The Good Ole Hockey game

And on the fourth day there was hockey. Going to Florida this January gave me a chance to check out the phenom that is Sidney Crosby. This is probably one of the pluses of NHL expansion into the southern United States. Now die hard hockey fans like myself can enjoy some sun while watching their favourite sport. I have to admit that watching hockey in Florida is a little different than the games I have seen in Winnipeg, Minnesota, Ottawa or Calgary. There is a different type of fan at a Florida Panthers Game, but then there isn't. I think I heard as much French being spoken at the Bank Atlantic Center as I had at any game I attended at the Corel Center/Scotiabank Place. Apparently the location of the Panthers arena is very near where many of the French Canadians go during the winter months. Still this experience had its differences

The crowd wasn't too great at the game. There were a lot of empty seats and many of the fans just didn't seem to get into the game. Of course it doesn't help when you have one of the worst teams in the league, but the Pittsburgh Penguins and the league's best player were in town. There was a lot excitement around the Penguins ice during the warm ups as kids pressed themselves against the glass hoping to get the attention of Sid the Kid. It could be a good sign for hockey in Florida if there are kids like this who are excited about the game. Again they could have just been the grand kids of all the Quebecois wintering in Sunrise. So there was all this excitement about the Penguins during the pre-game, too bad they couldn't give something to the fans.


The game was dominated by the Panthers as captain and finlander Olli Jokinen scored a hat trick pacing the Panthers to a 5-2 victory. The Penguins looked sluggish out there, having played the night before. Crosby was held pointless and was less than I hoped for. I have had that experience when watching other superstars. Mario Lemieux may have had one assist the first time I saw him play. Teemu Selanne on the other hand was pretty good when I saw him play for the Winnipeg jets. Maybe I just have the luck of seeing great performances by Finns when going to NHL games. So despite the Panthers being dominant, I just never got the impression that anyone was really that excited. The guy who set off the goal horn even seemed to be a little out of it. The highlight of the game was listening to these young girls screaming at the top of their lungs every time the noise meter came up on the scoreboard. Ear piercing noise at its best.


So the game may have been a bit of a bust, but having a chance to watch NHL hockey in SoFla was still pretty fun. I'd go again. So Day 4 was a little slow, but things are about to pick up. On Day 5 me and the gang are going for a fan boat ride, with a possible gator sighting and world famous food. Stay tuned more to come on this and more as the road trip to the everglades continues.


Later

There aint enough going on down here

So I hope you have taken in the first couple days of Florida. Day three was a little more laid back. We didn't too much. We had to go to the airport to drop off Drew's dad and then it was off to the outlet mall. Some interesting about the airport though was the sign on the road to the airport that advised everyone about the current threat level. It was high. Anyway it was fun going to the outlet mall and finding so many awesome deals. Although not everything seemed like a deal. If you went to the Lacoste store, you know the clothes that have the alligator on them, or is it a crocodile? Anyway, you could have got a 70 percent discount and it would still cost over 50 dollars for a polo shirt. Still many fun deals. I just wish I was staying 7 days instead of 6 and I could have spent an extra 550 dollars. Damn you lousy duties.

So it was a slow day of hitting the malls and eating more of the fish we caught the day before. Did I tell you I went fishing and we were playing tricks on the dolphins. Well not really. I wanted to mention this last time, but we caught a fish and the dolphins started creeping closer and so we thought we would try to lure them to the boat so we could get a better picture, but they were too smart for that. The jerks wouldn't even put their heads fully out the water, they would just barely break the water with their blow hole. Here is the best shots I could get. I know its sad.

So I guess the highlight of day three was when we went down to the beach to check out the sunset. Now we didn't get to enjoy a true clear sky sunset, but I thought the clouds were really cool and may have made the sunset even more interesting. The beach was really nice and had the classic long pier. There were folks fishing and then gutting their fish on the pier, there were some guys trying to surf, but the waves weren't big enough and there was us. We were on a quest. It was no longer a vacation, we were on a celebrity hunt.

The rumour is that the great American filmmaker Steven Spielberg has a place on this beach in Naples, Florida. So we went on a bit of a trek and arrived in front of what may or may not have been the home of the man behind such films as Jaws, Raiders of the Lost Ark and Duel. I noticed a small white dog running around in the yard of the house. Was it Steven Spielberg's dog? Maybe. I saw Steven Spielberg's dog. Wow. So close to celebrity once again.
Anyway it was nice to take it easy and do some shopping. Lots of fun. Plus I wanted to save my energy to do what everyone goes to Florida to do. Watch NHL hockey. Coming up next we head across state along Alligator Alley to Sunrise, Florida to check out the Florida Panthers. Yee haw.

Adios

I'm a gonna fishin 'cause everybody's fishing, And I'm a gonna fishing too

So when I arrived in Florida I was informed by my sister and her boyfriend that we would be going fishing the next day. I have to admit that I was not the most excited person when I heard this. You see I haven't really fished in about 20 years. I use to go out with my Pa and uncle Erkki and it was a lot of fun, but I guess I wasn't as in to fishing as most Finlanders. Plus I think I got tired of being the bartender during these little trips. But don't get me wrong they were some great memories that I wouldn't trade for anything. However, it is really my sis Aliss who's the real fisherman in the family. I remember her getting a lot of fishing gear at Christmas when we were kids and she and our old man went out fishing quite a bit. So because my sister was looking forward to this opportunity I wasn't going to complain. I mean I am on vacation right? Who knows it could be fun.

