My Trip To Commonwealth

Last friday I took a trip up to Edmonton with my girlfirend to watch the Calgary Stampeders play the Edmonton Eskimos at Commonwealth Stadium. This was my first time watching a football game in Edmonton and my first watching a CFL game live outside of Calgary. I must say I rather enjoyed it. Besides the fact the Stampeders won. It was nice to watch from a different locale. Commonwealth is a large stadium, much larger then what I'm accustomed too at McMahon Stadium. We were sitting in section F2, row 73. Which was pretty high up. But was still enjoyable to watch a football game.
Some of the things that were different to me. They sold mini donuts in the concourse. Much like you'd get at the Stampede or other fair type places. Plus, they sold hard liquor like rum and coke or baileys and hot chocolate. One complaint is the city has to do a better job of making it easier to get too and away from the stadium. We took a park 'n ride to get there. Which was good at first. But Edmonton's finest were doing a piss poor job of not controlling the traffic as they should have been. For what should of taken us 10 minutes, took us about 30 minutes to get there. After the game we too the LRT which was a zoo. There wasn't enough trains to accommodate all the passengers. So we had to waddle into the station like cattle and then wait for a train. It could of been much better. But I guess that's Edmonton for you. They do things a little different then the rest of the world.
Nonetheless I had a great time. I'll have to bring my camera next time and take some photos.

Superstar Of The Month: Barry Bonds*

Barry Bonds is the Superstar of the month for breaking Hank Aaron's home run record of 755. Barry has dogged allegations he used steroids in the past. Take a look at the photos above. The one on the left was when he began his major league career and the one on the right a present photo. Hmmmmmm.... You make your own conclusions.

100th Post: Dance Monkey Dance!

Superstar Of The Month: Milt Stegall

The Superstar of the month for July is Milt Stegall of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

The Blue Bombers slotback set an all-time CFL record with his 138th touchdown, then added his 139th late in Winnipeg's 36-18 home win over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Friday night. Stegall passed the all-time mark of 137 touchdowns he'd shared with retired running backs George Reed and Mike Pringle. Stegall now has 136 career touchdown receptions and three non-receiving touchdowns — one on a punt return, one on a blocked kick return and one on a fumble recovery.

Congratulations Milt for being the Superstar of the month for July 2007.

The Greatest Show On Earth

Well, another year for the Calgary Stampede had come and gone. I attended this years exhibition last Saturday, which was difficult at times as it was well over 30 degrees Celsius all afternoon. The rides and games were the norm, same ones every year. The Round Up Center was a popular place on this day, simply because of the air conditioning. I watched the Superdogs again. That's always entertaining, plus it helped to get out of the sun. Later that evening I attended the chuckwagons and grandstand show. The chucks were exciting to watch, unfortunately on this day there was an accident and 3 horses died. I don't want to get into that right now. That's for another rant at another time.
After the chucks was the grandstand show. Which was the highlight of the day. The singing and dancing was excellent, of course. But there was more then just that. There was also a comedy act. Ventriloquist Ron Lucas had the soldout crowd howling. Which was a pleasant suprise, as most of the grandstand shows I've attended it was mostly singing and dancing, plus the fireworks at the end. It was a little difficult to watch the final stage act. As the fireworks were going off at the same time. So naturally most of the crowd was watching the fireworks and ignoring the stage. But nonetheless it was a great show and I'll definately have to make arrangements to attend next year.

(the only thing which I really didn't enjoy was before the Grandstand show began. We got to hear from the CEO of Shell. It should be no suprise as it's in Calgary and a major oil company is a huge sponsor. But it kinda pissed me off a tad when they plaster the Shell symbol while he makes the usual corporate speech.... anyways that 's for another post at another time.)

good eatin'

Last weekend I was in and around the Banff/Canmore area with my special someone. When we decided to stop for a bite to eat at The Grizzly Paw in Canmore. I had never been to this restaurant before. But I was extremely satisfied with everything about it after the meal. The food was good and the prices were reasonable. It was a pub style atmosphere, more then a restaurant. Which is what made it so enjoyable. They also have a mini brewery at The Grizzly Paw, with a couple of their own unique ales. I was driving so I didn't have a chance to sample any. With the restaurant area there was also an outdoor patio. This establishment gets 2 opposable monkey thumbs up from Dr.Clawmonkey. If you're ever in the Canmore area and you're a little hungry and/or thirsty. Stop into The Grizzly Paw and you won't be disappointed.

