"Ole Krarup's" Bench Q:9

Question 9: Write a poem reflecting upon your bench experience or your impending high school graduation..

LIMERICK..

Suth

Five years have past, all so fast

I wish that I could make it last

I had some fun

Life’s just begun

Time to go, had a blast

"Ole Krarup's" Bench Q:8

Question 8: What is the purpose of a park? What are your thoughts about parks..

There are many purposes of a park. First and foremost, I think that parks are a place where people come to relax, spend time with friends, or take their dog for a walk. These are the main things in my mind that parks are there for but there are so many more purposes. Parks can be a National landmark, such as Central Park, or something more local such as, Stanley Park. Parks can host birthday parties, events, get-togethers, barbecues, sports games and more. Parks are also places of beauty. They are the definition of seasons as you can distinctly tell which season it is as they so clearly show it visually. Parks provide amazing photographs and create memories that will last forever. They are a place of peace, and in the present day they are a place that people can go to actually see some “green”. I also think that a parks purpose is to create a place where families can go to spend time and feel completely safe. There are parks that have bad reputations such as “Oppenheim” park in downtown Vancouver which is unfortunate. Although they may have a bad rep, they are still an important place to other people. That particular park is a place where a lot of homeless people spend their time, which may not draw such a family crowd, but it is just as important as any other park. I personally love parks. I think that it is great that are so many of them, because each one is unique in so many ways. Each has a sort of personality that it gives off just from being there. The trees, the paths, the people, the animals, the location, the water or lack of, the fences, signs, and so much more all make a park what it is. I think that everyone has at least one memory of them in a park whether it is from their childhood or not. They are places where anyone can go to spend time with family, friends, and pets at any time that they want. There are even parks for certain things or people which I think is great. There are specific children’s play-parks, dog trail parks, and just your everyday open parks for anyone. I think that parks are very important places in the world and that they should stay like that forever. 

"Ole Krarup's" Bench Q:7

Question 7: Explain how your poem connects to your philosophy of life..

This poem connects to my personal philosophy of life because I believe in a lot of what the poem is trying to say. I love to take pictures. I am trigger-happy when it comes to cameras because I think that as said, “a picture is worth 1000 words”. Every photo has a great story waiting to be told behind it. I think that photos, “bring fond memories”, and “recapture those old feelings” as said in the poem, and I believe that you can never have enough photos, as long as you have space to keep them all. This poem also connects with me because as grandparents age and become more and more frail, you start to realize just how much you are going to miss them if and when they go. Both of my grandpa’s have recently gotten sick and are not doing very well which has made me realize just how “precious” they are to me. I believe that it is the “old” things, and “old” people that are more beautiful because it is the memories behind them that make them so special. Of course there are “new” things, such as a newborn, which are beautiful too. But one day that same “new” thing or person will be “old” and full of memories making it that much more precious. 

"Ole Krarup's" Bench Q:6

Question 6: Choose a poem that suits your bench, and explain your choice. Include a copy of the poem.

I chose the poem, “Old Things Are More Beautiful” because I think that this bench is a perfect example of one the “Old” things that are so precious to us. This bench brings back all sorts of memories to a lot of people I’m sure. To the people that dedicated this bench, it must bring memories of their past loved one back and remind of them of their time together which they said they were so grateful for. To me, this bench reminds me of the time that I spent with my grandpa in the past, my childhood, and to other people I’m sure it reminds them of many more things. Maybe the first time they met someone, or just a really great day that they had. This bench helps people “recapture those old feelings” as the poem states, and reminds people to appreciate the little things, the things that sometimes we forget about because they have always been there or because we are too pre-occupied with the new.

Old things are more beautiful

Author: Clay Harrison

Old things are more beautiful

than many things brand new

because they bring fond memories

of things we used to do.

Old photographs in albums

love letters tied with lace

recapture those old feelings

that new ones can't replace.

Baby shoes, a teddy bear,

a ring that Grandma wore,

are treasures waiting there behind

a door marked "Nevermore".

Old things are more beautiful,

more precious day by day.