I think I got a little more excited about the fishing trip when I was told we would be fishing on a pontoon or party boat. I thought this was great because it would mean a lot more space. I really wasn't looking forward to being crammed into to aluminum boat, but this was completely different. We met up with out lead fisher and captain, Joe.
He was a really great guy and a terrific person to go fishing with. So we loaded up the boat and made our way to the launch. Getting in the boat was easy and I had a comfortable chair so things were already going in the right direction. It wouldn't be too long before the trip was all worth it.

So we made our way out into the Gulf of Mexico and I was impressed with the really nice homes on the water, but we were there for fishing dang it. Focus. Yes fishin'. So like I said I haven't fished in maybe 20 years and when I did we used worms or minnows. This time the bait was a little more fun. We got to use live shrimp. Those buggers were fun to hook because they liked to squirm and jump around a bit. So I hooked my shrimp and dropped it in the water.

So we were trolling and that meant I didn't really have to concentrate too much on the fishing. We were sitting around when we noticed some dolphins gathering around our boat. I decided I wanted to get a picture and stood up leaving the fishing rod between my legs. So I was standing looking to get a shot of the dolphin when all of sudden there is a tug on my line. The line just kept going out and out and out. I had a fish. I couldn't believe it. First time fishing in almost 20 years and I've already got a bite. So I put the camera down and grabbed the rod and started reeling it in. I don't remember how tough it was, but it did take awhile because so much line had been let out and there was a bit of a fight in the fish of course. So I did eventually reel the bad boy in and Holy Mackerel, had a fish to be proud of, a mackerel. Awesome.

Anyway I was pretty happy with myself and could have gone back to shore satisfied with the day of fishing, but I guess the others wanted to catch some fish too. Drew would soon catch his own mackerel and the gang would catch a lot of lady fish. They would give a good fight, but not good for eating, too many bones. So we didn't have too many keepers. We decided to stop trolling and set anchor and eat lunch and do some stationary fishing. That's when the Queen fisherknow as my sister took over. While I was having trouble casting she started depleting the local fish stock. I swear she would bring one fish out, rebait her hook and by the time her cast hit the water another fish was on her line. I think she may have caught as many as 7 fish in less than half an hour. I was a bit jealous, but I mean she knows what she's doing. On the plus side they weren't mackerel, they were a smaller, less attractive fish, so I had that on her. Anyway I bow to Alissa's greatness.

After Aliss drained the cove we were in we went back to trolling and I was able to catch a few more fish. One was a blue fish, which we were able to keep. So I had a great day fishing, lots of fun. I see why people love fishing so much in Florida. In the end I think we brought in about 15 fish in total. We fried them up and they were delicious. What a great day.
So I may not have been all gung-ho to fish, but I'm really glad we did. It rocked. I would love to do it again. So there you have it, salt water fishing from Southwest Florida. Hope you had fun. Coming up, we hit the outlet malls and see what Stephen Spielberg does for fun. So stay tuned as the adventures continue.

Later

It will never snow in Florida

So the adventure to Southwest Florida began on Saturday January 7, 2007. I flew on Air Canada and my journey started at the Calgary International Airport. My flight took off around 7AM and headed for Toronto. On the flight I was able to watch the latest Kevin Costner film, 'The Guardian.' Why does it seem like every film Costner has made since Dances with Wolves runs for ever and always reaches a point where you think to yourself: 'That is an acceptable way to end the film, it must be over.' Yet the film continues on for another half hour. Maybe its just me. Anyway that was not the highlight of the trip. That would come in Toronto.

I was kind of stressing during my flight because I wanted to take two bags on as carry on just so I would be sure to have everything I wanted when I arrived in Florida. However the bags were about the same size and Air Canada says we are only allowed one carry on luggage item, plus a personal item like a briefcase. Luckily I was able to get both on the ole plane in Calgary, but when we arrived in Toronto I had all the same worries again. That would be the least of my troubles though . As I was flying to Toronto I realized that I forgot to find out the address of where I was staying in Florida from my sister. Add to this that I had yet to receive my new passport before departure and you had the cocktail for trouble from U.S. Customs and Immigration and Homeland Security or whatever else they call themselves. I tried to get the address before going through customs and called my parents hoping they knew something, but no luck, plus we couldn't get a hold of my sister, who was already in Florida. Anyway I knew the town I was going to and so took my chances going through customs hoping I would not be tackled or face a strip search. Fun. Anyway while I was waiting in line to face scrutiny there was some plainclothes RCMP hovering around the man in front of me. This guys eventually gets a pass to the front of the line after a few conversations with airport security. That's when I realize that it is former New Brunswick premier and Canadian Ambassador to the U.S. Frank McKenna. Wow, I was this close to greatness. Anyway that was the fun part. The lecture was coming.

