Happy New Year

Being that this will be the last post for 2006, I thought I would take a moment to reflect on the past year.

2006 was a year of transition. I started the first four months in Ottawa, finishing off my degree. Following a standard summer, I entered September in a whole new realm, the real world. For the first time since I was a toddler, I wasn't spending most of my days in a classroom. It was and still remains a great feeling.

The real world also means finding a job in radio and this hasn't been an easy task. I've been very fortunate to still have the "non-radio job," so I am getting somewhat of a paycheck. I have also been fortunate to volunteer with CHEV radio. I'm not going to lie. I knew it would be a tough process trying to get a job in radio. However, I am quite aggravated with the lack of luck I have been experiencing. So far, I have applied to about 200 jobs. Out of all those applications, 20% have led to some sort of response; be it an interview or the "thanks, but no thanks" response. 0% have led to an actual paying job.

Back in April, I made a list of six things to do once I completed my studies at Carleton. They were:

1. Get Internet
2. Get a recording device
3. Get a (free) copy of editing software
4. Figure out how to podcast
5. Begin Freelancing
6. Get a CD Burner

So far, I have completed half of those tasks. I got the internet, found a great editing program, and not only figured how to podcast, but also started one. Getting a recording device is close to completion. Unfortunately, I can't really start to freelance until I have the recording device. Meanwhile, the CD burner will have to wait.

I've never been one to make resolutions. However, I am compelled make this one: In 2007, I plan to take charge and really pursue my goals.

There's an important to date to remember. It's December 31st, 2007. On this day, if I'm still in the same position I am right now, then I'm going to have to start taking some drastic measures.
I don't know what these measures will be. But believe me, they will be drastic. You might say they will be acts of desperation. Of course, this only happens if I don't keep my New Year's resolution.

Meanwhile, have a safe and Happy New Year.

The Hek

PS - Next post will be on Jan. 2nd

Musings Of A Random Nature

Spike Lee to Direct Film About James Brown

That was quick. Although the film company says the deal was already in the works before Brown's passing. Now the question is, who will star as the "Godfather of Soul?" My money is on Cuba Gooding Jr.

***

Barry Zito reaches agreement with Giants

Not bad if you're a fan of the San Francisco Giants. Sure, they lose Shea 'Sinking Ship' Hillenbrand to the Angels. However, they pick up Barry Zito; the most coveted free agent on the market this season. Just another pitcher the Blue Jays failed to get. Then again, Toronto didn't have the money Zito was asking for. The Jays still need another starter.

***

Winter Storm hits Israel

Global warming can't be that bad. It only put the snow somewhere else.

***

Sheila Carter is back. Looks like she had some plastic surgery. Now, she has a striking resemblance to Phyllis Newman. That cannot be good.

The Hek

Strombo vs. Caine

Have to give props to Omni Television.

The station (Omni 1 to be exact) is airing Kung Fu: The Legend Continues, every Tuesday and Wednesday at 11:00pm. Last night, I was originally going to watch The Hour. But I'm sorry. George Strombonopolis vs. David Carradine? It's no contest. Master Caine will win every time.

The best part is that Kung Fu also airs on Wednesdays and Thursdays, at 11:00am and 1:00pm.

The Hek

- Be sure to catch Episode Twenty-two of The Audio Circus -

Secret Desires. Forbidden Magic. Intriguing Mystery. Limitless Passion.

Does anyone happen to watch the program, Passions?

I managed to catch the last segment of today's episode. To put it simply, it was insane. You had three scenes, each providing a different genre. Instead of changing an emotional tone through a nice flow, this program changes it's tone drastically and without any warning. Here's what happened:

Scene one. Louis, a local police officer, is consoling a female cadet who is in the hospital after being attacked and raped. The cadet was starting to have flashbacks and was bawling into Louis' chest. She begged him to not ask anymore questions about the incident. Louis promises he will find the men that attacked the cadet, who he is also in love with. A very dramatic scene.

