In Toronto this weekend?
Check out Broken Down Clown!
Saturday, June 30, 2007
9:30 - 11:00pm
The Cat's Eye
150 Charles Street West
Check out www.myspace.com/brokendownclown to hear 4 songs that will be played at the show.
Happy Canada Day!
The Hek
Friday, June 29, 2007
Friday, June 22, 2007
Waiting For Manny
For your weekend pleasure, here's a great article from The New Yorker about Manny Ramirez. Manny plays leftfield for the Boston Red Sox and is one of the best hitters I have ever seen.
Enjoy!
Article link
The Hek
Enjoy!
Article link
The Hek
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Great Canadian Music Videos - Part 2
Check The O.R. - Organized Rhyme
We're all aware of Tom Green's unique sense of humor. However, one of Green's talents that tends to go unnoticed is his hip hop rhyming skills. For a guy from the suburbs (Orleans to be exact), he can hold his own. I've seen him freestyle with a couple of artists and he's pretty good.
By the way, Tom's the guy wearing the Sens hat.
The Hek
We're all aware of Tom Green's unique sense of humor. However, one of Green's talents that tends to go unnoticed is his hip hop rhyming skills. For a guy from the suburbs (Orleans to be exact), he can hold his own. I've seen him freestyle with a couple of artists and he's pretty good.
By the way, Tom's the guy wearing the Sens hat.
The Hek
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Great Canadian Music Videos - Part 1
1 2 3 4 - Feist
This is an amazing video. One camera. One take. It reminds me of a big dance number you would see in a Gene Kelly/Astaire & Rogers film.
The Hek
This is an amazing video. One camera. One take. It reminds me of a big dance number you would see in a Gene Kelly/Astaire & Rogers film.
The Hek
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Final Thoughts: NBA Playoffs
Thank God it's over. Congratulations to the Spurs; especially Matt Bonner.
Recap:
First round - Six out of eight.
Second round - Three out of four.
Third round - Zero out of two.
Final round - One out of one.
Total score - 10 out of 15, 67%
Just like my NHL predictions.
The Hek
*Check out Episode 43 of the Audio Circus*
Recap:
First round - Six out of eight.
Second round - Three out of four.
Third round - Zero out of two.
Final round - One out of one.
Total score - 10 out of 15, 67%
Just like my NHL predictions.
The Hek
*Check out Episode 43 of the Audio Circus*
Monday, June 18, 2007
A Therapist?!
You Are 82% Grown Up, 18% Kid |
![]() Your emotional maturity is fully developed, and you have an excellent grasp on your emotions. In fact, you are so emotionally mature - you should consider being a therapist! |
The Hek
*A very mature podcast: Episode 43 of the Audio Circus*
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Stay In Nashville; Avoid Hamilton
The City of Hamilton does not deserve an NHL team.
I have nothing against the city. It's a nice place with a rich history and some of the most passionate football fans in this country. However, it would be wrong for the Nashville Predators to move to a city that does not even support their current professional hockey team.
This year, the American Hockey League's Hamilton Bulldogs averaged only 4900 fans at each home game. The arena, Copps Coliseum, can hold up to 19,000 fans. 4900 out of 19,000? That is horrendous.
The Bulldogs aren't even a bad hockey team. They won the league championship last week. To make matters worse, the final game of the AHL's Calder Cup, which was played in Hamilton, had a paid attendance of 14,205. The local team wins the league title and their are about 5000 empty seats? That is embarrassing.
How can a city that barley supports their minor league team, be worthy of a major league team?
If the citizens of Hamilton were true hockey fans, they would support their local team regardless of the league the team is affiliated with. The city of Hamilton has not earned the right to have an NHL team. The only way they could earn such a right is by supporting the Bulldogs and showing the NHL that they are loyal hockey fans. The citizens of Hamilton have not done this.
Sure, a number of people may have put down deposits today for "Hamilton Predators" tickets. But how many of those deposits are actually from Hamiltonians? I have a good feeling that the majority of deposits given today were from fans outside the Hamilton area; namely fans from Toronto and Buffalo.