So when I get to the Customs Agent I am asked for my passport and declaration. I say I don't have my passport yet and he is completely shocked. 'what do you mean you don't have your passport?' Then he looks at my declaration form and sees I have only listed Naples, Florida as my destination and is not happy that I don't know the exact address. My explanation that I was meeting my sister and her boyfriend was also not satisfactory. So he stamped something on my declaration card and I was given a piece of paper explaining I needed a passport to fly into the U.S. Of course that would not be for another 2 weeks. Relax eh. Of course I did not feel the need to have my ass kicked by a group of airport or custom officials. I was going on holiday. So holding back the sarcasm I made it through and everything was savvy. On the other side I also noticed another so-so celebrity. Carl Lindros. Whoo hoo.


So the rest of my travel day was uneventful. My plane was a bit delayed because of a head wind. But I arrived at the Fort Myers Airport where my sister was waiting to greet me. We headed for Naples, which was a half hour south , and the Walmart Supercenter to get our salt water fish licenses. That's right people. We're going fishing. So that's the story so far. Day two of Florida takes me to the Gulf of Mexico. Aren't you excited, I know I wasn't, but that all changed once we hit the water. . Stay tuned for more adventures of the Bearded Backpacker, sans beard, in Florida.

Later

Cletus went down to Florida

Hi everybody. Sorry I have been so delinquent in sharing my tales with you, but I have been soaking up the rays in Florida the past week. That's right, I was in the Sunshine State checking out a few adventures to add to the catalogue. I will simply whet your appetite with a preview right now. I think its only right to set things up because I have a lot adventures to share with you.During my stay in Southwest Florida I hit some outlet malls, went fishing, checked out a super Walmart, took a fan boat ride, swam in the pool, went to the beach, ate a lot of fish, taunted some dolphins and marveled at the gators. It was a fun filled week. I had a chance to hang out with my little sis, Aliss, her boyfriend and his folks. It was great fun. Oh yeah, we also crossed the great state of Florida through Alligator Alley to go and see Sid the Kid and the Pittsburgh Penguins face off against the Florida Panthers. Anyway, that's just a teaser and the full sorted details of the Bearded Backpacker's romp through the everglades are soon to come. While I have your attention: Has anyone ever heard a really good song that includes Florida in some way? None come to mind for me at this moment. Alright. Have a great day. Later

And a Happy New Year

Can you believe that it is already 2007? I'm still recovering from all the hype around the millennium and all of sudden its seven years later. Fantastic. Well I guess I should also wish anyone out there reading this a belated Merry Christmas. It was quite a different Christmas for me this year. I didn't go home and I didn't celebrate a French Canadian Christmas. This has been the pattern over the last few years, but this year I decided to celebrate a Jewish Christmas. Well part of it anyway. I actually spent Christmas Eve, the most important part of the Christmas celebration for Finlanders, with my boss' family. It was actually pretty good and I had a great time. We had a simple meal of finger foods, we went skating and played some video games. I also had to deal with the regular onslaught of attacks from his kids. I do enjoy my time hanging out with his kids no matter how annoying they can be. I think this may have been one of the more fun Christmases I have had in a long time because it was real easy like. I didn't have any of the stresses I have dealt with in the past few years when I was going to a place where I really didn't know too many people and didn't want to step on any traditions. It was fun even though not too crazy. Thanks Drew et al for taking me in.

The Jewish part of my Christmas came on Christmas Day when I hung out with Amanda, Danijela and REBECCA! Rebecca was the friend whom I went to the Motley Crue/Aerosmith concert with. I didn't mention her by name then because i didn't know how comfortable she would be being associated with the Crue. She made a big deal about her absence from my tale so she can expect to enjoy some spotlight here. SO Rebecca, Amanada, Danijela and I went to see a movie. Apparently my Jewish friend Amanda did this a lot when she was growing up and so I have named this the Jewish Christmas. We also went out for Chinese food, which in my family was more of a New Year's tradition. So we went to see 'Dreamgirls', starring Beyonce, Eddie Murphy, Jamie Foxx and American Idol runner-up Jennifer Hudson. I wasn't as keen on seeing this film, but I was outvoted by the ladies. All in all it wasn't a bad film and we all enjoyed are time. Although feverish movie critics REBECCA and Amanda were not completely enthused by Beyonce's performance. Some things just never change.

So this was my Christmas experience. I'll say it again that it was one of the better Christmases I have had and I have to thank REBECCA, Amanda, Danijela and Drew for helping me enjoy this time of year.

Of course I wish I could have spent part of the holidays with my family back in the Bay, but Florida just seems so much more tempting. I missed you guys.

Since Christmas I have been pretty busy at work and didn't have a chance to really celebrate New Year's Eve, but in reality I never really do anything to ring in the New Year. I think I'm just more amazed at the year I have had. It started out pretty uneventful with a federal election and less than exciting January. That was until I came to Calgary for a visit to see B and his crew. I enjoyed my time in Alberta, but didn't know I would be coming back so soon. When I returned to Ottawa I was met with the news that a certain someone didn't like me the same way anymore and that sent me into a bit of a tailspin and re-evaluation of what I was doing with my life. But all in all it was probably a good thing. I made the decision to come to Calgary and with the help of some really good friends I was able to make that decision and the trip out with a lot of confidence. I spent the first two months dealing with the dramatic change and got a great deal of support from B and his family and I appreciated it greatly. Since then you pretty much know what I have been up to if you have been following my blogging. I can't believe how fast the last 8 month have flown by since I came to Calgary. Its been a great time and I have met some great new people and I'm looking forward to the adventures ahead. There already a couple of big events planned. I'll be heading to Florida shortly and I'm looking forward to a potential visit by mon ami Emilie. What else is in store for me in 2007? We will just have to wait and see.

