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

R.I.P Ottawa Lynx

One of the things I didn't get to do during my time in Ottawa, was to watch a Lynx game. Now that they're leaving the Nation's capital, my chances of seeing them play are a little slim.

The Ottawa Lynx are a Minor League Baseball team that compete in the International League. They began play in 1993 and won the IL championship in 1995. During the last 13 seasons, the Lynx have been affiliated with three Major League teams. In 2007, they will become affiliated with the Philadelphia Phillies. Currently, they are part of the Baltimore Orioles farm system. However, they will mostly be remembered as the Triple-A affiliate for the Montreal Expos. During their association with the Expos, Ottawa fans got to see future stars such as José Vidro, Matt Stairs and Javier Vazquez.

The Lynx were once very popular but the over the last few years, attendance and interest have dropped significantly. It's so bad that the Lynx have the worst attendancee record in the entire minor league system (and that's covering a number of levels and leagues). There has always been talk about the Lynx leaving Ottawa; and now, it will happen next year.

Following the 2007 season, the Lynx will be relocated to Allentown, Pennsylvania. It's no surprise to those who live in Ottawa. Having lived there, I can tell you that no one will even notice.

So why did professional baseball ultimately fail in Ottawa? When the Lynx started, Ottawa was considered as a "minor league" town. The Senators were just getting started, the CFL's Rough Riders were just abysmal, and the most successful teams were the Junior hockey clubs; the 67s and the Hull Olympique. Since then, the pro sports scene in Ottawa has changed. The city is slowly becoming a "major league" town. This is due in large part to the Senators and the success they have had. In any major league town, minor sports will never succeedd. For example, look at Toronto's hockey structure. The Maple Leafs always sell out while the Majors, Ice Dogs, Battalion and Marlies can barley get any fans. Now combine this idea with some recent poor seasons by the Lynx, and the fans just stopped coming.

So now that the end is near, I hope that the citizens of Ottawa will at least come out just to enjoy the benefits of a baseball game during a summer day or night. Once the Lynx leave, they won't be able to find something like that again.

The Hek

Watch This Show!

It's called Kenny vs. Spenny.

It airs on CBC at different times so check the local listings.

The concept: Every week, two best friends have competitions with each other. At the end of the show, the loser of the competition has to do something humiliating.

What is amazing is the great lengths these two will go to win the weekly competition.

Check it out.

The Hek

Fill in The Blanks......again!

1. If I could be naked with anyone, it would be_______________

2. J.K Rowling is a ___________ writer.

3. The team to beat in the NFL this year is the ______________

4. My dream car would be _________________

5. The best age for someone to get married is _________________

6. The best song ever recorded by Public Enemy is_______________

7. Carrots are ________ for you

8. I am _______ for Jackass 2

9. The one novel everyone should read is________________

10. Beta was a ________ idea

Thanks for filling in the blanks and be sure to catch Episode Seven of the Audio Circus.

The Hek

The Last Days of Summer

Normally at this time, I would be getting ready to move back to Ottawa. Of course, that is no longer the case. It has not hit me just yet but, I have the feeling it will very shortly. Meanwhile, there is something that has been bugging me for a while.

Ever since I graduated from Carleton, many people have inundated me with the same question:

"Now that you're finished University, what are you going to do now?"

Every time I'm asked this, I feel this immense pressure to come up with this clear, concise answer or else people are going to think I won't be able to handle the "real world."

The truth is that I really don't know what will happen now. Obviously, I'm looking for a job in the media. However, I don't know when, where or how this is all going to happen. Anything is possible and anything can happen.

Now that I've given the answer in a public forum, I hope that the questioning will stop. Believe me when I tell you that it is important to have patience. Also, when something does occur, I'll let you all know about it.