Scene two. Two women are trying to kill a witch named Tabatha. There's a huge chase, but in the end, Tabatha ties up her attackers and banishes them to a dark spiritual world. The scene is right out of a Bugs Bunny cartoon; full of sound effects, fumbles and a mangled up pecan pie. A very comedic scene. In fact, it was a farce.

Scene three. The body of a murdered transvestite is discovered inside a wedding cake, as the newly married couple cuts the cake in front of all their guests. A scene with suspense and mystery. The best line came from the bride who exclaimed, "Oh my God! There's a dead transvestite in my wedding cake!"

I bet you wouldn't see something like that on Days Of Our Lives.

The Hek

- Check out Episode 22 of The Audio Circus -

Holiday Spirit

Just got back from the Waxers game.

Markham beat the Toronto Jr. A Canadiens, 4-0. Waxers' Goalie Matthew Spezza picked up the shutout; and yes, he's Jason Spezza's brother. Speaking of which, why is it that the two players I have from the Ottawa Senators (Spezza and Wade Redden) are both injured and unable to contribute to my Yahoo Fantasy team? The Sens are having a brutal season. Things are getting ugly in Hockey Country.

As always, my job at the game was to keep an eye on Slapshot the Bear. I'm happy to report that once again, he was a well behaved mascot.

Anyway, I just wanted to take this time to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas. I hope everyone has a great time with their families. Enjoy the presents but most importantly, enjoy the moment.

Now, For the Politically Correct (props to Blake):

Please accept with no obligation, implied or implicit, my best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low-stress, non-addictive, gender-neutral celebration of the winter solstice holiday, practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice, or secular practices of your choice, with respect for the religious/secular persuasion and/or traditions of others, or their choice not to practice religious or secular traditions at all. I also wish you a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling and medically uncomplicated recognition of the onset of the generally accepted calendar year 2007, but not without due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures whose contributions to society have helped make America great. Not to imply that America is necessarily greater than any other country nor the only America in the Western Hemisphere. Also, this wish is made without regard to the race, creed, color, age, physical ability, religious faith or sexual preference of the wishee.

By accepting these greetings, you are accepting the aforementioned terms as stated. This greeting is not subject to clarification or withdrawal. It is freely transferable with no alteration to the original greeting. It implies no promise by the wisher to actually implement any of the wishes for herself/himself/others, and is void where prohibited by law and is revocable at the sole discretion of the wisher. This wish is warranted to perform as expected within the usual application of good tidings for a period of one year or until the issuance of a subsequent holiday greeting, whichever comes first, and warranty is limited to replacement of this wish or issuance of a new wish at the sole discretion of the wisher.

The Hek

PS - next post will be on Dec. 26th

Green Christmas

Right now in Toronto, there is no snow.

This has become a hot button issue in the city. Many people are upset at the possibility that there will be no sign of the white stuff come Christmas morning. Barring a sudden major snowfall, it looks like it will be a "Green Christmas." Personally, I have no problem with this.

Just because there might not be snow, doesn't mean that Christmas is ruined. Think of it as Christmas in a warmer climate like California, Florida, Texas, or Alabama. Okay, maybe Toronto is not as warm as those places in December; but still, they manage to celebrate with no snow. Besides, this wouldn't be the first time Toronto has had a Green Christmas.

On December 25th, 1982, the temperature was 17'C (the mark of El Nino). In 1994, it was about 10'C and the snow was completely melted. In fact, my friends and I played road hockey all day. It was great.

Let's also not forget what snow can lead to. Driving becomes a little more dangerous, you have to go out and shovel, or be at the mercy of a snow removal service; and, the chance of slipping on ice becomes less likely to happen.

So cheer up, Toronto. It's going to be a great holiday. With or without snow.

The Hek

The Fun Of Wikipedia

Does anyone else get addicted to Wikipedia?

I find myself going on there and looking up random things. Yesterday for example, I looked up the following: Nicole Richie, Tod Maffin, Allen Iverson, Joni Mitchell, Washington Wizards, and Kenny Dykstra.

Now I've gotten into editing.