Thanks for following me along this journey and I look forward to your thoughts and continued support.

Happy New Year Everyone

Girls, Girls, Girls!

So I went on a trip in time last week and took in a concert featuring one of the great hair bands of the 1980's. That's right, Motley Crue. Can you believe that mother effing sheet. My lord was this what the 80's were like? I have to say that I was never a big fan of the Crue and they did not do anything to win me over that night. As I sat there watching the likes of Vince Neil, Nikki Sixx and Tommy Lee 'playing' there music I was struck by the fact that these guys have little or no talent. Most of their show is about wowing you with the fireworks and scantily clad women. It almost makes you forget that every song sounds the same. Its obvious these guys are your prototypical 'lets form a band so we can get laid' type of group. I think the highlight of the concert was when Tommy Lee stepped from behind his drum kit and offered the crowd a swig of jagermeister. He handed the bottle to some dude in the crowd and told him to make sure that he passed it along. Now my first reaction was, "this can't be good", what with it being flu season and all. It wasn't until later that I really started to wonder how good an idea it is to be sharing a bottle with Tommy Lee. If I'm not mistaken this guy has Hep C and hey I'm no medical expert, but maybe its not such a great idea to swap spit with the dude. Next thing you know Canadian Blood Services will be screening people for blood donations by asking if they have been to a Motley Crue concert recently.

So all in all I was not that blown away by The Crue, but heck I hardly remembered any of their songs and I don't remember being too fascinated with them in my youth. Now you may ask why go to a concert when you don't even like the band? Well a friend asked me to go and I did. Plus the second act was Aerosmith and hey, I actually know some of their catalogue. Now these guys didn't need all the theatrics to put on an entertaining show. They played familiar classics and gave the crowd what they wanted. I had fun.

I have to say that I was surprised by the lack of mullets to make it out that night, but I guess people are starting to give up on the hairstyle. Praise Jesus. There were a lot of tight jeans though. Some things just never change. So that was my first ever arena concert going experience. Can you believe that. I don't know what it is about this Alberta air, but I just seem to get out and try new things. Its great.

So we have Christmas arriving in a week and so look for my Christmas story between now and then.

So that's it, that's all.

Toys, toys, toys.

Scooby Dooby Doo Where Are You?

We got some work to do now. The Scooby Doo cartoon brings back some difficult memories for me and I belive explains a lot about why I am not a fan of the cliffhanger ending or two part episode. It may not have happened a lot on Scooby Doo, but I swear there were enough of them, in my mind anyway, of two part scooby doo episodes. Oh sure now when ever I catch a Scooby Doo episode on Teletoon or something it ends with the bad guys being caught and the gang enjoying some scooby snax. It must have been the Harlem Globetrotter episode though that has left me with this impression. Anyway the point of my story is that there was a time when I saw the first part of a two-part Scooby Doo and missed the second half, leaving me wondering if they ever found the fiend. You see my father was a tyrant when it came to TV. When he got home he was gonna watch what he wanted to watch and that meant I could miss watching the Scoobster, because he figured that I could watch cartoons on Saturday, not understanding that Scooby Doo didn't air on Saturdays. So I was never guaranteed to see both halfs of an episode. I don't know what the TV people were thinking screwing around with kids' minds like this. COME ON! So because of this I can't get into shows that have a continuing storyline through more than one episode. I want things to be done when the hour or half hour is over, is that too much to ask?
Now that I think of it I'm pretty sure Dr. Who could also be blamed for screwing me up. With one TV in the house during the early 80's I was lucky to watch anything I wanted because of the old man. His house, his rules you know. Dr. Who forced you to watch like 5 or 6 episodes just to get the story. What is that about? How dare they. I never understood what the heck was going on with that show because I would end up seeing six different episodes from six separate series. Now things might have been easier if my parents bought me my own TV as a kid or let me watch what I wanted instead of their boring programs, but alas that was not to be. So ever since that time I have always had an uneasy feeling when 'to be continued' shows up on the screen at the end of an episode. I want answers damnit and I can't wait another week to get them. I will be watching a program and can sense that there is not enough time to wrap things up and going "oh they better not be even thinking about extending this to a second episode." So you see I am a bit troubled here. The point of this long winded diatribe is to say I like that they put TV shows on DVD. Thats it, that's all.

Also I would like to add that my father and mother aren't really tyrants and I actually think them to be cool most of the time. Its just that when you're a kid, you're parents are the 'man' and you have to rise up against the man. Am I right.

Alright dudes. Have a great day!

I really wanna know, Who are you? Who, who, who, who?

Well it would appear all the CSI watching I have been doing over the last few years has finally paid off. Last night I attended a murder mystery party and I was able to solve the crime before for anyone else. Gil Grissom watch out.