The Hek

-Check out Episode Seven of The Audio Circus podcast-

NEWS: WWE Releases Kurt Angle

Kurt's body has taken a lot of damage over the years. Because of his devotion to the business, he has never really taken time off to properly rest and recuperate. He's also going through a divorce and an addiction to pain killers which, is a result of all the bumps he's received in the ring.

If he can get his life back in order, you can expect him to be back in wrestling (hopefully, with a lighter schedule) within six months to a year. That is of course, if Angle actually takes time to straighten things out.

The Hek

'Suvivor' Plays the Race Card

In a desperate attempt to boost its falling ratings, Survivor has decided to split contestants into teams based on their race. There will be four teams; Blacks, Whites, Hispanics, and Asians. Needless to say, this is just asking for trouble.

If the goal of Mark Burnett was to get attention for the new season, then by all accounts, he has succeeded. But let's face it: If anything "racially charged" occurs, you can bet that CBS will make sure it doesn't go to air. Basically, the concept is just to get notice while that actual episodes, will be very controlled for fear of losing sponsors.

Still, after years of witnessing how dividing races can lead to problems such as a Civil War, Burnett could have come up with something better. For example, why not make teams based on nationality. You could have a Team Canada, Team USA, or Team Mexico. It doesn't have to be countries. Teams could also be divided by states or areas of the U.S. (Midwest, North, South, Westcoast, Eastcoast, etc). If it was done that way, audiences would tune in and cheer on their team. It would be a sense of national or state pride.

Regardless, I'm still not watching the program.

The Hek

Bring Back the CBC Butterfly

I've always been fascinated with how radio and television networks were able to produce content in a time when there was no advance technology or, dozens of computer graphics programs to choose from. It's the same type of quality we see today; but back then, things had to be creative, yet simple. With that in mind, for your viewing pleasure, here are some old station ids.

Believe it or not, in the 1960's, the CBC's logo was not the "circle shaped thing" we have today. Instead, it was a rainbow butterfly. It was created to advertise the fact that CBC was broadcasting in colour.



There were those who felt that the butterfly was too similar to the NBC peacock. Personally, I think it was just a coincidence.



Regardless, both butterfly and peacock are clearly better then what ABC had.



In the 1980's, the BBC had a neat way of coming up with filler between programs. A clock, a voice over, a neat graphic, and light music. It was perfect if you were settling down or, needed a bathroom break.



Finally, a PBS id from the early 70's. Not as advanced as what they have now but, straight, simple and to the point.



The Hek

DX vs. nWo?!

I Found this on Live Audio Wrestling. Is the WWE really considering this?

I don't know if its real or fake. Regardless, it is possible to pull this off. Sure, the match will probably be sloppy but, the buyrate will go through the roof.

The Hek

Billy's Birthday

See this guy...

It's his birthday today. He's turning 22 on the 22nd. So if you see this man, buy him a beer. He's known to frequent downtown Ottawa and the State of California.

The Hek

Check out Episode Six of The Audio Circus

Watch It or Avoid It

After a nice weekend of not having to worry about my "paying job," here are some films to check out, and one particular film you should avoid to watch at all costs.

What to Watch:

El Mariachi (1992) directed by Robert Rodriguez; a perfect balance of artistic and commercial merit.

Waking Ned Devine (1998) directed by Kurt Jones; a fun little comedy which shows the "positive side" of fraud.

What to Avoid:

Well.......this film (taken from Mirrorstone's Reflections). I don't think the director even read the original script.

The Hek

Be sure to check out Episode Six of The Audio Circus Podcast

10 Weeks later.....

After some ups and downs, I have finished my "paying job." For the next few weeks, I will still do some odds and ends for my employer. However, the bulk of the work is complete.

Now, I've held this job for the last six years and its paid a good chunk of the University bill. But, its not what I want to do in life and I'm crossing my fingers I don't have to go back there for a seventh year. To be honest, I'd rather be unemployed then work another ten weeks, next year.

