Daylight Savings

This photo was taken just a few hours ago, outside our front window, as I had just returned home from work. Now we've a rainy Monday evening in Vancouver, with the mighty Canucks trying one more time to approach the playoffs, against the LA Kings. We suffered two losses over the weekend, one quite embarassing (2-6) against the Anaheim Ducks. As there's only five games left in the season, each and every one is a 'must win' for the Canucks.

Work week three is going well, insanely busy start to the week, but a few interesting things coming down the pike. My colleagues are pretty friendly and patient but the workload is enough to keep us all busy and at our desks most of the day. As I'm sitting a lot more than before I started working full-time, I've taken to getting off at the opposite end of downtown and walking across to Gastown in about 15 minutes flat. This gives my legs some much needed stretching in the a.m. hours! I start at the most influential area of the city and wind up in funky Gastown, full of old brick lofts and homeless characters at every turn. The area is turning more urban by the month. Many a housing project is coming up and the rich youth are buying up beautiful condos close to the waterfront. I've still to take a photo of the view outside our window - hands down the most impressive view I've ever had at a job.

Ad and I took a walk along the seawall just after dinner, enjoying the clean air during the rain and watching a couple of herons make their way along the waterfront in search of last-minute dinner. The eagles are definitely out and about here, and we see them regularly. There's a couple of nests between Kits and downtown Vancouver - quite an eyeful when they're hovering above you!

On to watch The Office, an episode taped several nights ago…

Signing off,

Ariane C

Satan Hates the Edmonton Oilers/Canada

Rejoice friends, we will not be burdened by Satan's meddling as he might try to render more favoured states in his image:
can u make the ducks win tha stanley cup if u cant do the cardiac arrests? it will relaly piss off my best freind cheryl who has been a l.a. kings fan since 1967

XOoxX
demonzillaz

...
Since I won't do the cardiac arrests, Anaheim is fine by me. Anyone but Edmonton is fine by me...I should have said *any* Canadian team.

Although it seems awefully clear that Edmonton had some divine help to override Satan's handy work. Congrats to Edmonton and The Oil! Go for the Cup!

[This insight into the mind of the Prince of Darkness courtesy emailsfromjesus. Only on the internet...]

For news on June Sixth:
Couples line up to wed Wikipedia: The Number of the Beast
>kooplovessatansicles.

Arena: Chapter 197

Not long ago I read with delight that the city had given up on getting the arena proposal on the next available ballot, but they decided to get tricky about it. And guess who is all up in that business, gallivanting about the country? Mayor McCheese himself, Rob Fong. This Bee article is weird and slapped together. Please help me decipher this paragraph:

Fong, Dangberg and Hahn flew to Memphis on Friday and toured the FedEx Forum, the Grizzlies' home court that is serving as the model for a Sacramento-area building. And this sticker shock provides the jolt: Completed in 2004, before the cost of materials and construction skyrocketed -- and disregarding the significantly higher prices in the western United States -- the 18,119-seat Memphis facility was financed for approximately $250 million, well below the Maloofs' projections for a similar Sacramento structure.

Are they saying that is good or bad? If it's good, then why the phrase "sticker shock"? Here's another head-scratcher:

Joe and Gavin Maloof, co-owners of the Kings and Monarchs, initiated Tuesday's session and suggested they be held in Las Vegas to ensure the presence of George Maloof, the younger brother and brainchild of the family's hotel-casino operation.

If George Maloof is running things, then is he really a brainchild? More like the impresario, right? Here's the dic def of brainchild:

An original idea or plan attributed to a person or group. So a person can't really be a brainchild.

Anyway, I quibble, the larger point is the city is trying to sneak a fast one through yet again and it ain't gonna work.

Arena: Chapter 197

Not long ago I read with delight that the city had given up on getting the arena proposal on the next available ballot, but they decided to get tricky about it. And guess who is all up in that business, gallivanting about the country? Mayor McCheese himself, Rob Fong. This Bee article is weird and slapped together. Please help me decipher this paragraph:

Fong, Dangberg and Hahn flew to Memphis on Friday and toured the FedEx Forum, the Grizzlies' home court that is serving as the model for a Sacramento-area building. And this sticker shock provides the jolt: Completed in 2004, before the cost of materials and construction skyrocketed -- and disregarding the significantly higher prices in the western United States -- the 18,119-seat Memphis facility was financed for approximately $250 million, well below the Maloofs' projections for a similar Sacramento structure.

Are they saying that is good or bad? If it's good, then why the phrase "sticker shock"? Here's another head-scratcher:

Joe and Gavin Maloof, co-owners of the Kings and Monarchs, initiated Tuesday's session and suggested they be held in Las Vegas to ensure the presence of George Maloof, the younger brother and brainchild of the family's hotel-casino operation.