Superstar Of The Month for June: Scott Niedermayer

The Superstar of the month for June (sorry for the lateness) is Scott Niedermayer for winning the Stanley Cup and the Conn Smythe Trophy; for playoff MVP.

Scott is a true superstar, he's won almost everything there is to win when it comes to hockey. He's won a Memorial Cup, a World Junior Gold Medal, an Olympic Gold Medal, several Stanley Cups, a Norris Trophy (for top defenceman) and a Conn Smythe Trophy. He's probably even won more but I didn't have the time to check it all out. Don't be suprised if he retires sooner rather then later. What else does he have left to accomplish?

Congratulations Scott for being the Superstar of the month for June 2007.

New CD

WOW, it's been almost 3 weeks and I haven't posted. What the hell's going on? Anyways, for the last couple of weeks I've been listening to Linkin Park's new cd -- Minutes to Midnight. And to no suprise I really enjoy it. It's the third album of their's I own. With the previous 2 being Hybrid Theory and Meteora. In their album cover they say this cd is different from their other ones. I sort of agree with them. They seem to have greatly reduced the electronic sounds/simple button pushing and have gone more to guitar and drums sounds. They still have a few hip-hoppy type songs with a quick beat. But not as much as there previous albums. So if you're a fan of Linkin Park I'm sure you'll like this album. Check it out.

Superstar Of The Month: LeBron James

The Superstar of the month for May 2007 is LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers.

LeBron has single handedly turned the Cleveland Cavaliers, from a mediocre team, into NBA champion contenders. He's the next Michael Jordan. It's only a matter of time until he wins a championship for Cleveland. I don't think he'll do it this year, as the San Antonio Spurs are the heavy favourites. But he's learning to win important games, while being the go to guy in the clutch. The series between Cleveland and Detroit is all tied up, thanks to LeBron. Don't be suprised if Cleveland comes out of the east on top.

Congratulations LeBron on being the Superstar Of the Month for May 2007. You've made a fan out of me.

Twas' A Beautiful Spring Day In Nova Scotia

Earlier this year, the first week in April to be exact. I took a trip out to Nova Scotia to visit my good friends. It was a fairly short trip, roughly 6 days in total. I had a great time, not only visiting with friends I hadn't seen in a year. Plus, I was able to see some of the beautiful country-side I had never before seen in previous visits to Nova Scotia. I was also lucky enough to experience an Atlantic snowfall in April. Which, according to the locals, is very rare. Thanks to the Mckenzie family for being excellent hosts, while allowing me to stay a few days at there house. Here are some pics of that snowfall. Enjoy!

This is the backyard. (It is April, not December)

Here we are digging out. (Dabe's squared)

Here we are continuing to dig!

Dabe's street, PLOWED. Were not in Alberta anymore.

Native Troubles

With the terrible living conditions on the native reserves in Canada. The First Nations people are growing terribly frustrated with over 800 land claims still going through the system. Hearing from a couple of chiefs from Ontario and Manitoba, they sound like the situations could become increasingly violent in the months ahead. If they don't get what they want soon. So with that I thought they'll soon be blocking the highways and railroads singing a fight song. And it could go something like this:

I'm gonna git me a shotgun and kill all the whitey's I see,

I'm gonna git me a shotgun and kill all the whitey's I see,

I'm gonna kill, kill, kill, all the whitey's I see,

So whitey give me more moneyeeee,

I'm gonna git me a shotgun and kill all the whitey's I see!