For instance, the page on CHEV radio had little information. Look what I have done to it now.

Too bad I couldn't use this as a scholarly source. Then again, if people like me can just simply edit anything, it's accuracy might have to be called into question.

The Hek

Wish I Had A River: The Hek's Super Playlist

The latest, the greatest.

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
49. Hello - Lionel Richie
50. River - Joni Mitchell
51. Romantic Rights - Death From Above 1979

The Hek

- Check out Episode Twenty-One of The Audio Circus -

The Hek: Time Magazine's 'Person of The Year'

Time Magazine has announced that this year's 'Person Of The Year' is being awarded to anyone who uses or creates content on the internet. Therefore, yours truly is the recipient of this noble and historic award............along with a lot of other people. But, who am I to ruin a great achievement.

On to my acceptance speech:

What a truly wonderful moment this is to be named co-recipient of Time's 'Person Of The Year' award. There are so many people who have been given this title, and to be included with them is a great honour.

First, I would like to thank all the readers and listeners. Without your support, there would be no blog and no podcast. Second, I want to thank my parents for giving me proper guidance, teaching me that if you want something, you have to work for it; and most importantly, conceiving me.

Have to thank all my former girlfriends for giving me strength and major booty (Okay, I stole that from Kevin Smith). Thank you to all my friends. You guys are great! I love you all!

Gotta thank Lionel Richie. His song "Hello" has been stuck in my head all day. It's a great song. I really appreciate it. Thanks Lionel!

Thank you to my family, my co-workers, and all my teachers. I hope I didn't forget anyone. If I did I'm really sorry. I know I'm running out of time so, let me just say, God bless you all; have your pets spayed or nuked or whatever; and, have great night! Thank you!

The Hek

*It's back! The Audio Circus podcast. Catch Episode 21, ASAP*

Happy Hanukkah!

Four years ago at this time, I was living in a residence building on the grounds of Carleton University. It was my first Hanukkah away from home. I wanted to celebrate, but residents were not allowed to light candles in the building. Like the film Collateral, I had to adapt, change, improvise and roll with it.

I'm not sure who suggested the idea. I simply took a piece of paper and drew a monarah. Then, I took an orange marker and drew the shamesh candle as well as the first candle. Each night before dinner, I would say a little prayer and draw on a new candle. It might not have been the proper way to celebrate the holiday, but I felt pretty good about what I had done.

I am not a religious person. However, there are certain things I have to do.

Wishing everyone a Happy and Healthy Hanukkah.

The Hek

Good Day, Mr. Kubrick

When Stanley Kubrick began filming Full Metal Jacket, he placed ads in numerous newspapers across the U.S., seeking young aspiring actors. If you wanted a role, all you had to do was audition by sending a VHS of yourself doing a monologue. Here is an example of one such audition.

Consider this as, "what not to do during your audition." However, you have to give the guy credit for having the stones to do this.



The Hek

If You're Board And You Know It, Write Haiku

Gifts packaged for lovers
during a blissful holiday
with no snow

***
Just a reminder: The Audio Circus will return this Sunday. According to my friend Corina, the show has hit the South American market. In fact, it's being used to teach youth groups about radio. Now that's cool.

The Hek

Oh Those Rich Girls

Nicole Richie was arrested for driving under the influence.

It seems that whenever people like Ms. Richie are in the news, it's for incidents which are more enhanced, then if a regular human being were to take part in a similar incident. When a regular person is pulled over for DUI, it's because the vehicle is swerving and its a threat on the road. The guilty party is then arrested because he or she has a high level of alcohol in their bloodstream. However, Nicole Richie takes it to the next level.

Not only was her SUV swerving, but she was also driving the wrong way on a freeway in California. Along with that, Richie didn't have alcohol in her system but instead, a combination of pot and Vicadin. I should also point out that this is the second time that Richie has been arrested in connection with narcotics. In 2003, she was charged (although the case was eventually dropped) for possession of Heroin.

Call me crazy, but I think Nicole Richie has a drug problem.

