*UPDATE* November 28/2011

                            WIND AT MY BACK

 The weather is often a hot topic when dealing with a stranger, or perhaps that awkward person who you know but cannot remember their name for the life of you.  However today, it proved to be a legitimate reason for conversation. Winds tore through Calgary today, reaching speeds up to 91 km/hr.  Outside the city, they peaked at nearly 130 km/hr.  

  The city had engaged the Municipal Emergency Plan in hopes to help protect the citizens in danger of being affected.  People were advised to stay clear of any windows as a safety concern.  Traffic was closed in the downtown area, and C-trains were temporarily shut down.

  Buildings endured the worst of the storm.  Windows shattered with the high wind speed, pouring debris and glass down to the streets below.  Trees fell on top of houses, and the roof even blew off of a house in southwest Calgary.
 Dear Chicago; You have nothing on us.  Except maybe a better hockey team...
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SPORTS
Lions Surprise Bombers- B.C. wins 34-23 in the Grey Cup Final.

  You would not have thought so, but it was British Columbia hoisting the 99th Grey Cup this year.  The team had a rocky start, going 0-5 to start the season.  No doubt this will piss my grandmother off, who has been a fierce Blue Bombers fan since, well, since they've started to suck.


Blog writer has to eat his words after Sydney Crosby returns with a bang.
 
  Believe it or not, Crosby has come back.  Last weeks article included my personal thoughts on how Crosby and the Penguins would fare with this news.  The opinion stated was that the High-Flying Penguins would have their wings clipped a little, having lines shuffled and all the media attention.  Regrettably, the Pens came out of the gate soaring, leaving me to ponder my future as a sports fan.  (Fear not, Crosby.  I will still find reasons to chew you out!)

From Best in the League to the Worst, here is a recap of this weeks happenings
1. Penguins-Crosby Returns, Pens go 3-0-1 since return.  Hot damn.
2. Blackhawks-Should stay out of Alberta
3. Leafs-Really refreshing to see the Leafs start out so well.
4. Wings-Datsyuk finally showing some edge, Wings may finally be out of the mud.
5. Bruins-Defending cup champs just ended their 10-game winning streak.  Not a bad showing.
6. Flyers-Is anyone else remotely excited that Jagr is back?  I feel like I'm 11 years old again.
7. Wild-Really hoping they can continue to perform. 
8. Blues-Backes is starting to heat up.  Thank god.
9. Panthers-A nice surprise to see this high up.  Theo looking good, and Fleischmann had his clock cleaned.
10.Sharks-WHY WHY WHY CAN MY TEAM NEVER BEAT THE CANUCKS. ARGGHHHH!
11.Rangers-Glad to see my buddy's rangers right below my team.  Makes me happy.
12.Coyotes-Vrbata lighting the way early on for Coyotes.  Take Notes, Whitney.
13.Canucks-Brings me so much joy seeing them this far down!
14.Sabres-They have such a good team...but they lose so many more games than they should.
15.Stars-Stars are seeing stars lately.  Seems like a week ago they were on top of the league.  Lehtonen, Daley and Fiddler are all out with Injuries now.
16.Oilers-Actually it is pretty exciting watching the young kids play and beat the old guys. 
17.Kings-Would have thought this team would be doing better than 17th, but you never know.
18.Capitals-Dear Ovechkin. Have you been playing lately?  I haven't noticed.
19.Devils-Wow...I thought the Devils would have been farther down, maybe this was a typo...
20.Predators-All these signing issues going on.  Can they really get the signing hat trick with Rinne, Weber and Suter?  First two down, one to go.
21.Lightning-These guys are way too good to be down here.
22.Senators-Well...not to be rude, but they were gonna start sucking sometime.
23.Canadiens-Anyone else see that whole "not whistled when frozen, oh look they scored" issue? Funny as hell.
24.Jets-Still fun as hell to watch them play.  Let's ask Philly if they agree.
25.Avalanche-Duchene is among my favorite players right now.  I've spent the last week wishing I drafted him into my pool.
26.Hurricanes-Skinner...only real thing happening right now.
27.Flames-Hahahaha...No fricken' comment!
28.Islanders-Grabner had a nice Shorthanded Goal the other day.
29.Ducks-WTF! Why are you way down here?
30.Blue Jackets-Seeing as how Nash is my favorite player...would really like to see this rank changed.

