Journey for Justice: how project angel cracked the Candace Derken case - analysis

An assignment for the Creative Communications; reading Journey for Justice, how project Angel cracked the Candace Derksen case by Mike McIntyre, was a good lesson in journalistic literature; how to structure a non-fiction story, how much detail to include and when to use those details.  McIntyre used a good amount of details, which isn't the easiest thing to do in a non-fiction book, because they have to be accurate. The details helped paint a picture, but didn't drag on unnecessarily, much like I noticed in McIntyre's To The Grave, where some conversations and descriptions dragged on unnecessarily in my opinion, like when the undercover police officer and the suspect talked about American Idol. The style of writing was very similar, same author of course, but something I really enjoyed in To the Grave was the parts detailing the efforts made by police. When they met with the suspect as part of a sting operation, where a cop went undercover and acted as part of a criminal organization which payed big money, but they needed to know they could trust him, in an effort to make him confess his murder. I liked the behind the scenes look at how the police actually cracked the case. I was disappointed that Journey for Justice didn't take the sawn approach, considering the subtitle of the book: how project angel cracked the Candace Derksen case. I guess I was expecting.... To actually find out how the cops cracked the case?? Well, that would've been nice. But now, to what I did like about Journey for Justice. The first part of Journey for Justice was my favorite in the book; I felt for the family, as the tragedy unfolded. I felt almost in their shoes and compelled to turn the next page. It was surreal reading about it taking place, so close to where I've spent a lot of time. Talbot street and MBCI were daily sights in my life back in high school, so i had a nice visual to associate with the story and made it seem more real. However, I found this style and pace didn't hold true for the rest of the book. While the selection of the jury was informative, I just wasn't interested, as the pace really dragged on in this part. And while I feel it's important to include this information in any detailed analysis or report of the trial, it prompted myself to ponder a question: who was McIntyre writing this book for? And quite frankly, even after his presentation to our class, I haven't found an answer. In fact, due to his personal connection to the Derksens and the case, which helped prompt him to write the book, I can only assume two motivations: 1) to tell a tragic story of someone close to him that he's passionate about, and 2) to sell books.  And while he denied the latter, I deemed that to be at least partially untrue, because of course that was a motivating factor; it is for anyone producing a book. As far as what we can take from the book, it's definitely a good blueprint of how to structure a non-fiction novel. Most of the dialogue is believable and I found his descriptions to be better than that in To the Grave.  But some of what I took from McIntyre came from his presentation; did whatever he could to get the story he felt conveyed what he wanted, in regards to the luncheon at the end of the book. He was allow to attend as long as he didn't bring his notebook. He talked to people and made mental nots, and took people's contact information so he could later ask them to repeat what they said while they were there. That's what I took from it; doing what it takes to get the story, being nice to people and understanding them goes a long way to them cooperating with your journalistic goals. 

Tilted Magazine makes it's debut!

Hi one and all, this post is a far cry from the usual subject matter I cover on this blog – and that’s probably a good thing.

This post describes the magazine me and my group produced called “Tilted” magazine, all about spotlighting local Winnipeg filmmaking talent and giving a behind-the-scenes look at filmmaking.

In our debut issue we give readers a behind-the-scenes look of the making of “The Divide”, filmed in Winnipeg; a stunt man on fire; acting tips; how to transition from theatre to TV or film; movie reviews and more.

Our magazine will make its debut on Friday, March 30^th in the Atrium of the Red River College Princess Campus/Exchange district Campus, from 12 to 4.

This will be in conjunction with a plethora of magazines also making their debut.

“It’s a festive and carnival atmosphere,” RRC Instructor Kenton Larsen spoke about the annual event.

In years past theirs been a tonne of free food, from popcorn and cupcakes to even alcoholic beverages (but don’t tell anyone).

So come on down and check out Tilted, get the inside and behind-the0-scenes look at our magazines debut issue.

It’s greatly appreciated, you’ll see a lot of new magazines, and let’s face it – it’s a freaking party, come on down!

Checkout the team's blogs!

www.allisonbench.com

dayna'sdish.blogspot.ca

gamingoutsiders.blogspot.com

Bell eats Astral Pie

So, BCE Inc. (owns Bell Media) bought Astral Media this week. I’ve noticed lately that a lot of media I consume is Bell Media. It’s interesting to think of the advertising, PR, and propaganda possibilities with such a conglomerate. So, here’s a snippet from a Toronto Star article to explain the purchase, followed by my rant. Yay!  

--------------------------------------------

BCE Inc.

The telecom giant has been moving into the media space to ensure content ownership in Canada, as it competes with Rogers Communications and Quebecor.

Last year, it bought 100 per cent of CTV and started Bell Media, a new business unit to make television programming available on smartphones and computers.

Bell Media operates 28 conventional stations as well as 30 specialty channels, including Business News Network, Discovery Channel, Much, MTV, The Comedy Network, Space, and TSN and RDS.

It also owns 32 radio stations, including TSN Radio, and Dome Productions, a mobile broadcast facilities provider, and dozens of news, sports and entertainment websites including sympatico.ca.

It also has acquired a minority stake in the Montreal Canadiens, and it is joining with rival Rogers Communications to buy a chunk of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, which is due to close in mid-2012.

