We had one of those days where all the weather GoD's were in agreement to make it a special day! Brilliantly cold and sunny day, no haze, and a dream sunset. I had to go out and shoot some pix. Here are the results - Enjoy

Looking for some justice!!!

The other day, two men were gunned down on an open street, in front of one of Vancouver’s most sought after restaurants, right after the Canucks game ended, gang-land style. The two men, one of which was just a guy out for a stroll, were victims #21 and #22 in what is being described as gang wars (according to the papers, radio, TV and police). 22 deaths in one year. At least 3 of which involved innocent bystanders who happen to be at the wrong spot at the wrong time. That does NOT include domestic, vehicular or other homicides that occur every year like in every other city. No – these are premeditated slayings, executions of men and women who are or were active in any kind of crime you can think of.

Two days later, Vancouver’s police chief, Jim Chu, was a guest at our local sports radio station and stated some numbers that make me want to cringe (amongst many other topics i forgot because I got so riled up):

The Vancouver Police has apprehended a few known criminals with over 100 convictions!!! NUMEROUS TIMES!! Two months or less after their last convictions!!!! AND, according to the Chief, with every conviction their sentence goes DOWN!!

The Vancouver Police has to put up to 4 officers on ONE MAN’s CASE because THEY have to proof beyond doubt the felon is a criminal even if there is hundred of witnesses to the crime committed.

On TV a few months back I also saw a story about a boy who was viciously attacked and left a paraplegic. His attackers, juveniles who drank to much, were sentenced a few weeks ago to probabtion and laugh in front of rolling cameras about their sentence!!

Most gang members in BC are (if I read the papers right) immigrants. Before I say anything more let me make one thing abundantly clear: I am NOT talking trash about immigrants here. Thousands of immigrants arrive in Canada each year to find a new, better life from that which they came from. They are honest, hard working folks who seek a better existance.
I am talking about a bunch of lunatics who wield guns, feel tough because they do so, and have nothing better to do with their lives then live it in crime. That seems to be their culture, not the Canadian one they SHOULD embrace, love and combine with the culture of their homeland. I did when I came here 20 years ago!!

Chief Chu and host David Pratt made one remark though that made me think about the essence of what I am writing about here today and the point I will get to soon (I PROMISE!)They mentioned the fact that these gangs are connected world wide, with members immigrating to Canada by the hundreds if not thousands.

Canada's government has always maintained that we need more Canadians.

So there is little Me and little M trying to make a just such a citizen. Since M is not capable of carrying a child we needed a surrogate. Our dear T.

Now, if it wasn’t for T, who volunteered to carry our child, we would have a hell of a time having a baby because we can’t personally approach and ask a woman to surrogate for us – that’s ILLEGAL.

We cannot pay a person to carry our child, our CANADIAN BORN child, because that is ILLEGAL. (We could go to jail for up to 2 years and pay a HUGE fine if we’d do that.)
Our child could/would be living in foster homes, a ward of the state, if we’d so much as THINK about spending money on anything BUT maternity related expenses for T.

A criminal, who has NO intentions of being a decent, valuable citizen in the most wonderful country in the world gets a slap on the hands hundreds of times and is free to pursue his/her rotten lifestyle.

A decent Canadian, with strong values, hard working and honest like Me and M, T and L and millions of others will go to jail for doing what the government asks us to do IF money changes hands.


YOU TELL ME WHERE THE RIGHT IS IN THIS WRONG!!!!

Back to being 14 again :-)

A couple of days ago I went to the VAN HALEN concert in Vancouver. Its been 25 years since i saw them last (1982) and It was AWESOME.

I felt like being (ahem) 16 again!!!!

I wish I had the energy these "old farts" on stage have! Eddie rocked the house like he did back in the days with his amazing guitar solo's, riffs and bicycle kicks. He had a 20 min solo that left everyone with drooling, wide open mouths and wanting more! David Lee Roth ran the stage and energized the crowd like he was 25 again. Alex hit the drums like mad possessed, culminating in a solo that made my old drummer heart want to pick up the sticks again! It made the crowd go mad!
And then there was Wolfgang - Eddies son, who filled in on bass guitar! He was amazing! Looked like he belonged for decades not for a few months.

Oh yeah....it did help that the entire section we were sitting in was smoking pot! Though I didnt participate (as I have never done drugs!) I am still HIGH two days later~!!!

What a great rush! After all the stress and trouble over the last few months, to turn 16 again - even for only 3 hours - was worth getting high over!!!!

A History of a VERY Special Journey

The other day, my wife surprised me off my chair with the suggestion to write about the journey we are on right now.

I was flabbergasted. M is more private then the chambers at Buckingham Palace (unless you know a way over the wall and into the Queens bedroom!! LOL) and any reference to her in ANY writing I do is off-limits. Heck, she doesnt even want me to post ANY pictures of her on my Flickr site (can I say FLICKR on here??). Even though she is beautiful and we have great vacation shots AND such cute pix of her and Hershey!!!

Anyway...blabbering along here....I have decided to abide by my wife's wishes and chronicle our extremely difficult journey to parenthood. I have not decided yet if I do this on my regular blog (which has been badly neglected for a year or so) or start a linked blog to keep it all seperate. I guess I will add a link to my existing blog....its easier that way!!

so...if you want to know about a journey of love, friendship, trial, tears, fights (and lots of them), sorrow and joy.....stay tuned and look above in the header for the link to

A HISTORY of a VERY special Journey

cheers

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

WOW....2007 already!

It seems like we skipped 2006 it went by so fast!