Of course this song is totally for comedic purposes only. And I mean no disrespect to any person. I hope the government works quickly to improve the living conditions for all natives.

(Credit song to Garret Morris from SNL)

Site Meter 1000: The Monkey Dances

Superstar Of The Month: Miikka Kiprusoff

OK, I'm gonna be a little biased with this month's superstar. The Superstar of the month for April 2007 is Miikka Kiprusoff, the goaltender for the Calgary Flames.

He wins this award for playing outstanding hockey and being the best player for the flames during their short lived playoff run. Even though the Flames were eliminated from the Stanley Cup playoffs in six games, by the Detroit Red Wings. Kipper was the sole reason the series even went to a 6th game. If it wasn't for his play, the Flames would of gotten swept in 4. I have no doubt about it. He was facing 40+ shots a game and was still able to keep his save percentage above 90%. On 2 occasions he faced 50+ shots. He made over 2000 saves, in 74 games played, during the season and post season.

Congrats Kipper for being the Superstar of the month for April 2007

Snow Day

New United States Currency

Superstar Of The Month: Sidney Crosby

The Superstar for the month of March is Sidney Crosby. For becoming the youngest player in NHL history with two 100-point seasons and for leading the Pittsburgh Penguins into securing a spot in the playoffs.

The Pittsburgh Penguins are a few years ahead of schedule, as predicted by the media. In only his second season Sidney Crosby has lead the Penguins into the post-season. And not just squeaking into 7th or 8th spot. But, what looks like, at least 5th place. Unless they can catch the New Jersey Devils at which they could be as high as 2nd. Currently they are tied, in points, with the Devils but have fewer wins. So they end up in 2nd in their division.

Congratulations Sidney Crosby, you're the Superstar of the month for March 2007.

New Affliction Discovered: Delusional Calgaria

An affliction that affects 4 out of 5 Nova Scotians living away from home in Calgary. Symptoms include loss of balance, blurry vision and separation anxiety. Sufferers may show signs of acceptance of high costs in Calgary, lack of awareness of new opportunities to have a better life back home in Nova Scotia, and occasional upset stomach. To find out the symptoms and more go to Delusional Calgaria.

Aside from the comedy aspect. This would be a good thing for Calgary and Alberta as a whole. If a good chunk of maritimers return to their home province(s). Demand for things such as affordable housing, health care and other services will drop. Thus helping to lower the cost of living for the rest of us. And slow down the rate of inflation, which Alberta and more specifically Calgary lead the nation. It'll also help in slowing things down around here. WERE OUTTA CONTROL! and it's starting to feel a little normal. But that's for another rant at another time.

Dion's 'Top 10' Kyoto Excuses

The 2007 Federal Budget was released the other day. There's a good chance the tories will be turfed and there will be a spring election. It's possible Stephane Dion and the liberals will win. If they do, the liberals will immediately be confronted by a horrendous problem - how to keep their promise to implement the Kyoto accord.

Here then, with the obligatory nod to David Letterman, are Prime Minister Stephane Dion's Top 10 excuses for why the Liberals will not be able to implement the Kyoto accord... again.

#10: "Kyoto ate my protocals"

#9: "This is unfair. This is unfair. You don't know what you speak about. Do you think it's easy to make priorities?"

#8: "I firmly believe that as a good citizen, I have a moral obligation to implement the Kyoto accord on global warming. Meaning, of course, as a good citizen of France."

#7: "Yes, implementing the Kyoto accord is important, but right now our priority has to be reducing medical wait times."

#6: One year later: "Yes, implementing the Kyoto accord is important, but right now our priority has to be getting our soldiers out of Afghanistan."

#5: Two years later: "Yes, implementing the Kyoto accord is important, but right now our priority has to be reducing medical wait times."

#4: Three years later: "Yes, implementing the ... aw,to hell with it."

#3: "Define 'implement'."

#2: "I lost the liberal plan to implement the Kyoto accord while I was looking for the liberal plan to scrap the GST."

