Thursday, November 30, 2006

Fill In The Blanks! (All the cool kids do it)

1. The best film of 2006 was:_______________

2. The next leader of the Liberal party will be:________________

3. I will spend _______ on holiday gifts.

4. I _______ Lindsay Lohan.

5. My favourite type of Oreo cookie is:____________

6. Carmen Mesta was murdered by:____________

7. U2 is a _______ rock band.

8. Right now, I am wearing:__________

9. The best player on the Toronto Raptors is:_________

10 . If I could be an animal, I would be a:_____________

***Check out the Carleton Improv Association's next show: Friday, December 1st, 7pm at Rooster's Coffee House (4th floor University Centre, Carleton University) in Ottawa. It's FREE (I think)***

The Hek

Wednesday, November 29, 2006

If You Told Me I Was Insane, I'd Say 'Thank You'

Roddy Piper has announced that he has been diagnosed with lymphoma cancer. However, being the legend that he is, the King of Kilt is already promising that he's going to beat it.

Get well, Hot Rod! We're all rooting for you.

And now....

Why Roddy Piper should run for the leadership of the Liberal party;
Reason #3: Roddy Piper will allow nothing to stand between him and the issues.



The Hek

Tuesday, November 28, 2006

Three Years And Still Going Strong

It was three years ago today, when I started this blog.

It isn't just three years of "And Now, A Word From The Hek." It's three years since discovering the medium of blogging, at a time when it was just coming out of its infancy and starting to be recognized by many media institutions, as a new source for promotion and content.

In the beginning, it was just myself and my friend Tim (Rugby's Inklings), who would actually spend time posting our thoughts for everyone on the Information Super Highway to see. Since then, many of my friends and colleagues have started up their own blogs; including those who said that they would never keep a blog, nor read them.

This was an important year for my blog. In the last 12 months I have used it not only as a journal, but also as a media outlet. The ladder is especially important as I continue to break into the world of broadcasting and journalism. In the past year, I've also added title fields, RSS feeds, links to other sites and some cool graphics. The blog has also been a venue for me to launch my podcast as well as CHEV Radio's blogs.

To everyone who has come to this website whether it was once, or constantly since day one, I thank you. Thank you for your comments. Thank you for your encouragement. Thank you for reading.

And now, here is what the first post looked liked back in 2003. Unfortunately, Blogger no longer carries the original template; so, you're only getting the content and not the actual look. Oh well.

The Hek

- Check out Episode Twenty of the Audio Circus podcast -

Monday, November 27, 2006

365 Days, 48 Songs: The Hek's Super Playlist

I started this one year ago and it's still going strong. The best of the best; the finest of the fine (subjectively, of course). As always new entries are in the 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
41. LDN - Lily Allen
42. Man I use to Be - K-OS
43. Lolipop - Aqua
44. Banquet - Bloc Party
45. The Sign - Ace of Base
46. Rise Above - Black Flag
47. Devil Went Down to Georgia - Charlie Daniels Band
48. Thank God I'm a Country Boy - John Denver

The Hek

- Like those songs? You'll like this too: Episode 20 of the Audio Circus -

Friday, November 24, 2006

Penguins Should Not Mess With Polar Bears

Well, the weekend is here and I'm off to keep Slapshot some company at tonight's Markham Waxers' game. In the meantime:

Why Roddy Piper should run for the leadership of the Liberal party;
Reason #2: Roddy Piper is capable of handling trade relations with foreign partners.



The Hek

Thursday, November 23, 2006

Get Some Shots Of The Body

My phone rings and I get excited. When I pick up the phone I hear this awkward pause. It is then that I realize that someone is about to mispronounce my name and try to sell me something.

On many occasions, I have been tempted to mess with a telemarketer's mind. Unfortunately, my conscience convinces me not to.

Fortunately, there are people like Tom Mabe, who give into this type of temptation.

For your listening pleasure: How to prank a telemarketer.

The Hek

Wednesday, November 22, 2006

I Don't Die, I Just Multiply!

In ten days, the Liberal Party of Canada will be choosing a new leader. This will take place at a convention in Montreal. There's eight candidates and each one of them are deserving of the job. Some are former provincial Premiers (Bob Rae), some are former NHL legends (Ken Dryden), some have been with the party for a long time (Stephane Dion), and some just showed up one day (Michaell Ignatieff). However, there is only one person who I feel can truly lead the Liberals.