Astral Media

Astral is Montreal-based company founded in 1961. It owns many familiar television channels such as Family, Disney Junior, Teletoon, to premium channels such as The Movie Network and HBO Canada. In Quebec, it operates 13 French-language channels Canal Vie, Canal D, VRAK TV and MusiquePlus.

Astral also has 84 radio stations in 50 markets, including CJOB 680 and QX 104.

It also has 9,500 outdoor traditional and digital billboards in Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia, which Bell sees as a growing market.

 ----------------------------

While this acquisition is an example of capitalism, it is also an example of corporatism—well not yet, but a step in that direction. See, it would be different if the people governed the people; however we have career politicians that are influenced by big business’s lobbying and influence.

I suppose my concerns are mostly unjustified, in BCE Inc. at least, it’s more of a philosophical issue. And even though this is the natural progression of capitalism… it’s like all businesses circle around a drain—like in a bathtub. The rich get richer, and buy up the poorer, until everything is in the hands of two or three corporations in that sector with a myriad of divisions and subsections so you don’t start thinking “hmmm… you know, everything I like to watch and listen to is owned by Bell Media.”

See, that’s what I’ve been finding I’ve been saying to myself. I love the Jets, so I watch TSN and the Jets channel—all owned by Bell Media. I also like to listen to them, and TSN 1290 owns the broadcast rights—Bell owns TSN 1290.

Bell also owns CTV, which broadcasts my favorite local TV news program, of course, CTV News… with Gord Leclerc, lol.

And when I’m not consumed by Jets or news, I like to sit back and watch some Big Bang Theory or South Park on Comedy Network or American Pickers or some documentary on History Channel or Discovery. Oh… Bell Media owns all those eh?

Just a tad bit concerning when the majority of the media I consume comes from one place. And I sure hope there is a high level of trust in an organization with that much control in the greatest propaganda tools known to man.

Powerful Video

Speech before the US House of Representatives, 02/12/09 (R) Ron Paul. This man is running for president! unedited version: Madame Speaker, I have a few questions for my colleagues. What if we wake up one day and realize that the terrorist threat is a predictable consequence of our meddling in the affairs of others? What if propping up repressive regimes in the Middle East endangers both the United States and Israel? What if occupying countries like Iraq and Afghanistan - and bombing Pakistan - is directly related to the hatred directed toward us and has nothing to do with being free and prosperous? What if someday it dawns on us that losing over 5,000 American military personnel in the Middle East since 9/11 is not a fair trade-off for the loss of nearly 3,000 American citizens, no matter how many Iraqi, Pakistani, and Afghan people are killed or displaced? What if we finally decide that torture, even if called enhanced interrogation techniques, is self-destructive and produces no useful information - and that contracting it out to a third world nation is just as evil? What if it is finally realized that war and military spending is always destructive to the economy? What if all wartime spending is paid for through the deceitful and evil process of inflating and borrowing? What if we finally see that wartime conditions always undermine personal liberty? What if conservatives, who preach small government, wake up and realize that our interventionist foreign policy provides the greatest incentive to expand the government? What if conservatives understood once again that their only logical position is to reject military intervention and managing an empire throughout the world? What if the American people woke up and understood that the official reasons for going to war are almost always based on lies and promoted by war propaganda in order to serve special interests? What if we as a nation came to realize that the quest for empire eventually destroys all great nations? What if Obama has no intention of leaving Iraq? What if a military draft is being planned for the wars that will spread if our foreign policy is not changed? What if the American people learn the truth: that our foreign policy has nothing to do with national security and that it never changes from one administration to the next? What if war and preparation for war is a racket serving the special interests? What if President Obama is completely wrong about Afghanistan and it turns out worse than Iraq and Vietnam put together? What if Christianity actually teaches peace and not preventive wars of aggression? What if diplomacy is found to be superior to bombs and bribes in protecting America? What happens if my concerns are completely unfounded - nothing! What happens if my concerns are justified and ignored - nothing good!

Hey Feds, wanna save money? Don't legalize the rope, legalize the dope!

"A senator known for advocating on behalf of the victims of crime backed off slightly on comments that suggested serial murderers should be given a rope to hang themselves in prison. Sen. Pierre Hugues-Boisvenu made the remarks ahead of the Conservative caucus meeting in Ottawa on Wednesday." - CTV Should serial murderers be given a rope to hang themselves in prison if they see fit?  Wow, way to open up a can of worms. If one of the factors of this idea was to reduce the prison population... I don't know, it just sounds too Hitler-esq.  Why not have softer penalties for non-violent crimes? Why not legalize marijuana?  That would decrease the prison population more than the rope e dope, saving taxpayers money - and not just that.  It would also act a significant source of revenue that would help pay for federal services and chip away at our national debt. "Every year, a widely consumed illegal substance makes potential criminals of millions and actual criminals of hundreds of thousands. And like booze during Prohibition, this substance, marijuana, is the easy revenue of organized crime, contributing tens of billions of dollars to growers, who commit a variety of bad acts both at home and abroad. What about possible tax revenue? From Canada we’ve learned that the production cost of (government-sponsored) marijuana is roughly 33¢ a gram. Currently, U.S. marijuana consumers pay at least $10 per gram retail for illegal marijuana. If the cost of retailing and distribution is the same as for legal tobacco cigarettes, about 10¢ a gram, then selling the (legal) product at exactly the same price as on the street today ($10 per gram) could raise $40 billion to $100 billion in new revenue. Not chump change. Government would simply be transferring revenue from organized crime to the public purse." - Business Week. Absolutely, couldn't agree more with business week on this one.  Don't legalize the rope, legalize the dope. It just makes sense. Some people could say "if the government doesn't save us from it, everyone will use it".   Really? If Cocaine was legalized, would you go try it just because?  NO!  Because you can think for yourself and don't need the nanny state to tell you what is and what is not safe or healthy for you. Hell, alcohol is far more dangerous than weed is. Alcohol is: More toxic Responsible for more deaths More violent behavior Deadlier long/term use  And more.... Yet it's still legal. Why? The money! Now, I know I started this post ranting about the idea of putting ropes in murderers cells so they could hang themselves.. But rather, I looked at the cause of the issue- an overflowing prison population and the tax dollars it takes to keep them in jail.  Legalizing would help solve both of these issues, it could also increase tourism and would definitely stimulate the economy. So what's wrong with that? I say:  don't give 'em rope, give 'em dope. Spock would say: it's only logical. 

