Resident Evil: Apocalypse.

Good god. 90 minutes I would like to have back.

I like chessy things. But this was way over the top. From the horrible one liners, to the plot holes. And explain to me how they tried to create Raccoon City out of Toronto. You can play a game called spot the Toronto landmarks. And what kind of a name is Raccoon City? Are you kidding me? Who writes this?

But, I digress.

Catch the Thursday Blend; 7-9:30am EST on CKCU 93.1 FM

The Hek

The Hek broke a fortune cookie and found not one, but five fortunes.

1. You have a yearning for perfection.
2. You have at your command, the wisdom of the ages.
3. Good news will be brought to you by mail (I did get a bank statement today).
4. Remember what you receive, not what you give.
5. You have a reputation for being straight-forward and honest.

What would have been really cool is if I got a fortune that read, "You shall make love to a beautiful woman." No dice.

The Hek

For your Sunday pleasure, The Hek presents: The battle of Snoop versus Led Zeppelin. Otherwise known as Led Snoopelin.

The Hek

The Hek and Mark are about the enter the gym. At the entrance, there is a sign that reads, "No animals or bicycles allowed inside."

Mark: Oh, no animals. Looks like you can't come in.

The Hek: There's nothing I can do about that. It's attached to my body.

Mark: You're DISGUSTING!!!!! Frig.

For those in the Ottawa area, come out to another free improv show featuring the Carleton Improv Association. Saturday, 7:30pm at Mike's Place; 2nd floor of the University Centre on the Carleton campus.

The Hek

The show went well. But, if there is one things I have learnt is that you should never do phone interviews with people on cell phones. Bad static, man. Land lines is the way to go.

And now, time to add some more songs to The Hek's SUPER PLAYLIST. The songs in red are the new entries. If you ever get a chance, you should definitely look them up.

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

The Hek

There's always fun on the THURSDAY MORNING SPECIAL BLEND!!!

Tomorrow, I'll have the usual stuff; as well as an interview with a member from the Marc Nelson Trio who will be performing for the Canadian athletes at the Olympics in Turin, Italy.

Listen: Thursday, 7-9:30am EST on CKCU 93.1 FM

The Hek

Since when did everyone become so fatalistic.

A lot of people I have spoken with and a lot of blogs I have read, seem to believe that the world is going to end simply because Stephen Harper has become the Prime Minister. Now, I am not a supporter of any political party; I tend to look at things from an objective eye. I also believe in freedom of speech and respect everyone's opinion, whether I personally agree with it or not. I also believe that every argument deserves a retort. So, here is mine.

People! It's only a MINORITY government. These things only last for 2-3 years topps. Listen, the sun will come up tomorrow and so on. As Trudeau once noted, "Despite all its shams, it's still a beautiful world. Strive to be happy."

Catch the Thursday Blend! 7-9:30am on CKCU 93.1 FM

The Hek

Anyone who chose not to vote today, is dead to me.

As of now, you still have 90 minutes.

The Hek

I have no motivation whatsoever....

I finished my Pizza Minis and according to the box, The Hek is entitled to two free downloads of songs. So how come, the access code on the inside of the box is "invalid." My ass its invalid. Dammit, I want my two free songs.

The Hek

I want to introduce you to a pop culture artist:
Brandon Bird

He's the only man to make art out of Chuck Norris, Chris Walken, Law and Order and Edward Norton.

The Hek

Lesson for the day: Never joke with members of the Liberal Party.

After the show today, I went down to the fourth floor of the Unicentre. Students from the Liberals and the NDP set up tables to promote their respective candidates. Both tables have some cool stuff. The Liberal table had buttons with Paul Martin's face while the NDP table had some cool Jack Layton posters.

Now, I'm a collector. I've collected baseball cards, stamps, buttons, etc. I especially love to collect things that represent "moments in time." Therefore, it is no wonder that I would take buttons and posters; it didn't matter which party or whose face was on it.

At the Liberal table, I was speaking with someone who took part in the debate, last week. She told me that on Saturday she will be having breakfast with the Prime Minister, to which I said: "well I hope he picks up the tab for that." She laughed and I followed with another joke. "Actually, when I say he should pick up the tab, it probably means that we (meaning tax payers) will pick up the tab."

My Liberal friend immediately frowned and sternly told me that the breakfast was being funded by Liberal party donations. I was taken aback and told her I was just joking. However, the conversation got pretty awkward after that.

I went back up to CKCU to do some editing. When I left I decided I would go past the Liberal table again and wear the Martin button just so she wouldn't think I was a dick. However, when I returned, she was not there.