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Judging by the Cover: The Last Wolf of Ireland
Author: Elona Malterre

    This small book is among my favorites of all time.  Never have I ran across such an amazing story.  In a small Irish village, it follows a young boy who falls in love with 3 wolf pups who he adopts after their mother is killed by a hunter.  The tale is both gripping and honest. 

  Calgarian author Elona Malterre should be praised for her ability to draw emotion from the reader.  Upon finishing the book, the reader has no choice but to contemplate the story.  I guarantee you will feel everything she intended you to.

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Not Just a Game
Zelda: The Adventure Continues.

  So, yes, eventually the video game section will contain other games, but for now, and probably the next swarm of entries, will all be focused on Zelda.  Why? Because it is awesome, and other games I review will not be out yet. 

    LINK TO THE PAST

   I remember the day my parents bought a Super Nintendo.  I did not get to play it.  Instead, I watched as my parents played the first bit of what would become my favorite all-time video game.  Zelda: A Link to the Past was incredible for it's time.  With a multitude of enemies, a large map, and more secrets than thought possible, LttP paved the way for Zelda games today. 

 *The newest addition, Skyward Sword, has brought the bug net back!  This has been missing since LttP!  My life is complete.*

 Link to the Past has not been lost to the Zelda Fan.  While the graphics are not what they are today, many things from this game can be found today.  Kakariko village has been a cornerstone in the land of Hyrule, as well as Death Mountain and Lake Hylia.  The Master Sword has been part of the game forever, as well as certain elements from the game and the temples within. 


Some things though, can only be experienced with LttP.  Some things I miss incredibly are:
Pegasus boots-Allows you to dash into objects, knocking things over and breaking certain items.  Always good for knocking a tree so hard rupees fall out.  (Or a swarm of angry bees, which is fun to watch someone else get attacked by!)
Magic Powder-you could turn these electric pickle guys into a weird brown thing.  Not terribly exciting but still cool.
The Chest-This chest was found in the blacksmith shop in the Dark World.  When you go to open it, it states "Because the key is locked inside the chest, you can never open it.  Just take it with you".   Sounds good enough.  Until the fricken' thing follows you.  EVERYWHERE.  Gah...annoying.
The Cane of Bynra-a staff that allows you to swing around invincibly, acting as both a force field and a way to attack enemies.  God I miss you. 
Book of Mudora...something about this seems cool to me...it allows you to gain entry to the second temple.
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Views Under Review.

Here we will showcase 3 movies that I have watched.  Ratings will be based in percentage form.  5 different areas of criticism will be involved.  Creativity, Originality, Entertaining, Inspiring, Purpose.
(I am a heavy critic.  Any score over 50% is deemed watchable, anything over 70% is recommended.)

Today, since it is the start, I will only feature one.  Winning the movie lottery today is:

The Book of Eli
  Remarkable story of Post-Apocalyptic Earth.  Many have died as the catastrophic wars ripped our world apart.  Protagonist (Eli) is on a mission to bring his prized possession (a King James Bible) to an undisclosed location.  Filled with awe-inspiring moments, spiritual enlightenment and a lesson on the power of will, this movie is sure to entertain.  Denzel Washington, Gary Oldman and Mila Kunis all play their roles superbly.
Creativity-9/10
Originality 8/10
Entertaining 10/10
Inspiring 9/10
Purpose 10/10

Book of Eli rated at 92%.  This movie is highly recommended.
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Little Ditties from the City

  Much like the Movie Section, three songs will be showcased weekly.  All genres will be included to give a wider range of selection.  Songs will not be rated, but rather commented on.  Today will once again only have one selection as it is the first day.

 The song for this week is:

  Moves Like Jagger by Maroon 5.

Normally I would not put a song like this to start of the day, but this needs to be said.
YES THIS SONG IS CATCHY.  YES THIS SONG STILL SUCKS.
First off, Mick Jagger is now 68 years old.  This means his moves are severely limited.  I bet I have moves that he cannot do.  Sure he has more women...who doesn't?
Secondly, catchiness of a tune does not give you "good song" status.  You know what else has a catchy tune? Barbie Girl by Aqua. 

The Court of Logan finds this song supremely annoying beyond all reasonable doubt.  It is hereby sentenced to not have any merit, at least until Mick Jagger wins a season of Dancing with the Stars.
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Horror-scopes!