Tim Thomas: American Patriot (when he's not the Boston Bruins goaltender)

Good on ya Tim Thomas.  The Conn Smyth winning goaltender from the 2011 stanley cup winning Boston Bruins didn't join his teammates visiting President Obama at the White House Monday.  Now, Thomas has been hearing a ton of flak from the media for his decision to exercise his right of free speech and his individual right to choose what he wants to do.  He doesn't respect Obama or his administration, and can you really blame him?   What I respect about Thomas, is he had the guts to do what he felt was right.  Yet most media is slamming the guy for.... Not joining his teammates?  Hmmm.  Why doesn't TSN mention the real elephant in the room here.  His actual statement; here it is: “I believe the Federal government has grown out of control, threatening the Rights, Liberties, and Property of the People. This is being done at the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial level. This is in direct opposition to the Constitution and the Founding Fathers vision for the Federal government. Because I believe this, today I exercised my right as a Free Citizen, and did not visit the White House. This was not about politics or party, as in my opinion both parties are responsible for the situation we are in as a country. This was about a choice I had to make as an INDIVIDUAL. This is the only public statement I will be making on this topic. TT” We should be debating his statement, which I find to be accurate and I welcome a debate on it because his statement is truth, and not the Boston Bruins or Obama or political affiliation. Now, if you're a hockey fan reading this post and don't know much about the Federal Reserve, just google it, do some research.  Research the American monetary system and how it drastically changed in 1913 with the Federal Reserve act. It's the only "government" agency to have never been audited.  I think it's time to audit the Fed.  Why not? The Fed it supposed to benefit the people, is it not?  In fact, rewind to the 19th century and every company operating in the U.S. Was audited and had to prove that it benefited the American public.  Of course, big business (David Rockefeller oil company) lobbied to change that in the late 19th century. Go to YouTube and search Alan Greenspan, the former chairman of the fed, and how he explains that there's no action the government can take to overturn decisions the fed sees as prudent.  In other words, they're above the law. Thomas is the only American born player on the Boston Bruins... And flat out rejected the invitation. Now, I've been hearing the spin from the local winnipeg sports talk shows.. Saying how this is a disrespectful move by Thomas, and that these kind of comments could have been made in the off-season. Would anyone care what he says in the off-season? NO! It's brilliant PR to get his message across and bring awareness to his cause and the message of liberty against a federal government constantly eroding liberty and freedom in exchange for "safety" against an external threat, the"terrorist".   Reminds me of Hitlers campaign of propaganda to hate the Jews, erode their rights... And then eveyones rights. Anyways... Tim Thomas exercised excellent PR to bring serious issues that everyone should understand and be aware of into the mainstream.... Expect this story to be swept under the rug unless Thomas makes further statements, which is unlikely because he said he wouldn't make any further statements. Certain sports talk show hosts say Thomas took some thunder from the Boston Bruins celebration of their Stanley Cup victory. Well i say the future of our society is more important than sports.  Even though I love hockey and football.  Go jets go! Tim Thomas = 2 thumbs up. It took a ton of courage, inner strength and integrity to make the statement you made.  Hopefully this helps bring the issues you brought up to the forefront....   Before they elect Romney.... Wow, please don't elect Romney.  Need a third party candidate.  Break the two party paradigm. Pce.

CNN Cut Off US Army Soldier, Cpl, Supporting Ron Paul, Anti-War, 2012 Iowa Caucus

CNN was interviewing a 28 year old active duty US Army Corporal, Jesse Thorsen, who voted for Ron Paul and explained why.

"I'm really excited about alot of his ideas especially when it comes to bringing the soldiers home I've been serving for ten years now and all ten years of those have been during war-time. I'd like to see a little peace-time army and I think he has the right idea," Thorsen said.

The reporter said other Republicans view Paul's foriegn policy objective to bring troops home from overseas conflicts to be dangerous.  Thorsen replied: "I think it would be even more dangerous to start nit-picking wars with other countries..." the feed goes dead and they move on to continue their biased support for Mitt Romney.

This is more than a little fishy considering this was the ONLY dropped feed during the entire broadcast.   I can just imagine the director yelling "cut him off; shut him up," behind the scenes.