A new year and new challenges await. And of course our wish list. Doesnt everyone have at leasts one?

here is mine (the order is random except for the first two):

1. Kids - lots of little whining, crying, bitching, diaper shitting, mess making kids. M's sick of ME doing that!!

2. A nice BIG raise - hear that boss? a BIG one! R E A L L Y BIG!!!

3. A telephoto lens for my Leica - only about $3000!!

4. My inlaws to finish positively that really crappy thing thats been bothering them for years - THEY WILL!

5. My mom to visit soon - MOM: we need to go to Costco and Futureshop and Linen & Things and ..............

6. Peace on Earth!!!!

7. Peace at home!!!!

8. The ban of bubble gum world wide - inside joke that will negate #7 for at least 12 hours - LOVE YOU M!!!

9. More patience on my side - I dont know why but lately I have been WAY to moody and fighty!

10. The mental energy to go thru with some resolutions - namely working out more and eating healthier!

11. THAT ALL MY WISHES COME TRUE - where is the Genie when you need him: GEEENNIIIEEEE!!!


May all your wishes for 2007 come true and may this year be better then 2006 but NOT as good as 2008 shall be!!!!

cheers

Taking off the writer's block

I haven't really felt like writing for a while. Don't know why to be honest. Just didn't feel like it. There were lots of ideas, topics or just nothings to share but I did not even feel opening the blog and starting something.

Then today on my way to work I, as usual, listened to the Team 1040, our local sports radio. The topic regarded Vancouver Canucks Defense man Rory Fitzpatrick and the drive to vote this, at best, 5th defenseman onto the starting roster of the NHL All-Star game.

Rory played for years in Buffalo and some guy out there back East thought it fun to put Rory onto the ''fan write-in". The NHL allows for fans to chose their own players besides the obvious ones like Sidney Crosby or Joe Thornton. As much as that is a great idea, the voting program the NHL uses allows for fans to vote as many times as they want for any player, ie: Rory at last count stood 2nd among Western Conference D-men and is slated to start if he gets #1 or #2.

So, I am listening to the two morning hosts, one of which is actually program director of the station, and they both rip through the fact that this is all a joke. Lets have fun with it but GOD forbid Rory should actually go.
The world would come to an end because a mid-level player at best may outvote the likes of Pronger, Niedermayer, Lidstrom or Blake, amongst many others.

What are they afraid of? That he accepts the fans vote and goes to have fun? That he makes a fool of himself? That he enjoys this once in a life-time opportunity for him as a player?

Annecdote time:

A caller mentioned that since Rory plays in the arguably best and most competitive ice hockey league in the world he is one of the best players in the world. One of the hosts of the morning show completely ripped into that comment saying that at best Rory is "just" an NHLer.

Moj: I aint seeing YOU playing in the league. Nor me. Nor BMac, Pratt or Taylor.

So that comment is just about as stupid as it gets!!

Get it right, guys!

Lets face it, the NHL is a joke. As long as Gary Bettman runs the ship it will not change. As far as I am concerned, the fans are saying what the GM's, Owner and Press are too afraid to say.
That the NHL has become the laughing stock amongs major sports in North America.

It is the first league to ever cancel a whole season. It is a league of too many teams in places that dont even know that ice and snow exist. It is a league that is so watered down in talent that a guy like Rory Fitzpatrick can be voted onto the All-Star Team. Heck, is even CONSIDERED to be voted in. Never mind as starter but as a skater, period!

Here is my take:

Rory - you go and have fun. If we the fans get you voted in - you better make sure to enjoy it as long as you can. Show the NHL brass in NYC that we the fans laugh at them as long as they run the best game in the world into the ground.

Oh - and bring me back a signed jersey by both Western and Eastern Conference players!!

Cheers

A Farewell to a Loved One

With the most heartfelt pain I heard last night that one of my internet friends lost her and her boyfriends cat.

RIP Murphy - I am certain you brought a lot of light to your parent's life!

As I looked at Murphy's pictures, the pain of my own losses shot through my heart. Both human and animal. The oh-so-way-to-early death of my dad 7 years ago, the passing of my grandmother 2 years ago and the death of my kitten 3 years ago.

How can you compare a human life to the life of an animal you say? Trust me - they are oh-so-similar!!

Believe it or not - as much as I miss my dad and my grandmother (I think of them every day), I think the death of my cat, Tye, still affects me the most.

{To explain: I left Germany when I was 21. As much as I saw my parents lots (they were/are Canadian and came to visit every 3-4 month) and my family when I visited them - I was still alone here in Canada!)

Tye was with me of 12 years. She was a walk-in to some people whose house my parents bought in the early 1990's and Tye came with it. At first I wasn't sure if could or even wanted to take care of kitten. Especially one that was already about 8 years old at the time.

But she and I sniffed each other a couple of times and decided - YUP, Love at first sight!!!!!

For the next 12 years, Tye was my constant companion. She lived with me through 1 dog (Hershey when he was little), 2 cars, 3 jobs, 4 girlfriends (yes I was a slut! LOL), 5 moves - you get the drift.
No matter how moody I was, how lonely I felt or how sick I had been, I could always count on Tye to rub herself around my legs, purring up a storm.

She LOVED the outdoors and was never happier then when we moved to the Cariboo for 3 years.

anecdote time: My parents have a cabin at a lake near 100 Mile House, B.C. In the summer of 1995 my dad and his best friend spent two weeks out there being little boys. And for two weeks they tried to hunt this little mouse that snuck into the house. Sigi tried everything - from traps to flowery language. Nothing worked.
Tye and I moved into the house 2 days after the two men left. I had found work in nearby Williams Lake. The first morning I woke up when Tye sat at the foot of the bed, purring me awake (she could purr alright!). I got out of bed and in my daze noticed something at my left foot.
There was the mouse - being given as a gift by my cat!!! What a hunter she was!!!!!

Then we moved back to Vancouver. From one day to the next, Tye had to adapt from being a hunting, nature loving outdoor cat to a indoor couch potato. She never had a problem with it!