If George Maloof is running things, then is he really a brainchild? More like the impresario, right? Here's the dic def of brainchild:

An original idea or plan attributed to a person or group. So a person can't really be a brainchild.

Anyway, I quibble, the larger point is the city is trying to sneak a fast one through yet again and it ain't gonna work.

Of Crowns And Kings

The former 'princely state' of Cochin was not one of the hefty kingdoms in India at any point of time. At least in the last century of its existence (1850-1950) its *usually* weak and senile Kings (the rule of succession entailed the oldest surviving male member of a large extended family - almost a clan - becoming the Maharajah, and so the 'ruler' tended to be very well on in years, almost always; of course, I am not saying old => weak!) were often laughed at by their own 'subjects'; indeed,to this day, the folk memory of the 'Kochi Rajavu' is that of a generally well-meaning but inconsequential puppet-king, propped up by the British.

Nevertheless, the Maharajas of Cochin used to be proud custodians of a golden crown which I got to see a few days back - now, it is kept under high security, among other massive items of jewellery, in a glass case, in an air-conditioned hall within the 'Hill Palace', which stands atop a small hill about 10 kilometers from the heart of Cochin city (btw, the palace itself is no big deal in terms of opulence - it is more of a grand bungalow - although the estate surrounding it is vast and the view from the top is impressive; it is now a state-owned museum). The crown, more substantial than beautiful, is of solid gold and is studded with several dozens of emeralds, rubies and diamonds. Apparently, it was a gift from the Portuguese in return for some trade concessions (a kickback, Bofors ishtyle?)

Tradition says the Kings of Cochin stopped wearing the crown on their heads when some territory was lost to the Zamorin of Calicut. A pledge was made that it would be kept only on the lap until the lost territory was regained - it never was. One suspects the decision not to wear the crown on the head was also a pragmatic one - the whole thing weighs nearly two kilograms!

Note: I had never before seen a proper golden crown anywhere, not even in the Mysore palace, abode of an infinitely richer prince(ling).

Of Crowns And Kings

The former 'princely state' of Cochin was not one of the hefty kingdoms in India at any point of time. At least in the last century of its existence (1850-1950) its *usually* weak and senile Kings (the rule of succession entailed the oldest surviving male member of a large extended family - almost a clan - becoming the Maharajah, and so the 'ruler' tended to be very well on in years, almost always; of course, I am not saying old => weak!) were often laughed at by their own 'subjects'; indeed,to this day, the folk memory of the 'Kochi Rajavu' is that of a generally well-meaning but inconsequential puppet-king, propped up by the British.

Nevertheless, the Maharajas of Cochin used to be proud custodians of a golden crown which I got to see a few days back - now, it is kept under high security, among other massive items of jewellery, in a glass case, in an air-conditioned hall within the 'Hill Palace', which stands atop a small hill about 10 kilometers from the heart of Cochin city (btw, the palace itself is no big deal in terms of opulence - it is more of a grand bungalow - although the estate surrounding it is vast and the view from the top is impressive; it is now a state-owned museum). The crown, more substantial than beautiful, is of solid gold and is studded with several dozens of emeralds, rubies and diamonds. Apparently, it was a gift from the Portuguese in return for some trade concessions (a kickback, Bofors ishtyle?)

Tradition says the Kings of Cochin stopped wearing the crown on their heads when some territory was lost to the Zamorin of Calicut. A pledge was made that it would be kept only on the lap until the lost territory was regained - it never was. One suspects the decision not to wear the crown on the head was also a pragmatic one - the whole thing weighs nearly two kilograms!

Note: I had never before seen a proper golden crown anywhere, not even in the Mysore palace, abode of an infinitely richer prince(ling).

Kings Cross - Helicopter with huge St George's cross spotted

You'll have to zoom right in as it's not a brilliant photo (the helicopter was miles away) but it was zig zagging over Kings Cross dragging a *huge* St. George's cross behind it during lunchtime with the words "Come on England" in the cross itself... ;) Wonder who paid for that?

Ron Artest: A Sacramento King

The Sacramento Kings have acquired the services of Ron Artest in a trade with the Indiana Pacers in exchange for Peja Stojakovic, it was announced by Kings President of Basketball Operations Geoff Petrie.

LA Kings new articles for Sunday, April 16, 2006Robitaille says goodbye to LA fans as Kings host Flames (The Sports Network)
(Sports Network) - The Northwest Division-champion Calgary Flames try to keep their pre-playoff momentum going when they visit the Los Angeles Kings at the Staples Center on what will be a special night.