This is yet another example of the mainstream medias bias against Paul and his policies for personal liberty, limited government, and sound currency, which they've made no attempt to conceal.

A disgusting piece of journalism.

At least they're consistent ;)

1932: A True History of the United States

Here is a video called "1932: A True History of The United States."  It's very informative and is narrated by, "Chakotay" from Start Trek:Voyager.  

It looks at the differences between America and Britain, the unpublicized history of both countries and their financial institutions, Free Trade vs. Fair Trade economic systems and much more.

 

Slavery: It's What You're Wearing

What are you wearing? I'm not actually looking for a response, but take a look at the clothing you're wearing or an object near you. In what country was it made? Who made it?

Chances are, it wasn't made in Canada, and probably not the United States either. The sweater I'm wearing was made in Bangladesh where the average income is 2,200 USD.

Most likely what you're wearing was manufactured someplace like China or Bangladesh etc. Any place but HERE.

WHY?
IT COSTS TOO MUCH TO PRODUCE HERE.

The world economy revolves around a system called free trade, which was introduced to the world by the British.

Free trade is when a country can export it's goods to another country without the cost of tariffs.

Tariffs are taxes that countries use to tax goods imported into a country to ensure the country is being fairly compensated for the trade, and to protect the countries economy by encouraging its own manufacturing and development; this is called fair trade.

Today this free trade system allows huge corporations to ship their mass produced goods to a country for cheaper than the country can produce itself. What ensues is the economic collapse of that country, ex:Jamaica, where farmers couldn't produce milk, bananas and other crops for less than international corporations could. Using a system of tariffs would have protected Jamaica's economy, raising taxes on imported goods so their own goods could remain competitive in the countries own market.

However, In order to stay afloat, that country seeks a loan, provided from the IMF-International Monetary Fund or the World Bank. The loan is high in interest and short in the time it must be paid. The end result is a bankrupt country with a poverty stricken population. The inflation caused from the loans devalues the nations currency even further, reducing its purchasing power. Eventually, it is realized the debt cannot fully be repaid. So the country will sell it's oil for cheap, or let a foreign military base be set up in the country or give another 'deal' to the country or organization which provided the loan.

This is happening in Greece, and will happen in Greece. This is what will happen in the United States (not until after the presidential election, of course), and subsequently Canada. Thanks to the system of free trade, combined with the invention of the corporation, a new form of empire has emerged unlike the world has ever seen before.

Don't forget that in the big scheme of time, the corporation is a relatively new idea, and empires of the past ruled based on a geographical region, a culture, and a caesar or a king.

Abraham Lincoln once wrote:

"I see in the near future a crisis approaching that unnerves me and causes me to tremble for the safety of my country. . . . corporations have been enthroned and an era of corruption in high places will follow, and the money power of the country will endeavor to prolong its reign by working upon the prejudices of the people until all wealth is aggregated in a few hands and the Republic is destroyed."

Kind of like the Occupy Wall Streeters "We are the 99% slogan".

Thomas Jefferson also knew of the banking powers threat.

"If the American people ever allow private banks to control the issue of currency, first by inflation, then by deflation, the banks and corporations that will grow up around them will deprive the people of all property until their children wake up homeless on the continent their fathers conquered."
Thomas Jefferson

But all the bankers care about is the money and power.

"Give me control of a nations money supply, and I care not who makes it’s laws."
Amschel Rothchild, founder of the Rothchild banking dynasty.

What we are seeing is an ever emerging corporatocracy through the increasing involvement of governments and corporations collaborating together to serve their own self interest, and saying to hell with the people. This is also known as fascism. In a nutshell, this is what happened in Nazi Germany and Mussolini's Italy before WW2.

Except this empire has no flag, no constitution, no one to answer to but itself and is global in it's scheme. It's an empire where the only vote is power, and only those with power can vote. We no longer live in a world of countries and ideologies any more. All there is, is Exon, IBM, AT&T, Google. These are the nations that govern the world today.

And the goal is to increase profits. While countries, and the people wallow in an ever lasting un-payable debt by the moneychangers.

Slavery exists today. It's what made that sweater you're wearing.

The Future of News Media -- Technology vs. Medium

My, my, how the world is changing. 
It seems like only yesterday the internet was in diapers, and I was doing my homework on a DOS operating system.  And while I might long for the classic games like King’s Quest, and Command & Conquer I used to play on it, my god was it primitive in comparison to the technology in 2011.  It seems fairly elementary, but we don’t usually pause to think about how advanced technology’s become, and how these changes affect the traditional news media.

It was around the early 1990’s when people consumed their news media, typically like this:  Listen to the morning news on the way to work, read the newspaper (remember that?) at lunch or break, and then watch the 6 O’clock news on TV. 

Fast-forward to 2011 and notice that there’s a different way of consuming news.  It’s called the internet. 

It allows us to access and share information with a broad audience in an instant.  Now that mostly everyone in Canada and the US has access to a computer or smart phone with internet access, we’ve seen the decline of paper newspapers….. Go figure.

They just can’t report the news as quickly in a paper format because of the time it takes to edit, and print.  In other words--- when you get a newspaper in the morning, it’s mostly reporting on yesterday’s news… and in the world of the internet and social media, that’s OLD news.

Why should I buy a newspaper when the same article is online before the paper, and is interactive using comments?