But her two friends were there. I smiled and told them that I keep the PM close to my heart as I was wearing the button on the left side of chest. The guy told me that my colour scheme was off. I asked him to explain to which the other girl said "well, what's with the poster in your hand," pointing to my Layton poster. I smirked and told them that I love to collect election material. They just frowned. It was at this point that I realized, it was a lost cause. I got out of there, took off my button and headed to the caf for some brunch.

To sum up: unless it's about the other parties, never joke with the Liberals.

The Hek

I hope you're ready for another exciting 2.5 hour THURSDAY MORNING SPECIAL BLEND!

Tomorrow's show will be the last before Monday's election. We'll hear a candidate interview from the either the Ottawa-Vanier riding or the Gatineau riding. Then, I'll be speaking with Larry Pegg, organizer of UdeVote; an event that takes place this Sunday from 4-8pm, at Babylon Night Club (317 Bank Street) which combines Indie Rock and the election. I will also be speaking with George Soule, National Chairperson of the Canadian Federation of Students on how the issue of post-secondary education is being handled during the campaign.

And don't forget the sports recap, poem of the day, Volunteer Ottawa placement of the week, Metro News, and entertainment/community/arts listings.

Be sure to also vote for the Thursday Blend Internet poll. This week's question: When will the next federal election occur:

A. In One Year
B. In Two Years
C. In Five Years

Vote by sending an e-mail to thursday_blend@yahoo.ca

Catch the show: Thursday, 7-9:30am EST on CKCU 93.1 FM

The Hek

Need a good laugh? The Hek suggests Meatballs from 1979, staring Bill Murray.

Well my cold is starting to go away and all I have to say is Thank God. Being sick means I can't go to the gym. Of course this bugs me because, the gym has become my form of smoking; it's addicting.

Don't miss the next Thursday Blend. It's another 2.5 hour show. And of course, you can only hear it on CKCU 93.1 FM.

And be sure to vote for the Thursday Blend Internet Poll. This week, we're asking: When will the next Federal Election occur?

A. In One Year
B. In Two Years
C. In Five years (which means a majority comes out this current campaign)

Vote now by sending an e-mail to thursday_blend@yahoo.ca

The Hek

H'okay...

First off, I have a cold. I got this from either the Green Party representative at the debate, the ErinMarie (who was getting everyone sick and somehow, it got to me in Ottawa), or I've been making out with too many girls with colds.

But on to something more important......

In March, 2005, Mark and I came up with what I thought, was a crazy idea. We planned on going down to West Palm Beach, Florida for Reading Week, 2006. Mark happens to have grand parents who live there and they said we could come down. This meant free room and board and most of our meals would be cooked. I agreed to the trip thinking that it wouldn't really transpire. We were originally going to buy our tickets during this previous summer. However, when this did not occur, I was convinced it wasn't going to happen............until last night.

Mark's grandparents called and invited us down. Mark immediately said yes but the real question was, would I go with him. I had to make a snap decision and it was not an easy one to make.

I was reluctant to go for the following reasons:

1. I have a good number of assignments coming up after the break. Reading week would allow me to work on those and avoid any possible all-nighters.

2. I had the money for the trip. In fact I had enough left over from the summer that didn't go to my tuition. However, what was holding me back was that I wanted to use that money to help pay for an apartment in case I mange to stay in Ottawa. To me, there's necessary spending and unnecessary spending. Getting shelter is necessary; going on a trip is unnecessary.

3. I rarely go on these type of trips. It's just not my thing. I figure I'll probably travel for work. Sitting at home and relaxing is just as good of a vacation as opposed to going somewhere warm or Europe. Besides, I haven't been on an airplane since I was a baby and I don't have a passport (although I think my birth certificate would be sufficient enough).

4. Going on this trip would mean missing a couple Thursday Blends. Yes I know its petty; but, I'm addicted to it. Two weeks off means two weeks of not practicing my craft.

Despite these concerns, I decided to go.

My parents were surprisingly "gung-ho" about it. They thought it was a great idea. They're even letting me use their credit card to pay for the plane ticket since I don't have one. I feel extremely guilty about this. I told them I would pay them back but they acted like they're not going to let me do that. It's not fair. They shouldn't have to pay for this. They pay enough money as it is for my residence. They even said they'd help me out if I stay in Ottawa. Don't get me wrong, I really appreciate their help and I would be a complete idiot for not taking "free money. " But I'm 22 years old, dammit! I should not have to rely on my parents all the time. I have to start making my own way through life or else, I won't survive.

So, I'm going to Florida............and feeling a little guilty about it.

Meanwhile, I'll hit the sand and walk past all the American college girls who will no doubt be throwing themselves at me.