A few years later, Tye became VERY sick. She had lymphoma. I was told that was not unusual for cats her age (she was 15 then). I was given two options: the obvious one (euthinatia) or a experimental and VERY expensive treatment based on radiation. $1500 later, I was glad to have spent that money.

Tye lived to see me meet M and fall in love with her. And meet a 4-month-old goof named Hershey. In all my life with her I never seen her like a dog - until Hershey came along. She whacked him in the nose once and that was it for "Who's the Boss". After that they actually got along as long as Hershey remembered she ran the roost!

Then I flew to Germany to visit my family. I had had that trip planned for a while and left a (now former) friend in charge of Tye's well-being as I had done numerous times before. When I returned 4 weeks later, Tye greeted me with a lot of affection - more then usual I thought. Usually she would show me nothing but contempt for the first 10 min of my returns just to tell me she was NOT happy being left alone! This time she was all cuddles, purrs and love!

Within days I realized something was wrong. She puked a lot - not furballs but her food. Her pooh was mostly runny, she lost weight and at times seemed apathetic.

So one day M and I dropped her off at the vet. The diagnosis was devastating. Her cancer had returned after 5 years. She was already 20+ years old, so the vet told us that any radiation would only prolong her suffering.

I feel a little ashamed but I couldn't even be with her in her last minutes. Losing Tye hit me harder then I ever thought possible. Afterall, she was only a cat, right?

That cat had changed my life. She had been there as my constant companion through thick and thin, had helped me cope with a lot of stuff in our 12 years together.

So, J and E - I know how you feel. I also know that Murphy will NEVER be out of your hearts or minds. The littlest thing will remind you off him - you will smile, laugh and sometimes cry.

But you will always love him.

Purrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

What's wrong with the TV networks???

All last week and this week and next week is TV finals weeks. That means (for those that arent avid TV watchers like I am) that all the good shows, bad shows and non-shows (just a little pun) are either leaving us with cliff-hangers that make us longe for more, less or nothing or they say fare-well forever.

Some of M and my favorite shows leave us aching for more: Lost, Prison Break, Criminal Minds, House.

Some shows are gone forever: Everwood, Will & Grace, West Wing, Surface, Star Trek - Enterprise (yes i am a closet trekkie).

And here is where I have a huge beef with the networks. Over the last couple of years, as every year, new shows have come and gone and old ones did the same. That is the natural cicle of TV.

HOWEVER, to throw a show to the wolves after only a few episodes is BULLSHIT. To cut a show because it "doesnt fit our line-up" when it brings in more viewers then another show is BULL SHIT.

Best example for the former: Commander-in-Chief

Best example for the latter : Everwood

C-in-C was the perfect choice to replace West Wing. A show that can tackle political issues in a political environment is absolutely perfect. Sure, the writing on C-in-C was crap but that could have been fixed.

West Wing was this great tool to explain a certain government's political agendas as well as criticize those and other agendas. On top of being highly entertaining! It didnt hurt to have a group of extra-ordinary actors to bring it all together.

C-in-C had that potential. A change here, a tweak there and it could have worked.

Most people get lost listening to some CNN reporter babble about some political something. But watching fictional characters tackle the same issues in an entertaining setting can achieve what that real-life reporter can not. Keep our attention on important political happenings. Keep us informed.

Everwood was/is one of those shows that you watch and love. It isnt raunchy, it isnt scary, it isnt shoot and bang. It is super family entertainment. It tackles any subject from teenage sex to drug abuse to suicide to cancer.

It draws an estimated 7 million + viewers a week. That is the combined viewership for both Veronika Mars and One Tree Hill. YET - both have been picked up by the new network CW (a combo of CBS and Warner Brothers replacing the WB and UPN networks).

One Tree Hill in particular has been trashed by viewers and critics alike but yet - its been renewed. The rumored reason is that its cheaper to make.

Well, puu-huuu. Cheaper to make? what good does it do to safe money when nobody watches your network!?!?!?!?!?!

Sure they have some good shows: Supernatural (a fav of ours), Smallville, Everybody hates Chris and one of M's fav's America's Top Model.

But give me a break with shows like One Tree Hill, Veronika Mars, WWE Smackdown and Beauty and the Geek. Ouch!!!

To cancel shows without giving them a chance or without "listening" to its viewership just shows that networks care more about immidiate success then good programming.

Here is some advice from someone that is TV addicted (yes, i am freely admitting it!!!):

It takes time to develop decent programming, never mind GOOD programming. And only GOOD progamming will REALLY lead to success. And only success will make you people richer and richer and richer!!!!!

CUT!

PS: a special bubbye to Will & Grace - Thanks for countless laughs, rolls of the couch, belly holds and special tears!!

Being 40 is NOT all thats cracked up to be!

I am cranky!

I am moody!

I have muscle pains!

I am 40 today!

damn that number crept up on me in a hurry. I remember turning 18 just yesterday! And here i am 40 today. WOW!!!!!!

ok so i dont look it (so i have been told) but today....today i feel it! Maybe its the lack of sleep due to the babysitting Robbie thing we are doing (see other blog) or maybe its just: 40! FOUR ZERO! the big 4-0!

It really doesnt help when your wife runs around the house jumping up and down going 40, 40 , 40, 40 all day. Or makes references to wheelchairs, pension plans and/or something about being a fart!

I am 40 today!

We had a wonderful dinner with some friends at an up-scale Italian restaurant. Private wine room and all. It was excellent. Lots of GREAT food, GREAT friends and some very nice presents .
All i was missing were my dad - GOD rest his soul - my brother and my best friends, Mark and Amit (with wifes of course!) and it would have been PERFECT.

I am 40 today!