Because they are the flowers

we planted yesterday.

"Ole Krarup's" Bench Q:5

Question 5: Write a journal response about your trip to the park..

One nice January morning, my grandpa and I went for a dog walk down at Harbourview Park. It was a cool, sunny, winter day around 10:00 o’clock in the morning. We drove down in my grandpa’s Dodge Caravan,with the dogs in the backseat. We then found a parking spot in the small parking lot, and let the dogs go off leash. The trail starts off under a cover of trees, but eventually after about a 5 minute walk, it opens up and you are walking right down beside the water. At the end of the trail there is a lookout point there where you can go up some stairs to get a great view of the city. It is a very nice and not too busy trail. With the thought of finding a bench to write about for my blog in the back of my mind, I set off down the trail with my grandpa and our two dogs Kayto, and Molly. As my grandpa and I walked along, we passed a number of benches all with dedication plaques on them. I quickly read each one as we walked along, and eventually came across one that I thought was different from all the rest. As I explained before, the inscription was not just the regular, “You will be missed,” It had more detail and I really liked it. It was also in a great spot where you get an awesome view of Vancouver from across the water. I sat there for a minute or two with my grandpa talking about our plans for the rest of the day while enjoying the fresh winter air. The dogs continued running up the trail and after a nice break, we got up, called the dogs and started on our way back. On our way back we bumped into an older couple with an Airdale Terrier, the same breed as my dog, Kayto. We talked to them for a few minutes and found out that they named their Airdale, Gustaaf, because the Airdale is the “King” of the Terrier Family, and the King of Norway’s name is Gustaaf. We then carried on, walking at my grandpa’s slow but steady pace. We eventually made our way back to the car, dried the dogs off, and loaded them up to head home.

"Ole Krarup's" Bench Q:4

Question 4: If you dedicated a bench, where would you like the bench, and what would you like the inscription to say..

If I dedicated a bench, I would dedicate it to my grandpa because he is a big part of my life and I think that he would love to have a dedicated bench in his name. I would want the bench to be in a dog trail because my grandpa is always walking his dog. He walks his dog 3-5 times a day, sometimes even in the middle of the night. I would want the bench to be in one of my grandpa’s favourite trails, close enough to home so that I could visit it every now and then. I would make sure that the bench stayed in good condition every time that I visited. The inscription on the bench would take me a very long time to figure out. I would want it to say something about him that was very special and would speak true to any member of our family that read it. I would also want to add something about the man I thought he was. This would take me a long time because I could go on forever, and to narrow it down to a sentence or two would be extremely difficult. 

"Ole Krarup's" Bench Q:3

Question 3: If a bench were dedicated to you, where would you like the bench, and what would want..

If a bench were ever dedicated to me, I would not want it to be any ordinary bench. If possible I would want the bench to be unique because think that I am a unique person as everyone is different in their own ways. I would want the bench to be somewhere with an amazing view. Not necessarily in Vancouver, but somewhere where my family and I shared memories worth remembering. Somewhere that would be visited by people who would get to enjoy a comfortable, relaxing seat when they need it and read the dedication to myself. I would want the inscription on my bench to also be unique. I would want it to say something about my personality and the person that I was, just like in the bench that I chose to write about. Then I would want it say something that came from the people dedicating it, such as a short, simple goodbye, or a quote or something meaningful. I think that having a bench dedicated to someone is a really nice and thoughtful thing to do because it will be there for a long time and is a place where people can visit that is a little less depressing than visiting a cemetery. 

"Ole Krarup's" Bench Q:2

Question 2: From the bench, describe what you see, what you feel, what you think, what you want.. 

