Thursday, October 30, 2008

Final Thoughts - World Series

Although I had picked the Rays to win, I'm glad the Phillies are World Series champions. This team has been around since 1883, but only has two World Series titles (1980 and 2008). I'm also happy for the city of Philadelphia, which hasn't had any of their teams win a championship since 1983.

There a lot of people who deserve credit for this victory. One of them is GM Pat Gillick.

Gillick was the General Manager for the Blue Jays during their "glory days." It seems that wherever he goes, success follows him. He's had success with the Jays, the Orioles, the Mariners, and now the Phillies.

Congratulations to all the Philadelphia Phillies, espeically to former Blue Jays Jayson Werth and (Canadian) Matt Stairs, and former Jays manager Jimy Williams (Phillies' Bench Coach).

In terms of predictions, this was my worst showing; so, I don't want to talk about it. Once again, everything that happens during the regular season goes out the window once the playoffs start.

The Hek

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

MLB Playoff Predictions - World Series

Wow.....I've been so off the mark this year. I was wrong on both LCS match ups. Brutal, just brutal.

Onto the big one:

World Series 2008

Tampa Bay over Philadelphia in 7

This was tough to call. I want to see the Rays win because they've had to deal with a lot of losing in their history. Finally, they are winning and have played like champions. They deserve the title. On the other hand, I want the Phillies to win because they're a team that fights for everything and always wins. I want Ryan Howard, Chase Utley and Cole Hamels to be rewarded. Plus, Matt Stairs deserves a World Series ring.

I think the Rays will put it out because they're more fresh. They're only going on two days rest. Meanwhile, Philadelphia hasn't played in a week. This has ceased their momentum and they will certainly be rusty. Any team that has a long layoff between playoff rounds always loses. Look at the 2006 Tigers and the 2007 Rockies.

In any case, it will be a very entertaining World Series. Enjoy!

The Hek

Monday, October 20, 2008

Important Announcement

Ladies and gentlemen,

I have decided that I will not be running for the leadership of the Liberal Party of Canada.

There are many things going on in my life that deserve much more attention.

That is all.

The Hek

Monday, October 13, 2008

FutuRéale News and Notes

FUTURÉALE RADIO - ELECTION SPECIAL

The latest episode of FutuRéale Radio is now available online! This new edition focuses on two important issues of the upcoming Federal Election: Climate Change and Arts Funding.

http://www.futureale.com/podcasts/


OCTOBER ISSUE NOW AVAILABLE

The October issue of FutuRéale Magazine is now available!

This month features an interview with author Michelle Rowen, a profile of the Scarborough Historical Museum, a preview of the Toronto After Dark Film Festival, and much more.

PRINT COPIES and DVD-ROM COPIES of the October issue can be purchased from FutuRéale's ONLINE STORE: http://www.onamap.ca/o/Sales_Centre/fr_subscribe.html

For a preview of the October issue, please visit http://www.futureale.com/magazine/october08/


The Hek


Thursday, October 09, 2008

MLB Playoff Predictions - League Championship Series

Oh man. I got burned badly. I'd like to thank the Angels, Cubs and White Sox for making me look like an idiot.

During the division series, I was right on one of the four match ups. The correct prediction was not a perfect one.

Onto to the LCS:

American League Championship Series

Boston over Tampa Bay in 6

National League Championship Series

Los Angeles over Philadelphia in 7

The Dodgers are riding a huge wave of momentum. That will carry on to the World Series. Philadelphia is a great team and the NLCS will be close. In the end, Joe Torre and his team will pull it out.

Unlike the Angels, the Rays will be tough competition for the Red Sox. Both teams can hit and pitch. However, the Red Sox have been here before and they know how to come up with the clutch hit.