I am really not 40 today. I am 20! Its just that my evil twin turned 20, too and that makes us 40! I think i have to have a talk with myself about that!

I am 40 Today!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MARK!!!

DO animals have a sixth sense?

Last night my mother-in-law called me. My in-laws are in the Czech Republic. She didn't sound well so I asked what was wrong? She said that she had an accident and although she was seriously injured she was ok.

My first instincts of course were to call M. and let her know about her mom. After my own initial shock wore off and I realized something astonishing. My in-laws dog, Robbie, had been acting really strange for a couple of days!!!!

Let me elaborate if I may. Robbie is a 95lb brindle boxer, who truly believes he is a lap dog. He is spoiled rotten by my in-laws, is raised more like a child then a dog, cries like a baby when left alone for 1 second and is an overall completely insane dog - but sooooo lovable!

From the first moment we started babysitting him 12 days ago we were prepared for the worst. Separation anxiety, lack of appetite and crying are his trademarks when he isn't around my in-laws.
Strangely enough, none of it came to pass. He adjusted just fine - never even missed his parents. He accepted me as his new lead dog, wuff wuff, had a VERY healthy appetite and couldn't WAIT to play with our chocolate lab, Hershey. At work, where I have to take him because M. can barely hold Hershey in check, he was happy whenever someone came in, wiggling his little tail and trying to lick everyone's face :-)

Anyway, two days ago Robbie started acting kinda weird all of the sudden. He started crying at work a lot - especially when I had to leave him behind a barrier for a minute or two. At walkies he started pulling harder then usual and even snapped at some people who walked past us. Then he threw up his dinner.

This M. and I related to him finally realizing his parents had gone away and he missed them.

Now I am not so sure anymore.

His weirdness began 2 days ago - just about the time my mother-in-law was injured. Ever since, he has been lethargic at times, crying at others and then just plain sad most of the time in between. Only when he sees Hershey does he liven up for a few minutes. Then its back to being sad.

Some people say that animals have a sixth sense. They can see the spirits of the departed. I don't know if that is all true!

What I DO know is that Robbie has been acting strange since my m-I-l got hurt.

Get well soon, Milena!

Respect for cyclists? WHY?

Last week M. and I took our chocolate Lab, Hershey, for a walk into Pacific Spirit Park. It was a rare sunny April day in Vancouver and we took advantage of it. The Park is a favorite for both families with dogs, with or without kids, joggers and cyclists. Most parts of it are off leash which makes it PERFECT for Hershey's unbound energy to let loose!
As we walk along I spot this cyclist charging down the trail at 100 km/h. I called Hershey back, grabbed his collar and held him to be nice and make sure he doesn't spill a biker in his enthusiasm.
That asshole on his bike never slowed down!!! Almost ran us over despite the fact we were on the side of the trail. He also almost ran a puddle and sprayed us!
So when I shouted after him my usual "niceties" about what a fucking arsehole he is - he stopped - and shouted back at me to take my "fucking mudd on a leash". In an off-leash park!

Yesterday as I was driving to the store I encountered 2 cyclists slowly paddling along the road, side-by-side, blocking the entire right lane.
As is my usual way I passed them and then safely, without signal changed lanes VERY close in front of them. I almost scared one of them off his bike. My efforts got me a finger!

Here is my point! Cyclists in Vancouver are up and over the fence for more respect on the road. Many a cyclist is struck every day in traffic. We apparently don't have enough bike lanes in the city. A city that sports as many cyclists daily then any Dutch city (the Dutch being famous for cycling and all!)

However, here is my point of view. We DO need more bike lanes. We DO need to be more aware of cyclists on the road.
BUT what we need MOST OF ALL - cyclists who KNOW THE RULES of the road!!!!

When I was growing up in Europe, I had yearly cyclist training in school from Grade 2 on! GRADE 2!!!! Every year until Grade 10!
I knew what to do in any situation on the road. I was trained by traffic police officers like I was trained by a driving instructor at Young Drivers to do what I needed to operate a vehicle in traffic.

Here in Vancouver, all I see and encounter are people who buy a fancy $5000 bike, wonderful cycling outfits they can wear to the opera if need be and an attitude that makes me want to throw most of them off their bikes!

IF a cyclist wants respect from ME, they have to earn it! Abide by the rules of traffic as I do when I operate a vehicle in traffic! Learn the rules or get off the road!

It is a shame that a motorist can get a ticket making a U-turn on a back country road but a cyclist can go and run over a family without being punished!

Get with the program, you two-wheeled, paddling morons on the road! Get with the Program!

THEN maybe you will earn the respect you seek!

Happy Sunday!

Happy Anniversary, M :-)

Has it already been 1 year? How time flies when you are in love and have fun!

Today, April 17, you emerged from behind the doors at Konopiste Castle near Prague, Czech Republic, flanked by your parents and walked down the aisle to become my wife.

I can still see you - slightly wet in the eyes - unsure of what's going to happen during our Jewish ceremony yet sure of wanting to get married.

I can still remember the thought that ran through my mind when I saw you coming towards me: boy, must the angels in heaven be jealous today! Yes, honey, an angel you were that day - gorgeous, radiant, beautiful - I am running out of adjectives!

We were so afraid of what's going to happen at the ceremony - remember? Would the Rabbi show up! Would you be able to do the tradition of the veil - would we spill wine on your dress (ok that was MY biggest fear!).

But like so many obstacles we faced in the 3 1/2 years we are together now - we managed that one too!

When the ceremony was finally over - I felt all the worries and concerns of the last year of planning this wedding fall off your shoulders. The worst was over!

All that was left was to party the night away with our families and friends.

Yes, we didn't get to eat off our buffet, yes we didn't get to really taste our cake (though you DID get me good ) and yes, we totally botched our couple dance.

But who cares?