So starting Monday, the job search fully resumes. My main goal next week, is to find a temp agency that specializes in media related jobs. Of course, I'll also be applying to as many jobs as I can. By the way, for those keeping track at home, I've applied to 25 jobs and have only had one application that actually got a response.

Honward Oh!

Whoops. I mean, Onward Ho!

The Hek

Blue Jays trade Eric Hinske to the Red Sox

And what do the Blue Jays get in return? Cash and/or a player to be named later. The "player to be named later" will be based on how well Hinske does with Boston. If he does well, the Jays get a player; if he fails to live up to expectations (which, is why he was mostly a benchwarmer this season as well as in 2005), the Jays receive some beer money.

Granted, Hinske is not a huge loss for Toronto. However, let's review the transaction:

The Jays give up a player for practically nothing, to a division rival no less.

Alright, let's see where this goes.

The Hek

Name That Planet

A group of international astronomers will take a vote to decide if they should change the requirements for something in space to be labeled as a planet. If the vote favours the changes then, three new planets will be added to our solar system. This will bring the total number of planets to 12 and force a lot of astronomy text books to be thrown out.

In the meantime, the question as to what to name these new planets, has become a hot topic with some. One astronomer has suggested that one of the new planets be named "Xena," after the warrior princess.

I don't agree with Xena but, I do agree we should name the planets after television characters. Besides, Greek gods and goddesses are so "yesterday."

Having said that, here are my suggestions:

Planet Springer
Planet Colbert
Planet Stratus

I think I'm on to something.

The Hek

When Debates Get Personal

Found this clip off of Inside The CBC.com.

Be sure to watch it in its entirety. All I have to say, is know when to draw the line when you make fun of people's weight.

Click here to watch the clip

The Hek

Canadian universities refuse to participate in Maclean's school ranking

Interesting.

Every year when the rankings came out, the administration at Carleton would always be on the defensive. In fact, there was one year when the school's president sent an e-mail to every single student, urging them to ignore what Maclean's had reported. Frankly, no one on the campus (except for the editors of the student newspaper) really cared about the rankings. What's really odd is that Ottawa U which, usually tended to get good marks, has stated that they will not take part; while Carleton, is still part of the survey.

In all honesty, I never considered the Maclean's rankings when it came to time to choose a school. The fact of the matter is that each school, provides their programs differently. Some schools focus more on the sciences while others, focus more on the arts. Considering the source of the data (i.e. random students), should be enough reason for people to be a little skeptical of the results. One student's experience is going to be different then any other student.

To be fair, Maclean's did make a good effort in helping young people make a tough decision. However, there were some factors that were not even considered and some, that should not have even been included.

The Hek

Check out Episode Five of The Audio Circus Podcast

Old Time Radio Network

If you're looking for something interesting to listen to this weekend, try the Old Time Radio Network. It's a website that offers free access to old radio shows from the 30's and 40's. Right now, I'm listening to Dragnet.

The sound is not that great but, the programs are creative and entertaining.

Have a good weekend.

The Hek

Battle of The Titans: RACCOON RAMPAGE

The following contest is scheduled for one fall.

Introducing first; from the Canadian forest......



And their opponents; hailing from the land of the rising sun.....



80's Canadian Cartoon vs. Pom Poko

The Hek

You've been Haiku'd!

tasting jealousy in bulk
with a hint of spite
makes my waist large

The Hek

Fill In The Blanks

Paris Hilton makes me want to_________

The best song to listen to while driving is____________

If I was given the choice of Labbat or Molson, I would choose___________

Stephen Harper is a ___________ Prime Minister - (Be nice.)

The next time the Toronto Maple Leafs win the Stanley Cup, will be in the year__________

Braveheart was a __________film

The best Star Wars film was_______________

The best city in Canada is____________

I can do ___________ cartwheels in a row

You do the hokey-pokey and_____________

The Hek

Death From Above 1979 announce split

Now that is a darn shame.