If I'm running the NHL, I would seriously consider blocking the sale of the Nashville Predators to Jim Balsille and any subsequent move to Hamilton. If Hamiltonians refuse to support the Bulldogs, they don't deserve the Predators. Privileges are not given, they're earned.
Unfortunately, in reality, money has more value then public support. If the NHL believes that moving the Predators to Hamilton will lead to a large profit, then they will ignore the city's abusive relationship with the Bulldogs.
The Hek
I have nothing against the city. It's a nice place with a rich history and some of the most passionate football fans in this country. However, it would be wrong for the Nashville Predators to move to a city that does not even support their current professional hockey team.
This year, the American Hockey League's Hamilton Bulldogs averaged only 4900 fans at each home game. The arena, Copps Coliseum, can hold up to 19,000 fans. 4900 out of 19,000? That is horrendous.
The Bulldogs aren't even a bad hockey team. They won the league championship last week. To make matters worse, the final game of the AHL's Calder Cup, which was played in Hamilton, had a paid attendance of 14,205. The local team wins the league title and their are about 5000 empty seats? That is embarrassing.
How can a city that barley supports their minor league team, be worthy of a major league team?
If the citizens of Hamilton were true hockey fans, they would support their local team regardless of the league the team is affiliated with. The city of Hamilton has not earned the right to have an NHL team. The only way they could earn such a right is by supporting the Bulldogs and showing the NHL that they are loyal hockey fans. The citizens of Hamilton have not done this.
Sure, a number of people may have put down deposits today for "Hamilton Predators" tickets. But how many of those deposits are actually from Hamiltonians? I have a good feeling that the majority of deposits given today were from fans outside the Hamilton area; namely fans from Toronto and Buffalo.
If I'm running the NHL, I would seriously consider blocking the sale of the Nashville Predators to Jim Balsille and any subsequent move to Hamilton. If Hamiltonians refuse to support the Bulldogs, they don't deserve the Predators. Privileges are not given, they're earned.
Unfortunately, in reality, money has more value then public support. If the NHL believes that moving the Predators to Hamilton will lead to a large profit, then they will ignore the city's abusive relationship with the Bulldogs.
The Hek
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Wasn't Expecting That
Vince McMahon is dead.
Okay, he's not really dead. His television character is dead. And his television character hasn't been confirmed dead. Regardless, this is a really cool storyline. So far it's been captivating. However, these extreme circumstances can turn ugly if they botch the storyline by having Vince appear on television next week.
Meanwhile, the tri-branded draft is taking place. Talent from RAW, Smackdown, and ECW, will be moving to a new brand. This is the usual roster shakeup WWE conducts every year or two. I will withhold comments until the draft's last round on Sunday.
The Hek
*Always alive: Episode 42 of the Audio Circus*
Okay, he's not really dead. His television character is dead. And his television character hasn't been confirmed dead. Regardless, this is a really cool storyline. So far it's been captivating. However, these extreme circumstances can turn ugly if they botch the storyline by having Vince appear on television next week.
Meanwhile, the tri-branded draft is taking place. Talent from RAW, Smackdown, and ECW, will be moving to a new brand. This is the usual roster shakeup WWE conducts every year or two. I will withhold comments until the draft's last round on Sunday.
The Hek
*Always alive: Episode 42 of the Audio Circus*
Monday, June 11, 2007
Secretly Very Wild?
Your Lust Quotient: 42% |
![]() You are definitely a lustful person, but you do a good job of hiding it. Your friends would be surprised to know that your secretly very wild! |
The Hek
*Love for everyone! Episode 42 of the Audio Circus*
Friday, June 08, 2007
Final Thoughts: Stanley Cup Playoffs
There's nothing wrong with the Anaheim Ducks winning the Stanley Cup.
Some will say it's a catastrophe. I disagree.
This is hockey in 2007. People want the NHL to grow; here's a consequence of this growth: a team from California - where it never snows - has won the Stanley Cup. I don't see anything wrong at all.