From the bench, I see my city of Vancouver from across the water. I see all sorts of different people with their dogs passing by as I sit there, and I see other wildlife such as birds all around. I can also see all of the wear and tear that the bench has received while sitting there year in and year out, left to brave the elements. I can see the shipyards on the right and the rocks in the water when the tide is out. This bench makes me feel relaxed and calm. It is very peaceful just sitting outside, with a nice cool breeze coming off the water. I also can’t help but feel like I have been in the exact same place before, almost like déjà vu. I used to go to Harbourview trail all the time with my grandpa when I was younger, and sitting there only brings up memories from the past. I can also feel the cold on my face, and the sturdy bench beneath me. From the bench, I think of all the people that must have sat here before me. I wonder if they sat in the exact spot, in the exact way that I am sitting. I think about all of the years and all of the snow, rain, wind, and sun this bench has seen in its life. I think about all my memories from the past that come to life from being here. I want this bench to support me as long as I sit there so that it doesn’t break and I fall flat on my butt. I also want the bench to be there for as long as possible because it means a lot to the people who dedicated the bench, and to the man that the bench is dedicated to.

"Ole Krarup's" Bench Q:1

Question 1: Visit a park, choose a bench, explain your choice, and describe your bench..

The other day I went to Harbourview Park with my grandpa for a dog walk. Harbourview Park runs right down beside the water, and it has a beautiful view of downtown Vancouver. I chose a bench that sits off to the side of the trail that looks across the water to downtown. I also liked the dedication that was on the bench. I thought that this bench had the perfect spot. Sitting on the side of a popular dog trail, with a great view, and I’m sure many admires of the unique dedication plate. Most benches just say the classic, “you will be missed’ but this particular bench had something a little more original. It wrote: “A stoic old man who worked hard and loved well” - Ole Krarup Jensen. “We miss you and are grateful for the time that we had together.” I thought that this was a really nice dedication on a bench that had amazing scenery. My bench is made of wood that looks like it has been there for a while. The dedication to the man on the bench was from 1945-2005 so I’m assuming it has been there for 7 years. The bench has three old, greeny-brown planks of wood that combine to make a backrest, and six planks that form the seat part of the bench. It stands on two strong metal legs secured into the ground that are painted green. The armrests on either side are also made of metal and are also painted green. Green bolts have been placed in either side of each plank to keep it sturdy, and the metal dedication plate sits right in the center of the backrest, green with gold writing. The bench sits on a slab of concrete that is a little wider than the bench itself, and has a chain link fence behind it, which runs along the majority of the side of the trail. The bench could used a little TLC as it shows some wear and tear, but then again it does add to its character.

Rare Tiger dies at Toronto Zoo

Brytne the Sumatran Tiger

On Thursday December 15^th, a rare Sumatran tiger died at Toronto Zoo after she was badly injured in a fight with another, younger tiger. Brytne was a 13-year old “beautiful and loved” tiger at the Toronto Zoo who died of a crushed larynx. Brytne and a 3-year old male tiger named Harimau Kayu from the San Diego Wild Animal Park were being paired together on a breeding recommendation, as a part of a species survival program. Zoo employees had been working for the past six months in efforts to carefully introduce the two tigers to get them to reside in the same habitat. Despite showing positive signs such as nuzzling, and chuffing, the two tigers ended up fighting causing Brytne’s death. The zoo said in a statement that, “ On rare occasions, in both the wild and captivity, tigers will fight and react instinctively.” With approximately 300 to 500 Sumatran tigers left in the wild, and 71 in captivity, the loss of Brytne is a devastating loss for the already critically endangered species.

I am personally appalled by this story because I am completely against having animals held in captivity for the entertainment of the public. I think it is absolutely ridiculous and sick. The fact that the tiger population has depleted by outrageous amounts over the years is completely unacceptable and I think that people should be ashamed of themselves. Tigers are not the only case in which this is a problem, there are many species on the brink of extinction because of humans and I wish that something would finally get done to save the animals. Once they are extinct it is clearly too late, and at the rate we are going the populations of animals such as Sumatran tigers and other endangered species will slowly drop to where they no longer exist. I know that there are already many people and organizations making efforts to save these animals, but I think that it is time that something drastic changes in order to keep these species alive. I am saddened to hear of Brytne the tiger’s death, and I hope that no more accidents such as this one happen at any other Zoo’s in the future.

