I C Red...and lots of it!

In search of something to fit the bill for the latest concurrent blog challenge (theme colour red), it was difficult to go past my memories of the NHL playoff season of 2004 where the Calgary Flames defied all expectations to make it to the Stanley Cup final. As these photos demonstrate, red featured quite prominently during that time, with the city experienced rabid hockey fever and every person in town barracked (or as the Canadians like to say “rooted”) for the local heroes. After each win thousands of Flames fans marched down the streets decked out in the team colours of red to celebrate. Its funny to note that not too long ago a study came out reporting that red coloured jerseys give teams a slight performance advantage over their non-red attired opponents. Whaddya know?

Frequent outings by fans in red after a win paved the way for the phrases such as "Sea of Red" or "C (as in Calgary) of Red" and the "Red Mile" becoming part of the vernacular.

Few people chanced showing support for the opposing team, Tampa Bay Lightning (whose jersey is white and blue), during local screenings of away matches, hence the unadulterated appearance (sea, if you like) of red in the crowd.

Proof that you can never have too many red flags trailing off your car when you're a Flames supporter.

In the end it wasn't to be and the Flames lost in the seventh and final game, not only breaking countless hearts in Calgary, but also putting into dispute the claim that a red jersey equates to winning. Nevertheless, one could argue that, if anything, red was the most appropriate colour for a team that inspired such fanatical and feverishly passionate scenes in Calgary in 2004.

For more discussions on all things red check out the writings of jfox, Yossarian, Ms Geugenbauren III, Flygirl.

The name is Blond...I mean Bond, James Bond.

Its arguably the most hotly contested issue among movie fans across the world. Of course I'm talking about who is the best person to portray James Bond. Now I don't lay claim to having an expert understanding of what makes the ultimate personification of the Ian Flemming creation; however, as is my understanding via television and the related media, it is crucial that the spy is depicted by someone who can convincingly portray the debonair, yet ruthless assasin working for the M16, someone who can effortlessly dispose of villains, looks good in a tux, knows his way around a stick shift Aston, is ready with the quips and of course, knows how to score with the chicks. Awhile back, when it was announced that not only was another bloke was going to take over the Bond mantle from the conventionally suitable Pierce Brosnan, but that he was to be played by the rather blond, nuggety and, dare I say, haggard-faced Daniel Craig, many people (myself included) opined their disapproval. Not someone I instantly would have picked as the sophisticated spy who lives out the dream of young and impressionable males. But...., after seeing the latest incarnation of Bond starring Craig, Casino Royale, can I emphatically say that I am now a believer? Craig is fantastic as Bond and is absolutely convincing as the intense, cold-hearted assassin that quickly disposes of villains either of a humorous caricature-ilk (eye-patch sporting dude, I'm talking to you) or the kind that are prone to a little double-crossing. Most importantly, and dare I say unexpectedly, Craig looks good, full stop. Wardrobe department? personal trainer? whoever? - round of applause for a job well done. Sure there were many moments where it was difficult to stiffle a gaffaw at the antics on display (e.g. crashing through a wall of plaster ala Hulk is one episode that springs to mind) and the plot of which to speak of was somewhat lacking, Another sticking point was the love story plot, where the 007 agent was prepared to sacrifice his commitment to the service for a *gasp!* a woman, which I could not reconcile with the love-em-and-leave-em lothario that he has often been shown as. Nevertheless, with the amount of biffo and brawn on display in this flick, its clear that this Bond was not someone to be triffled with and that he could dispose of someone in the blink of an eye. More so, his bulky physique made Brosnan's previous excursions seem rather wimpish in comparison. The retro intro could have easily veered dangerously into Austin Power's territory but was instead clever and stylish...aaannnnddd the Bond theme song we've all come to know and love was saved for the end! Hooray! From a female perspective, while rather violent, this Bond is certainly a cut above the rest of the imitators of late and though not particularly handsome, Craig effortlessly persuades us that he is the suave and sophisticated secret service agent who can really fill out a three piece suit - you heard right, a three piece!

Famous faces in local places - Episode 2

"A twin brother???!!! Whatdjootalkin' about? I got no twin brother. Stop talking like a damn fool."