And Prime Minister Stephane Dion's number one excuse for not being able to implement the Kyoto accord?

"Ladies and Gentlemen, Environment Minister Belinda Stronach."

A Different Point Of View

I read this article in the Calgary Sun (gasp!) last night. So I thought I should post it just to give a different perspective on global warming. Enjoy.



Debunking global warming myths

By LICIA CORBELLA

The British documentary The Great Global Warming Swindle is, well ... great.
The program, which aired last Thursday in the U.K. to much buzz, has since been watched by hundreds of thousands of others around the world via the Internet. It exposes numerous lies and myths presented as fact by those who believe in the unproven hypothesis that human-created carbon dioxide (CO2) is the driver of the Earth's warming climate.
The same broadcaster -- Channel 4 in the U.K. -- that recently exposed the extremist ideology being preached in Britain's supposedly "moderate" mosques has now similarly helped to tear away the veil of lies and religious zeal surrounding the global warming industry.
The film features an impressive group of experts in the fields of climatology, oceanography, biogeography, meteorology, and paleoclimatology from reputable institutions such as NASA, MIT, The International Arctic Research Centre, the Pasteur Institut in Paris, the Danish National Space Center and the Universities of Winnipeg, Ottawa, London, Jerusalem, Alabama and Virginia.
That should help top the claims there is a consensus of scientists who believe in man-made global warming.
Expert after expert in this film blasts craters into the theory that CO2 -- which only makes up 0.054% of the earth's atmosphere -- has ever driven climate. Ice core records, in fact, prove the opposite, that CO2 lags warming by as much as 800 years.
The main cause of warming is, not surprisingly, the sun.
"The analogy I use," says Dr. Tim Ball, a former climatology professor at the University of Winnipeg, "is my car's not running very well, so I'm going to ignore the engine, which is the sun, and I'm going to ignore the transmission, which is the water vapour and I'm going to look at one nut on the right rear wheel which is the human produced CO2. The science is that bad."
The film starts off covering indisputable facts. There was a Medieval Warm Period that was warmer than today -- that led to incredible wealth in Europe when the bulk of the continent's great cathedrals were built and when Britain had thriving vineyards. Then came the Little Ice Age that started in the 17th century and was so cold London's Thames River would freeze so solidly festivals were held on it.
About 10,000 years ago, during a time known as the Holocene Maximum, it was much warmer even than the Medieval times.
Dr. Ian Clark, Prof. of Isotope Hydrogeology and Paleoclimatology at the U of Ottawa, notes polar bears (which have become the poster-animal of the global warming industry) survived that sustained warm cycle and that volcanoes produce more CO2 every year than all human activity.
What's more, prior to 1940 temperatures on Earth were rising long before industrialization took place.
Then, when carbon dioxide emissions rose markedly in the post-war economic boom period, temperatures fell for the next three decades, again, in direct contravention of the theory being espoused and believed by so many.
Ironically, in the 1970s, just as scientists started predicting another climate catastrophe -- an impending ice age -- the planet started warming again.
The documentary ends with a quote from Dr. Fred Singer of the U of Virginia.
"There will still be people who believe this is the end of the world, particularly when you have, for example, the chief scientist of the U.K. telling people that by the end of the century the only habitable place on the Earth with be the Antarctic and humanity may survive thanks to some breeding couples who move to the Antarctic. I mean, this is hilarious," he says with a chuckle.
"It would be hilarious, actually, if it weren't so sad."
See the film at:
http://littlegreenfootballs.com/weblog?entry=24760&only


The link hasn't worked for me. But if you email the columnist at the Calgary Sun. I'm sure she'll send you the full link.

I've found the Hussar Monkey!

Here's the Hussar monkey. The species name is the Patas Monkey. They have many other names. For more info hit the Hussar monkey link.

