So we had to read Journey for Justice by Mike McIntyre for our Journalism class this semester. It's about "Project Angel" and how it helped break through the Candace Derksen case. This innocent little girl got snatched up on her way home from school and her investigation went unsolved for over 20 years until the evolution of forensics helped solve her murder.
The book itself was a fairly easy read. It gave all of the detail necessary for anyone who hadn't heard of the Candace Derksen case to understand exactly what was going on. However once the part of the book regarding Mark Grant and the psychological evidence they had in his trial the big words seemed to bog it down a little bit. McIntyre included excerpts of psychiatrist's notes and reports in his book for proof of what types of evidence the crown used to prosecute Grant and these excerpts would have been a little more helpful if they weren't so long. After a while of reading a bunch of doctors diagnosing that this guy had many mental illnesses with all of the medical definitions and what not my brain checked out.
It was nice to see how much he included his relationship and interaction with Wilma Derksen in the book. The fact that Candace's mom was all for it (writing of the book) every step of the way was really shown in Journey for Justice.
What amazed me most about the book was not how the case was cracked 26 years later, but how Wilma's unwavering faith kept her alive the whole time. It still blows my mind that this lady has forgiven the man who murdered her innocent little girl and has stopped asking questions. Flabbergasted. Lost for words. Mind. Literally. Blown.
McIntyre and Wilma Derksen came to speak to us after we had all read Journey for Justice in a seminar at school at the end of March. We didn't get much time to ask questions because Mike gave a thorough description of his background and accomplishments which took up about half of the seminar time. By the time Wilma had given us a little bit of her background there was only enough time for about questions, all of which McIntyre took the liberty of answering. Again, very thoroughly.
The seminar was pretty insightful and I'm glad they took the time out of their day to come and speak with us. The only unfortunate part of the seminar was that time was the enemy and we eventually fell as victims to the restraint of it.
So yeah, read the book. It was actually pretty good and not too long. I read it in just over 2 days (while I was at school so you can do it in a day easily!) There are a few typos but McIntyre I'm sure is well aware of them by now and promises to have them fixed up by the next round of printing.
Journey for Justice by Mike McIntyre, CreComm alumni.
Have You Seen Candace? by Wilma Derksen, also a CreComm alumni.
Thursday, 29 March 2012
Friday, 20 January 2012
Happy Friday?
Today I woke up and thought to myself, "yes, it's Friday."
And then I thought to myself, "Mitchy always says 'Happy Friday' I miss Mitchy I hope I see him today."
I then went on about a minute later to realize I had a nosebleed.
Not so Happy Friday.
Dad made my tea as I cleaned up my situation before heading to the bus stop. So nice of him.
But I was running out of time. This nosebleed set me back.
My cold came back full force right after that nosebleed. Now I can't breathe so well.
Happy Friday? Sure. Let's stay optimistic Allison, Happy Friday.
I was walking to the bus stop and arrived at the end of my street to turn the corner and continue my journey.
SLIPPED.
My one foot slid into my other foot and I was airborn for like .5 seconds and landed hard on my hip.
If only I woulda fallen on my booty, I'm sure there is more than enough padding on that thing to make me bounce back up. But nope. Hip bone it is.
Happy Friday? Well it can't get any worse than this right?
Wrong.
Spilled half of my tea from my fall!
Sewer.
I slipped again.
This time after my bus ride so thankfully my hip had a little time to regroup.
Wasn't my hip this time. I slipped forward.
You know when your foot like slides forward so that your knee snaps back the opposite way from which its supposed to bend so all you can picture in your head is that your knee cap is gonna have a bone sticking through it and you're gonna be stuck laying on the ground with a broken leg and no one will be around to help you and to top it all off it freezing as you-know-what outside?
(Yes I just said that all in one breath.)
Yeah, that happened. Sad-grumpy panda Friday.
However despite all of my obstacles in the first hour and a half of me being awake this morning I made it to school on time.
So Happy Friday right?
One would only hope after all of that my day went smoothly.
NOPE.
K-Press put this sister in a group with B-Logs.
SERIOUSLY?
Yeah seriously.
It's ok though, we decided as a group that he'll be the first character killed off in our Radio Drama.
So all in all.
HAPPY FRIDAY!
And then I thought to myself, "Mitchy always says 'Happy Friday' I miss Mitchy I hope I see him today."
I then went on about a minute later to realize I had a nosebleed.
Not so Happy Friday.
Dad made my tea as I cleaned up my situation before heading to the bus stop. So nice of him.
But I was running out of time. This nosebleed set me back.
My cold came back full force right after that nosebleed. Now I can't breathe so well.
Happy Friday? Sure. Let's stay optimistic Allison, Happy Friday.
I was walking to the bus stop and arrived at the end of my street to turn the corner and continue my journey.
SLIPPED.
My one foot slid into my other foot and I was airborn for like .5 seconds and landed hard on my hip.
If only I woulda fallen on my booty, I'm sure there is more than enough padding on that thing to make me bounce back up. But nope. Hip bone it is.
Happy Friday? Well it can't get any worse than this right?
Wrong.
Spilled half of my tea from my fall!
Sewer.
I slipped again.
This time after my bus ride so thankfully my hip had a little time to regroup.
Wasn't my hip this time. I slipped forward.
You know when your foot like slides forward so that your knee snaps back the opposite way from which its supposed to bend so all you can picture in your head is that your knee cap is gonna have a bone sticking through it and you're gonna be stuck laying on the ground with a broken leg and no one will be around to help you and to top it all off it freezing as you-know-what outside?