CBC News,"Tiger dies at Toronto Zoo", December 15, 2011, By: The Canadian Press

Sources: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/story/2011/12/15/toronto-zoo-tiger.html

B.C home to Canada's most dangerous city

According to Maclean’s Magazine, the most dangerous cities based on homicides, sexual assaults, aggravated assaults, robberies, vehicle thefts and break-and-enters are in western Canada. For the second year in a row, the two most dangerous spots in all of Canada were Prince George, B.C, and Victoria. Prince George being the number one, “most dangerous” city two years running. Western cities, according to results, dominate the rankings as worst for crime while populous cities in Ontario and Quebec consistently score well. Prince George was ranked number one due to its gang wars, drug problems, and for being the hometown of Cody Alan Legebokoff who has murdered several people. Victoria showed very high rates in sexual assault and robbery as compared to elsewhere in the country. Rankings were scored from Statistics Canada data. Saskatoon and Regina, two big Saskatchewan cities also ranked numbers three and four on the list of most dangerous cities in Canada. Other big city ranking included: Winnipeg-9^th, Vancouver-18^th, Edmonton-19^th, Montreal-22^nd, Windsor, Ontario-35^th, Calgary-50^th, Toronto-52^nd, and Ottawa-74^th.

I am extremely surprised that both Prince George and Victoria are so high on the “most dangerous” list as they are so close to home, Vancouver. I did not even know about the apparent drug ward of Prince George, which is also very surprising to me. On a positive note, all I can say is at least there is one large metropolitan city ranked worse than Vancouver! I think that some people may be quite offended when they hear that their hometown is high on the danger list as they most likely have nothing to do with all the crimes, which is unfortunate. I agree that it is not a great feeling to know that your home city is up there for “most dangerous” in Canada; it is unsettling to say the least. I’m interested to follow these ranking over the next few years to see if any cities improve as time goes on.


The Vancouver Sun, "B.C. home to Canada's most dangerous city, Maclean's says", December 15, 2011, By: Derek Abma

Sources:http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Woman+shot+dead+Vancouver+while+child+watched+from+back+seat/5864743/story.html?tab=PHOT

Man commits 15 armed robberies while on statutory release

Paulo Austinho Teixeira 

Paulo Austinho Teixeira from Portugal moved here when he was 7, and claims to have had a difficult upbringing. Teixeira is a heroin and cocaine addict who contracted AIDS from intravenous drug use while in an Ontario prison in the 1990’s. He was sentenced to a four-year sentence in 2003 for robbing two banks in three days in Ontario. This sentence was later extended to 11 years in 2006 when Teixeira threatened three employees of a Montreal drugstore with a knife to steal five boxes of Dilaudids, a derivative of morphine, while he was free on statutory release.  Recently, Teixeira violated yet another of his statutory releases by going on a massive crime spree over the course of a month. He is suspect in 15 armed robberies in financial institutions, between December 5^th and December 9^th when he was arrested, but has yet to be charged.  In 2009, an assessment made by the CSC (Correctional Service Canada) while Teixeira was in jail resulted in the identification that Teixeira had a psychopathic disorder. Teixeira’s criminal record includes the assault of a police officer in 1995 where Teixeira tried to claw his eyes out while telling the officer he was trying to infect him with HIV. Teixeira was assessed as fugitive who reoffends to support his drug addictions.

I personally think that any prisoner who has committed as serious crimes as Teixeira has should never be permitted to statutory release. Especially when almost every time Teixeira went on release, he committed several crimes. I do not believe that sentences should be shortened due to good behaviour or anything. A crime committed is a crime committed and nothing changes that. I think that Teixeira should be thoroughly assessed to figure out whether or not he is a threat to the public if and when he is released. I think that the law should be changed where a prisoner is only granted statutory release if he/she passes certain evaluations clearing him/her to be released safely into the general public.