The evening started out slowly, but when things got going people were vicious. I played the role of a college student who shared a locker with the victim of the crime. This had people looking at me suspiciously because the crime had taken place just outside the school. So at first I had a large group of people accusing me of being the murderer, but my story checked out and there were a lot of witnesses to my whereabouts, but that didn’t keep me from trying to find the person who offed a man a barely knew. I have to admit my investigative skills are a bit unorthodox. I spent most of the night ignoring the clues and barely remembering what people told me or what I even asked them. So I gather it was by osmosis that I was able to determine whom in fact was the murderer. It was obvious to me that Cynthia was behind the crime because she had both the means and motive to commit it. You see, the victim owed her several thousand dollars for some design work she had done at his house. It seemed a little rash in my opinion to run him down, because you’ll never get the money that way. Although the victim had bought a plane ticket for somewhere in Europe, so its possible we would have never seen him again.

Anyway it was a real good time and it was for a good cause. My friend Danijela used the party as a way to help raise money for a charity marathon she will be running in Arizona this coming January for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada. If any of my loyal readers out there would like to throw their support behind this run you can make a donation online by clicking on her name. I hope you will.

Oh yeah, if you read the last post on this fabulous journal you will see that I shaved my beard leaving behind a fine moustache. The picture I included with the story is quite possibly the finest photo I have ever seen of myself. Well as gorgeous as I look with the stache, I have gone completely bald about the face. Now I wonder does this affect my status as the Bearded Backpacker? No. The Bearded Backpacker is not defined by the beard, he defines the beard. So I may not look like the Bearded Backpacker for awhile, but I will still do all I can to uphold the values and whatever else I claim to stand for.

Well thank you for your time and it would be greatly appreciated if some of you would consider helping mon ami with her marathon.

Later

'Cause I really wanna know, I really wanna, Who are you?

God only knows what I'd be without you

The Bearded Backpacker has gone on holiday and in his place we present the Mustached Mountaineer. No loyal readers, its still your hero, the Bearded Backpacker, but I have made some changes to my appearance so that I can go undercover in my quest to understand the world of the cowboy. This weekend Calgary is playing host to the National Bull Riding Championships and in honour of that I thought I would shave my beard and just leave my moustache in its place. I don’t know what I was thinking when I made that decision, but I guess I just wanted to change things up a bit, what with having the beard on for a year and a half now. Sometimes you need to go with a complete overhaul to strengthen the beard’s power. Anyway I was hoping for some input on the mustached look and so feel free to post your comments, I look forward to your thoughts.

So I hope some of you had a laugh at my expense and we will continue the adventures. The cold weather is really moving into the Sandstone City now. We are enjoying or are expected to enjoy minus 20 temperatures and the snow has returned. Its not too bad I tell you what.

Did you know that Calgary was called the Sandstone City? I have to admit that I only found this out recently myself. The story behind the nickname seems to be that after the great fire of November 1886, where Calgary's downtown was almost entirely destroyed, it was decided that to keep this from ever happening again all large buildings in the city's downtown would be built with Paskapoo sandstone. So over the next 15 years over 40 sandstone buildings sprung up downtown and the city got its masonry moniker. Fantastic. I'm so glad I was able to teach you this amazing tale. This is just some of the fabulous insight you will be privy too if any of my loyal readers decide they want to drop in. We'll learn alot.

Oh yeah so I guess I should wish a Happy Thanksgiving to my friends in the U-S-A. I hope y'all enjoyed the turkey and football.

Later

Where have all the flowers gone

Well I have to say I am a horrible blog author considering I have gone two weeks without saying anything. I guess I have let my life keep me from writing anything. Or its possible that too many things have been going on and I have just been to indecisive about what to write. Well in the past two weeks the fine city of Calgary has experienced a couple of snowfalls and a couple of chinooks. Those chinooks can really knock you down if you're not ready for them. During the first one I was hit hard by the atmospheric change. My eyes felt like they were gonna pop out of my head, I was having trouble focusing and my head was in some severe pain. It was either the chinook or I was suffering a stroke. I hope it was the chinook. Anyway its pretty cool when a chinook rolls in. The snow just melts away leaving no trace of the winter storm we just witnessed. When it has snowed here it has been pretty cool and I have some pictures to show it.I had to drive in a blizzard last week to get to my moonlighting gig at the Big Blue Machine. It was a fine driving experience. I enjoyed it greatly. Also in the last couple weeks I was lucky enough to win a free night at a 3 star resort in the Rocky Mountains. I have let a few people know that who ever visits me first here in Calgary will have first shot at taking advantage of the free suite and breakfast. Y'all better not wait too long or you will be sorry. Also this past weekend I went to check out the Borat movie. It was quite the laugh riot, if not also a quite disturbing film. I only have to cite the wrestling scene from the movie to make my point. Anyone who has seen the film knows what I'm talking about. Those who have not, count yourselves lucky. Anyway the movie was hilarious and not as uncomfortable as you may think. Chef recommends. Alright everyone, have a great day and keep reaching for those stars.

O Connie, O Connie, I miss you so

Hey all my loyal readers. Yes once again back is the incredible, the one, the only, the . . .





BEARDED BACKPACKER

I wish to send a very Happy Halloween to everyone out there in internet land. May your partying and candy eating be grand. This year I am dressing up as the Backpacker as I bring more goodwill and joy to people everywhere. Isn't that scary. Me the grumpiest guy this side of the 100th meridian planning to bring joy to the world on the most scary of days. Whooo hoo hoo hoo hoo.

