Game....Not Over
Our feature story tonight comes from Montreal, where two young boys are being credited for saving a young boy's life, simply from playing a video game. While their names will not be posted to help protect identities, the heartwarming story can be read about in newspapers and online columns alike.
The young boys in the story had often played the same video games. They became facebook friends and grew closer. The other boy, who lives across the Atlantic Ocean in the small country of Belgium, began to mutilate his wrists and admitted to have swallowed a toxic substance. All of this supposedly had happened after his girlfriend left him. The two boys had spoken with one of their mothers and proceeded to inform the Montreal Police. Authorities in Belgium were notified, and were able to reach the young man in time. One of the young heroes had written these words on the other's facebook page, "You might hate me now, but maybe one day you will thank me."
Also included in this issue:
MELTDOWN!(Life Section)
MELTDOWN!(Life Section)
Trilogy song from Chris De Burgh under review (Little Ditties)
Flames burn out Oilers in battle of Alberta (Sports)
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Life: Meltdowns and Meaning
Our feature story will influence the further parts of this column, as the world will need stories like this to spark another Christmas season. As Christmas looms closer, pull your families close. Remind friends of their importance to you. Reflect on the past year and the treasures and lessons it brought you.
Give yourself a gift this Christmas. Take some time to address yourself. What is it that is blessed in your life at this moment? What is working for you? What problems do you currently have that need fixing? What is missing in your life?
This past week has been challenging. Normally I do not want my personal life intertwined with this column, but this will be one exception. For everyone that knows me, I am currently working two jobs. I work every day of the week, sometimes at both jobs in a day. This has been my life for over a year. It is not a lifestyle I regret, as it brings me a life I enjoy. I have my own place, a cat who is both lovely and irritating, and an abundance of things that improve my standard of living. I love and enjoy both of my jobs. While days off are few and far between, I have grown accustomed to this lifestyle. While it may not always be in perfect balance, I am content with my life.
Or at least, I was. My list of things to do with Christmas approaching is growing rapidly. My apartment still lacks a tree, presents are awaiting my purchase in a multitude of stores, and free time to accomplish these feats is definitely not a limited supply. Now, believe me, I am not naive enough to believe I am the only one with a busy month ahead. Yet this past weekend has brought a new perspective to the oncoming Holiday.
This weekend was incredibly different. Having been short-staffed at one place of work, and having a really busy day at the other,I was definitely not in the cheeriest of moods. I was tired, emotionally drained, behind on everything, and grumpy. Dear world, it would be best to avoid me in this state. Having finished at one job for the day, my night would be spent at the other job. I rushed over in a flurry of frustration and snow, and got settled for another busy night.
Apparently my expression must have shown what I was feeling, because a good friend and co-worker of mine stopped and asked me if everything was alright. Now, I'm going to say that emotions do not make me uncomfortable. I believe honesty and truth to be important, and do not view tears from anyone as weakness. However, I was as surprised as anyone as everything let go in that moment. I teared up in the middle of work, pressed from everything going on. I could not even think as to why it all was coming out. Only one thing was for certain: I was not in good shape, and my body was telling me whether or not I had time to listen. I couldn't fight the tears at all. I was having my first official meltdown. Wonderful.
Since then I've given myself both time to rest and time to reflect. This pace has been my life for so long. I've kept myself so busy for so long that it all seems normal. So what now? I have now realized with a disgusting amount of clarity that a change is needed. My life needs some attention, and no small amount is going to be enough. It is not enough to get caught up on chores. It is not enough to get my to-do list done. It is not enough to be ahead of the game. Work is work. My apartment is only that. All of those things in my life are superficial and lack true purpose. Accomplishing all of that accomplishes nothing if I look at it hard enough.
What I really need is to integrate purpose into my life. What I need is a plan.
So this week, I will be formulating that said plan. Writing to you all about it helps to solidify that. My plan will be how to enrich my own life, and will allow me to bring forth the brilliance I am desiring. I wish to create and inspire. So while I am designing and reshaping my life, you are welcome to join as well.
Does your life contain passion? Are you caught on a ride that in both incredible and breathtaking? Can you recognize the blessings in your life with ease? Or, perhaps, are you also caught in the hectic cycle of December? Do you need to slow down and let things sink in?
So this week, I will be formulating that said plan. Writing to you all about it helps to solidify that. My plan will be how to enrich my own life, and will allow me to bring forth the brilliance I am desiring. I wish to create and inspire. So while I am designing and reshaping my life, you are welcome to join as well.