I'm glad for the Ducks. Sure, I picked the Sens to win, but Anaheim wanted to win and Ottawa played like they were just happy to be in the finals. I'm especially happy for two players: Teemu Selanne and JS Giguere.
Selanne is one of the top players of the last 15 years. He has won many awards except for one, the Stanley Cup. Now, he can look back at his career and be pleased with his efforts.
Giguere was in net when the Ducks lost the Cup final to New Jersey in 2003. Despite losing, he was named playoff MVP. It's nice to win the Conn Smythe trophy. However, this prestigious award means nothing if your team doesn't win the Stanley Cup. For Gigurre, winning the Cup is redemption.
Now that the NHL Playoffs are over, here's a recap of my predictions:
Round 1 - Five out of eight.
Round 2 - Four out of four.
Round 3 - One out of two.
Round 4 - Zero out of one.
Total score - 10 out of 15, 67%
The Hek
Some will say it's a catastrophe. I disagree.
This is hockey in 2007. People want the NHL to grow; here's a consequence of this growth: a team from California - where it never snows - has won the Stanley Cup. I don't see anything wrong at all.
I'm glad for the Ducks. Sure, I picked the Sens to win, but Anaheim wanted to win and Ottawa played like they were just happy to be in the finals. I'm especially happy for two players: Teemu Selanne and JS Giguere.
Selanne is one of the top players of the last 15 years. He has won many awards except for one, the Stanley Cup. Now, he can look back at his career and be pleased with his efforts.
Giguere was in net when the Ducks lost the Cup final to New Jersey in 2003. Despite losing, he was named playoff MVP. It's nice to win the Conn Smythe trophy. However, this prestigious award means nothing if your team doesn't win the Stanley Cup. For Gigurre, winning the Cup is redemption.
Now that the NHL Playoffs are over, here's a recap of my predictions:
Round 1 - Five out of eight.
Round 2 - Four out of four.
Round 3 - One out of two.
Round 4 - Zero out of one.
Total score - 10 out of 15, 67%
The Hek
Thursday, June 07, 2007
NBA Playoff Predictions - Final Round
First round: Six out of eight.
Second round: Three out of four.
Third round: Zero out of two.
Rats. I got caught up with Utah's hype and didn't foresee Lebron's spectacular 45-point performance.
NBA Championship Final
San Antonio over Cleveland in 6
The Cavs are on a great run. However, the Spurs are stronger and more talented. I wouldn't be surprised if San Antonio sweeps Cleveland.
The Hek
TAC - E41
Second round: Three out of four.
Third round: Zero out of two.
Rats. I got caught up with Utah's hype and didn't foresee Lebron's spectacular 45-point performance.
NBA Championship Final
San Antonio over Cleveland in 6
The Cavs are on a great run. However, the Spurs are stronger and more talented. I wouldn't be surprised if San Antonio sweeps Cleveland.
The Hek
TAC - E41
Monday, June 04, 2007
Sundown Ya Better Take Care
Gordon makes his second appearance on 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 Eye Peas
30. Lonley 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
52. Knock on Wood - Amy Stewart
53. My Heart Skips A Beat - Buck Owens
54. Levon - Elton John
55. Use It - The New Pornographers
56. The Boy In The Bubble - Paul Simon
57. Graceland - Paul Simon
58. Everywhere - Fleetwood Mac
59. Head Over Feet - Alanis Morrisette
60. Ring Of Fire - Johnny Cash
61. Inside And Out - Feist
62. Crosseyed And Painless - Talking Heads
63. Give It To Me - Timberland feat. Nelly Furtado and Justin Timberlake
64. Intervention - Arcade Fire
65. I'm Afraid Of Brittany Spears - LiveonRelease
66. For Whom The Bell Tolls - Metallica
67. Sundown - Gordon Lightfoot
The Hek
*It's back! It's back! Episode 41 of the Audio Circus*
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. Lonley 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
52. Knock on Wood - Amy Stewart
53. My Heart Skips A Beat - Buck Owens
54. Levon - Elton John
55. Use It - The New Pornographers
56. The Boy In The Bubble - Paul Simon
57. Graceland - Paul Simon
58. Everywhere - Fleetwood Mac
59. Head Over Feet - Alanis Morrisette
60. Ring Of Fire - Johnny Cash
61. Inside And Out - Feist
62. Crosseyed And Painless - Talking Heads
63. Give It To Me - Timberland feat. Nelly Furtado and Justin Timberlake
64. Intervention - Arcade Fire
65. I'm Afraid Of Brittany Spears - LiveonRelease
66. For Whom The Bell Tolls - Metallica
67. Sundown - Gordon Lightfoot
The Hek
*It's back! It's back! Episode 41 of the Audio Circus*
Friday, June 01, 2007
Worst Prom Couple Ever
Radio 3 TV Petition
From Justin Beach:
If you haven't already done so, please check out the r3tv petition: http://www.ipetitions.com/
facebook group: http://www.facebook.com/gr
The Hek
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Never Rub Another Man's Rhubarb.