The Gazette, "Man faces charges in 15 armed robberies committed with a month", December 15, 2011, By: Paul Cherry

Sources:http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/faces+charges+armed+robberies+committed+with+month/5867591/story.html

Dave Bolland vs. the Canucks

Dave Bolland, a pesky little NHL player for the Chicago Blackhawks made a name for himself during the Canucks, Chicago playoff series last season. Bolland played many minutes against the Sedin duo and to a degree was successful in shutting them down with his non-stop pestering and bad mouthing. If you are a Canucks fan, then you know that the rivalry between the Vancouver Canucks and the Chicago Blackhawks is one of the biggest in the league. If it wasn't a heated enough rivalry already, then the heat was recently turned up due to comments made by Dave Bolland at a Blackhawks live event at Harry Caray's in Chicago. Bolland referred to the talented Sedin brothers as the "Sisters", and said that "They'll never be Hawks...We'd be sure not to let them on our team." These comments stirred the pot in Vancouver with responses heard from head coach of the Canucks, Alain Vigneault, and defenceman, Kevin Bieksa. The Sedins, as usual, decided not to comment on Dave Bolland's words, and chose the classier route. Shockingly, coach Vigneault told media that they would call him "Bird Brain" Bolland but that would be giving him too much credit. He also added that Bolland "has a face that only a mother could look at". Kevin Bieksa also said that "if it weren't for the twins, I don't think anyone would hear about dave Bolland." and as a response to Bollands comment about him not wanting the Sedins on his team, Bieksa said that, "It's probably because he'd be out of a roster spot."The rivalry is only getting more intense, be sure to tune in for any upcoming face offs between these two teams.

I think that Dave Bolland should just play the game of hockey as he gets paid to do, and forget about all of the chirping. All it does is cause unnecessary hatred between clubs and players, but in a way i guess that is what can make hockey interesting. The more heated the rivalry becomes, the more fans want to watch, but I still think that if he needs to bad mouth any players, he, and all the players in the league should keep it on the ice. I think what coach Alain Vigneault said about Bolland may have been going too far, but I think that it showed character and that he is caring coach for him to step up and defend his top players as he did. I personally love watching these two teams play and hope that we get paired up against them again in the playoffs this year.

The Province, " Bolland Vs. the Canucks", December 15, 2011, By: Jason Botchford

Sources: http://www.theprovince.com/sports/Bolland+Canucks+gets+nasty/5864025/story.html

Nickelback accepts challenge to support good cause

Lilee-Jean Putt

The band, Pardon My Striptease from Chilliwack B.C recently released the song "Pray" in honour of a band member’s one year old daughter who was recently diagnosed with Glioblastoma brain cancer. Andrew Putt, the band leader’s daughter Lilee-Jean Putt was admitted to B.C Children’s Hospital two months ago after a large cancerous tumor was revealed by an ultrasound test at the doctors. The next day Lilee-Jean had an emergency operation, which removed about 50% of the tumors mass. Andrews band, Pardon My Striptease released their new song “Pray” on Lilee-Jeans first birthday and dedicated all proceeds from the single to B.C Children’s Hospital. The band also challenged Nickelback, a famous B.C born rock band to match the donation if “Pray” passed Nickelback's latest hit "When We Stand Together" on iTunes' rock chart. Since its release on Monday, Dec.5^th, sales of “Pray” have gone through the roof not only passing Nickelback’s new single, but reaching second overall on iTunes by Friday the December 9^th. Nickelback gladly accepted the challenge and donated $50,000 dollars to the hospital while adding, “We’re moved by the efforts of Pardon My Striptease to raise money…and are happy and excited to take part.” Soon after Nickelback announced that they will support Pardon My Striptease’s efforts, the band thanked Nickelback on their website saying, “Thankyou to Nickelback for accepting our challenge and helping make a difference at B.C Children’s Hospital.” Nickelback also went on to challenge the Vancouver Sun and the Vancouver Province to each match the donation to support Lilee-Jean and the hospital.