That person, is Roddy Piper.

Roddy Piper is a fine, upstanding citizen, and will no doubt, bring integrity back the Grits. Having said that, I present:

Why Roddy Piper should run for the leadership of the Liberal Party; Reason #1: Roddy Piper believess in multiculturalism.



The Hek

Tuesday, November 21, 2006

Carleton University President Quits

A very interesting storyline has emerged from my Alma Mater.

David Atkinson, after only 15 months on the job, has resigned as the President of Carleton. The news has shocked many people in the Carleton community. Many students felt that he was doing an adequate job. Although he didn't always agree with the Student Councils, he still maintained a line of communication.

His reason for leaving his post has been kept very quiet. It looks as though he was "forced" to resign. The press release stated that the Board of Governors and Dr. Atkinson had a difference of opinion in regards to the University's vision of the future. I have a feeling that this all relates to Dr. Atkinson's campaign against Macleans Magazine and the Ottawa Citizen.

Carleton was one of the schools that refused to submit information for Macleans' yearly University rankings. Regardless, Macleans still released the rankings for all schools and Carleton, did not place well. This prompted the Citizen to run an article using the term "Last Chance U" in the headline. For those that don't know, "Last Chance U" is a stereotype (and it's completely false in my opinion) that is used to describe Carleton. It suggests that Carleton sets its entrance requirements really low so that students who barley got by in High School, can attend University when they would have been turned down by other post-secondary institutions. Dr. Atkinson was quite upset with the content of the article and began a campaign where he urged all students, faculty and alumni to contact the Citizen and voice their displeasure.

It's possible that certain members on the Board as well as the faculty felt that Atkinson, was too aggressive in this campaign and may have hurt Carleton's reputation. Although I don't have this information, it's also possible that there are certain financial donors who are involved with CanWest, the company that owns the Citizen, who threatened to withdraw their donations if Dr. Atkinson was not disciplined for his actions.

There are parts to this story that are being left out. Needless to say, the Carleton community has to once again, find a new President. It's going to be a long process especially after what's happened.

The Hek

-Check out Episode Nineteen of the Audio Circus-

Monday, November 20, 2006

Two Pictures Worth 2000 Words

Some great photos to kick off your week, from the Canadian Press.

Photo Number One:

Harper, Putin and Bush wear traditional Vietnamese clothing. Call me crazy, but I don't think they're taking this seriously. Boys, it's not a pajama party.


Photo Number Two:

Congratulations to the BC Lions; 2006 Grey Cup Champions. What better way to celebrate then by breaking the trophy into two pieces. Um....guys, that trophy has been around since 1909. You might want to be gentle with that. Nothing a little duct tape can't fix.

The Hek

- Be sure to check out Episode Nineteen of the Audio Circus -

Friday, November 17, 2006

Take That, Paul Hewson!

Hats off to the fan in the front row at a U2 concert. From Counterpunch.org and Greenleft.org:

Bono is at a U2 concert in Glasgow when he asks the audience for some quiet. In the silence, he starts to slowly clap his hands.
Holding the audience in total silence, he says softly and seriously into the microphone, "Every time I clap my hands, a child in Africa dies." A voice from near the front pierces the silence: Well, f**ken' stop doin' it then! ”

The Hek

PS: I've added two new blogs to the links section; A Pathological Doodler & The Monkey's Closet.

Thursday, November 16, 2006

The Big Hurt; Or, How The Hek Nearly Fell Off His Chair

When I found out that the Blue Jays are on the verge of signing Frank Thomas, a number of things happened to me. First, there was a massive rush of blood to my head. I became dazed and almost fell off my chair. I had to grip the sides to maintain balance. Then, I felt overwhelmed and had to leave my room for a bit. When I came back, I thought I was dreaming; so, I pinched myself. Turns out I wasn't dreaming.

Baring a sudden turn of events, Frank Thomas is going to join the Jays for $20 Million over the next 2-3 years. Thomas is a flat out power hitter. That's all he can do. He will no doubt fill the role of designated hitter. However, the more I think about it, the more hesitant I feel about him being part of the Jays.