I saw this on The Hour and had to post it:
This is Heath Ledger as The Joker in the upcoming Batman film, The Dark Knight.
This looks awesome! I was already going to see The Dark Knight, but now, I'm really excited about it. It looks as though director Christopher Nolan has captured the true characteristics of The Joker.
Cesar Romero's version was goofy. Jack Nicholson's version was insane. Heath Ledger's version looks psychotic. That's how The Joker was portrayed in the comics; a vicious sociopath who kills people and enjoys doing it.
You have give credit to Ledger. He has some big shoes to fill. Let's face it, Jack was phenomenal. No matter what Ledger does (apparently, he's based The Joker on the characters from A Clockwork Orange), he's going to be compared to Jack. Some will say he wasn't as good as Jack. Others will say he was as good as Jack. I wonder if anyone will have the stones to say Ledger was better then Jack.
Speaking about The Joker, how cool would it be if Jennifer Tilly was brought in to play Harley Quinn?
Finally, here's a neat website related to The Dark Knight: www.ibelieveinharveydenttoo.com
Don't be fooled by what you see. Go to "Edit" and click on "Select All."
The Hek

This looks awesome! I was already going to see The Dark Knight, but now, I'm really excited about it. It looks as though director Christopher Nolan has captured the true characteristics of The Joker.
Cesar Romero's version was goofy. Jack Nicholson's version was insane. Heath Ledger's version looks psychotic. That's how The Joker was portrayed in the comics; a vicious sociopath who kills people and enjoys doing it.
You have give credit to Ledger. He has some big shoes to fill. Let's face it, Jack was phenomenal. No matter what Ledger does (apparently, he's based The Joker on the characters from A Clockwork Orange), he's going to be compared to Jack. Some will say he wasn't as good as Jack. Others will say he was as good as Jack. I wonder if anyone will have the stones to say Ledger was better then Jack.
Speaking about The Joker, how cool would it be if Jennifer Tilly was brought in to play Harley Quinn?
Finally, here's a neat website related to The Dark Knight: www.ibelieveinharveydenttoo.com
Don't be fooled by what you see. Go to "Edit" and click on "Select All."
The Hek
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Monday, May 28, 2007
Frozen Peas?
My friends and I have made film called Blame Guy Maddin.
We shot it in 2004. Three years later, we decided to finish it.
You can watch it by heading to the film's website: blameguymaddin.blogspot.com
If you don't get this film, you're part of the majority. Don't blame the filmmakers. Blame Guy Maddin!
The Hek
We shot it in 2004. Three years later, we decided to finish it.
You can watch it by heading to the film's website: blameguymaddin.blogspot.com
If you don't get this film, you're part of the majority. Don't blame the filmmakers. Blame Guy Maddin!
The Hek
Friday, May 25, 2007
NHL Playoff Predictions - Stanley Cup Finals
Round 1: Five out of eight.
Round 2: Four out of four.
Round 3: One out of two.
I was wrong about Ottawa. I'm sorry.