Rock n' Roll Trivia

WE WERE NEUROPHOBIC

AND PERFECT

THE DAY THAT WE LOST OUR SOULS

MAYBE WE WEREN'T SO HUMAN

IF WE CRY WE WILL RUST

AND I WAS A HAND GRENADE

THAT NEVER STOPPED EXPOLDING

YOU WERE AUTOMATIC AND

AS HOLLOW AS THE 'O' IN GOD

I AM NEVER GONNA BE THE ONE FOR YOU

I AM NEVER GONNA SAVE THE WORLD FROM YOU

BUT THEY'LL NEVER BE GOOD TO YOU

OR BAD TO YOU

THEY'LL NEVER BE ANYTHING

ANYTHING AT ALL

YOU WERE MY MECHANICAL BRIDE

YOU WERE PHENOBARBIDOLL

A MANNIQUEEN OF DEPRESSION

WITH THE FACE OF A DEAD STAR

AND I WAS THE HAND GRENADE

THAT NEVER STOPPED EXPLODING

YOU WERE AUTOMATIC AND

AS HOLLOW AS THE 'O' IN GOD

I AM NEVER GONNA BE THE ONE FOR YOU

I AM NEVER GONNA SAVE THE WORLD FROM YOU

BUT THEY'LL NEVER BE GOOD TO YOU

OR BAD TO YOU

THEY'LL NEVER BE ANYTHING

ANYTHING AT ALL

THIS ISN'T ME I'M NOT MECHANICAL

I'M JUST A BOY

PLAYING A SUICIDE KING

Ok, those are lyrics from a song that came out during the 90's. Can anyone tell me the title of this song? who sings it? and the title of the album that it came on? Even if it's an anonymous comment. If/when I get the right answers I'll update the post to proclaim the winner.

That's all the info you get. But anyone who knows me, knows I own this CD. So that gives them an unfair advantage towards the rest of the world. Tough shit. Anyhow...Do you know this song? ... do you?.... what about you?

And the winner, to which I'm not suprised. Is the Schmunkman. The song by MAR1LYN MAN5ON, is called 'mechanical animals'. It's the title track and my favourite.

and because I just typed MAR1LYN MAN5ON, I'm now wanted in 6 states.

Til the next time....

Captain Canada ---> Gone

Today's a 2 for 1 posting. I'm totally shocked the Edmonton Oilers traded away there main guy, Ryan Smyth, to the New York Islanders for 2 prospects and a draft pick. I guess they've given up any hope of making the playoffs this year. What are Oiler fans thinking? What was Kevin Lowe thinking? All it seemed to be over was like a measely 2-300,000 dollars. Which is nothing in today's NHL. It will be interesting to see where Ryan Smyth signs in the off season.
I guess I should thank Kevin Lowe for trading Ryan Smyth to the east coast. The Flames will be glad to only play him 1 time every 3 years, until the schedule gets corrected, if he stays out east. Miikka Kiprusoff will be very happy. Wouldn't it be funny if Ryan Smyth signs in Calgary during the off-season. Only in my dreams.

Go Flames Go

Superstar Of The Month: Peyton Manning

This month's Superstar is Peyton Manning for leading his team to a Super Bowl victory.

His career-long quest for a championship finally ended Feb. 4 in Miami with an efficient performance against the Chicago Bears that added a Super Bowl MVP award to his long list of achievements. The two-time NFL MVP was 25 of 38 for 247 yards and a touchdown pass, keeping the Bears on their heels with his play calling at the line of scrimmage as he rallied the Indianapolis Colts to a 29-17 victory.

Atta-boy Peyton, you've eliminated yourself from the Dan Marino group. The greatest NFL quarterbacks to never win a championship.

You're the Superstar for February 2007.

And From The Jimmy Cam...

"It's fucking snowed. I can't go outside. God Dammit. Jimmy's getting upset!"