So you may have thought I should have included the lyrics of the monster mash as the title to my post here today, but Connie reminded me that I have been lazy in my duties as the Backpacker so I wanted to give her a shout out. I do miss Connie though and her unhealthy allegiance to the Saskatchewan Roughriders and Montreal Canadiens. What is with that. I hope things continue to go well for you this year.

Hey I wanted to say congrats to Nic on his new eyes. I'm glad because he and glasses just didn't belong together. Will this make him a better hockey player or lead him into police work, we will have to wait and see. I say good luck.

I also want to pay tribute to one of the wackiest and best dogs I have ever known. He always had bad breath and some wild and crazy hair and in a lot of ways reminded me of myself some days. He wouldn't shut up, but we loved him for it. I want to say so long to our dear friend Pepsi, he passed away last month. I really do miss his cute little face and his arthritic walk and his inability to jump on the bed because he was too short. He made me smile every time I saw him. I'll miss him even more now that he's gone.

So as you may have heard I have started to work on video presentation of interior shots of me and Calgary. I hope to make it available in the next month or so so keep an eye out for that.

Alright well I'll leave it at that for now.

Have a Happy Halloween

I was working in the lab late one night
When my eyes beheld an eerie sight
For my monster from his slab began to rise
And suddenly to my surprise
He did the mash
He did the monster mash
The monster mash
It was a graveyard smash
He did the mash
It caught on in a flash
He did the mash
He did the monster mash
From my laboratory in the castle east
To the master bedroom where the vampires feast
The ghouls all came from their humble abodes
To get a jolt from my electrodes
They did the mash
They did the monster mash
The monster mash
It was a graveyard smash
They did the mash
It caught on in a flash
They did the mash
They did the monster mash
The zombies were having fun
The party had just begun
The guests included Wolf Man
Dracula and his son
The scene was rockin', all were digging the sounds
Igor on chains, backed by his baying hounds
The coffin-bangers were about to arrive
With their vocal group, "The Crypt-Kicker Five"
They played the mash
They played the monster mash
The monster mash
It was a graveyard smash
They played the mash
It caught on in a flash
They played the mash
They played the monster mash

Out from his coffin, Drac's voice did ring
Seems he was troubled by just one thing
He opened the lid and shook his fist
And said, "Whatever happened to my Transylvania twist?"


It's now the mash
It's now the monster mash
The monster mash
And it's a graveyard smash
It's now the mash
It's caught on in a flash
It's now the mash
It's now the monster mash
Now everything's cool, Drac's a part of the band
And my monster mash is the hit of the land
For you, the living, this mash was meant too
When you get to my door, tell them Boris sent you
Then you can mash
Then you can monster mash
The monster mash
And do my graveyard smash
Then you can mash
You'll catch on in a flash
Then you can mash
Then you can monster mash

Na, na, na, Gonna have a good time

I don't know about you, but I thought this may have actually been a monumental moment in my Blog. The last post was the 25th post I have put on this fabulous page and I think it deserves some sort of recognition if not a celebration.

Hi am the author of this blog, the internet's Litton Wickenheiser. I started this blog as way to share the experiences I am enjoying in Calgary with my good friends back in the O-town, my parents and of course those who know me everywhere else in the world.

So to all you playas I want say to say Thanks, Merci, Kiitos, Gracias etc etc . . . for giving me the inspiration to come here once a week or so and belt out a few lines of the crazy thoughts going on in my head.

I think I will celebrate this momentous occasion by reflecting on some of the highlights of this journey, the Bearded Backpacker retro.

Well the adventures began after I attended the Erin Mills stampede stomp and was the master of the Sumo Pit. I declared my dominance that day pushing and hurting anyone who dared get in my way. I HAVE THE POWER!!!!!!!!!!!

The stampede brought some early highlights to the blog as I took in free breakfasts and rodeo fun.

Following that it was the adventures with my parents as they came to visit their beloved son in the New West. We had a lot of fun, what with the Rocky Mountains, West Edmonton Mall and promiscuous zoo animals. All good times.

After that I kind of disappeared and reappeared celebrating the wedding of my Brother in Christ, the one the only Jimmy James E. It was a blast and I had tonnes of fun. Plus I got to check back in with a lot of the great people I left back in Ottawa. You guys still mean a lot. Never let anyone tell you different.


After that I just kind of went off the rails and my mind took over the blogging without me having any control. Where does this mean we're going, I don't know.

I think I will just try and keep it light with a few biting commentaries if possible.

An update on my reality show audition is that I don't believe this one is meant to be, but that's okay. I think there will be other opportunities. I need to be on TV.

I want to leave you here with the lyrics of another song. It was from one of my favourite shows growing up, The Electric Company.
Morgan Freeman was one of the regulars of the cast. It rocked and taught me a lot and I believe is a very appropriate celebration song. So read the lyrics here and hit the link at the bottom. Hopefully it will bring you to an actual video of the opening credits for the show.