Stanley Cup Finals
Ottawa over Anaheim in 6
This has nothing to do with the fact that one of teams happens to be from Canada. This has nothing to do with the fact that I lived in Ottawa for the majority of four years. The Senators are on a huge roll and I feel it is strong enough to win the big prize. However, the Sens must win the first game. If they take game one, they will control the series. If the Ducks win the first game, winning the Cup will be very difficult for Ottawa.
The Hek
Round 2: Four out of four.
Round 3: One out of two.
I was wrong about Ottawa. I'm sorry.
Stanley Cup Finals
Ottawa over Anaheim in 6
This has nothing to do with the fact that one of teams happens to be from Canada. This has nothing to do with the fact that I lived in Ottawa for the majority of four years. The Senators are on a huge roll and I feel it is strong enough to win the big prize. However, the Sens must win the first game. If they take game one, they will control the series. If the Ducks win the first game, winning the Cup will be very difficult for Ottawa.
The Hek
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Top 5 NFB Films
The National Film Board has made a significant impact on Canadian cinema. Every Canadian has seen at least one film from the NFB. If you haven't seen an NFB film, you can head down to the board's Toronto studios, sit in a "Mediatheque" viewing station and watch as many films as you want.
I enjoy watching NFB films. Seeing that well known logo (the eye with two legs) always catches my attention.
Recently, I found a couple of films on YouTube and decided to compile a list of my favourite NFB productions. After much thought and deliberation, here are my top five NFB films.
First off, honourable mention: If You Love This Planet (1982), Neighbours (1952), Blackberry Subway Jam (1984).
5. Begone Dull Care (1949)
To the untrained eye, Begone Dull Care appears to have a simple concept: draw all over the film and add some music. However, to the trained eye, the production is more then just an attack on a empty roll of film with crayons and paint brushes. Evelyn Lambart and Norman McLaren create a beautiful union of moving images with music. Keep in mind the music is by Oscar Peterson, which means a fast-paced, quick-beat score. Therefore, there's a lot of action that needs to be translated on screen. It takes great skill to make a film like Begone Dull Care. However, if you can pull it off, the result will be an animated masterpiece.
4. Nobody Waved Goodbye (1964)
I guess Writer and Director Don Owen got tired of making documentaries. So he decided to make a feature film. Since he had no experience filming fiction, Owen shot Nobody Waved Goodbye as if it was a documentary. The consequence of this decision was a Canadian style of feature film making. The film also provides a hard dose or reality.
Remember, this was the early 60's and everyone believes life should be like "Leave It To Beaver." Nobody Waved Goodbye gives conformity a swift slap in the face.
3. The Sweater (1980)
I've cheered for the Montreal Canadiens my entire life. As a young boy, I kept hearing the name Maurice Richard, but I didn't know who he was. Then, I saw this film in my grade three french class and understood who he was and what he meant to so many people. The Sweater taught me how this man known as the Rocket, was a folk hero and a hockey legend. After seeing this film, even I wanted to tape my stick like Maurice Richard.
2. Ladies and Gentlemen, Mr. Leonard Cohen (1965)
Leonard Cohen is the subject of this film. What more do I need to say? Plus, you get to hear what he really sounds like before all those cigarettes gave him the raspy voice he has today. Even when Cohen orders a cheese sandwich and a glass of milk it sounds poetic.
1. Log Driver's Waltz (1979)
I first saw this film/vignette in 1994. The NFB had an exhibition at the CNE and was presenting random productions throughout the day in an auditorium. I was very fortunate to be there when they showed Log Driver's Waltz. It's a snapshot of Canadian folklore. It expresses what life was like when our country was young.
Everyone who lived during that time wanted to emulate their British and French ancestors. However, there was a desire for people to develop their own way of life, a Canadian way of life. You get a sense of this in Log Driver's Waltz. There's an upper class woman who is told she should emulate those who have come before her, by marrying a doctor, lawyer or any other wealthy elite. However, this woman wants to make her own decisions and hopes that she will marry a log driver, who of course, doesn't come with the same type of status as a doctor or lawyer.
Plus there's the actual song. How can you not love the song? The tune will get stuck in your head for a number of days, but it's absolutely worth it.