Robitaille says goodbye to LA fans as Kings host Flames (Fox 23)
The Northwest Division-champion Calgary Flames try to keeptheir pre-playoff momentum going when they visit the Los Angeles Kings at theStaples Center on what will be a special night.

CLASSES (The Pueblo Chieftain)
More information about the following meetings may be obtained by contacting the group or by calling the telephone number, if listed. TODAY Steel City Eagles, 704 Elmhurst Place, breakfast, 9 a.m. to noon, members and guests, $5. MONDAY Kings Bridge Club, 12:30 p.m., Daylight Donut Shop, 700 W. Sixth St., 542-0477. Pueblo Eagles Auxiliary 145, meeting and i

Kings Island boosts Nickelodeon (The Cincinnati Post)
The children's area at Paramount's Kings Island no longer has a split personality. The Mason theme park, which opens for its 35th season on Friday, sheds its Hanna-Barbera Land/Nickelodeon Central dual identity for the all-encompassing Nickelodeon Universe designation.

Kings head to Phoenix (The Sports Network)
(Sports Network) - The Los Angeles Kings will try to keep their slim playoff hopes alive tonight, as they battle the Phoenix Coyotes at Glendale Arena.

Pop, etc. (San Jose Mercury News)
Major concerts APRIL 13 Little Big Town. 7:30 p.m. Cow Palace, 2600 Geneva Ave., Daly City. $27-$40 (tickets include day's events at Grand National Rodeo, Horse and Stock Show). (408) 998-8497, www.ticketmaster.com.

Nepali King's Fate Unclear (AP via Yahoo! News)
Nepal's Shah dynasty of Hindu god-kings would end, according to legend, after 11 generations.

Kings head to Phoenix (Fox 23)
The Los Angeles Kings will try to keep their slim playoffhopes alive tonight, as they battle the Phoenix Coyotes at Glendale Arena.

Future unclear for king of Nepal (The Columbus Dispatch)
KATMANDU, Nepal — Nepal’s Shah dynasty of Hindu god-kings would end, according to legend, after 11 generations.

Morris, Coyotes down Kings (The Sports Network)
Glendale, AZ (Sports Network) - Derek Morris scored his second goal in as many games as Phoenix tallied three special team goals in the second period for a 3-0 victory over Los Angeles.

LA Kings new articles for Tuesday, April 11, 2006Kings falter at finish (The Sports Network)
(Sports Network) - This season has been one of tremendous ups and downs for the Los Angeles Kings. The Kings held first place in the Pacific Division for a sizeable portion of the season, but then began to fade and head coach Andy Murray was fired.

Kings falter at finish (News Channel 9 Syracuse)
This season has been one of tremendous ups and downs for the Los Angeles Kings.

Kings falter at finish (Fox 23)
This season has been one of tremendous ups and downs forthe Los Angeles Kings.

Peace in Our Time at Valencia...For Now (Football365)
La Liga’s very own kings of conflict and rulers of rancour have stopped fighting amongst themselves and are focused on finishing second behind Barca in La Liga. Tim Stannard reviews the action in Spain...

Mighty Filter Kings capture ABA crown (Manila Bulletin)
REJAN LEE and Terence Tang punctured the hoop with impunity Saturday as Mighty Filter Kings demolished Goldstar, 7263, and clinched the Amateur Basketball Association (ABA) title at the Buddhacare gym in Queazon City.

Kunitz leads Ducks past Kings (The Sports Network)
Los Angeles, CA (Sports Network) - Chris Kunitz scored a pair of goals to guide the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim past the Los Angeles Kings, 4-2, at the Staples Center.

Kings resume fight for playoff life against Ducks (The Sports Network)
(Sports Network) - The Los Angeles Kings try to end an ill-timed slump this evening when they welcome the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim to the Staples Center.

Kunitz leads Ducks past Kings (Fox 23)
Chris Kunitz scored a pair of goals toguide the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim past the Los Angeles Kings, 4-2, at theStaples Center.

Bibby leads Kings over Clippers (The Sports Network)
Los Angeles, CA (Sports Network) - Mike Bibby scored 30 points and grabbed six rebounds as the Sacramento Kings defeated the Los Angeles Clippers, 96-93, at Staples Center, denying the Clippers a chance to clinch their first playoff berth since the 1996-97 season.

Bibby Leads Kings Over Clippers (KCRA.com)
Mike Bibby scored 30 points and grabbed six rebounds as the Sacramento Kings defeated the LA Clippers, 96-93, at Staples Center Friday night.