DFA1979 had a unique sound and created a pretty good following for themselves. In a world where many radio stations fulfill their CanCon requirements by playing nothing but Bryan Adams, Shania, Celine and the Hip, DFA1979 proved to skeptics that Canadian music can be fresh and creative.

When a band splits there are both positives and negatives. The positive side is that the band ended without losing any popularity or dare I say it (and this term is overused), selling out. The negative side is that there won't be anymore DFA1979.

-Be sure to catch Episode Four of The Audio Circus-

The Hek

Sweet Tunes

I'm listening to Randy Bachman's Vinyl Tap on Radio One.

Today, he's playing his favourite Billboard Number One hits. Check out this awesome playlist:

True Colours - Cyndi Lauper
Seasons in The Sun - Terry Jacks
Dancing Queen - Abba
Jive Talkin' - The Bee Gees
Will It Go Round in Circles - Billy Preston

And that's just the first hour.

Here's two things I learnt from the show:

1. Seasons in The Sun was a song originally intended for The Beach Boys. It was recorded by the band but never released. So Terry Jacks released his own version and it went right to the top.

2. You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet was just a "work song" that Randy Bachman did as a way to keep his skills sharp. When the manager of the record label heard it by sheer accident, he demanded that Bachman put the song on BTO's next album and have it released as a single. Bachman reluctantly agreed and figured that BTO would turn into a laughing stock. In his opinion, the song was of poor quality. In the end, the song rose to number one and became a classic.

The Hek

Jockey suspended for head-butt

Think you're having a bad day?

Next time it happens to you, don't act out your frustration like jockey, Paul O'Neil.

When I first heard about the story, I thought the article was referring to the former New York Yankees' right fielder which made no sense given that the guy was close to six feet. However, the baseball O'Neil did have a bit of a temper. But I doubt he took it this far.

(For the full story, click on the title.)

The Hek

Wear your Red on Friday

As some may know, I do not support war in any way, shape or form.

However, in light of the four Canadians who lost their lives in Afghanistan today, I would ask that we all wear a little red on Friday. It will show our support to the men and women who sacrifice their lives so that one day, we can all live in a world of peace and harmony.

(If you respectfully choose not to, that's alright.)

The Hek

Go Canada Podcasts

The Audio Circus is now listed on CanadaPodcasts.ca. This website is the directory for any type of podcast that is produced in the country. There are so many cool shows listed here. There's also links to all of CBC radio's podcasts as well.

Check out the page for The Audio Circus.

Now comes the part where I plan to send off some promo e-mails. If you already listen, I apologize for taking up space in your inbox.

The Hek

80's Night!

If you haven't lost interest in Canadian Idol, you might want to catch tonight's episode and Tuesday's result show.

This week, Idol is doing its annual "tribute to the 80's" where the contestants, perform their favourite songs from a decade that has been marred in the debate of whether good music came out of it, or not. Last season's episode saw performances of "Tainted Love" and "In The Air Tonight," just to name a few.

Here's the kicker: This year, contestants got to meet and receive advice from Cyndi Lauper. This proves two things. One, Cyndi Lauper is probably coming out with a new album soon; and two, CTV is completely capitalizing on their MTV connections.

Enjoy the show.

Be sure to catch Episode Three of The Audio Circus

The Hek

Audio Circus Update

It was a busy week but, I still managed to release Episode Three. Be sure to check it out if you get the chance.

The Hek

Where is the LOGIC?

How the $#%@ does Montana's on Steels Avenue at 7pm (in the bubble known as Thornhill), suddenly change to The Keg at Jarvis and Wellesley (downtown Toronto) at 6:20pm? And how is it that I don't find out about this until 6:40pm?

No call the day before.
No e-mail.
No indication that things had changed.

Doing things at the last minute: it's cool when it comes to school work. But it sure doesn't work in other aspects of life.

I missed a very good friend's birthday dinner party and I am extremely upset about it.