And social media, I can be updated on the latest news as it’s happening, before any reporter can write an article about it. 

If the newspaper’s not a quick enough medium for us in this fast-paced world, is the TV news?

Not really, I’d say.  The most common format for TV news is the local 6 O’clock news, which has the same problem as newspapers: it’s mostly old news.  In TV there are exceptions to this: they could be covering something live, and it is more personal for the news to be reported by a person you can see, rather than a faceless article.  But at the end of the day, it’s still mostly old news already, if you're online.

So, how is technology i.e.: the Internet and social media changing news media?

Newspapers are failing---obviously.  And the TV news is moving more to the mornings.  CTV launched its morning news show a few weeks ago, to compete with City TV’s The Big Breakfast, as the only TV news morning programs in Winnipeg.  Is this turning into a trend?  

http://winnipeg.ctv.ca/morning/

Global plans to launch a new two-hour morning news program in the near future, to compete in the Winnipeg market.

Until recently, it was perceived there wasn’t much of a market for morning news, and City TV’s the Big Breakfast was the only show in town.

What’s the cause of this?  We, as a society, want our information, and we want it now.

Traditional media is learning that it needs to adapt to stay alive; and has been.  But will it be enough?

Something very important to the future of news is the medium it’s reported in.
I foresee a future where the internet, radio, and TV are all rolled into one—we practically have it already.  More and more news organizations have apps for the iPad, iPhone, Android and for other operating systems.  The problem is: how do they profit from it?  As they get more popular, I’ve seen more advertising in the apps.  Makes sense, right?  But they’re not rolling in the kind of dollars they would for TV commercials.

The news media can have their cake and eat it too, when TV and internet are one, and the distinction is negligible. 

It’s not a farfetched idea; there are TV’s that have internet access built into them.

http://www.samsung.com/uk/internet-tv/

Conversely, I fear this happening.  If and when this happens, it will mean less user control and freedom of the internet—which is the whole point: a free voice.  If it is combined with TV somehow, mark my words, somebody will regulate it.  But I think that’s where we’re headed.  It’s going to be a bumpy ride---hold on to your hat… if you haven’t already sold it for food when the financial system comes crashing down… I’ll save that topic, for next time.

Is The Big Bang Theory Unethical? What's Unethical?

Today in my public relations class we talked more about ethics in PR, like we have been for the last week or so.  It’s an interesting topic, because a lot of it is open to interpretation, and as far as I’ve seen, it’s not black and white.

What is ethical?

Good question eh?  I’ll get back to that.

So, after being let out early from my last class of the dayJ, which is always nice, I hopped down the RRC stairwell, across Princess street to the parkade, feeling like I was in a game of Frogger, and theatrically jumped in my bitchin Ferrari.  OK it’s a Sunfire, whatever…. They’re not that bad.

Anyways, I sped home, parked my car, skipped to my lou, entered my house…. This sure is a lot of detail… and sat my ass on the couch. 

Ah… relaxation.  TV.

As I was flipping through the channels, I noticed that The Big Bang Theory was listed as an hour in length. 

“How could this be,” I thought.  Big Bang is only half an hour.

So I info’d that shizit, and found it was, in fact, 31 minutes long.

“Hmmmm… this must be some mistake,” I said aloud, in my otherwise empty house.

But wait.  TV doesn’t screw up.  This is no mistake of the guide of the television.

This is trickery.  It is almost Halloween after all.  But wait… I’ve seen this shiznit before…

It makes logical sense that the reason Big Bang was listed at 31 minutes, instead of the standard 30 minute time slot, was to: EAT UP SPACE ON THE GUIDE, so you’re more likely to see TBBT on the guide and watch that program.

Big Bang is a popular TV show; I don’t see why this would be necessary for them to do, but point blankly, shootin straight from the hip n’ keepin it real: it’s GOOD ADVERTISING. 

Wait.  So that means it’s paid for?  By who?

And why would a satellite TV service provider do such a thing?  Surely they must’ve been provided some compensation for the 31 minute time slot. 

Can other shows do that?

Is this fair to the other shows or networks that are also competing for viewers? 

Is this ethical? 

What do you think? 

The Golden Cheddar

A tall tower; a golden glow emanates from atop. "And now, you must make a choice."
 
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
It's a dark night. The moon and stars are covered by a quilt of clouds, wrapping over the horizon as if tucking the world in goodnight. But the city doesn't sleep, and neither do I. Not lately at least. There's too much to do, before the night is done.
 
The tunnel is cramped; my body squirms and weaves its way through. Dust from the degrading stone catches on my thick fur coat. I make it through the other end, lift myself up from the floor and brush the dust off. Only some does.
 
My eyes scan the room, and in the corner something catches them. It's too dark to see it clearly, but i swear I've seen it before somewhere. This must be the way.
 
My steps are light and stealthy like a ninja. My breath is silent. The slightest noise could alert them. I wouldn't want to cause any trouble. Once I have it, I will surely disappear. No trace of my being here will be left; I’ve made sure of that. Except maybe the dust I brushed off of myself from the tunnel... I'll clean it up later.
 
I move closer and closer. Yes, it's just as I remember. It reeks of rich mahogany and towers above the room. I stand at the bottom, where it meets with the floor. It's a long way up. I better get started to reach the top before sunrise.
 