The best line I have heard was from a co-worker's brother, who said that when police called Nicole's parents to inform them that their daughter was arrested, her father picked up the phone and said, "Hello, is it me you're looking for?"

The Hek

Trying To Make A Difference

My father recently told me that my room was a "dump."

I disagreed, stating that I have lots of things and no where to put them. I also argued that my room is a temporary residence and eventually, I'll be moving out. Therefore, lots of things are left out and in neat piles, to make it easier to eventually gather and pack. My dad had no problem with this, but then suggested that at least 50% of all the objects in my room, can be thrown out.

I agreed with my father's ladder notion. There are lots of things in my room that I really don't need and have no use for. However, there are some useless objects that I just can't throw out like a candy wrapper.

I'm talking about most of the books in my room. I have children's books, course packs, magazines, and a number of books on random topics. I'm going to keep some of them, but there are some books I want to get rid of. I have no problem getting rid of them. It's just that I don't want to throw them out because they cost money, and even though I have no use for them, someone else might. So, here's my question to you:

Besides the library and Goodwill, is there a charity/organization where I can donate/give away (maybe get a little coin in return) all the books I don't need? I'd feel better giving them away then throwing them into the garbage.

The Hek

Can You Do That 'Chung-Chung' Thing Again?

When it comes to police dramas, there is only one program I'll watch: Law and Order. Actually make that three programs: Law and Order, Law and Order - Special Victims Unit, and Law and Order - Criminal Intent.

In fact, here's my ultimate L&O team:

Detectives - Lennie Briscoe, Robert Goren (CI), Lt. Anita Van Buren
ADAs - Jack McCoy, Casey Novak (SVU)

I'd love to see your L&O teams. Feel free to post them in the comments section. Meanwhile, here's a new L&O series, the Special Letters Unit.



The Hek

Haiku Hek Returns!

vengeful cold weather
making its appearance
on the exposed ground

The Hek

Life In The 'Titanic' Division

Thank God the Raptors play in the weakest division of the NBA.

Here are the standings, as of 7:32pm EST, of the Atlantic division; or, as some have called it: the Titanic division.

Atlantic	W	L	PCT	GB	CONF	DIV	HOME	ROAD	L 10	STREAK
New Jersey	7	10	0.412	0.0	6-3	3-0	4-5	3-5	3-7	L 1
Toronto	7	10	0.412	0.0	6-3	3-1	5-2	2-8	5-5	W 2
New York	7	13	0.350	1.5	4-8	1-2	2-7	5-6	3-7	W 1
Boston	5	11	0.313	1.5	4-9	1-3	3-6	2-5	4-6	L 3
Philadelphia	5	11	0.313	1.5	4-7	0-2	3-3	2-8	2-8	L 4

That's right. The Raptors are tied for first place with more defeats then wins. If they played in the Central division, they would be 6th out of seven teams. In the Southeast, they would be tied for third. Those are just the divisions in the Eastern Conference. If it was the Western Conference, the Raps would be right at the bottom.

Toronto had a slow start but, they have started to look like the team fans were hoping to see. If they keep it up, you can expect them to finish no higher then sixth and no lower then 10th in the Eastern conference. Right now, they're in 8th which gives them the last playoff spot. I won't be surprised if they rise in the rankings as well. They appear to be stronger then their opponents in the conference and division.

Things are looking good in Raptorland.

The Hek

WWE Fires Paul Heyman

The WWE has never liked anything they didn't create. This theory has once again proven itself with the departure of Paul Heyman.

Following a somewhat lackluster December to Dismember pay-per-view, WWE officials informed Heyman that they were letting him go. Their reasoning was that Vince McMahon was dissatisfied with Heyman's involvement with the ECW brand. McMahon felt that Heyman was holding on to the past instead of embracing the "new vision" of ECW (also known as the WWE version of ECW).