Another friend said, "just take the subway."

Let's see: Dinner is at 6:20. I didn't get home until 6:40 (would have been home earlier had I known about it). I change and shower and out the door by 6:50. Walk to the bus stop which takes us to 7:00. The bus eventually comes and I get to Finch Subway by 7:30. Hop on the train and arrive at Wellesley Station at 8:00. Knowing myself, I get a little lost and finally arrive at The Keg somewhere between 8:20 - 8:30. By then everyone has eaten and are pretty much set to go somewhere else.

I'm all for spontaneity, but use your head.

Here is the most important part of this entry: I want to wish my good friend Mike, a Happy and Healthy Birthday. Sorry I wasn't there, buddy. Hope you had a great day.

The Hek

The Job Search

You know, I spend lots of money to get a piece of paper that says I know something and where do I end up? At the same "paying job" I have had since I was 15.

It is getting very frustrating.

Since April, I have applied to close to 50 jobs and not one has lead to at least an interview. I don't know what I have to do for these employers. I've had the resume properly formatted, I have enough experience and I have a degree. What more do they want? Is it because I'm a fish out of water? Is working at a community/campus station for four years not good enough for experience? Is it because I'm not a visible minority?

*sigh*

I realize something will come eventually. But for now, my patience is wearing a bit thin.

The Hek

Catch Episode Two of The Audio Circus

TOTP

A popular BBC program called Top of the Pops will be going off the air in a few weeks. The program had an amazing 42-year run as one of the most well-known programs to come out of the United Kingdom. It was just as big as Coronation Street or Monty Python's Flying Circus.

In its heyday, TOTP was the show to be on if you were an emerging artist. Many well-known acts got their big break from being on the show. The concept was perfect, have the artists of the weekly top songs on the charts, perform on the show. If an act was unavailable, play the song and have a bunch of people dance on stage. To make it even more fun, have the show go live.

It would be awesome if there was a show like this in Canada. Unfortunately, I have a feeling it would not be as successful thanks to channels like MuchMusic and MTV Canada.

But as they say: Dare to dream.

The Hek

Someone will know the answer

Here's something that's bugged me for awhile.

In the cartoons and comics, whenever Batman put on his mask (or Cow as that I believe, is the official term), his eyes would be completely white. No pupils or any hint of colour.

Why is that?

Was it too hard to actually draw eyes on a mask? Was it to emphasize the secret identity? Was there a hidden meaning?

It wasn't just with Batman. You can also find this with other superheroes like Wolverine and the Ninja Turtles.

I guess this is one of life's little mysteries.

Be sure to check out Episode Two of The Audio Circus Podcast

The Hek

Some Random Notes

1. I would like to proudly announce that this blog and The Audio Circus podcast are now listed on the website, PublicBroadcasting.ca. PB.CA is a "guide to Canadian blogs, podcasts, video casts and independent media on every subject, from every part of the country."

2. Starting with the July 19th post, I will be replying to any comments by posting a comment of my own. I have always enjoyed the constant banter that occurs on any blog's comment section.

3. I would like to remind all the four-year-olds out there that markers go on paper and not on your face and ears.

That is all.

The Hek

ECW comes to Canada

The WWE has announced that their ECW program which is shown on the Sci-Fi Channel in the United States, will be broadcasted on CanWest's Global TV and Xtreme Digital Channel. Starting August 11, ECW will be aired at three separate times: Fridays at Midnight on Global, and Saturdays at 1pm and Sundays at 4am on Xtreme.

Too bad we're only getting the softer, WWE version of ECW. To be fair, WWE is putting out a decent product despite the fact they are not allowing Paul Heyman to book the show. I have also enjoyed the build up they are making for C.M. Punk.

During ECW's heyday, there was never a television carrier in Canada. I always thought the organization would be perfect for a station like CityTV. To me, it seemed that ECW's presentation and passion would fit nicely with Moses Znaimer's vision of television. It could have really developed a cult following in Canada but alas, this was not the case.