Don't get me wrong, Frank Thomas would be a great addition for Toronto. I want it to happen. It's just that $20 Million is way too much to spend for him. If this was 1993-94 when Thomas was tearing up the league, then $20 Million would have been appropriate. But it's 2006 and up until this past season, Thomas was plagued with injuries. He's slow on the base paths and he can't even field anymore. This year with the Athletics, Thomas made an amazing comeback. As Oakland's DH he hit 39 homeruns and knocked in 114 RBIs. What's important to note is that Thomas only earned $500,000. Obviously, he deserves a raise; but $20 Million is excessive. If I was the general manager, I would have only offered him $5-8 Million over two years.

Frank Thomas is a big gamble. He could get injured again and for all we know, what he did in 2006, could have been just a fluke. If it's August and he's hitting .150, heads are going to roll.

The Blue Jays should not waste all their money on hitters. It would be great to have Thomas but, they already have a solid group of hitters. The Jays should use the majority of their spending money on pitching.

In the end, pitching wins baseball games. Toronto is just one decent starter away from making the playoffs. That's all they need (as long as none of the starters suffer too many injuries like they did this past season). Spending $20 Million on a good hitter is not going to get the Jays to the post-season. Spending money on a high caliber pitcher will.

I just hope the Blue Jays do not suffer the same fate as the Raptors did when they brought in Hakeem Olawjiwan. I still have nightmares about that.

The Hek

Wednesday, November 15, 2006

I'm Going Through Changes

I'm making some small changes to the blog.

I've created a new section called "The Hek's Projects." This will provide links to all the things I'm working on when I'm not sitting at my computer, working out at the gym, or watching wrestling.

Speaking about projects, I've created two blogs for CHEV radio. The first one is called CHEV Radio Hearsay and it's a way for listeners to get to know the people who work at the station. The second one is called CHEV Radio Community Listings and it's a billboard of events occurring in Markham and the surrounding York Region.

As always, there is the links section where you can read whatever is on the minds of my friends. Except for Starback. She doesn't want to share her writing talents anymore :-(

The Hek
does this work

Tuesday, November 14, 2006

Don't &$!% With Garth Turner!

Wow, that's the second straight post where I have "sworn" in the title.

Garth Turner has turned into somewhat of a renegade on parliament Hill. I never would have expected this from him. He's such a clean-cut guy. Remember, this guy was a cabinet minister for Brian Mulroney and even ran for the country's top job in 1993; losing of course, to Kim Campbell. He was also the Business Commentator on CFTO news for a number of years.

Obviously, there was a lot we didn't know about the man.

What's intriguing about Turner is that he seems to be the only MP who has taken advantage of the popular forms of "new media." That being blogging and podcasting.

If you go to his site (just click on this post's title), you get to read his thoughts and feelings about the Government, his troubles with certain Conservatives, and any speeches or press releases he has released. He also puts together a program in the form of a video podcast. MPTV is not just about him and his views on the issues. Turner also uses it to interview MPs on both sides of the House. It's a unique perspective about what goes on in the House of Commons. It's certainly the main reason as to why he was kicked out of the Conservative party.

Obviously, Turner has an axe to grind and the voters get to watch it unfold.

The Hek

- Be sure to check out Episode 18 of the Audio Circus podcast -

Monday, November 13, 2006

Arland Bruce, What The $#@& Were You Thinking?!

Arland Bruce is a talented football player. This year, he led the Toronto Argonauts in receiving yards and touchdowns. Without him, the Argos probably would have lost to Winnipeg last week. He's a popular player and does his part in the community.

But yesterday, Arland Bruce did not use his head.

I'm not putting the blame on him for Toronto's loss to Montreal. It's just that his actions during and after yesterday's game, has left many fans shaking their heads.

In the third quarter, Damon Allen threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown. This one play turned out to be the most crucial moment in Montreal's victory. Bruce was on the field during this play. Instead of chasing the Montreal player - and there's no doubt that he would have caught up to the Alouette player, preventing the touchdown - Bruce ran towards Allen, screaming that he was open and should have had the pass thrown to him, instead of Andre Talbot, the intended receiver. When Bruce got back to the sidelines, Toronto linebacker Mike O'Shea berated him for being an idiot on the field. The two had to be separated by fellow teammates and coaches.