Does your life contain passion? Are you caught on a ride that in both incredible and breathtaking? Can you recognize the blessings in your life with ease? Or, perhaps, are you also caught in the hectic cycle of December? Do you need to slow down and let things sink in?
Does it even feel like Christmas? Not for me so far. Christmas is a time for Miracles. So, I'm going to provide a miracle for someone else. That would create both spirit and that purpose that I'm striving for.
To be alive is one thing. To Live is another. What will it take?
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Sports
Burn-out: Oilers lose to Flames in Battle Of Alberta
The Calgary Flames have tremendous success when playing rival Alberta team, the Edmonton Oilers. Kiprusoff alone has won against Edmonton eleven out of the past twelve times. They put yet another tally up with this past game, a 5-3 win. While the struggle of the Flames is no secret, they continue to dominate against our northern Alberta brethren.
Rafael Nafal wins Davis Cup
Canada beats U.S.A. at the 2011 World Sledge Hockey Championships
Well, other than that, nothing really shines through as notable for sports, other than Bisping totally destroying Miller, much to my delight.
Here Comes the Hockey ranks for the week:
1. Wild (+6) Last week was 7th place, large climb this week. Congrats to the surprise team of the year thus far!
2. Penguins (-1) Crosby is back. Whoopdy-doo.
3. Blackhawks (-1) No surprise that they are still dominating games.
4. Rangers (+7) Like the Wild, huge climb as well. But they are the Rangers....
5. Bruins - No change. Bruins still playing an offensively sound game.
6. Wings (-2) Small setback only. Expect the wings to rise again.
7. Flyers (-1) Still good to see Jagr. This team is still good despite losing big scores to other teams last year.
8. Panthers (+1) Kudos to Florida. Somehow beat my Sharks.
9. Canucks (+4) Sigh...I preferred them when they were not top ten.
10.Blues (-2) David Perron will be returning shortly. Good news for Blues.
11.Stars (+4) Nystrom is really heating up. He deserves the credit.
12.Kings (+5) Thank you for changing up the mediocre performance as of late.
13.Leafs (-10) Yes it is minus TEN. Lost division lead as well as a couple games.
14.Sharks(-4) Grr. Not good enough. Signed, your fan Logan.
15.Coyotes(-3) Vrbata and Whitney tied for points. Any bets as to who wins?
16.Sabres (-2) For such a talented team, these guys are really doing nothing.
17.Oilers (-7) Hall is injured. I'm sure a buddy of mine likes that.
18.Predators(+2) Rinne pulled twice in one week. Wow.
19.Capitals (-1) Caps...you suck.
20.Senators (+2) Line of Alfie Foligno and Michalek looking pretty sharp.
21.Canadiens(+2) Markov injured....yet again.
22.Avalanche(+3) Insert Sacco Joke Here.
23.Jets (+1) They beat the good teams and lose to crap teams. What the heck.
24.Devils (-5) Remember when they were Stanley Cup Champs? They may not.
25.Lightning(-4) You know what...let's just ditto the last comment.
26.Flames (+1) Got owned by Canucks, but don't worry. They beat Edmonton.
27.Islanders(+1) Parenteau to top line. Dipietro Injured...again. It's a new goalie trend in Long Island. Beware Montoya, you are next.
28.Hurricanes (-2) These guys come to Calgary soon. It will be on TV, but nobody really cares.
29.Ducks - So Bobby Ryan is off the Trade Block. In other words, look for him to be traded soon.
30.Blue Jackets - You make me want to cry.
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Judging by the Cover:
Terry Brooks
I was going to be nice for the first few weeks, but here comes the Terry Brooks tribute. I highly believe Brooks is the King of the Fantasy World. For many aspiring authors, such as Christopher Paolini (Eragon Series) and Philip Pullman (The Golden Compass), Terry has done more than just inspired them to write. He has taught them what it takes to truly create a new world.
If you have not read Terry Brooks, drop what you are reading. I will be covering one book a week until both the "Shannara" and "Word and the Void" series are done. Next week I will debut the Terry Brooks Tribute with his initial release, "The Sword of Shannara".
If you have not read Terry Brooks, drop what you are reading. I will be covering one book a week until both the "Shannara" and "Word and the Void" series are done. Next week I will debut the Terry Brooks Tribute with his initial release, "The Sword of Shannara".