HEY YOU GUYS!!!!!!!!!!
Moving out in a new way
Moving out in a new way
We're gonna turn it on (turn it on)
We're gonna bring you the power (you can do it)
We're gonna light the dark of night like the brightest day in a whole new way
We're Gonna Turn it On (do do do)
We're Gonna Bring you the Power (do do do do)
We're gonna tell you the truest words that you heard anybody say
Moving out in a new way
Moving out in a new way
We're gonna turn it on
We're gonna bring you the power
It's coming down the lines, strong as they can be through the courtesy of the Electric Company

That's right the Electric Company.
Give it a chance to load up.

Alright friends. I gots to go. Have a great day and look forward to the next 25 posts, This was number 1

Later

And i think it's gonna be a long long time

I don't know about you, but I'm finding the start of this NHL season to be the most scrutinized and most intensly analyzed hockey season in my hockey watching life. It does not seem to matter what I am watching or reading, but you'd swear it was at least mid season with the way 'pundits' like Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun are getting all worked up.
I'd bet you that Mr. Garrioch would love to have half the Ottawa Senators team traded just because they started 1 and 2. Why are guys who look like they can't skate or even hold a hockey stick allowed to make so many outrageous claims about this sport.

Here are more examples of early season wackiness. You should know I'm no fan of the Maple Leafs, but after their loss to the Sens they were getting written off. IT WAS ONE GAME PEOPLE!! The Buffalo Sabres win two games, one in a shoot out and another in the last minute and their going to the cup. Everyone is so quick to be a bandwagon jumper its embarrassing. I know we can look back on the last two cup winners and both the Lightning and Hurricanes had awesome starts to the season, but both were almost beaten by teams who people had written off halfway through the season.

I guess I'm just sick of these half wits who figure Calgary Flames goalie Mikka Kiprusoff is done because he has a bad pre-season game. Or the Sens can never overcome the absence of Chara. There is more than Chara not being on the team. Yeah he was a presence, but the defensive problems the team has have more to do with the fact the team is missing new team member Joe Corvo to injury and everyone else is playing with a different partner or the opposite side. Give them time to get it together before having a panic attack.

Anyway I truly believe that people are taking hockey way too seriously now. I don't like losing to the leafs, but in reality it doesn't really matter for the Sens anymore. Teams are going to lose games during the season. Last year the Sens may have started the season 3 and 0, but two of the wins were in shootout and once they had to come from behind and the other they blew a big lead before winning in the penalty shots.

Anyway I had to rant because I have this sense that too many people are pinning what happens in the first week of the season on their team's chances of winning the cup.

Come on.

We all need to take a breath people

Now somewhere in the black mountain hills of dakota

Happy Thanksgiving to all my Canadian fans. As it is the time to be thankful I guess there is a number of things I can say thanks to. I guess the return of the NHL was one thing that I was really happy to have back after the one year lockout. I had a lot of fun last season going to the Corel Centre slash Scotiabank Place to watch the Senators play. I guess it will suck a bit this year that I won't have a chance to see my favourite team in person, but I got in a lot of games last year to hold me over.

Another thing I'm very thankful for is the series of events that led to me moving to Calgary. I'm really glad that I actually did take that chance and moved across the country. I'm thankful for all the support I received from my friends and family during a pretty stressful time.

I have to give a lot of thanks to the support and place to stay the Double B's, C and Two D provided me with when I first arrived in Cowtown.

I'm also thankful for the great people I have met in my short time in Calgary.

Anyway to summarize, Thanks

Well I will leave it that. I want y'all to enjoy your turkey or tofurkey and remember to give thanks.

Oh before I leave I'd like to share the lyrics to a classic Yes tune

Ive seen all good people turn their heads each day
So satisfied Im on my way.
Ive seen all good people turn their heads each day
So satisfied Im on my way.

Take a straight and stronger course to the corner of your life.
Make the white queen run so fast
She hasnt got time to make you a wife.

cause its time, its time in time
With your time and its news is captured
For the queen to use.
Move me on to any black square,
Use me any time you want,
Just remember that the gold
sfor us to capture all we want, anywhere,
Yea, yea, yea.

Dont surround yourself with yourself,
Move on back two squares,
Send an instant karma to me,
Initial it with loving care
Dont surround
Yourself.

cause its time, its time in time
With your time and its news is captured
For the queen to use.
Diddit diddit diddit diddit diddit diddit diddit didda.
Diddit diddit diddit diddit diddit diddit diddit dont surround
Didda. - yourself with yourself.
Dont surround yourself with yourself, dont surround yourself.
Move on back two squares,
Send an instant karma to me, send an instant
Initial it with loving care karma to me. dont surround yourself.

cause its time, its time in time
With your time and its news is captured
For the queen to use.
Diddit diddit diddit diddit diddit diddit diddit didda.
Diddit diddit diddit diddit diddit diddit diddit didda.
Diddit diddit diddit diddit diddit diddit diddit didda.
Diddit diddit diddit diddit diddit diddit diddit didda.

cause its time, its time in time
With your time and its news is captured.

Ii. all good people

Ive seen all good people turn their heads
Each day so satisfied Im on my way.
Yea, yea.
Ive seen all good people turn their heads
Each day so satisfied Im on my way.

Were's moving on up

I'm a big fan of television and the movies, anyone who knows me knows this. That is why I was really excited this week when I had the opportunity to audition for a reality type television show. The show is called Letters, or something like that, and it will pit 10 men in a free for all of love.