Then after the game, Bruce stated that the reason why the Argos lost, was because the referees are "racists" and take bribes. He went on to say that since Head Coach Michael Clemons is black, the refs made calls in favor of Montreal.

Needless to say, the Argonauts were not too thrilled about Bruce's comments. They have since fined him and distanced the team from his comments.

First off Arland, since when do you go yell at your quarterback while the opponents are in the process of scoring against your team. Did I mention this was a playoff game? The way I see it, when something goes wrong, you fix the problem and then discuss what went wrong. It's not the other way around. You're very lucky O'Shea didn't knock you out.

Second, the Argos didn't loose because your coach is black and the refs are racists. The Alouettes were simply the better team. Instead of accepting defeat, you make some cowardly excuse. Believe me, I'm pretty sure the CFL screens their refs. Be a man and apologize for your comments.

The faster you do this, the faster the fans will forgive you.

The Hek

- Catch Episode Eighteen of The Audio Circus -

Friday, November 10, 2006

Always Remember...

Everything we have is because of those who sacrificed their lives in the name of freedom and peace.

WWI. WWII. Korea. Afghanistan.

Remember to wear your poppy to honour everyday people who became extraordinary heroes. Past, present and future. Do it for those who work very hard to make the world a better place.

The Hek

Thursday, November 09, 2006

Chance Of A Lifetime - Part Two

Rats,

I totally missed the boat.

I guess Robert Gates would be a better candidate then me.

He's ran the CIA. I ran..........a summer camp.

Meanwhile I'm off to go chill with Slapshot The Bear at the Waxers game tonight.

The Hek

Wednesday, November 08, 2006

Chance Of A Lifetime

People,

I am seriously considering applying for the position of United States Defense Secretary.

I have thought about it a lot and I really think that I match the qualifications.

As far as I know, there is no reason why I would not be hired for this job.

Nothing at all.

The Hek

Tuesday, November 07, 2006

Damon Allen: The Man To Start

First off, I refuse to write anything about the end of Mr. and Mrs. Federline. Totally not worth my time and energy. Instead, I'm going to write about something more important: the CFL playoffs.

The Argonauts will face the Montreal Alouettes for the Eastern Division title. Pinball has announced that Damon Allen will be the starting Quarterback. I feel that this is the right call to make.

For those that don't know, Allen started Sunday's playoff match against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Down 27-17, late in the 4th quarter, Allen (who was not performing well) was replaced for back-up QB, Michael Bishop. Bishop came in and threw two clutch TD passes, leading the Argos to a 31-27 victory. Immediately the question arose as to who will start this Sunday's match against Montreal, Allen or Bishop.

Damon Allen is the man you want to have out there. He's experienced and will not crack under pressure in front of close to 50,000 Alouette fans at the Olympic Stadium. I'm not saying that Bishop would crack. It's just that Allen has been through this situation many times before.

If I had to make the decision, I would have chosen Allen because I believe in second chances. Just because you mess up something, doesn't mean you should never do that "something" again. The best way to learn from your mistakes is if you try again and avoid the errors you made. That goes for anyone, whether you're a teacher, accountant or, in the case of Damon Allen, a 20-year CFL veteran. Having said that, you do have to set a limit in case Allen plays the same way he did against Winnipeg.

What I would do is start Allen and evaluate his performance at the end of every quarter. If he's playing well, you leave him in. If he's not playing well, you put Bishop in.

We'll see what transpires this Sunday.

The Hek

-Catch Episode Seventeen of The Audio Circus-

Monday, November 06, 2006

Job Hunt 2006.......Continues

Things are starting to get better.

Since the end of September, I have gone from applying to a job and not getting a response, to applying to jobs and getting responses. The response I get is, "Thank you for your interest but, you are not what we are exactly looking for. We will keep your resume on file." It might not be the desired result, but hey, it's a good improvement.

Here's the best part: Last Tuesday, I went downtown for a job interview.

It was an awesome experience. I printed off an extra copy of my resume, put on my finest suit and looked over all the notes I made the previous night. The interview went quite well and I made a good impression.

Unfortunately, the company that interviewed me, chose a different applicant which, is fine. It was good practice for interviews, down the road.

Something good is going to happen. I can feel it.