Regardless, I am excited that there will be more wrestling on television.

The Hek

PS: If you call yourself Starback, Happy Birthday!

The Middle East

I don't like talking about this issue but, there is something that I wanted to get off my chest.

There have been reports about many Lebanese-Canadians who are upset with how the government has responded to their need to evacuate. However, during such a crisis, finger-pointing and frustration are items that bring nothing but disaster.

I understand that these people are going through extreme hardship right now. I have never experienced this but I can tell you that I would not wish this on my worst enemy. Still, I wish that these civilians would focus on getting to Canada safely rather then bashing the government.

No one could have seen the violence escalate at such an alarming rate. I don't think any government, no matter how big or how rich, could plan for a "mass exodus" in only a few short days. Unfortunately, there is just no way that everyone (and we're talking about close to 40,000 people here) could be accommodated in a safe, satisfying and orderly manner. I'm surprised that people are surprised by the fact that some evacuees were not given proper conditions for long periods of time. I hate to say this but, I feel that some evacuees (but not all of them) were expecting a bit too much.

To be fair, I do feel that the government took too long to come up with a contingency plan. The French and U.S. governments already had plans by the start of the week while Canada did not come up with anything until a few days ago. Unfortunately, these type of situations need quick decisions.

Meanwhile, there is only one thing that will allow everyone involved to get through this mass evacuation: patience.

The Hek

The Hek's Super Playlist

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 Eyed Peas
30. Lonely Old Eyes - Neko Case

The Hek

Impress you're friends

From an e-mail that was sent to me today:

YOU THINK YOU KNOW EVERYTHING?

A dime has 118 ridges around the edge.

A cat has 32 muscles in each ear.

A crocodile cannot stick out its tongue.

A dragonfly has a life span of 24 hours.

A goldfish has a memory span of three seconds.

A "jiffy" is an actual unit of time for 1/100th of a second.

A shark is the only fish that can blink with both eyes.

A snail can sleep for three years.

Al Capone's business card said he was a used furniture dealer.

All 50 states are listed across the top of the Lincoln Memorial on the back of the $5 bill.

Almonds are a member of the peach family.

An ostrich's eye is bigger than its brain.

Babies are born without kneecaps. They don't appear until the child reaches 2 to 6 years of age.

Butterflies taste with their feet.

Cats have over one hundred vocal sounds. Dogs only have about 10.

"Dreamt" is the only English word that ends in the letters "mt".

February 1865 is the only month in recorded history not to have a full moon.

In the last 4,000 years, no new animals have been domesticated.

If the population of China walked past you, in single file, the line would never end because of the rate of reproduction.

If you are an average American, in your whole life, you will spend an average of 6 months waiting at red lights.

It's impossible to sneeze with your eyes open.

Leonardo Da Vinci invented the scissors.

Maine is the only state whose name is just one syllable.

No word in the English language rhymes with month, orange, silver, or purple.

On a Canadian two dollar bill, the flag flying over the Parliament building is an American flag.

Our eyes are always the same size from birth, but our nose and ears never stop growing.

Peanuts are one of the ingredients of dynamite.

Rubber bands last longer when refrigerated.

"Stewardesses" is the longest word typed with only the left hand and "lollipop" with your right.

The average person's left hand does 56% of the typing.

The cruise liner, QE2, moves only six inches for each gallon of diesel that it burns.

The microwave was invented after a researcher walked by a radar tube and a chocolate bar melted in his pocket.

The sentence: "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog" uses every letter of the alphabet.

The winter of 1932 was so cold that Niagara Falls froze completely solid.

The words 'racecar,' 'kayak' and 'level' are the same whether they are read left to right or right to left (palindromes).

There are 293 ways to make change for a dollar.

There are more chickens than people in the world.