The Frozen Tundra Of Hussar

Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

A Cool CD

Lately I've been listening to this CD, by the Bloodhound Gang, One Fierce Beer Coaster. The music is unique and I love the lyrics in the tracks. They make me laugh. My favourite tracks are #1. Kiss Me Where It Smells Funny; #3. Fire Water Burn; #4. I Wish I Was Queer So I Could Get Chicks; #5. Why's Everybody Always Pickin' On Me?; #6. It's Tricky; #10. Boom; and #11 Going Nowhere Slow.

The Bloodhound Gang first big hit was with it's song "The Bad Touch" on it's "Hooray For Boobies" CD. But I think there's way better songs on that album. My favourites were, I Hope You Die; Yummy Down On This; The Ballad Of Chasey Lain; Magna Cum Nada; and Along Comes Mary.

Of course it's definately parental advisory, so it's not something to listen to if the wee-wan's are around. But I highly recommend it if you're into the hip-hop/rock/alternative stuff. Like I said they've got a unique sound. Check out the link to your right if you're interested. As the Bloodhound Gang states:

"If you find the content of these lyrics offensive, you're not cool"

Superstar Of The Month: Jonathan Toews

WHAT'S UP DOC?

A new feature for 2007 is gonna be something called; Superstar Of The Month. Last year was a little too negative. So we're gonna keep things positive for 2007. This time rewarding people for their good contributions. Instead of dwelling on their idiotic contributions.

With our further delay the Superstar of the month for January 2007 is Jonathan Toews (pronounced TAYVZ). He wins this award for his outstanding job at the 2007 World Junior Hockey Tournament. But more esspecially for his brilliant moves during the shootout against the American team goaltender. In which he scored 3 consecutive times. All with 3 different moves, one goal in a different corner everytime. He picked the corner on all of them perfectly, too. It was a beautiful thing to watch. Team Canada won the game 2-1, thanks to Toews. This of course got Canada into the Gold medal round in which they easily dispatched of the Russians.

Jonathan Toews was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba and was selected 3rd overall in the 2006 entry draft by the Chicago Blackhawks. He's currently playing for the University of North Dakota.

Jonathan Toews you are the Superstar for January 2007.

Home Sweet Home

Wow it's been over 2 weeks and I haven't posted in 2007 yet. So for my very first post of 2007 I thought I'd post some pics of my house in the Village of Hussar.

Here she is. It's a manufactured home, which means no basement. I'm slowly getting used to no basement. It's pretty solid too. It can get frickin' windy out here. It's also warmer then I thought it would be. The windows must be good quality.
Here's my backyard. It's pretty much bald ass prairie except for on the horizon, there are some hills. Which is the beginning of the foothills area. Also, just behind those red things in the photo is a farmers field. I can remember around Oct.-Nov. hearing this great jesus noise coming from outside. So I walked around back and there's this combine going through the farmers field, 200 metres from my house. Now that was a little shock, coming from a city kid. Not that I haven't seen a combine before. But I've never been so close to one, as to actually here it working. Living out here away from the hustle and bustle of high priced Calgary. I'm liking it more and more as each day passes. Although I don't know if I'll live in Hussar forever. But I'm really liking Drumheller and the area. I could definately see myself living in Drumheller. But who knows anythings possible. There's not much to do in Hussar. They've got 1 lounge/bar. But it's mostly just farmers and the regular town folk. The store closes at 5 pm everyday, except Sunday for when it's not open at all. The only thing that Hussar is missing, is high-speed internet. Which means no xbox live, yet. The best I can do is high-speed satellite. It's not as fast as cable or DSL, but it's way better then dial-up. I would like to get a job closer to home if I could. But I'm making such good money working in Calgary and commutting in. That I'm not quite ready to stop. Although I'm not going to work nights forever. One bonus of living out here is the stars and night sky is beautiful. You can see so many more stars then you could living in the city. In the fall it was a nightly occurance to see the Aurora Borealis. Which was beautiful and cool everytime. One of the other little quirky things about here is that it gets pretty foggy from time to time. It's probably because were close to the badlands. She can get pretty thick.

Anyways, stay tuned. You never know what's going to show up.

Peace.