Any World Series is worth watching; but when there's a good storyline, it's REALLY worth watching. Manny Ramirez's return to Boston would be the biggest World Series storyline since the Red Sox ended their curse in 2004. Joe Torre's return to the World Series and Boston would also be very intriguing. The former manager of the Yankees faces the arch nemisis Red Sox; but this time, it's on a bigger stage.

The Hek

Wednesday, October 01, 2008

MLB Playoff Predictions - Division Series

American League Division Series

LA Angels over Boston in 4
Chicago White Sox over Tampa Bay in 5

National League Division Series

Chicago Cubs over LA Dodgers in 4
Philadelphia over Milwaukee in 3

Players on Tampa and Milwaukee are getting their first-ever playoff experience. Their opponents have been to the dance before, which is a large factor. The only reason why Tampa will manage to get to five games is because the White Sox aren't very dominant, but will pull it out in the end.

The Dodgers are good. The Cubs are better.

The Angels are dangerous. However, they better not take Boston lightly. Don't forget, the Red Sox are the defending World Series champions.

The Hek

Monday, September 29, 2008

Life Isn't Fair

Last week, the Los Angeles Dodgers clinched the NL West Division title. They finished the regular season with a record of 84-78, six games above the .500 mark (.519).

Meanwhile, the Blue Jays finished 4th in the AL East with a record of 86-76; ten games above the .500 mark (.531).

Based on this information, I've come to the following conclusions:

1. The NL West is crap
2. The AL East is ridiculously tough
3. Sometimes, life isn't fair

The Hek

Monday, September 22, 2008

My Future Involves The Runs




Your Anti Climactic Fortune



Deep into your future, I forsee: Diarrhea



Wow.....that is quite anti climatic.

The Hek

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

News & Notes

SEPTEMBER ISSUE NOW AVAILABLE

The September issue of FutuRéale is now available!

This month, we focus on film and television. We have profiles on actress Emmanuelle Vagiuer and filmmaker Casey Walker. Plus, there are articles about the NFB, Word on The Street, Nuit Blanche, and more!

PRINT COPIES and DVD COPIES can be purchased from FutuRéale's ONLINE STORE

For a preview of the September issue, visit www.futureale.com/magazine/september08/

***

NEW FUTURÉALE RADIO EPISODE

The latest edition of FutuRéale Radio is now available online! This new installment features an interview with Toronto musician LAURA BARRETT and a preview of the COMMFFEST (Global) Community Film Festival.

www.futureale.com/podcasts/

***

The Hek

Thursday, September 04, 2008

It's The Only Way To Play

Bea Arthur gets completely upstaged by Mario Lemieux and Tony Fernandez.



The Hek

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

News And Notes

NEW FUTURÉALE RADIO EPISODE

The latest edition of FutuRéale Radio is now available online! This new episode features a preview of the Toronto Urban Film Festival, as well as music by Laura Barrett, You Say Party! We Say Die!, Manon's Dream and Randall Cousins.

http://www.futureale.com/podcasts/


AUGUST ISSUE NOW AVAILABLE
(Meant to put this up like two weeks ago...oops)

The August issue of FutuRéale Magazine is now available
online. This month, we compare Toronto culture with Parisian/French culture. Plus, we have articles on George Carlin, the CNE, Hidden Gems, A.M., Crash Test Mommy, Valarie Hunter, CBC Radio 2, and more!

http://www.futureale.com/magazine/august08/



Tuesday, August 19, 2008

TORONTO ARTS MAGAZINE SEEKS POETRY SUBMISSIONS

FutuRéale: Toronto's Arts, Culture & Living Magazine

http://www.futureale.com

Do you write poetry? Do you have a friend who writes? Starting with the September issue, we would like to have a small poetry section in our magazine. If you have poems and want to see them published, please contact: eric AT futureale DOT com.

Monday, August 11, 2008

I've Got Soul, But I'm Not A Soldier

Here's a recent commercial by Nike, as part of its Courage campaign.

The ad features athletes that successfully overcame adversity. It's a very moving piece, especially the two shots of Lance Armstrong.