I claw at the outside of the tall structure. I make sure my grip is secure and slowly pull myself up. Soon I will have made it, and it will be mine.
 
The view from the top is breathtaking, though the darkness shrouds the true elegance of the landscape; enough indulging the view, however. I wouldn't want to wait long enough to watch the sunrise, though that would be impossible from this vantage point.
 
I open the door in the back and crawl inside. Beneath the iron hands is a golden glow emanating from the center of the room. There it is. It's extraordinary; just how I pictured it in my dreams. Its sweet aroma intoxicates my senses as I inch closer towards the Golden Cheddar.
 
"I knew that you were coming," says a voice from the darkness. I stop in my tracks. "And you know that I will stop you now. The Golden Cheddar has been, and will always be, under the possession of The Brotherhood. Your presence does not change this," says the voice; seeming to originate from all around the room at times. It's impossible to pin point where it’s coming from.
 
"And now, you must make a choice," the voice says. "Join us, or die."
 
"The Cheddar is rightfully mine. You stole it. I must have it back," I demand.
 
"Then this is where we are at an impasse," the voice said as it quickly began turning into a shadow, like a missile heading right for me.
 
I narrowly dodged the impact and watched as he collided with the iron hands of the towers clock. He looks out cold. No more wasting time. I grab the Golden Cheddar and climb back down the clock tower. The tunnel out is only a stone’s throw away. I make it to the tunnels entrance and notice the dust and rubble from before. I must be sure to cover my tracks. I use my tail to brush the dust around until it nearly all disperses.
 
"Flick," fluorescent bulbs suddenly illuminate the room.
 
"God damn rats!” says a low baritone voice, towering above me.
 
That was the last heard thing I heard, before.
 
"Squeeesh."
 
 
The End
The Golden Cheddar
 
 

Manitoba Provincial Election: Who Makes Me Less Sick to my Stomach?

So here comes another Provincial election. What have we seen so far.
Attack ads? Check
Confusion on the issues that matter? Like bipole 3. Check
Outright lies? Check
 These things, plus the cynicism toward the political system, have created an increase of voter apathy (despite the fact that advanced polls almost doubled since the 2007 election.  A lot of people think that whatever party you elect it doesn't really matter, you're going to get the same form of governance. Where does this cynicism come from? I think part of it starts with Barack Obama. The way he campaigned on hope and look where the states are now? He promised to get out of the iraq war, to pull all of the troops out within months and it didn't happen. He said he would be transparent, and has been the least transparent president i can recall, and that's including Bush! Point is, its been business as usual in the states, and this has an impact on cynicism toward the political system even in Canada. Whichever party is voted in on october 4, you're going to see very similar government. Plus the parties have done very little to communicate their plans on the important issues, like bipole 3, or any vision for the province. At least, not a vision that wipes away my cynicism toward the political system. I think what would speak to common voters are independent candidates. Someone with a.... Sovereign vision. Candidates who aren't controlled by their party. Perhaps a party that's not PC, NDP, LIB, Green, or Communist. Because none of these parties speak to me. I think most ppl vote PC or NDP because they're the realistic candidates and the most credible candidates. But it really is: Whose the best of the worst?
Do you really "believe" in any party or candidate? Or are you voting because you feel it's you're duty, you're being a good Canadian and participating in democracy and all that jazz? Think about it. You're probably just voting for the candidate that makes you less sick. It's sad, but true. Well, for me at least.

You can find out more about the election at: www.elections.mb.ca

Who says Star Trek Isn't Funny?

This is one of the funniest things I've ever seen. I was a much bigger fan of Star Trek when I was younger, but I still watch the odd episode every now and again and stumbled upon this video when I was looking to watch an old episode on YouTube.

WATCH THIS VIDEO. Even if you don't like Star Trek, it's freaking hilarious! The words that are dubbed in match perfectly with the way their mouths move and it's just hysterical.


 


Click here for the original youtube link.

Charlie "exploded like a balloon full of meat".

Monday evening marked the first episode of Two and a Half Men without Charlie Sheen. The opening scene is Alan giving the eulogy at Charlie's funeral.  Yes, Charlie's drinking and smoking days are finally over, and the woman at his funeral listed the different STI's they contracted after being with him.  Don't worry Charlie, your mother was there to.... Make a mid-ceremony announcement of your house listing.... Open house is Saturday.  How did he die you might ask?  He was with his new wife Rose, when he slipped and fell in front of an oncoming train... Probably no connection that she caught him in the shower with another woman the night before.... So anyways, Charlie's ashes are in a vase.. Which Alan spills all over the place when Ashton Kutcher playing Walden, pears through the back porch door and scares the bejesus out of him.  Kutcher plays a heartbroken Internet billionaire and played it quite well I think.  He seems comfortable in the role and reminds of his old character Kelso from 'that 70's show', which I really dig.  As a fan of the show before Charlie went completely off of his rocker, I like the fit of Kutcher in the cast.  It'll be interesting to see the new character dynamics and interaction with Kutcher, but overall, I don't see the show missing a beat.  I predict the shows popularity will rise even higher with the likable Kutcher as a lead in the cast.

On the other channel was Charlie Sheens Comedy Central Roast.  A bunch of B-list celebrities, and William Shatner, making fun of each other in the most grotesque way.  It was funny.  But gross humor takes a lot less talent and it showed.  At the end of the day, Charlie took it like a champ, and good for him.  Might be the last time we see him on TV... God willing.