I love that such a small band like Pardon My Striptease whom I have never heard of can call out such a famous band like Nickelback and have their challenge accepted. I think it shows a lot of class from Nickelback who not only matched the donation of $50,000, but also made an effort to raise more money for the good cause. I also think that it was a really nice gesture of Andrew Putt's bandmates to suggest donating all of the proceeds of their new, popular song to the B.C Children's Hospital in the first place. Hopefully the Vancouver Sun, and Vancouver Province will step up to the challenge to help Lilee-Jean and all the kids at the hospital. I can only imagine how hard it must be for Lilees parents to be dealing with such a sudden diagnosis of such a serious disease. I hope that with all the support from Canadian bands and other sources, Lilee-Jean is able to beat the cancer and live a happy life. As Andrew Putt asked for supporters to do, my thoughts and prayers will go out to Lilee-Jean and her family with their fight agaisnt cancer.


Canada.com, "Nickelback accepts challenge, donates $50,000 to B.C Children's Hospital", December, 9 2011, By: Evan Duggan


Sources:http://www.canada.com/entertainment/music/Nickelback+accepts+challenge+donates+Children+Hospital/5839194/story.html

Baby On Board

Shortly after 3 p.m on December 13th, a 38 year old woman was shot dead while sitting in her car on Bruce Street in Southeast Vancouver. The woman’s car was not moving when the gunman or gunmen opened fire at the woman all while the victims toddler sat in the back seat. The victim died of multiple gun shot wounds making this murder the 14^th homicide of 2011 in Vancouver. Fortunately, the young child in the back seat was left unharmed during the attack. Police still have no leads to the gunman or men, and have added that “we want more witnesses to come forward.” Lindsey Houghton, Vancouver Police Const. said that “At this point, it appears to be targeted” and that “The child is in safe hands and has been taken to a safe place.” This crime however, does have very close relation to another murder in 2009 where a woman named Nicole Marie Alemy was shot dead in the front seat of her car. Her child was also left unharmed in the back seat, and it was shown that although Alemy had no criminal record to speak of, she did have several gang links. After the police arrived on scene, a woman named Arlene who has lived in that are for most of her life was interviewed and told officers that she thought the gun shots were firecrackers and that she had never seen anything like this before in her neighbourhood.

I think that violence like this is, as said by police Const. Houghton “completely unacceptable”. Murder is bad enough, but to do it during broad daylight in a public area, with a child in the back seat is just downright brutality. I hope that whoever committed this crime gets caught by police and sentenced to many, many deserving years in jail. I wish the best to the family of the victim, and especially to her toddler in the backseat who I hope was young enough not to completely take in the situation as it would be extremely traumatizing. I completely agree with what was said by Arlene, the woman interviewed by police, that “There are so many reports about things like this happening [but] it’s different when you’re right up close to it.”

The Province, "Woman shot dead in Southeast Vancouver with child in the back seat", Decemeber 14, 2011, By Andy Ivens and Ian Austin

Sources: http://www.theprovince.com/news/Woman+shot+dead+southeast+Vancouver+with+child+back+seat+vehicle/5861772/story.html

Beau The K9 Math Wizz

Beau the "canine calculator"

Beau, a 12 year old Labrador Retriever from Montana is not only a skilled hunter, but also a skilled mathematician! David Madsen, Beau's owner taught Beau to count since he was a puppy. David used biscuits as a reward, but to receive his reward, Beau had to bark the corresponding number of times with the number of biscuits laid out for him. Madsen described Beau as "super smart" and said that "I've had dogs all my life, but this dog is different.. He caught on that rewards were associated with the correct number of barks." Beau has become a celebrity at the Flathead lake resort in Montana where he and his family spend the summer. Since learning basic math skills, Beau has now mastered some addition, subtraction, division, and even square roots! Madsen claims that his "canine calculator" as he calls Beau, is correct about 85% of the time, while performing impromptu demonstrations at local restaurants, and for people at the park. Don't believe me? Ask Chris Ricciardi, chief of the Finley Point-Yellow Bay, Montana Fire Department, he will vouch for Beau's skills. "Dave will say, 'What's two and three?' Then the dog will go, 'Bark, bark ... bark, bark, bark,'" said Chris Ricciardi who also added that " This dog is amazing!" Beau had a chance to take his special talent nationwide when he auditioned in Savannah, Georgia for the "Stupid Pet Tricks" segment on the CBS' "Late Show with David Letterman." Unfortunately Beau did not make the cut, but his auditions were aired which got the eye of the the locals making him the talk of the town. On another occasion, when asked how many girls were nearby, Beau barked twice, correct. Then he was asked how many boys? Beau barked five times even though there were only four boys, but it was then that Madsen realised that Beau is male and he was including himself!
I think that Beau's story and talent is incredible! Any animal that can be taught such "human" skills is extraordinary. Kudos to David Madsen, Beau's owner who has obviously spent many hours training with Beau.  I love hearing of stories like this where animals have learn unique skills because it inspires me to at least attempt to train my stubborn Airedale Terrier Kayto! I know, from at experience that training a dog is very hard and takes a lot of patience. Clearly David Mansen loves his dog very much to have spent so much time training him, which I think is really cool. Dogs are a "man's best friend" as they say. I think that Dacid should keep entering Beau in talent competitions as I think that he could potentially win which would be awesome.