The Hek

Not sure who to vote for? Then tune in for the CKCU - Charlatan Young Leaders Debate. Listen as members of the Carleton Young Liberals, Carleton New Democrats and Carleton Green Party discuss a number of issues. Unfortunately, the Carleton Young Conservatives were unable to provide a representative.

8:07am EST on CKCU 93.1 FM

The Hek

Today, The Hek cast his vote for the 2006 Federal Election. And The Hek voted for.........

Sorry, I'm taking that piece of information to the grave.

Be sure to catch the CKCU - Charlatan Young Leaders Debate. Monday, 8:07am EST on CKCU 93.1 FM.

BTW, I had a meatball sub with veggies and Noel said I was crazy and that no one does that. Is he right or wrong? Do people have veggies with their meatball subs?

The Hek

The following conversation took place between The Hek and his roommate...

Mark: Man, I hope the textbook for our Canadian television class comes in soon. The shipping service said it would be here by the weekend.

The Hek: Yeah, I'm actually going to head to the bookstore to see if they got the new shipment.

Mark: Hey listen, if you get the book and I don't, you'll let me borrow it over the weekend, right?
The Hek: Of course, man, always. Even if you ran out of underwear, I would lend you some.

Mark: That's disgusting!

The Hek: No it's not, I would make sure it's a clean pair I give you.

In other news, I moderated and recorded the CKCU - Charlatan Young Leaders Debate. Everyone showed up except for the Carleton Young Conservatives. They're loss I guess. The debate will air on Monday around 8:07am EST on CKCU 93.1 FM.

The Hek

The first two hours of the show went well. However, I'd like to have the last half hour back. I was suppose to interview a member of the Marxist-Lennist party of Canada over the phone. But the gentlemen, never called the interview line. Instead, I was forced to stall which is something I don't like to do. My program director once said, "Good radio is something made up along the way. Great radio is something that is scripted that was made to sound like it was made up along the way." I am a firm believer in this notion. When I stall, I basically just ramble about all sorts of things. I don't like it because when I ramble, I'm not exactly putting together sentences that flow and make sense. I also stumble on my words. That might be okay on a campus station; but it would sure not fly on stations like CFRA, CBC or, The Bear.

Instead of rambling I could have played an interview from the "ready to air" election file I created. But, the problem with that was that I didn't have time to preview the new files. I could have also played more music. But, I burned all my ads and therefore, didn't have time to cue CDs.

This is why I prefer to record my interviews. That way, I don't have to rely on other people too much and it prevents a guest dropping out at the last second. I do like the live interview but, it has it's limits. As I said, the guest might forget about showing up to the station. In terms of the phone, CKCU cannot afford the long distance. They simply have no plan and it would cost a fortune. If the guest lives in the Ottawa area, you can simply call them and then, not have to worry about them forgetting. However, for anyone outside of Ottawa; say in Gatineau or the Valley, they have to call us. Nine times out of ten, they'll remember to call. Five times out of ten, they're late and you're forced to stall. That's essentially what happened today. Of course, if this was CBC or CFRA the chance of them forgetting, would be quite slim.

So you can now understand why I'd like to have the last half hour back.

But enough about that. I have a big day tomorrow when I get to moderate the CKCU - Charlatan Young Leaders Debate. It's going to be recorded tomorrow and aired on Monday.

The Hek

Be sure to catch the THURSDAY BLEND. 7-9:30am EST on CKCU 93.1 FM

2.5 HOUR SHOW!!!!

And be sure to vote on the THURSDAY BLEND INTERNET POLL. This week's question: Who came out the strongest from Monday's federal debate?

A. Paul Martin
B. Stephen Harper
C. Jack Layton
D. Gilles Duceppe

Vote now by sending an e-mail to thursday_blend@yahoo.ca

The Hek

So if you ever are looking for a film that is pure fluff, predictable, cheesy and downright disturbing, The Hek suggests David Cronenberg's Shivers (aka: The Parasite Murders). If I ever made a list of films that were so bad that they gain some form of artistic prestige (think Mystery Science Theatre 3000), this film would defiantly be on the list.

Be sure to catch the THURSDAY BLEND. 7-9:30am EST on CKCU 93.1 FM

And be sure to vote on the THURSDAY BLEND INTERNET POLL.

This week's question: Who came out the strongest from Monday's federal debate?

A. Paul Martin
B. Stephen Harper
C. Jack Layton
D. Gilles Duceppe

Vote now by sending an e-mail to thursday_blend@yahoo.ca

The Hek

"I swear to god, if you chip off the new paint, I will re-castrate you."

- Noel Waghorn to The Hek as the two moved a Hutch/Corner Unit into Noel's apartment.