Welcome to Winnipeg, where the taxes are high and the keys to the city don't matter!

Seems like Sam Katz is handing out keys to the city like the points on 'whose line it anyway?'. Another key to the city was given to canadian NBA all star Steve Nash for his sports service and his charity work. But here is my concern: what has he done for Winnipeg, specifically? This comes just after a key was given to Jerry Seinfeld for just showing up to our fine city and telling a few jokes, and only a few months after Gene Simmons got the key as well. Is Winnipeg a key whore? What's up with the city giving a key to the city to every celebrity that makes an appearance? The concerning thing to me is that if the city continues giving out keys to the city to every celebrity who makes an appearance in Winnipeg, but hasn't done anything tangible for this city, the key to city will become much like the point on 'whose line is it anyway?', where the points don't matter, and soon, neither will the keys to the city. It is my opinion that the key to the city should be reserved for true Winnipeg heroes, people who do work for the community and are leaders in the city. There are many people more worthy of receiving a key to the city than Gene Simmons. Would you disagree? I think were whoring Winnipeg out to the world, maybe looking for some world recognition or publicity, but in my eyes it backfires and looks cheap; like we're just handing them away like candy in a grade 4 classroom. Sure, I love Steve Nash and the charity work that he does, not to mention his sports pedigree, but this comes just after them like of Jerry Seinfeld and Gene Simmons and leaves me thinking: really? What do you think? Are these people worthy of a key to the city. If not, who is?

Cobourg cadet receives award for service about self

The original link: http://www.northumberlandtoday.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=3243481

By BRENDYN BIALEK

COBOURG -A senior army cadet from Cobourg received a coin of excellence from the Canadian Forces Chief Warrant Officer (CFCWO), Robert Cléroux, during a visit to The Rocky Mountain National Army Cadet Summer Training Centre (RMNACSTC) with Admiral J.J. Bennett on July 19.

Katherine Barron, 16, Cadet Sergeant at the 88 Cobourg Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps (RCACC), is the only staff cadet at RMNACSTC with two official roles in the camp, both in operations and public affairs support.

Barron provided public affairs support for Bennett's visit to the centre, about 75 km northwest of Calgary, by interviewing her and taking photos throughout the day, as she rock climbed with the cadets and watched them kayak in the Kananaskis River.

It was Barron's first taste of journalism, and she excelled at it, as witnessed by the fact that she was on a short list, perhaps even the first on the list, of cadets to be awarded a coin of excellence for 'service before self ' from one of the highest ranking officers in the Canadian Forces Reserves.

"It was awesome," she said. "I was really surprised, and the coin was pretty shocking.

"I couldn't think of any other cadet with this coin, so it felt really unique."
A unique moment came when she also trekked up Mt. Everest this past year.

Besides the shock and honour of receiving the prestigious coin, Barron enjoyed the experience of being in the field and covering the admiral's visit to Rocky Mountain.

"I definitely learned more about journalism -- how to report what's going on, making sure to capture the action," Barron said.

"I liked it a lot. It was really fun. It felt like a challenge, trying to get the information people want to hear, get the pictures that are good -- stuff like that."

As one of the top army cadets in the country, Barron was selected to be a staff member at the national summer training centre in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.

Barron will return to Cobourg in mid-August and bring her shiny new coin to show off to all of her friends and fellow cadets at the 88 Cobourg RCACC.

For pictures of cadets at the summer training centre and their amazing summer adventures, please visit www.rockymountaincadets. smugmug.com.

Welcome to the Voice of Reason

Hello CreComm mafia.  Pleasure to meet you.  My name is Brendyn, the writer for sovereign vision.  This is a new blogging venture for myself.  I had a blog last year called "The Bee's Knee's", but I felt it was time for a change.  I want Sovereign Vision: Winnipeg to represent the topics I will be covering.  What will I be covering on this blog you ask? Well, EVERYTHING!! Anything that is interesting that I want to write about and I think other people, and especially my fellow Crecomm's, would enjoy reading about.  This includes: Politics, sports, current issues, philosophy, local events, and controversial topics as well as articles I complete in class or i've done freelancing. So join me as Sovereign Vision: Winnipeg tries to keep the sanity in a world that has spun off its axis.  Comment often and let the debate/discussion begin!

The Moonlight Sonata of Beethovan Blazt

The Moonlight Sonata of Beethovan Blazt by Armin Wiebe was Excellent.  I say that with a capital E, and if there was an i in the word excellent, I indeed would have dotted it.  Last Tuesday my 66 CreComm classmates and I were invited to sit down and enjoy the tale at the Rachel Brown theatre. 

The story is about a young couple who have lived in their quiet prairie house for about two years.  In this time, Susch has been expecting a baby, which her man Obrum had been unable to..produce. 