 Sources: http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/08/17/us-dog-math-idUSTRE77G3CS20110817

REUTERS, "Montana Dog Becomes Local Celebrity For His Math Skills", August 17, 2011, By Laura Zuckerman

Sidney Crosby Out Again

Sidney Crosby, the star NHL player is yet again sidelined with concussion-like symptoms. Last year during the NHL Winter Classic game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Washington Capitals, Sidney Crosby was blindsided by David Steckel which caused a serious concussion. Crosby missed over 10 months, and has only just returned to the NHL. He has 12 point in 8 games, but is now sidelined once again after receiving an elbow to the head from David Krejci of the Boston Bruins. Crosby finished the game, but noticed the familiar symptoms afterwards. Crosby passed the ImPACT test which is designed to diagnose concussions, but claims that "The ImPACT (test) isn't everything. You've got to listen to your body on these things too." Crosby sat out on the his teams road trip to Philadelphia and New York in hopes of a quick recovery, but he has acknowledged that it could be a while before he plays. Crosby described his thoughts on his current situation as, "I don’t think frustrating, that even describes it,” he said. “It’s not fun but I look at my ImPACT, I look at some of that stuff and I’m way better off than I was dealing with this stuff 10 months ago or whenever it was." On a positive note, after Sidney Crosby was hit last year, the NHL has really cracked down on head shots in the game of hockey. Penalties are much stricter when it comes to head contact, and lengthy suspensions  decided by Brendan Shanahan the NHL's Vice President and disciplinary of head contact. 
I think that Sydney Crosby is an amazing player, and that it is a huge loss to the game of hockey to have him sidelined with injuries. Not only is he a fan favourite, but he is a top point scorer and huge part of his team, the Pittsburgh Penguins. I am glad that the NHL has finally cracked down on head contact, but it is a shame that it was only finally addressed because it was a star player that got hurt. Nevertheless, I think that it is important for concussions to be prevented as much as possible for the safety of the players, and for the integrity of the league. I hope that Crosby has a quick recovery, and is back to the NHL as soon as possible.  

ESPN NHL "Sydeny Crosby Out Indefinitely" December 12, 2011 By the Associated Press


Sources: http://espn.go.com/nhl/story/_/id/7345193/sidney-crosby-pittsburgh-penguins-indefinitely-
concussion-symptoms
             

Crazed Chimpanzee Mangles Woman's Face



Travis the Chimpanzee

Eight months ago a woman named Charla Nash was viciously attacked by a crazed Chimpanzee. Travis, the 15-year old Chimpanzee was a 200 lb, house trained Chimpanzee who had been raised from birth by his owner Sandra Herold in Stamford, Connecticut. Travis had previously appeared on several TV shows and commercials and was a very intelligent primate. Travis was reportedly suffering from Lyme disease (bacterial infection spread through the bite of the black legged tick) and had ingested the drug Xanax which can alter behaviour and trigger aggression. Charla, a good friend of Sandra Herold’s had been on her way over to Sandra’s home to help Travis settle back down after escaping when she was attacked by Travis who proceeded to rip her apart. The emergency call made by Sandra Herold shows just how shocking the attack was, "He's killing my friend!'' Sandra screamed to the 911 operator.