Every paper, real or pretend, needs a horoscope section.  Problem is, I have no "psychic" to write them.  So some days I will be serious and right them properly, some days will purely be humorous.  Take your guess as to what today's are!

AQUARIUS: I see something to do with Camels in your future this week. 

PISCES: Remember to take time for yourself this week.  If your boss does not agree, tell him it is because your reliable online horoscope told you to tell him to shove it.  *Logan's Letter cannot be legally held responsible for your own personal choices in dealing with your boss*

ARIES: As the sign based on the God of War, would it not make sense to get into a fight today?

TAURUS: Take the bull by the horns and get back to work.  You should not be reading this crap anyway.

GEMINI:  Go for the Tuna Salad....you know you waaaaant it.

CANCER: If your name has more than four vowels in it, steer clear of petting that cat.  You know which cat I'm talking about.

LEO: You do not have the moves like Jagger.  I'm sorry.

VIRGO:  You need to do more with your life.  It's calling for you.

LIBRA:  Perhaps a change of clothes is in order.

SCORPIO: You will find motivation to change the world this week.  Capture it.

SAGITTARIUS: You will see a butterfly this week.  Capture it.

CAPRICORN:  Remember to enjoy the little things.  Unless its a black jube-jube. Feel free not to enjoy that.

Logan's Letter Nov. 21/2011

November 21,2011. 

Penguins take to the sky...sort of.


Pittsburgh Penguins star Sydney Crosby cleared for return against the New York Islanders. (Sports)






Also featured: 
*52 Car Pickup:  52 cars pile up in a large-scale crash on the Autobahn. (Current Events)
*"I'm With Fatty" by Edward Ugel reviewed.  (Judging by the Cover)
*A Brand New! look at the new game, Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword. (Games)



(Note:  Some Pages start next week!)



CURRENT EVENTS


Auto-immobile

   Apparently the Nationwide "autopilot" test was not successful earlier today, as 52 cars met on the Autobahn in a violent crash.  Sources at this time have not determined why the crash occurred, or how many injuries and deaths were sustained.  The crash occurred near the Netherlands/Germany border, in a location known as Gronau. To view more, search google or something.




This Sucks
  The final episode of the Twilight Saga is now upon us.  Oh wait, my apologies.  Apparently they are deciding to divide the final book into two movies.  I mean, it's not like any iconic series has done THAT recently....
So once again, I have to watch Tall-Skinny-Guy and Mr. Allergic-to-Fabric-Shirts fight over Kristen Stewart.  Possibly the most intriguing question would be, could one man succeed in drowning himself in theater popcorn?





Disturbing Stories Continue Closer to Home
  Once again the city is abuzz with talk regarding a new case of sexual abuse allegations, this time from a bible camp in Three Hills, Alberta.  In essence, multiple cases are being brought forward in the name of abuse, ranging as far back as sixty years ago.  R.C.M.P. are taking serious steps in their investigations in hopes to both bring relief to the victims, and hopefully put an end to a heinous part of the town's unknown history.





LOGAN PREDICTS THE WEATHER!
Next 6 Months: Cold....No Need For Weather Page! 
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Life: The Power of Intimacy


  Upon writing the past article, so many stories and memories float into the front of my mind.  With Three Hills under investigation, the Penn State Scandal happening, as well as many other cases, it seems our newest battle as a nation has surfaced.  More and more victims have been stepping forward, shedding their fears, and taking the valiant step to move toward an abuse-free world.  So why now?  Why are people in today's society finally speaking out, as opposed to any earlier times? And why is it they are being criticized for coming forward?

   It is because they are asking for help. 

  Sexual based crimes are among the nastiest crimes we can imagine.  Even those of us personally who have not experienced a crime of that sort, can still relate in a certain sense.  In high school, our most awkward moments revolved around sexuality.  Our insecurities lie within that same realm.  Sex can be used as a way of gaining the wrong types of attention, or even as a defense from true intimacy.

  Ever notice how there is a general opinion that all guys want is sex?  It stems from the fact that women are typically quicker to realize what they are looking for.  Guys do like sex, but often they are unable to differentiate between the closeness in sex, and the closeness of intimacy.  Many men out there are having plenty of one night stands, believing they are fulfilling something, yet still caught in that void.  Even males crave relationship.  Go Figure.