The Hek

-It's here! Episode Seventeen of the Audio Circus Podcast-

Friday, November 03, 2006

Battle Of The Titans: House Of Pain!

The following contest is scheduled for one fall.

Introducing first. From the Academy, weighing in at over 300 pounds, Officer Thomas 'House' Conklin! (This was the best I could find. There's no photo of the guy on the internet.)


And his opponent. From Baltimore, weighing in at 150 pounds, Dr. Gregory House!

This would be one hell of a battle. My money would be on the good Doctor. Although good is not a word to describe the man's people skills. Here's his strategy: He comes up with a number of ways to beat Officer House, that don't work but then, figures out the proper way to beat him. All done within 60 minutes.

The Hek

Thursday, November 02, 2006

Just Ask President Bush.

John Kerry is in hot water for comments he made to a group of students. What he was suppose to say was, "if people don't do well in school they end up getting us stuck in a war in Iraq. Just ask President Bush." Instead, he said "people who don't study hard and do their homework would likely get stuck in Iraq."

This botched joke, as people are calling it, has forced the Democrats to do some damage control and, it has given the Republicans some political fodder.

Personally, I'm not surprised something like this has happened. This is because John Kerry is a dull, boring man.

You want to know why Bush won in 2004? It wasn't because of red states to blue states, conservative values to liberal values, or whether Iraq was good idea. The Democrats lost because their candidate lacked passion and emotion.

Voters around the world do not want a leader who is so uptight because he/she is afraid that anything he or she says or does, might offend someone. God forbid a politician should do something wild and crazy. Unfortunately, most politicians are like this and that's why people always plug their noses and vote for the lesser of two or more evils.

To me, the best politicians are the ones who've got the style, the swagger, and most importantly, care about their country. Politics is a lot like professional wrestling. There are many who want to be the best but, it's the ones who are charismatic that actually achieve their goal. The political leaders we will remember are the ones who are passionate about what they do and have the swagger that hooks people in.

So many come to mind.

Bill Clinton; he played the sax, chatted up the ladies and carried the United States into a new millennium. He never lost.

Ronald Reagan; he wanted to beat the Soviets and was willing to do anything. All he had to do was use his acting skills and he could convince Americans on anything.

Pierre Trudeau; believed in a just society and couldn't care if his personal life was the deciding factor for most Canadian voters. He brought in our Charter and had the guts to dance behind the Queen's back.

Rene Levesque; the only reason why Quebec Independence is a "hot button" issue is because Levesque believed in it with such vigor. Say what you will, he did a great job of being the thorn of Canadian politics. He brought attention to the issues he and his followers cared about.

Ed Broadbent; here is a man that cares about his country. In his speeches, in his appearances and in his beliefs, Broadbent is a man who lives for every single Canadian. I'd argue that he is the best politician that never got to be Prime Minister.

John Kerry didn't botch the joke because he read the wrong thing. He botched it because he had no style. Style, conviction, compassion, charisma, emotion; in politics, it goes a long way.

The Hek

Wednesday, November 01, 2006

Let's Go Raptors!

For the first time in a few years, I am pumped up about the upcoming Raptors' season.

Today isn't just the start of the team's 11th season. I would argue that this is also the official start to "Chapter Three" of the Toronto Raptors' history. Chapter One started when Toronto was awarded the franchise and goes until 1998. Chapter Two goes from when the Maple Leafs buy the Raptors and ends earlier this year when Bryan Collangello, is hired as the team's new General Manager.

So what will Chapter Three have in store? Well, anything can happen. However, you can't help but feel optimistic about the Raptors.

Toronto finally has a braintrust that actually knows what they're doing. Collangello has brought in some top talent from overseas such as Anthony Parker, Jose Calderon and Andrea Bargnani. There's also TJ Ford and Kris Humphries who came over in offseason trades. And of course, there are returning players like Chris Bosh and Morris Peterson.

The Raptors won't blow everyone out of the water; however, I feel there is going to be a major improvement from last year's 27-55 record. When it comes to the playoffs, I think there's a good chance they can make it. My prediction is that they will finish somewhere between 7th and 10th place in the NBA Eastern Conference.

One thing is for sure, this team is going to develop into a pretty good ball club.

The Hek