"Who's killing your friend?,'' the emergency operator asks.
"My chimpanzee! He ripped her apart! Shoot him, shoot him!'' While waiting for police to respond to the scene, Sandra attempted to stop the attack by stabbing Travis with a butcher’s knife and hitting him with a shovel. Sandra explains the Chimps reaction to her efforts to stop his attack as "He looked at me like, 'Mum, what did you do?'' Left nearly dead, Charla lost her nose, mouth, both eyes, eye lids, and all of her fingers. Travis was shot dead after attacking police officers which had responded to the call. After eight months of recovery, Charla finally revealed her horrifying facial injuries live on the Oprah Winfrey show after being told of a bounty that had been raised for her photo by U.S tabloids. The Nash family is now suing the owner of Travis the Chimpanzee, Sandra Herold for over $28 million dollars.

Charla Nash before & after the attack

I personally think, although it was a very tragic incident, that the owner should be held completely responsible for Travis’ attack on Charla Nash. I do not believe that animals of that size should be legally allowed to be house pets. Not only is it ridiculous to own a pet that is 200 lb, it is very dangerous as shown by this brutal attack. Travis lost his life because he somehow got his hands on Xanax drugs after escaping from his cage. It is not his fault that he got into it, he did not know any better and he should never have been exposed to anything that would alter his behaviour in such a way. I think that laws should be changed to prevent animals over a certain size and weight to be banned from being house pets. Not only for the safety of the general public from accidents such as this one, but for the safety and health of the animal. I think that Charla Nash’s family is right to sue Sandra Herold, and hopefully Charla Nash and her family will be able to enjoy the rest of their lives despite her injuries.

Mail Online, "Woman who had most of her face torn off by crazed Chimp speaks for the first time", November 2009, By Paul Thompson

Sources: http://www.perthnow.com.au/chimp-rips-womans-face-off/story-fna7dq6e-1111118898149

              http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1226985/Woman-face-torn-crazed-chimp-speaks-time.html

Missing the Warlock?

Charlie Sheen On Set of Two & A Half Men

The hit sitcom Two and a Half Men had 8 successful, hilarious seasons with Charlie Sheen, the warlock, as it's main man. After his extremely public and controversial departure from Two and a Half Men, the hit TV show was left star-less. Charlie Sheen was fired from the show for his unpredictable behaviour, constant partying, drug-abuse, and eventually for an ongoing dispute between him and his studio bosses. According to many sources Sheen was fired after referring to his bosses with the F-word. Sheen claims that his firing was "illegal" and that he should be able to live his life the way he wants as long as he comes to work ready to go. After much dispute, media coverage, and public curiosity Sheen was officially fired from the show. The last few episodes of the season were cancelled, and the sitcom was now looking for a new leading man. That man chosen to replace Sheen was, and is currently Ashton Kutcher.

Ashton Kutcher's big debut was in season 9's opening episode, " Nice to Meet You, Walden Schmidt". I personally feel that he is in a completely different league than Charlie Sheen and not in a good way. Charlie Sheen always provided the big laughs in the show when he was still on cast, which is something that I am still waiting to see from Kutcher. So far this season, the main laughs have come from Angus T.Jones (Jake), and Jon Cryer (Allan). Ashton's character acts very childish and his jokes are almost always quite predictable. The show does not seem to be the same hilarious sitcom that I used to love to watch. The chemistry between the on screen "Harper" family just isn't there any more and the relationship between Allan, Jake, and Walden seems a little forced at times. I will continue to watch the show in hopes that Ashton can fill the incredibly large shoes left behind by Charlie although I expect that it will take at least a season or two until the show seems the same as it used to be. So is Two and A Half Men missing the Warlock, the rock star from Mars? I say yes, they most definitely are

CTV News, "Charlie Sheen fired from Two and a Half Men", March 2011, By The Associated Press
Sources: http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/TopStories/20110307/sheen-fired-men-110307/
              http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Two_and_a_Half_Men