We spent the best day of your life together as man and wife. In Love. Celebrating this love with others we love. Nothing can beat that!

In the year since we had plenty of difficulties and obstacles to face. We had numerous fights, arguments and "marital discussions". We called each other names, we stormed out of rooms and we looked for things throw (thank you for not finding any!).

But we always kissed and made up - we always said "I love you" before we went to sleep.

May we fight and argue for 100 years to come. As long as we don't forget to say


I LOVE YOU!

Babysitting Robbie - 42 days and counting

When M. and I married exactly 1 year ago today (and again on Monday), her parents of course joined us in Prague for the weddings.
Afterwards we headed for a few days to Brno - the city near the Austrian border where M.'s mom hails from. Her parents had escaped Communism in the late 60's and made their way to Canada.
They made a wonderful home here and seemed to be happy and content. Until last year!!! While over there, my mother-in-law all of the sudden, after 35+ years in Canada became seriously homesick!

So she decided to buy a small apartment and spent lots of time in the Czech Republic! That of course means that M.'s step-dad has to go over there a lot too! (he would rather stay here in Canada I think!).

HOWEVER, unless they decide to move back to Brno permanently they can't take their dog, brindle boxer Robbie, with them. So M. and I get to babysit him! OY VEY - that's all I have to say. He and Hershey, our chocolate lab, are always trying to get into mischief. That is when they aren't sleeping! To make matters worse, Robbie is a slobberer - and I mean S L O B E R E R! We always have to have a towel ready for his snout!

But the absolute cherry on the cake is the fact that Robbie actually THINKS he is a lap dog. I mean it! All 95lbs of him think he is a Chihuahua. He jumps on you and sits on you and licks you and even falls asleep on you lap.

So we get to babysit this lovable monster for then next 42 days! Two dogs who love playing, getting into mischief, bark at other dogs, pull on their leashes, beg for food and THINK theirs is the couch, not ours! The fact that Robbie has separation anxiety (remember he IS a spoiled rotten lap dog!) doesn't make things easier.

So M and I have decided to start a "Robbie and Hershey Diary" which we will post on here periodically. "The Adventures of M. and M.'s Dogsitting Nightmare" could become a bestseller and an Oprah Book Club entry. I am sure of it!

So stay tuned and enjoy. I am sure we will have some VERY funny stories to tell!

check it all out here: www.grizznuck.blogspot.com


Cheers

Honestly - I am ashamed to be a MAN!!!!!

The other week my wife dragged me to the movies. Well not so much dragged as gently nugged. Ok, I had invited her numerous times before and she finally said "Lets Go".

So what movie does she have to choose? Nope, NOT "A History of Violence", not a chance for "Jarhead", in my dreams would we watch "King Kong". No, M. wants to watch "Brokeback Mountain"!!!!!!!!!!!!

Now mind you, I wanted to see this movie anyway. I work with the film industry and had in a way a hand in making that movie (among many others). And I make it a habit to watch any movie I am (in my own way) involved in!

Brokeback Mountain - the "gay" movie. The movie everyone talks about. Guess what!

I LOVED IT!

what a great movie! VERY intriguing story, well written, acted, directed, edited, very well EVERYTHING! I was amazed - I haven't seen a good flick like that in ages!!!

The next day as I am driving to work I (as always) am listening to one of our local sports radio shows and there is these two "macho" man discussing Brokeback Mountain. Or should I say they are discussing the fact that they wouldn't go see that movie if their wife's threatened divorce. How can you, as a good MAN, go and see a movie about two men "doing it".

Here are two grown men, supposedly intelligent - who condemn athletes for doing illegal drugs, for cheating on their spouses, for beating their wives/girlfriends, for having kids with some floozy they nailed in the bathroom of some obscure club and G-D knows what else - who talk more childish then a 2-year-old!

And even better - scores of guys called into the show and vehemently denied seeing it or stating matter of fact that such a movie ought to be burned.

WAKEY WAKEY morons....Its the 21st Century!!!

How come men are so damn fast at the button when it comes to watching porn?? No man has EVER complaint about watching Jenna Jamison or Silvia Saint being nailed by 6 studs at the same time! No dude has ever turned off the VCR/DVD when Tracy Lords licks the Bajesus out of Kitty Yung. And G-D forbid you powered down the TV when Tiffany Minx gets two huge ones up her ass at the same time!! Wouldn't DARE!!!!

So how come we cant appreciate a WONDERFUL love story?? Because its two men? Because in our tiny little minds, the love of two men is utterly atrocious while the love between two women is a total turn-on????

Give me a F***ing break!!!

I say this in the open - and I AM a man!

I LOVED the film, the idea of the film, everything about the film! I don't have a problem with two men making love - because its TRUE LOVE! It isn't dirty, it isn't wrong! IT IS RIGHT!

When I heard what those two sports casters and the dozens of call-ins had to say, all I could think was:

I am ashamed to be a man!!


Cheers

A First and I actually enjoyed it!!

The other week we dropped Hershey off at the vet to re-check on an ear infection he had for a while. While there we of course weight him - 80+ lbs...We have a strapping BIG boy!!!

Just for the fun of it I jumped on the scale too - and almost fainted right off it! 200lbs - clothed but still - TWO HUNDRED!
I turned to M. and asked her if she'd really want to know - I mean REALLY want to know. When she said "yes" and I told her - her face just turned to horrified concern with some laughter in there too - she compared me to our Hershey, whose nickname lately has been "Fatso McPorkrind!"

Needless to say - I am shocked. Ever since I quit smoking 5 years ago I had a little belly and going 40 next month doesn't help either (there is to more ideas for blogs!!) but I never thought it was THAT bad.

M is now really after me to start dieting, working out - ANYTHING to loose some weight and maybe avoid a Heartattack at 50 (my dad passed away of the second one at 62!)