There are only four words in the English language which end in "dous": tremendous, horrendous, stupendous, and hazardous.

There are two words in the English language that have all five vowels in order: "abstemious" and "facetious."

There's no Betty Rubble in the Flintstones Chewables Vitamins.

Tigers have striped skin, not just striped fur.

TYPEWRITER is the longest word that can be made using the letters only on one row of the keyboard.

Winston Churchill was born in a ladies' room during a dance.

Women blink nearly twice as much as men.

Your stomach has to produce a new layer of mucus every two weeks; otherwise it will digest itself.

..............There, now You know everything!

The Hek

Wild Sunday

Launching the podcast was not the only adventure I had on Sunday.

I went on down to the ball game and saw the Blue Jays beat the Mariners in extra innings. When it came time to go home, I found out that the TTC subway line from Union to Finch was out of service. I said goodbye to my friend who took the streetcar home and made my way to the special shuttle service that was set up.

Taking the bus up Yonge Street is not as fast and efficient as the subway. Nevertheless, it was quite the experience and by the time we reached the Eglington station, the subways resumed their service.

Meanwhile, I'm slightly congested and completely fatigued. If you know me, you know exactly how I acquired this condition; from the "customers" of my "paying job."

The Hek

Check out the first episode of The Audio Circus Podcast.

Success! The Audio Circus is here!

I don't know what happened.

The website where I upload the podcast, told me it was still uploading. After nearly three hours of seeing this message, I gave up. Then, I went back to check on something and it was there, launched with a URL.

Better late then never ;-)

In any case...

It is with great pleasure that I announce that my new podcast, The Audio Circus, is officially launched. I would like to take this time to thank all those who offered advice and guidance, whether it was helping me with the website and RSS feeds or simply listening to the "Experimental Podcasts." Your assistance is greatly appreciated.

I not sure how to describe the podcast. It's not a comedy or serious broadcast. It's not political, news oriented, sports related or musically themed. Instead, it takes all these themes and puts them under one category: Variety.

It is a podcast that offers something for everyone and a whole lot more.

I hope you enjoy it.

The Hek

F**KING COMPUTER!!!

I can't begin to describe how frustrated I am right now.

I began to upload the first episode of my podcast at 7:50pm. It is now 10:28pm and that damn thing is still uploading. It's a 13 minute show that equals to 11.9MB. I would like to blame the website but the sad fact is that its probably because of my "Basic-Lite" service. All I wanted to do was take my mp3 and put it on the show's website. In order to do that, I need Odeo to create the URL for it. There has got to be an easier way.

To make matters worse, I have that funny feeling in my throat which I only get when I'm on the verge of getting a fever/cold.

I'm really sorry I was not able to come through on my promise. Stay tuned for updates.

The Hek

PODCAST UPDATE

The first episode is finished and ready to go. If all goes well, it should be up on the website by Sunday at 9:00pm.

The Hek

A quick note

I've been busy with my "paying job" as of late which will explain the absence of new posts.

However, I can tell you that I will be launching the podcast either on Sunday or Monday. So be sure to keep checking back.

The Hek

It was only a matter of time.

If you have a problem, solve it like Zidane.



Come on people, he said he was sorry. Forgive, forget, move on.

The Hek

BULL S**T!!!!

Tonight's ECW main event: Big Show vs. Ric Flair

Yeah, that's what the ECW fans want; two wrestlers who never wrestled in ECW. Two wrestlers who should not even be in the main event. This is what happens when you reassign Paul Heyman. Horrible decision making.

WWE completely screwed this up. And they did it in less then a month.

The Hek

Disco Inferno!

Time Life is a company that puts together CD compilations and mails them to customers in monthly installments. It's the type of deal where you purchase ten CDs for the price of $10. You've probably also seen the infomercials whether its to sell you "Love Songs of the 1980's" or "Pure Soul."

But now, Time Life has really done it.