You cannot have ECW without Paul Heyman. He created the organization and therefore, Heyman is ECW. It was his vision that led the brand to acquire it's cult status during the late 1990's. It must have killed Heyman to only be a consultant and not take part in the booking and writing, when WWE resurrected the brand earlier this year. Watching the new ECW, you can notice the heavy WWE influence. This is especially the case with the old ECW stars (Dreamer, Sandman, Guido, Sabu, etc), who are made to look very weak and easily dominated by the WWE-trained talent (C.M. Punk, Mike Knox, Kevin Thorn, Test, etc).

I cannot understand why the WWE is afraid of letting Paul Heyman play a major role in the script writing. When he was the head writer for Smackdown, the program was at its best. There's also the great work he's done with WWE's developmental territory, Ohio Valley Wrestling.

Heyman knows how to put over talent. He would have made stars out of the new talent, as well as making sure that the old ECW stars, were made to look strong and have the same presence as they did in the past.

Once again, Vince McMahon's ego has got in the way of the product. This is what happens when you have a monopoly and lack the threat of serious competition. Hopefully, organizations like TNA and Ring Of Honor will hire Heyman and give him full control. In order to compete successfully with WWE, Paul Heyman is a crucial element to have.

The Hek

Stephane Dion: A Good Choice

Personally, I felt the Liberal convention was compelling television. I truly believe that no one could have predicted the result. Not only is Stephane Dion the right man to lead the Grits, he is also proof that just because someone with a "name" enters the race, it does not mean that they automatically go to the front of the line.

By "name," I am referring to people like Michael Ignatiff and Bob Rae.

Iggy and Rae are known as "star candidates;" well-known citizens who parachute into a political party, with the hopes that there name and reputation outside their particular party, will be enough for them to become the leader. What these star candidates do, is step in front of all the other members who have been with the party for years and are more deserving and even a better choice for the leadership. This has occurred with all of Canada's political parties and it is not fair.

I am a firm believer that people who deserve success are the ones that work for it. In other words, they are the ones who "pay their dues." Stephen Harper didn't just show up and become the Prime Minister. He had to work for it. He first ran for parliament in 1988 and over the next 18 years, he worked as an MP as well as an expert behind the scenes. He built up a reputation and ultimately became leader of the Conservatives and the PM. The same can be said about Jean Chretien. He was first elected to parliament in the early 1960's. For thirty years, he built up a reputation and all that hardwork paid off when he led the Liberals to victory in the 1993 election. In fact, every Canadian Prime Minister of the last sixty years (with the exception of a couple), started off sitting in the back rows of the House of Commons and eventually moved up. They all paid their dues before moving into 24 Sussex.

If I was Stephan Dion, I would be insulted that despite everything I have done for my party during the past ten years, that same party would rather choose someone who has either a.) no experience in politics and has lived outside of Canada for quite some time; or b.) has lots of experience in provincial and federal politics, but with a completely different party. If such a thing were to happen, Dion would probably relate to Lorne Nystrom.

Nystrom was an NDP MP from 1968 to 1993 and again from 1997 to 2004. In 2003 he ran for the leadership of the NDP. I attended one of the contenders debates and to me, Nystrom was perfect for the job. He was intelligent, eloquent, down to earth and cared about his country. Unfortunately, his party chose to elect someone who had never sat in the House of Commons and whose only experience was that of city council.

Don't get my wrong, Ignatiff and Rae would probably be good leaders. However, if they want to lead they should first spend some time as MPs in order to get a feeling of how things work and build up their reputations on Parliament Hill.

So congratulations to Stephane Dion. He has certainly earned his spot. Of course, his challenge now would be to defeat the Harper Government and that, will be no easy task.

The Hek

I'm Here To Chew Bubblegum

The Liberal leadership convention is well underway in Montreal. By Saturday night, a new leader will be chosen. I feel it's all going to come down to how many supporters Mike Ignatiff and Bob Rae can scoop up with each passing round of voting. No matter who wins the leadership, he or she cannot compare to the one known as Hot Rod.

Why Roddy Piper should run for the leadership of the Liberal party;
Reason #4: Roddy Piper is straight to the point, with soundbites that would make even the most experienced political pundit drool.



The Hek