So, being the obedient husband that I am (cough) I decided she was right and I was a lazy-assed SOB. I signed up for soccer and the gym at work, will bike in the summer when its a little warmer and will try to eat healthier.

Oh, darn I forgot - lost my thread here - the FIRST I was thinking about!

Y O G A!

Yup - I am strapping on those tights and take my kreeky old bones and stiff ol' muscles to Yoga! I never thought I would do THAT! Come on! you kiddin me? Yoga is for 60's hippie wanna-be's, wiccans and East Indian holy man, right????

nope - it is the thing for me! one lesson and I think I am hooked! It was actually a LOT of fun! I am sore on some places I didn't know I had muscles but it was worth it!
I was relaxed, bend in ways I didn't know I could still bend, calm and at peace at times, laughing with M at others when we looked like a wrongly put-together puzzle.

I understood only half of what our instructor wanted us to do - mostly because she used Yoga terms that we don't know but it was ok! I still have some problem comprehending taking MY roots down to the core of the earth and back again (sounds like a Jules Verne novel!) and letting some golden fireball enter my skull, move down my spine and meet with my roots (doesn't that make a nice brush fire???) but I am more then happy to give it a chance!!

I always had problems relaxing. I don't know why but maybe my shoulders took too much emotional weight on over the years or maybe I am just not a person that relaxes well. But yesterday I almost fell asleep I was that relaxed. It was amazing!

Now, I don't know where this all will lead and maybe in 10 years I will win the Yoga Olympics, have my own Yoga business and become a Guru for millions of little Hippies, but I know one thing - I am more then happy if Yoga will teach me to relax more, be more calm and less angry, be more nimble on my feet and feel better - bodily as well as emotionally!

Namaste

Terrorism - get used to it!

An explosion at Tim hurting in Toronto yesterday seems to have been the suicide of a distraught individual, who by latest rumors (and nothing has been confirmed) doused himself in gas and lit himself up in the washroom.

Nevertheless, today's papers write of panic in Toronto following reports of Terror attacks (yup - it actually didn't have ANYTHING to do with the Maple Leafs!!).

NEWSFLASH: time to get off our fat asses and realize that life isn't all milk and honey in LaLa Land!

Mind you, I have personally experience one Terror attack and grew up with Terrorism on a daily basis. I even vacationed half my life in a country that lives with Terrorism on a daily basis - Israel! So I know from first hand experience what it is like to look over your shoulder all the time, not really scared but still conscious about danger (ok - even a little scared!)

anecdote time: Since I would either be asked about it or write about it anyway might as well make it an anecdote :-)

The year was 1982 - Summer vacation. I was still living in Munich, Germany and my parents took my brother and I to Israel as we did all vacations except winter (when we used to go somewhere else in the world). We are at the Airport and due to the Terror risk with anything related to Israel or Jews, we were at a separated security gate and terminal.

We were lining up to go through passport check and security and I remember to this day seeing this suitcase standing around to the side and thinking "what moron would leave their suitcase standing around unattended. It could get stolen!"
There were about 150 or so people lingering in line or just around the gate waiting to go through (baggage checks inside the secure area took a long time - sometimes over 1h!).
We had finally made it through passport control and the security door closed behind me when a huge explosion ripped through the terminal.

I remember instinctively taking cover, pulling the then-12year-old daughter of close friends toward me, covering her with my body while shattered glass flew all around us (she still to this day keeps reminding me of that!!). I also remembering me being completely calm. I was looking all over for my family and seeing them being ok, I felt complete relief! I also started shaking all of the sudden. Shock and realization of what had happened caught up to me!

The suitcase I had seen standing all alone to the side had blown up! A powerful bomb ripped through the terminal - severely injuring a German Police officer and spraying shrapnel into scores of passengers lounging about in peace.

I DON'T know who was responsible for the attack. All I know is that innocent people get hurt everytime some misguided, brainwashed young person straps a dynamite belt around their waist or drives a car full of TNT towards a roadblock.

I DO know what growing up in Germany being Jewish was like (and still is): submachine-gun toting police officers at my synagogue, at my school and at my club. Armored personnel carriers guarding the airplane I would board to Israel, terrorists trying to kill me while I have lunch in Tel Aviv or Jerusalem.

I DO know that I almost lost my father in a airplane high-jacking in 1972, where he was seriously injured.

I DO know what it feels like to constantly looking over your shoulder thinking this car could blow up and this Palestinian looking person may have a bomb belt strapped to his body. It is not a feel of fear but a feel of uncertainty.

I DO know that 90% of the world don't have an idea what I am talking about! A bomb in a cafe on Robson St.? Someone blowing themselves up at The Bay on Yonge St.? Are you kiddin me??? No, I am NOT kidding - it could happen! It DOES happen among others in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Bali, Iraq, Spain and now even in Toronto.

I DO know one thing with utmost certainty: I will not be afraid! I refuse to give in to fear.
Because when I do - THEY will have won! And no way in hell will I give them that satisfaction. NO CHANCE IN HELL!!

Cheers

Racism in the 21st Century - still alive and kicking!!

The other day I stumbled upon an article of maybe 6 or 7 lines on a major Canadian's Sports network's website regarding a Nigerian soccer player being investigated for making the "Hitler salute" at a German Fourth Division match-up.

[FYI: To render the "Hitler Salute" is illigal in Germany and carries a jail term if convicted!!]

Adebowale Ogungbure was taunted and assaulted by fans of Halle FC throughout the match and when he left the pitch, Ogungbure rendered the straight arm salute in return .

When iI researched the subject I came upon an article from Italy about a star player from Lazio FC, their captain Paolo di Canio, who celebrated scoring a goal by flashing the "Hitler salute" to Lazio's far-right wing fans.