  We walk around, engaged into our own world.  Yet, we are oblivious and blind to the fact that those people walking by us on the street, in our apartment buildings, on the bus,etc. are all people who have endured hardships and pain in their own way.  While your backstory in life is different than theirs, the pain you both have felt is very common and similar.  That pain presents itself now as a bridge, an opportunity to connect..

  Next time you are having coffee with a friend, or talking with a loved one, just take time to look into their eyes without speaking.  Notice how, for the most part, when they realize what you are doing, they react uncomfortably?    It is because they too, for whatever reason, are uncomfortable with being totally revealed and seen for who they are.

  A powerful leadership seminar has taught me that intimacy (derived from Into-Me-See) is not built from strength, but vulnerability.  The connection between two people who can sympathize for one another is much stronger and very real. The more we communicate the truth in who we are, the stronger we become.  In these moments, dabbed with humility and honesty, we can truly let the light within us shine.  We shed the reason to hide. 

These victims are not just telling a story of a painful event, they are asking for us all to listen.  They are showing bravery in the face of their fear.  They have opened up to the world with a story that could very well entice bullying, threats, embarrassment, ridicule, etc.  They are letting that light within them tell us who they are, and it serves them to let go of the shame and pain at the same time. 

  Next time you read an article such as the one above, pay close attention.  What measure of bravery would it take for YOU to make your darkest secret public for all the world to see?




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SPORTS

  The Return of the Kid.  It is easily the biggest story in hockey.  He is cleared to return to play the New York Islanders early this week.  Somehow, the man who has not registered a single point in 10 or so months is the talk of the town.  Now, the Pittsburgh Penguins are enjoying a high-flying trip around the top of the Eastern Conference at the moment.  Will that change with Crosby's return?

  Our non-expert expert opinion says yes.  The Penguins hot streak will actually diminish with Crosby's return.
A combination of the lines being shaken up and the extra media attention will put pressure on the Pens.  Not to mention every tough guy out there will be out to take Crosby off the ice again.


  Next week's edition will have a more indepth look at what is happening around the league.


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Song/Movie Reviews to Begin Next Week!


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 Judging by the Cover: Book Review

"I'm With Fatty"  Author: Edward Ugel

  Have you ever wanted to lose weight?  Yes, me too.  Problem is, most weight loss material is complete and utter crap.  The books themselves really do not have any merit to reading, as most reading tends to lead to not acting on the presented knowledge. 

  This book however, is a fresh, funny, breathtaking look at the true struggle of losing weight.  That's not all.  It also shows the mind of a man struggling with a severe addiction to food, as well as his memoirs of his personal goal to lose 50 pounds in 50 weeks.  (Aptly dubbed, "The Fatty Project")

  Rather than arm you with silly recipes and bad routines, this book serves up comedy as an alternative.  I'm pleased to say it both inspires and teaches in more ways than I've experienced in any sort of self-help book.

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Sky-High

Legend of Zelda's newest addition reaching new heights

  So, truth be told, I am exhausted.  My average Sunday consists of working all day with screaming kids, going home for a couple measly hours nap, going to work the graveyard shift Sunday night in a very low-energy atmosphere, then heading to work Monday afternoon.  It is not recommended, but such has been my life as of late. 

Damn you, Zelda.  I had full intentions of sleeping for my 3 hours, until the bright gold triforce on my Wii-Mote caught my attention.  So, I hope you enjoy this review of the beginning, because I'm too tired to care if you do not.

Without spoiling anything, the game is actually entertaining.  Since I played Twilight Princess on Gamecube, not Wii, using my wii-mote for a controller was a lot of fun.  Swinging a sword around, then holding it up to the sky brings a certain childlike imagination back to video games.  It also brought a very incredulous look from my cat.
The game has a new type of style, reminiscent of Ocarina of Time.  Remember how in awe you were?  That's this game.  Your new pet, (not a horse) can be used in a very unique way, and the freedom so far matches that of Wind Waker.

  Definitely get this game, it's my only recommendation.  Wait, I have another one!  Tell Groose he has nice hair. (You'll understand later)  This will spark the greatest line ever from a video game. 

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HORROR-SCOPES/CARTOONS/STUPID PEOPLE begins next week!