If you decide to pick up the story, be forewarned. The first couple books were written a while back. The writing eventually becomes capturing and mesmerizing, but the first book lacks the full magic of the series. "Oh Logan, but I liked the first one." So did I, so prepare for awesomeness. DO NOT READ THE PREQUEL FIRST. THE PREQUEL WAS WRITTEN AFTERWARD, AND SHOULD BE READ AFTER THE THIRD INSTALLMENT, "The Wishsong of Shannara".
I'm excited. You should be too.
P.S. DAD! Jean M. Auel came out with another sequel to "Clan of the Cave Bear."
It's called "Land of the Painted Caves"
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Views Under Review
"Tangled"
Anyone who knows me, knows I hold Disney Movies in high regard. Lately, it would seem that many of the newer films do not have the same "Disney Magic" as the ones from my childhood.
Tangled does not share this trait. Disney's version of the tale of Rapunzel is the first movie in how long that makes me feel like a child again. Classic musicals mixed with new-age comedy can be found throughout the movie. Characters are both dynamic and interesting. The thing that grabs my attention the most, however, is the concept. Rapunzel is fascinated with these glowing lanterns that hang in the sky once a year. Looking out over the theater, that same fascination could be found in any one of us. Something very innocent and spiritual was at work for this movie.
Creativity- 10/10
Originality-9/10
Entertaining-10/10
Inspiring-8/10
Purpose-8/10
"Tangled" is rated at 90%. This movie is highly recommended.
"Tower Heist"
This movie was somewhat disappointing. While Tea Leoni is otherworldly good-looking, Ben Stiller fails to light the stage with this one. It has funny moments and interesting scenarios, but Eddie Murphy should have played a much bigger role.
Creativity 7/10
Creativity 7/10
Originality 7/10
Entertaining 8/10
Inspiring 5/10
Purpose 4/10
Purpose 4/10
"Tower Heist" is rated at 62%. While not terrible, definitely a renter.
"Stargate"
Amazing movie. Not just because it launches a supremely good TV series, but also because the concept is groundbreaking. Historic views get challenged, culture gets reviewed and critiqued, and all in the name of entertainment. The movie itself starts out slow, but mysteriously. Then you find yourself with the team traversing an unknown planet. As soon as you start to realize what is going on, another spin occurs, and you find yourself face to face with "Ra", the Egyptian Sun God. Coupled with the series, you do not want to miss this one.
Creativity 10/10
Originality 9/10
Originality 9/10
Entertaining 10/10
Inspiring 8/10
Purpose 9/10
"Stargate" is rated at 92%. You need to give the series a chance.
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Track Attack
Yes the article title changed. So sue me. I'm almost out of time, so here goes!
I promised you three songs a week. This week features three songs, all by Chris De Burgh. Most famously known for the "Lady in Red", Chris De Burgh is a storyteller musician who is truly captivating.
Under review is his song trilogy containing three songs, "Revolution" "Light a Fire" and "Liberty". The three are separate songs, but have intense meaning when played together.
"Revolution" begins as a song laced with rumors about a rebellion forming. Quiet and simple, it begins to build until finally at songs' end comes the passion. As soon as the rally cry begins, the song ends. Throughout the song, you as the listener, starts to feel the rebellion within you.
"Revolution" begins as a song laced with rumors about a rebellion forming. Quiet and simple, it begins to build until finally at songs' end comes the passion. As soon as the rally cry begins, the song ends. Throughout the song, you as the listener, starts to feel the rebellion within you.
"Light a Fire" The revolt begins! An intense song begins with the passion and heat that songs just do not have anymore. Throughout the chorus, Chris De Burgh's immense vocal range and passion form the entire fight. He truly sounds as though he is rallying and leading the men.
"Liberty" The fight is over, and the questions begin. Was it all worth it, or were we swayed by a feeling of something that does not exist? I believe the most beautiful part is the fact that after 2 verses, this song becomes an instrumental. This is an instrumental that both builds and allows the song to close. Closing one's eyes would allow the music to truly let that person's mind to fill in a story.
Revolution/Light a Fire/Liberty is worth at least one listen. Even if your not a big fan of storytelling music, the power in this song is formidable.
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I'm out of time. Thank you so much to everyone reading this column.
For a small, private project that started just a couple weeks ago, we are nearly at 100 views already. Many thanks!
For a small, private project that started just a couple weeks ago, we are nearly at 100 views already. Many thanks!
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