The Waghorns recently came into possession of a hutch. There was a large debate on this issue and in the end, Leslie and Noel agreed to take it. Noel gave me a call and requested my assistance in transporting said hutch. This was no easy ordeal. However, we managed. The hutch took up most of the space in the car forcing myself to sit with my back to the passenger seat while one hand holds on to the darn thing and the other, to the strap of a seat belt which would do nothing if an accident occurred. Don't get me wrong, it was fun. But if I never have to move another hutch in my life again, I will not loose sleep over it.

The Hek

Just got back from watching the film Munich with Eric Bana and Daniel Craig.

The Good: Munich was a very noble attempt at showing the real side of a violent world. Bana's character is a form of morality that gets lost in all the senseless bloodshed. A worthwhile film.

The Bad: Was a little too long. Some scenes didn't really need to be there.

The Ugly: The fact that when Mark, Tim and I arrived at the theatre, we were told that the only remaining seats were in the front row. I had to look up for the entire time. My neck is killing me and I feel like I'm about to puke (King Kong all over again).

In other news, I have recently joined this facebook.com. I'm getting quite addicted to it. Just for fun I typed my last name into the "global search." Turns out there's a Justin Rosenhek in Maine and Sergio Rosenhek in Houston.

The Hek

One of the courses that I am taking this term is called Contemporary Popular Canadian Cinema. It's a study of "popular" Canadian films. In order to be defined as popular, these would have to have won the Golden Reel award which is given to the highest grossing Canadian film every year. But remember, just because it was popular, doesn't mean its a great film. Here are some of the films I shall be viewing. The ones in blue are the films I'm looking forward to see. The ones in red are films that will no doubt make me cringe.

Meatballs
Porky's
Strange Brew
Resident Evil: Apocalypse
The Art of War
Les Boys
Jesus de Montreal
Ghostbusters

The Hek

Sometimes I feel like CKCU is a second home to me. Today furthers this notion.

It all started at 5:30am when my alarm went off. Usually, I switch from the alarm to the radio and listen to whatever is on as I get ready. But when I did this, the Mighty 93.1 was silent. Maybe it was my radio, I thought. So I turned the dial to 93.9 BOB FM; it was broadcasting. I then turned the dial to CBC Radio One at 91.5; it was broadcasting as well. This only meant one thing: DEAD AIR. The worse thing to ever occur in radio.

Dead air can mean one of two things. Either there is no one at the station; or, something happened to our antenna and the station was off the air. So I rushed off to see what was going on.
I arrived at CKCU around 6:20am. I got into the station but the door to the on-air studio was locked. This has happened to me before and the results weren't pretty the first time. I was not going to let that happen again. I ran around the Uni-centre looking for someone to get me in the station. Sure enough, I found a worker who had the proper keys. I entered the empty studio and put on a jazz CD while I got ready for my show. The show went off perfectly and I returned home thanking my lucky stars.

My program director already knew about the situation when I phoned her later that afternoon. Then she informed me that she needed a fill in from 4-6pm. Back to the station I went and loved every single minute of it. Joe from back home got to listen to CKCU for the first time. ErinMarie also tuned in. But the best was a caller who called me after I finished and said that he loved the music I selected and that I was doing a great job. He may have been the only one listening when I signed off but hell, if I can provide an escape to just one listener then it was all worth it.

The Hek

It's back.....

The THURSDAY MORNING SPECIAL BLEND!!!

Tomorrow, I'll have the sports recap, poem of the day, entertainment/Bytowne listings, more election coverage, and a brand new segment I like to call:

The THURSDAY BLEND INTERNET POLL.
This week's question is: Are New Year's Resolutions overrated?

A. Yes B. No

Cast your vote by sending an e-mail to thursday_blend@yahoo.ca

Catch the blend! Thursday, 7-8am EST on CKCU 93.1 FM

The Hek

The Hek has returned to Ottawa safe and sound. 2006 could be the most important year in The Hek's life. It will be in this year that his education will be complete. It will be this year when he begins to make his mark on the world. It will be this year when officially sheds the life he once had and pursues the life he has always strived for.

Boy, it's fun to be pompous sometimes.

In any case, I had a wonderful time these past two weeks. Some excellent relaxation and a chance to see those who I might not see for awhile. Before I left, the ErinMarie gave me a scarf she had made herself. It's definitely something you need here in the nation's capital. The neat thing about the scarf is that she somehow got it to smell like her. I don't know how she did that. It's like I have a Blue Meanie wrapped around my neck. Mr. Wood also provided a CD with some awesome tunes that will be very shortly added to The Hek's Super Playlist. Stay tuned for that.

In the mean time, my good friend Owen has finally posted some new entries on his blog. Be sure to check it out and read his new poem. It's straight from the mind of the Orleans O-risticrat. (That's a nickname best described as: work in progress)

The Hek