I also remembered an article I read about British Holocaust denier David Irving, a writer of Historcal Non-fiction, who has been found guilty in court of his crime of the Denial.

(I am sure there is trillions of other cases, incidents and stories about racism but those three are the ones that are good examples.)

We are all guilty of racism, no excuses here. We drive on the road and swear bad words at another driver, like "you stupid person from some pacific-rim country" or "you dumb woman" or "you stupid non-white idiot". WE have all done it in some way or other.

And as much as i do NOT condoan that kind of behavior (i am probably one of the worst racist drivers in the world) it does NOT compare to what is going on around the world when it comes to racism and intolerance.

Neo-Nazism in Europe, genocide in Africa, religion motivated wars in the Middle East, racial discrimination in North America, murder in South America. It seems the only continent not affected of racism is the Antarctic - but that is probably because its too friggin cold there!!!!!

Why is it that the Human race can not learn from Millenia of discrimination? Aren't 6 million Jews, millions of Gypsies, Homosexuals, mentally handicappe, Asian-Americans and other minorites annihalated and discriminated by the Nazis, Soviets and Americans during the 1940's enough?
Aren't millions of Tutzi's massacred in Africa enough?
Aren't the tortures and killings of those that believed in progress, practitioners of different believes or just plainly because they were there to be tortured and killed throughout the centuries enough?

What does it take for Human kind to wake up and smell the ovens?

It pains me sometimes to admit that I am racist. Being Jewish I have NO RIGHT to be racist! NONE! I should be ashamed and I am. But it has been engrained in my DNA throughout the existance of Homo Sapiens and as much as I try - I return to those biological roots everytime I drive my car!

So maybe it is time to try and change our DNA. Animal and plants will adapt to environmental changes as they occur. So maybe us Humans can do the same.

I have been trying hard to change my attitude while driving - both because my wife hates it (though like me sometimes she swears like a dock worker when we encounter a bad driver) and because when we are blessed with kids I want to make sure that they grow up NOT resenting anyone based on race, believes or societal status!

I am sure that if we start teaching our kids that a black person isn't a N....., or an Asian person isnt a C...., a Jew isnt a K..., an Irish isnt a Paddy, and a Pole isnt a Polak we will be changing the future! And if we teach our children the violent History of Mankind, we will at least have made an effort to teach them to LEARN from this History and maybe, just maybe NOT repeat it!

And by not repeating our mistakes, our children and their children will make this world a better place!!!

cheers

Why be afraid of the unknown? There aren't too many adventures left!!

After days of being to busy to write (my company moved to new digs) I finally have a few minutes to myself. So I went on Flickr and checked out the pix of a Flickr friend whose photography I adore!

She told me weeks ago she would get a puppy and knowing I had Hershey she asked me a few questions, which, of course, I gladly tried to answer.
Today I went on her blog, which like her photography is awesome, and there was a little entry about being scared and not knowing if she could handle a pup.

Well J. , let me tell you the story about me and my first pup - Hershey aka "The Hersheynator" [pix available on Flickr.com]

When I met my wife almost 4 years ago she told me she had just bought her first own dog. She had always had dogs through her parents but never one on her own. Being an animal lover (I had a cat at the time) I of course was delighted to having met a fellow animal lover.

On our first date, M. brought two photo albums of this little brown creature and his first 3 month on earth. The next date, 2 days later, she brought him with her. We met at Starbucks to go to the Sunshine Coast for some photography and her roommate had Hershey outside while M. got her coffee. I got out of the car and Hershey, all 10 lbs of him, rushed me and jumped on me. It was love at first sight. All my worries about having a potential girlfriend with a dog were at that point gone with the kisses Hershey gave me.

We had a wonderful date, with the dog of course being center stage the whole time.

As things progresses with M. and me, I took on more responsibility with Hershey. M. moved in and so did the little rascal. I was terrified about having a dog. I never had one. I had Tye the Cat, a whole bunch of fish years ago and when I was 12 I had to birds. That's IT!
I had absolutely NO idea what to do with him. Sure I can play with him and walk with him. But scooping poop? What if he eats something and throws up? What if he gets into a fight? WHAT???!!!

You should have seen me the first time I tried scooping poop! M. is still mockingly laughing about it. To say the least I was barely able to turn the bag inside out. All the poo almost landed back on ME!

And then there was the time when he had to go pee so bad we saw yellow fluids in his eyes. We were driving along 16th Ave and were almost home so I thought he would be ok. Next thing I know he jumps up on me (while driving 80km/h) and a second later I felt warm and wet down my pants. M. - don't you dare laugh!!!!!

Over the years however I realized that taking care of a dog is as easy as taking care of yourself. Nothing to it. Animals are extremely forgiving creatures. They love you regardless.

So J - don't be scared. Follow your instincts and treat Utah the same way you want to be treated. Give him all the love you can but not all the food he wants!! Take him for walks and plays, to doggy parks and on occasion to bed with you. Never forget to take 1000 pictures a day.
And in the end you will experience something that few people experience - true and unconditional love!!

cheers

Where has all the professionalism gone? Or was there ever any!!??

Here we go again - a rant that includes the Vancouver Canucks. I wonder if there is any team in the entire world that gets people as riled up to rip em like the 'Nuckleheads?!!!

There was a report yesterday/today that the team, which is on a terrible losing streak and completely underachieving, had two team meetings yesterday. One with the coaches and one players only.

wat wit dat?? TEAM meetings?

Think this scenario: I am calling my boss today and tell her I want to have a meeting to discuss the possibility that I may want to show up for work tomorrow but by all means make sure you pay me at the end of the week!

Am I missing the point here? These so-called "men" earn 7 and 8 figure salaries per annum and need an invite to come to work??? What's next....Spoon feed them? Change their diapers?