For more information on these films and others, visit www.nfb.ca
The Hek
I enjoy watching NFB films. Seeing that well known logo (the eye with two legs) always catches my attention.
Recently, I found a couple of films on YouTube and decided to compile a list of my favourite NFB productions. After much thought and deliberation, here are my top five NFB films.
First off, honourable mention: If You Love This Planet (1982), Neighbours (1952), Blackberry Subway Jam (1984).
5. Begone Dull Care (1949)
To the untrained eye, Begone Dull Care appears to have a simple concept: draw all over the film and add some music. However, to the trained eye, the production is more then just an attack on a empty roll of film with crayons and paint brushes. Evelyn Lambart and Norman McLaren create a beautiful union of moving images with music. Keep in mind the music is by Oscar Peterson, which means a fast-paced, quick-beat score. Therefore, there's a lot of action that needs to be translated on screen. It takes great skill to make a film like Begone Dull Care. However, if you can pull it off, the result will be an animated masterpiece.
4. Nobody Waved Goodbye (1964)
I guess Writer and Director Don Owen got tired of making documentaries. So he decided to make a feature film. Since he had no experience filming fiction, Owen shot Nobody Waved Goodbye as if it was a documentary. The consequence of this decision was a Canadian style of feature film making. The film also provides a hard dose or reality.
Remember, this was the early 60's and everyone believes life should be like "Leave It To Beaver." Nobody Waved Goodbye gives conformity a swift slap in the face.
3. The Sweater (1980)
I've cheered for the Montreal Canadiens my entire life. As a young boy, I kept hearing the name Maurice Richard, but I didn't know who he was. Then, I saw this film in my grade three french class and understood who he was and what he meant to so many people. The Sweater taught me how this man known as the Rocket, was a folk hero and a hockey legend. After seeing this film, even I wanted to tape my stick like Maurice Richard.
2. Ladies and Gentlemen, Mr. Leonard Cohen (1965)
Leonard Cohen is the subject of this film. What more do I need to say? Plus, you get to hear what he really sounds like before all those cigarettes gave him the raspy voice he has today. Even when Cohen orders a cheese sandwich and a glass of milk it sounds poetic.
1. Log Driver's Waltz (1979)
I first saw this film/vignette in 1994. The NFB had an exhibition at the CNE and was presenting random productions throughout the day in an auditorium. I was very fortunate to be there when they showed Log Driver's Waltz. It's a snapshot of Canadian folklore. It expresses what life was like when our country was young.
Everyone who lived during that time wanted to emulate their British and French ancestors. However, there was a desire for people to develop their own way of life, a Canadian way of life. You get a sense of this in Log Driver's Waltz. There's an upper class woman who is told she should emulate those who have come before her, by marrying a doctor, lawyer or any other wealthy elite. However, this woman wants to make her own decisions and hopes that she will marry a log driver, who of course, doesn't come with the same type of status as a doctor or lawyer.
Plus there's the actual song. How can you not love the song? The tune will get stuck in your head for a number of days, but it's absolutely worth it.
For more information on these films and others, visit www.nfb.ca
The Hek
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Facial Hair
This is for Blake.
He said he couldn't picture me with facial hair. Well, here's a picture.
The Hek, circa 2003.
As you can see, it didn't really work out.
The Hek
He said he couldn't picture me with facial hair. Well, here's a picture.
The Hek, circa 2003.
As you can see, it didn't really work out.

Tuesday, May 22, 2007
NBA Playoff Predictions - Round 3
First round: Six out of eight. One of the six was a perfect prediction.
For the second round, I was right on three of the four match-ups. Damn you San Antonio! Out of the three, two were perfect.
On to the third round:
Western Conference
Utah over San Antonio in seven
Eastern Conference
Detroit over Cleveland in five
The Hek
For the second round, I was right on three of the four match-ups. Damn you San Antonio! Out of the three, two were perfect.
On to the third round:
Western Conference
Utah over San Antonio in seven
Eastern Conference
Detroit over Cleveland in five
The Hek
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