Anyways, one day Obrum brings home a half busted piano and wouldn’t ya know it, he and Susch begin to make beautiful music.  Wait.  Did I say beautiful, cause I meant horrible.  So, with a piano taking up so much space in their cozy little home, it would be a shame to waste the potential of this musical instrument.  Enter, Beethoven Blatz, piano extraordinaire.  He is accepted into their home to fix the busted piano, but little did Obrum and Susch know, that he would turn into a full time resident, and they didn’t even charge him rent.  Wowza what a deal!  And then Obrum goes out one day when a blizzard was expected to hit, leaving Susch all alone with Blatz.  What was he thinking leaving a crazy Russian all alone with his darling wife.. Was he unaware that her loins were aching for pleasure, and Blatz’s tantalizing music he played for her was oh too much to resist?  So, while Blatz was writing some symphony in his head, Susch was busy ripping his pants off so she could make some sweet music herself..  Anywhoo, eight months later a baby was born, and Obrum finally grows enough balls to kick Blatz out of his house and he and Susch finally got the baby they so badly desired. 

What a hilariously twisted little delightful story.  It was interesting to hear that Armin Wiebe’s inspiration for the play stemmed from a family memory.  Armin heard that his grandfather had one day used poison Ivey to wipe hi private parts one day in the woods.  The incredible itching and chaffing made him unable to wear his normal pants, and couldn’t swath the crops without wearing a women’s dress in the field. 

This play had everything: comedy, music, great acting by a talented cast, and sex!  What a treat indeed.  I would recommend all of you to check out The Moonlight Sonata of Beethovan Blatz asap.  Don’t wait too long though, because gas prices might go so high you won’t be able to afford the drive to the theatre.

From A Certain Point of View

Perspective on A Rose For Emily, By Emily Grierson.

“A Rose for Emily” is the story of Emily Grierson, an eccentric spinster. Through the effective use of first person narration by an unnamed narrator from her hometown of Jefferson, we learn the tale of Emily’s life and her strange relationships with her father and her lover. William Faulkner’s ghost narrator gives us the town’s perspective and views of Emily, and provides crucial information related to the plot, in order to create the horror and suspense that it does as we discover the horrible secret she hides.  Faulkner decided the narrator be the townspeople, rather than from an individual characters point of view.  If the story was told from a different point of view, say the main character Miss Emily, the story would lose its suspense and horror, and essential parts of the plot would be negatively impacted.  Several aspects of the story stand to gain by being told in the towns folk’s point of view including realistic descriptions of the settings and characters, the creation of suspense and horror, and pivotal information regarding the plots development.

Faulkner begins the first sentence of the story telling us of Emily Grierson’s death; the narration continues to describe Emily’s house and her surroundings, describing it as “an eyesore among eyesores” (114).  It’s likely quite an accurate description, however, if the story were told from Emily’s point of view, she probably wouldn’t describe it the same.  We’re told that Emily “has been a tradition, a duty, and a care; a sort of hereditary obligation upon the town” (115) when she was alive.  By telling the story from the towns peoples point of view we gain this perspective and understanding that the town has a sort of respect for her, if only for being ancient.  If the narration was from Emily’s point of view the reader would lose a sense of how she was perceived by the town, it’s unlikely she would consider herself an “idol” ().

Something else the story gained by the use of first person narration was the use of suspense, which also helped in creating a sense of horror as well.  Faulkner wrote the story in metaphorical puzzle pieces, allowing the reader the joy of trying to put those pieces together; to use clues placed through the story to try and hypothesize about the conclusion.  By the story being told through the towns people we see the woman complain to the mayor, and the conversation with Judge Stevens about the smell from Emily’s yard; he said “It’s probably just a snake or a rat that nigger of hers killed in the yard” (115-116).  “So the next day, after midnight, four men crossed Miss Emily’s lawn and slunk about the house like burglars” (116) they looked for the smell that several neighbors had complained about, and sprinkled some lime on the cellar door and the other outer buildings.  We’re told the smell went away after a week or two; quite some time for a mere dead rodent to still stink.  If the story were told by Emily, we would know exactly what the cause of it was: her dead father’s body; which would effectively ruin the shock and horror of the ending.  Another clue the reader gains through first person narration is when Emily buys the Arsenic from the druggist, and the conversation that takes place between them.

“I want some poison”

“Yes, Miss Emily.  What kind?  For rats and such?  I’d recom-“

“I want the best you have.  I don’t care what kind” (117).

Emily’s apathy toward the poisons recommended use gives the reader a clue as to what she intends to do with it.  However, if it were told from Emily’s point of view, we would know her true intentions for the poison, and would lose the surprise of finding out what she used it for.  Another good use of foreshadowing by Faulkner, “So the next day we all said, ‘She will kill herself’” (118), simply implying the possibilities of what she could use the Arsenic for, and “it was known that he drank with younger men in the Elks’ Club—that he was not a marrying man” (118) hearsay by some townsfolk describing Emily’s new love interest, Homer Baron, foreshadowing a potential situation in the future: Emily will surely want to marry at some point, and Homer’s not a marrying kind of man; what did Emily say she was using that Arsenic for again?

If the narrator’s point of view were to be changed, to Emily, the story would be told from her eyes, and would change drastically.  The story wouldn’t start with Emily’s death, because if she were telling the story she would have to be alive, and we would lose the overall feel of the entire tale.  By the end of the story, we come to see Emily as a sad, lonely, murderous, old woman; hardly the idol the town’s folk first thought she was.  However, if the story were told by Emily, the reader would likely come to the realization that she is lonely and sad from the start of the story, whereas using first person narration the reader gains the process of discovering how someone so old as to be considered historic and an idol by the people in the town, can be as much of a stain on the past, as an idol to remember it by.