Another scenario: my workplace has gone thru some major changes the last year and I am to move this weekend. There is a person at the other location who is supposed to handle things. I am supposed to be in the loop on anything concerning my division - especially my new PC needs setting up and my workspace needs organizing!
This person has stood me up twice now, has not answered any phonecalls or emails and basically is ignoring me - wow, sounds just like internet dating!!!

Why is it that certain individuals believe that professionalism is just a word?

hey, as long as my paycheck comes in every two weeks why should I care about my job? Should I not do just enough work not to be suspected of not doing my job? Am I that naive?

I take pride in the way I do my job. I pull plenty of overtime and late nights (to the rightly deserved chargrin of my wife), get to work early every day to tie up lose ends and organize my day, seldomly get a lunch because I don't like leaving a client waiting and have worked MANY a day sick or with some kind of banged-up body part.

Why? Because I believe in earning my $10/h!! I was raised that way - you earn the right to spent it! (again my wife chargrins - I am spending TOO much!). But I believe that I earn the right to make me a present here and there for getting up at 5 am and coming home at 530 pm. And I believe that my wife earns the right to spent our money for taking care of our house. And I believe that my parents earned the right to spent their money, because THEY sure earned it! And I have no problem with ANYONE spending their well-earned money!

But it MUST BE EARNED! to make US$5 million a season and then show up every other month is theft. Plain and Simple. Ok, have to admit - if the GM of the Canucks is stupid enough to pay someone who doesn't work HE should be fired too! (Heck - get the entire team fired and buy a decent curling team - because right now curling is more interesting to watch then the Canucks!). Nobody expects professional athletes to have great days every day. I don't expect anyone to be 100% every single day. But MAKE AN EFFORT!

Somewhere along the line some people have to learn that being a professional means working HARD every day - even on a bad day - to earn a paycheck.

Or even more important: earn the respect of those that make bare minimum to survive because they didn't have the talent or the education to be a hockey player or a doctor.

Have a wonderful day! :-)

Happy St. Patrick's Day, Marky!!!

On the occasion of St. Paddy's Day, I am dedicating todays blog to Mark and Adrienne in Dublin, other then my wife they are my best friends!!

This is the story of a unique friendship that will celebrate its 12th year this year. Who would have thought that a two people from vastly different backgrounds could become life-long best friends!!

I met Marc in Victoria in 1994. I had just moved there with my then partner after a failed business venture and found work as a driver for a courier company. Marc, who had just moved to Victoria from Dublin via a 6-month stint in Edmonton, joined us about 3 weeks later (I still wont let him forget I had seniority!! hehehe).

From the first day we were inseparable. There was just something about the both of us that fit perfectly. It seemed sorta weird too with our different backgrounds but it sure worked. We spent a lot of time together, him and Ade and me and N.

In 1995 I moved away from Victoria to 100 Mile House/Williams Lake to start a new job.
We kept in contact and Marc and Ade even came and celebrated my 30th birthday up there with me and my family.
Unfortunately Marc also told me that they decided to move back to Ireland. I was honestly sad to see them go back. I was sure this was it for our friendship! Why would they be concerned with a guy thousands of miles away when they have family and friends back at home in Dublin!!

then out of nowhere Marc called me 2 month later. He apologized for being a stranger for so long but it took him and Ade some time to get settled! I was flabbergasted to say the least!!!!!

We kept in constant contact - at least a phone call every 3 month or so, lots of emails, and the occasional letter!

Then in 1998 my dad became ill and I went over to Europe to be with my parents. I decided, however to make a little detour and visit Marc and Adrienne in Dublin. I have always been fascinated by the Irish culture and Dublin was #1 on my visit-a-place-in-the-world-I-haven't-been-to-yet list.

In my life I have never EVER had been welcomed like I had in Dublin that first time. Heck, even the fourth time but that's a different story!
Marc picked me up and walked me straight to the Airport pub. Guinness #1 and 2. ON the way to his new house we stopped at a wonderful pub. Guinness #3, 4, 5 and 6.
When Adrienne finally arrived home from work we went out for a dinner and......yup...Guinness #7 and 8. I slept AMAZINGLY well that night!!!
(a TIP: if you are in jet-lag....drink a few pints of Guinness before bed time...NO JET-LAG!!!)

The next night Marc and Adrienne decided to get everyone together with all friends. What a party it was. When we got to Ade's sisters house her parents were sitting on the couch. This was to be my first meeting of two of the grandest people I ever met (I met two more years earlier in Victoria - Marc's parents!). Ade's Dad got up and shook my hand. Her mother got up and gave me a HUGE bear hug and a wonderfully wet kiss on the cheek and in utter delight announced "So you are the Canadian Mark - welcome to the family!"
I have never met people who welcomed me THAT wonderful EVER! (no offense to family friends I have since I was born!)

anecdote time: That weekend I was invited to their house for the weekly Brown Gathering. I tell you, there is no such thing as getting sick of parties in Ireland!! Every single one is unique and A BLAST!
As it turned out it was also the weekend of Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah. We were sitting at table for brunch and Marc rose, lifted a glass of wine, looked at me and toasted me a "Happy Jewish New Year". The entire Irish-Catholic (and practicing too!!!) clan rose and toasted me for Rosh Hashanah. That I was touched is an understatement!!!

For many years after Marc would come visit me on occasion and I went over when I could.

Then I met Michelle, fell in love and we decided to get married. There was never any doubt who would be my best man!

Last year, April 15, 2005 (civil ceremony) and April 17, 2005 (Jewish Ceremony), Marc stood by my side when Michelle and I said our vows in Prague, Czech Republic. To have my best friend there by my side made the most special day of my life a little more special!

Marc - here is to FRIENDSHIP!

SLIANTE!