I give you: 70's Music Explosion!

Think about it. Hours and hours of cheesy pop tunes from the 1970's. Songs like "Hooked on a feeling" by Blue Swede and "Saturday Night" by the Bay City Rollers. Can it get any better then that?

Oh dear, I think my guilty pleasures are getting the best of me.

The Hek

Viva Italia!

The World Cup has come to an end.

Italy defeated France on Penalty Kicks to win its fourth title. It was a hard fought match and with both teams scoring goals in the opening twenty minutes, there were signs that this final would be a classic. In the end, it would not fully achieve such status but, it certainly was thrilling.

My only concern is similar to the concern that is probably on the minds of most soccer fans: What the heck was Zidine Zidane thinking? This was his final game; an end to one of the most successful careers. Instead of a swan song, it was an instrumental disaster. Granted the Italian player probably said something cruel and petty. But that does not justify the captain of the French squad to lose his cool like that; especially when its the World Cup final and your team is a few minutes away from a shootout.

My only hope is that fans remember Zidane for his play on the field and not this sudden moment of insanity.

In the meantime, here is a commercial that Adidas put together for the World Cup. Personally, I really enjoyed it. The great thing about televised soccer matches is that there are no commercial breaks during the action. Therefore, this commercial never got too repetitive. It comes in two parts.

Enjoy and remember, The Audio Circus is coming soon.





The Hek

Who says Canadian TV is crap?

By accident I came across Metropia. The episode was about this washed up athlete who begged his best friend's ex-wife to take him off her amateur porn website. Apparently the athlete and the ex-wife did the nasty and she secretly taped it. She told him his performance was horrible but, it was the most watched clip.

Then she made out with a female friend.

Then, I blacked out.

The Hek

PS: The Audio Circus is coming soon.

If He Can Make One, So Can I.

Our Prime Minister is a podcaster. Not only that, his podcasts are one of the most popular downloads on iTunes.

He was not kidding when he said he would take the message to Canadians.

The Hek

Haiku Hek

rain silently falls
filling the flowers
soaking the camp supervisor

The Hek

Confessions & All-Stars

Yesterday it was announced that five Blue Jays will represent the American League at the upcoming All-Star game. I cannot begin to tell you how happy this makes me. The Jays have not had so much representation since 1993 when they sent seven players. However, there is one point that bugs me.

Four of five the players are more then well-deserved to be named to the A.L. team. Those players being Roy Halliday, BJ Ryan, Vernon Wells and Alex Rios. But then, there is Troy Glaus.

Don't get me wrong, Glaus is a great player. However, Lyle Overbay is having a much better season then Glaus. Overbay has been consistent the entire season and always comes through in the clutch.

Solution: Overbay should go instead of Glaus. Better solution: Both players go.

Finally, I give you: Confessions

The Hek

Happy Canada Day Everyone!

For the second straight Canada Day, I spent the day celebrating by watching a film about a DC Comics super hero. This time it was Superman Returns. It was a very entertaining film. Slow at times but otherwise, it was worth the admission price. If you're looking for any reason to see it, you should do so just to see the performance by Kevin Spacey. Not only is Spacey a huge fan of Superman but he is also phenomenal as Lex Luther.

Now to recap the Quarter-finals of the World Cup:

Going into this weekend's action, Argentina was the team I thought had the best shot to win the tournament.

Final Result: Germany beats Argentina on Penalty Kicks

Okay. If Argentina is out then, England would be your best bet. The poor nation has not won the World Cup since 1966. For England, that is forty long and painful years. They're due, right?

Final Result: Portugal beats England on Penalty Kicks

Alright, then it has to be Brazil. They're the most dominant nation in Soccer. They have the best players and the best structure. Simply put, they're far better then any of the other remaining teams.

Final Result: France beats Brazil, 1-0

Well, at least I was right about the Italy/Ukraine match.

The Hek

"Sneak Peak"