First off I would like to apologize for the absence of a column in these past two weeks. While I normally had written my column post Sundays in the late hours while at work, our business has been showing strong interest as of late. Obviously I must work before I can play, so the new post dates are Fridays. (Such as today. Or, if you are reading this on a different day, such as Friday the 23rd of December.) On a side note, I may or may not be playing a game of online poker while I write this, and I may or may not be keeping track of all the times I get 7-2 offsuit. Enjoy the column, and may the force be with you. (Oh and for those who have messaged me saying comments do not work, I have tweaked a setting so hopefully you can leave comments now if you wish.)
No, it's not Jackie Chan
No doubt you have heard that in the last week, North Korean Dictator Kim-Jong-Il has passed away. According to sources, Kim Jong Il suffered a heart attack while aboard his train. While maybe North Korea is not your likely choice for a vacation hotspot, and though North Korea holds no value in the game "Risk", it is safe to say that we as a nation should at least be somewhat concerned of the arising issue.
Kim Jong Il will likely be succeeded by his son, Kim Jong Un. While not too much is known about Kim Jong Un's personal life, his role in North Korea is far more established. He is the son of Kim Jong Il's third wife, and though he is only in his twenties, he has already earned the military title of "Daejang", one that is said to be equal to a General.
At this point, do North American's need to worry about the fact that a young military leader will now be at the reins of a huge, dominant military? Or will the new leader have changes to bring with his succession? Only time will tell. Shortly after the passing of Kim Jong Il, North Korea deployed a test missile. While it is not confirmed that Kim Jong Un is responsible, this is definitely with intent. North Korea is trying to posture, stating that the change of leadership will not happen with weakness. Whatever happens, keep an eye on headlines, as the story of Kim Jong Un will be revealed as his actions progress.
Also in this column:
The Sword of Shannara review (Books)
The return of the absence of Sydney Crosby (sports)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LIFE: In the face of Christmas
Before we get too carried away, let us make a statement here. While this column means no offence, this column may contain the word Christmas, and likely it will be repeated. Many times. If you have an issue with this, choose to click away now. Everybody is running around with their politically correct crap, saying we keep stepping on their religion's toes by saying Christmas. So hold on while I put on my boxing gloves here.
First of all, I fully understand that North America has changed the face of many holidays. I get that. Look at holidays now. It's almost like every holiday has become about food. Don't believe me? Look at this.
Thanksgiving was simply a holiday that evolved from the European Harvest Festivals. When explorers, such as Martin Frobisher, arrived in town here, he spread the tradition of celebrating the harvest by having a wonderful feast. In this, they gave thanks to the gods who protected their crops and in turn protected them. Modern day Thanksgiving? Turkey. Football. Perhaps thinking back and taking an opportunity to be thankful for the gifts in your life.
Halloween? Used to be a sacred day, where the spirits who have passed were celebrated. In Germany, they celebrate a version of this called Totensonntag, which loosely translates to "day of the dead".
Now, it's Candy! and costumes, and more candy.
St. Paddy's Day? Green Beer.
Valentines Day has candy hearts.
Easter now is represented by a Chocolate laying bunny.
Christmas is now a fat guy who fills a whole bunch of socks with toys and chocolate, and then we celebrate by stuffing our face with baking and more turkey. This is the only holiday in which we actually leave food for our invented character.
Let this be said.
Your religion is your religion. I give no thought as to what you may or may not believe in. I do not believe you to be any less or more worthy for it. I do not believe in religion personally, but I am not an atheist either. For so long have we fought nonsensically over religion. Religion vs. Religion, Religion vs. Science, Religion vs. Spirituality. Enough is enough
This time of year, regardless of religion, we choose to celebrate. You decide for what. Whether it's beliefs, love, family...it does not matter. I was told as a young child that a man named Jesus Christ was born 2011 years ago, and he grew up to spread messages to us all of faith and love. On the day of his birth, miracles apparently happened and people from everywhere travelled from afar to see him. He spread the word of the Lord and used peace as his tool, rather than violence. He ended up dying on a cross as a symbol of that Peace, a story which even non-believers still know about.
While I am unsure as to whether or not Jesus really existed, (and I'm not the right person to comment on it), I know that the story of his birth and life has travelled over two millennium to find us today. While I never went to church, every year at Christmas we still sing songs to instil that love and hope inside us. Christmas is literally "Christ's Mass". We gather amongst family and friends and celebrate that message of love. It makes no difference as to whether or not you are religious or believe that Jesus really existed. The fact is that through this story, mankind grew to become something more than a race of vicious intolerable people. That alone is worth celebration. Even if the story is not true, whoever wrote it had more wisdom than we can appreciate today.
