornographers
16. Portland, Oregon - Loretta Lynn feat. Jack White
17. Suzanne - Leonard Cohen
18. The Card Cheat - The Clash
19. Canadian Railroad Trilogy - Gordon Lightfoot
20. Boys in the Bright White Sports Car - Trooper
21. Mandy - Barry Manilow
22. Let's Get Together - Al Green
23. Mickey - Toni Basil
24. Bodies - Drowning Pool
25. Folson Prison Blues - Johnny Cash
26. Bawitaba - Kid Rock
27. Losing Grip - Avril Lavigne
28. City of New Orleans - Arlo Guthrie
29. Pump it - Black Eye Peas
30. Lonely Old Eyes - Neko Case
31. Immigrant Song - Led Zepplin
32. Philadelphia Freedom - Elton John
33. Don't Walk Away Eileen - Sam Roberts
34. Bring the Noise - Public Enemy & Anthrax

The Hek

TAC-EP8

Babe Ruth's Canadian Connection

There was this great interview today on Sounds Like Canada, that dealt with the career of Babe Ruth. Turns out that on this day in 1914, Ruth hit his first professional homerun right here in Toronto.

The Babe was playing for the International League's Providence Grays which, were affiliated with the Boston Red Sox. The Grays were playing a double header against the baseball Maple Leafs and Ruth was slated to pitch in the first game. Not only did his team win 9-0 but, Ruth helped his own cause by belting a three-run shot in the sixth inning. The baseball probably now lies somewhere on the bottom of Lake Ontario.

But that's not where Ruth's connection with Canada ends. Apparently, the man who taught him how to play baseball (a priest at a boarding school Ruth grew up in) was Canadian; Ruth's first wife came from Nova Scotia; and, Ruth loved to go hunting in the Maritimes.

How about that? An American legend has roots right here in Canada.

The Hek

-Be sure to check out Episode Eight of the Audio Circus Podcast-

It Still Hasn't Hit Me

Today's Labour Day.

For the first time in four years, I spent the day in Toronto. Usually, I'm settling in at Carleton. In fact, last year at this time, I was sitting on the steps of the Supreme Court of Canada writing poetry. Perhaps this whole "being out of school" idea is never going to have an impact.

When I was at the Blue Jays game today (and getting a free air show along with a 4-3 victory), it never occurred to me that school was starting tomorrow. To be honest, I've been anticipating my "school-less" future since the start of school last year. I've been ready for it so much that I'm starting to think it was simply a smooth transition.

But let's see how I feel in a few weeks.

The Hek

-Check out Episode 8 of the Audio Circus-

Don't Try This At Home

According to Blogger, this is my 600th post!

To celebrate, here is something that is completely uncalled for. I must admit, I do want to try this on someone.



Have a great long weekend.

The Hek