Enjoy!



The Hek

Wednesday, August 06, 2008

Rock Of Love

I can't believe I just watched Rock Of Love with Bret Michaels.

I feel dirty. Very, very dirty.

It's not my fault. There was nothing else on. I didn't want to watch So You Think You Can Dance, nor did I want to watch the CBC documentary on Simple Plan (which just isn't right).

I should have watched Charlie The Unicorn.

The Hek

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

New Episode Of FutuRéale Radio

The latest edition of FutuRéale Radio is now available online!

This new episode features an interview with CORNER GAS STAR FRED EWANUICK.

There's also a preview of the rock opera Southern Time (performing in Toronto on Aug. 9).

To listen: www.futureale.com/podcasts/

The Hek

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

The Dark Knight - Initial Thoughts

It's simply AWESOME!

However, I bought too much into the hype and came out a little disappointed. I was expecting to watch something that would blow me away. Instead, I watched a film that is phenomenal, but didn't provide me with the personal impact I was hoping for.

Moral of the story: Ignore the hype and go in with a clear head.

Anyway, The Dark Knight is the perfect adaptation of the Batman character. Batman is a dark, tortured person, who wants the city streets to be rid of crime. He completes this task because he feels it's right and doesn't care about the consequences, or how people judge his actions. He's not trying to be a role model.

Heath was fantastic as the Joker. But again, I bought into the hype and wasn't blown away with his performance. However, the MVP of this film is Aaron Eckhart. He steals the show. The best part of The Dark Knight is the development of Harvey Dent/TwoFace.

8.5 out of 10. Go see this film!

The Hek

Monday, July 14, 2008

July Issue Available

The July issue of FutuRéale is now available online!

Head to www.futureale.com and click on the image of July's front cover. This month's theme is Ontario. Enjoy! Tell all your friends!

The Hek

PS: For the record, my articles were "Battle of the Ontario Theme Songs" and "Hockey Theme Madness."

Friday, July 11, 2008

New Episode of FutuRéale Radio

The latest episode of FutuRéale Radio is now available online.

This new edition features a preview of the Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition, plus more!

To listen, head to www.futureale.com, click on 'podcasts,' followed by 'FutuRéale Radio.'

Or, you can click here.

The Hek

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Hek's Super Playlist (Back With A Vengence)

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
68. Hard To Concentrate - Red Hot Chilli Peppers
69. Sabatoge - Beastie Boys
70. Diamonds From Sierra Leone - Kanye West
71. One Thing - Finger Eleven
72. Changes - 2pac
73. Gone Away - The Offspring
74. Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger - Daft Punk
75. 1234 - Feist
76. Relax, Take It Easy - Mika
77. God Save The Queen - The Sex Pistols
78. The Message - Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five
79. Miami - Will Smith
80. Rebel Rebel - David Bowie
81. TV Party - Black Flag
82. Ballad of Peter Pumpkinhead - Crash Test Dummies
83. 99 Problems - Jay Z
84. Sorrow - Bad Religion
85. Body Count - Body Count
86. What's the Frequency, Kenneth - REM
87. What Do I Get - The Buzzcocks
88. 9 Crimes - Damien Rice
89. New Slang - The Shins
90. Wait For You - Elliot Yamin
91. Needy Girl - Chromeo
92. Rock Me Gently - Andy Kim
93. When The Levee Breaks - Led Zepplin
94. Cecilia - Simon and Garfunkle
95. I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself - The White Stripes
96. The Love You Save - Jackson 5
97. Your Ex-Lover Is Dead - Stars
98. What Is Life - George Harrison
99. Time To Pretend - MGMT
100. Daughter - Loudon Wainwright
101. Take Me To The Riot - Stars
102. Leave It Behind - The Offspring
103. More Human Than Human - White Zombie
104. Six Days - DJ Shadow ft. Mos Def

The Hek