We, as a race of people, live free. Our nation has many cultures, many beliefs. We have grown together. We have attained that peace. Thank who you want for it, but remember to thank them this Christmas.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SPORTS:
No hockey team breakdown today...this will change to a monthly thing, done at the end of each month. I find that these columns usually take a couple hours, and to spend another hour every week on that is ridiculous. Go sharks.
The annual tournament, the National Open Championships for 5 pin bowling will be taking place in a few weeks. While I will likely not place on a team, I will be competing. Here's to me not sucking.
Did You Hear??? SYDNEY CROSBY is out again, with concussion-like symptoms! As if we did not see that coming. You know that commercial where he works in a store and he is selling his own stuff? I'm pretty sure that is excellent foreshadowing of his future.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Judging by the Cover: Sword of Shannara
Well I'm thrilled to start writing about the writing that sparked my passion. As I previously said, Terry Brooks is my favorite writer. While his initial book, "The Sword of Shannara" is not my favorite, it is still very entertaining.
Have you bought your copy yet? If not, shame on you.
"The Sword of Shannara" is the first book that launches the reader into an unbelievable world. The story for this first book is very simplistic at first. Good guy learns he has a big quest in front of him, must travel through land of elves, dwarves, trolls, gnomes, etc. while being accompanied by a large magical man, all to destroy a large evil being that existed long ago with a magical talisman. Sounds a lot like Lord of the Rings at first. However, the similarities stop here. Upon the arrival of his second book, the reader is captured. Brooks' depth as a writer show, and as you traverse throughout the stories, you realized why the "Sword of Shannara" was so important to the rest.
He began to write the Sword in 1967, writing sporadically for the next 7 years. He had it published in 1974, and he was claimed to be the next Fantasy giant next to J.R.R. Tolkien. Terry Brooks was indeed inspired by Tolkien, but his language is more modern day and you do not get hung up on the tough language.
In a tribute book to his own writing, called "Sometimes the Magic Works", he writes;
I would set my adventure story in an imaginary world, a vast, sprawling, mythical world like that of Tolkien, filled with magic that had replaced science and races that had evolved from Man. But I was not Tolkien and did not share his background in academia or his interest in cultural study. So I would eliminate the poetry and songs, the digressions on the ways and habits of types of characters, and the appendices of language and backstory that characterized and informed Tolkien's work. I would write the sort of straightforward adventure story that barreled ahead, picking up speed as it went, compelling a turning of pages until there were no more pages to be turned.
This book is definitely worth the read.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Views Under Review
George of the Jungle
This hilarious, wildly entertaining movie features Brendan Fraser, John Cleese and Leslie Mann, who all lend a strong hand in bringing this film to potential. George (portrayed by Brendan Fraser) is a klutzy goofball who enjoys swinging through the air and foliage, at least until he finds himself smacking into a tree. (There's a joke about the tree's bark being worse than it's bite, but I'll ignore it). This movie is rich with clever humor and an innocence that you cannot seem to find anymore.
Creativity- 9/10
Originality-9/10
Entertaining -10/10
Inspiring- 8/10
Purpose- 7/10
George of the Jungle is rated 86%. This movie is one you want to watch.
Battle Los Angeles
This recent story of an alien invasion was a little dry. It had reminiscent moments of "Independence Day" but on more than one occasion I found myself wishing I was watching "Independence Day" instead. The plot was almost non existent and the movie did not engage the viewer. Sad to see Aaron Eckhart have a not very good role.
Creativity-6/10
Originality-6/10
Entertaining -5/10
Inspiring- 4/10
Purpose- 7/10
Battle: L.A. is rated 58%. Watch "Independence Day".
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TRACK ATTACK
"Dela" (I think I know why the dog howls at the moon)
Performed by Johnny Clegg and Savuka.
This song is actually from George and the Jungle. It's upbeat tempo and captivating sound creates that feel-good sensation almost naturally. In the movie it is used as a dancing scene song, and then again at the wedding. This song just might get you dancing as well.
"Out of my Hands"
Performed by Matthew West.
This song is a christian ballad that is truly impressive. The viewpoint is of a man who surrenders his troubles and let's go of control. I love how he does not directly bring in God, so as not to offend others, as this also allows people to listen and connect freely. I found myself really connecting to this song, and if you are in need of something light and beautiful right now, I would recommend this instantly.
"Down Under"
Performed by Men at Work.
Probably the catchiest song I've heard in ages. This one is still stuck in my head. Very neat, very catchy. Only problem is you will have to google the words because most people only know the sounds. What the hell is a vegemite sandwich anyway?
THANK YOU TO ALL WHO VIEWED TODAY!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