The contestants will attempt to win the affection of a women solely through their talents with the written word. Being on the show would allow me to reach my goal of being on television. Sure I was on TV back when I was 13 and my class took part in The Thunder Bay Televison Young Producers. Still I didn't appreciate the experience. I played the chef in the sketch, 'Mr Roger's Solar System.' The theme of the show was space I think, it was such a long time ago.

To the East Side

Anyway let me set the scene. I happened to be cooking something when Mr. Rogers walks in and asks me what I'm doing? My line was 'I'm cooking Mr. Rogers.' Shortly after the kitchen explodes and the laughter begins. I remember watching the episode as a kid and laughing at myself so hard that it hurt. I unfortunately do not have a copy of the show. It is one of the regrets of my life.

A side note of that production is that Kevin Durand, who has appeared in such films as 'Walking Tall' and 'The Butterfly Effect', was the host of our little production. Its awesome baby.

Yeah so I don't know if anything will come from this little audition, but it has made me think about whether or not I should consider getting involved in some other types of productions, maybe some type of one man show or the shakespeare in the park, I dunno. We will have to see where the wind guides me as a float atop a giant leaf, breaking free in the autumn from the mighty oak and drifting slowly, but surely to the earth. I am holding tight on this botany fueled adventure and so far I like it.

Anyway if my fans out there can think positive thoughts about this opportunity that would be great.

To a deluxe apartment in the sky

Before I go, there was something else I was wondering about. Did the Road Runner and Speedy Gonzales ever race one another? I don't seem to recall. I know the Hanna Barbera characters always had some sort of Olympic type event, but not the Warner Bros.In any case I'm thinking that Road Runner would have to win just because of his longer legs. I mean I'm not taking anything away from Speedy, the dude is quick, but he has to expend so much more energy to cover the same area. Of course he does deal with a lot less wind resistence because of his smaller body and his closeness to the ground. It is a debate that will rage on until these two champions of speed, race. If it has already happen, let me know. I GOTS TO KNOW,


Alrighty then Dudes and Dudettes. That's it for me tonight and I hope you can stay tuned for a new episode of Golden Girls. Tonight, Blanche and Dorothy fight over the same younger man. Let the laughter ensue.

We finally got a piece of the pie!

It don't matter that you got not alot, So what

The Office, the winner of this year's emmy for best comedy, premiered its third season this week with what may have been the most uncomfortable 22 minutes of television I have ever seen in my life. The show had me cringing and laughing all the way through. The episode has Michael Scott finding out that one of his employees is gay. Now any other normal person would handle this in stride, but not Michael. No, he decides he is gonna put his own little spin on things and in the process outs Oscar. It is amazing how this guy doesn't get anything. And yet this is the genius of the show.

Anyway after outing Oscar, Michael decides he is gonna fix things, first by trying to hug Oscar and then by kissing him. The most spectacular about all this is that the rest of the office just sits there watching Michael do these things. I'm still laughing.

The episode was great and the season is off to a great start.

I give it a 5 out of 5 backpacks.

This is the first of what may become a regular feature of the Bearded Backpacker that I like to call 'The Reviews.'

And with this being the first I'll share another opinion of entertainment with you.

Mon ami Amanda was in the city this weekend to celebrate some religious holiday and so had a chance to hang out with her and we decided to check out a film.

Along the way we picked up to stragglers to join us at the movies and this made selecting a film a bit difficult. We could not get unanimous approval amongst the four of us for any of the following, 'The Last Kiss', 'The Gridiron Gang' or 'Talladega Nights.' However a surprise to me was that everyone was up for seeing 'You, Me and Dupree.' It was a fine choice. Owen Wilson, and that thing he calls a nose, Matt Dillon and Kate Hudson all gave hilarious and touching moments and left us all laughing, except for Rebecca, who thought a nap would be more appropriate. Anyway I loved it, it was really fun and the hockey helmet was a nice touch for Wilson. I laugh alot.

Anyway I wrote something much better about these two, except the computer conspired against me and I lost the genius before saving. Damn you KHAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anyway enjoy my thoughts and maybe you too will tune into 'The Office' or check out "You. Me and Dupree.'

"The Reviews' have been a Quinn Marten Production.

Do you know do you know do you know just how I feel?

So I thought about writing something about how ridiculous I think the New York Islanders signing of Rick Dipietro is, but why waste our time.

I'd rather talk to you about a much more important issue. The fall of the Sunday Rec Plus B Swingers in the Championship Game on Sunday September 10th. It was a great day for co-ed slo-pitch. The sun was out and temperature decent. We played the Commandos, a team we lost to by one run during the regular season in the bottom of the Seventh. The cruel mistress of fate would cast a similar spell on us in the Big Game. We did our best to win that game and I may have even had my best hitting performance of the season. Took me long enough. Yet the glory of victory was not to be ours as we again lost by one in the bottom of the 7th.

All the time, it was...we really, finally did it!! You maniacs! You blew it up! Ah, damn you! God...damn you all to hell! "






















So this loss brings my record in championship games to a dismal 3 and 7. Not good.

Ah well winning isn't everything. Who I'm kidding? Its the only thing!

But seriously we will all be better for the experience.

Anyway I would love to write more, but '2103: The Deadly Wake' is on Encore Avenue and it looks too good to miss.