(Yes I just said that all in one breath.)
Yeah, that happened. Sad-grumpy panda Friday.
However despite all of my obstacles in the first hour and a half of me being awake this morning I made it to school on time.
So Happy Friday right?
One would only hope after all of that my day went smoothly.
NOPE.
K-Press put this sister in a group with B-Logs.
SERIOUSLY?
Yeah seriously.
It's ok though, we decided as a group that he'll be the first character killed off in our Radio Drama.
So all in all.
HAPPY FRIDAY!
Monday, 9 January 2012
I Went to WPC. You Have No Excuse.
ALLOWED VS. ALOUD.
If you do not know this difference between these two words... I question your life choices.
YOUR VS. YOU'RE.
Please don't even get me started. Too easy.
THEN VS. THAN.
Just go away.
If you do not know this difference between these two words... I question your life choices.
YOUR VS. YOU'RE.
Please don't even get me started. Too easy.
THEN VS. THAN.
Just go away.
Friday, 6 January 2012
For Aunt Dorothy.
To think about all of the "what ifs?"
To think about everything that could have been said.
To ask the question why? Over and over again.
To do any of that would be to waste time.
To think about all of the memories.
To think about all of the smiles.
To think about all of the laughter that was shared.
That would be time well-wasted.
Yes you're gone but you're memory still lives on.
To forget anything about you would be nearly impossible.
You're still very much alive in each and everyone of us.
Your presence was a spark that could ignite much more than a single flame, but instead a whole forest fire.
Yesterday we searched for you. Called out your name.
Today we cry for you. Because we are in pain.
Tomorrow we smile for you because we know you are safe.
A heart heavy with the pain of seeing loved-ones so distraught.
Mine.
A heart I know will heal in time.
Mine.
A heart that will always carry your love and one of a kindness.
My stepmother's. Your children. Your friends. Your family. Mine.
You've left a little piece of you in all of us.
We'll make it through.
Just this time it'll have to be without you.
Rest in Paradise. You will forever be loved.
To think about everything that could have been said.
To ask the question why? Over and over again.
To do any of that would be to waste time.
To think about all of the memories.
To think about all of the smiles.
To think about all of the laughter that was shared.
That would be time well-wasted.
Yes you're gone but you're memory still lives on.
To forget anything about you would be nearly impossible.
You're still very much alive in each and everyone of us.
Your presence was a spark that could ignite much more than a single flame, but instead a whole forest fire.
Yesterday we searched for you. Called out your name.
Today we cry for you. Because we are in pain.
Tomorrow we smile for you because we know you are safe.
A heart heavy with the pain of seeing loved-ones so distraught.
Mine.
A heart I know will heal in time.
Mine.
A heart that will always carry your love and one of a kindness.
My stepmother's. Your children. Your friends. Your family. Mine.
You've left a little piece of you in all of us.
We'll make it through.
Just this time it'll have to be without you.
Rest in Paradise. You will forever be loved.
Word on the Street?
Word on da street is dat we be doin' streeters! Fa show.
Yup, CreComm is back in action. Not so bad for our first week back considering we made it through to Friday with no withdrawals (besides partying). So here's the real question we've asked ourselves if it's not "Why didn't I cry?" It's "What else would we be doing with our first 2 hour J class of the semester other than streeters at 8 am?" Answer: Exactly. Nothing else.
This semester is my first time having Duncan teach me. I was already terrified of him before ever sitting in his classroom. (Have you seen this guy's resume? Pretty impressive. And anyone that can maintain a beard like that has my utmost respect. So an intimidating human being nonetheless.) So I thought I had him all figured out until I walked into the newsroom this morning and was greeted by the "Streeter Look."
What is the Streeter Look might you ask?
It's a look designed to instil panic and fear in any first year CreComm that passes Duncan McMonagle.
It's a cross between a little bratty child scheming and a Dr.Evil sneer. You know he's cooking something up in that brain of his. What he's cooking is Streeters. Streeters in the snow, streeters in the sun, it doesn't matter what the weather is like outside - you're gonna go talk to at least three strangers and you're gonna do it now.
Now I'm pretty sure only Duncan has mastered this look. So don't even attempt it because I'm almost positive he owns copyrights to it or something. CreComm's know everything about "copyright laws and stuff."- Duncan knows more than everything about "copyright laws and stuff."
I'm also pretty sure that he only uses this look on first years.( Just kidding, one can only hope.) Therefore I'm looking forward to next year. If I make it there. Cross your fingers. ( In hopes of no Streeter Looks)
Besides the blowing flurries the assignment wasn't all that bad. At least it wasn't like -15 or something. THAT would suck. Thankfully Duncan gave us a few options to write about. Weather and hockey being two of those options. Can anyone take a stab at what Allison might have chosen to write about?
HOCKEY you say? Me? Noooo.
Just kidding.
Yes I did.
Lucky guess on your part I suppose.
Next blizzard-esque weather we encounter on a Friday morning this semester I will come to school fully prepared to be sent out on to the street by Duncan. The only logical thing we would be doing that morning would be a streeter. Don't worry Duncan, we're on to you here.
Until our next snowstorm, Streeter, until our next snowstorm...
Yup, CreComm is back in action. Not so bad for our first week back considering we made it through to Friday with no withdrawals (besides partying). So here's the real question we've asked ourselves if it's not "Why didn't I cry?" It's "What else would we be doing with our first 2 hour J class of the semester other than streeters at 8 am?" Answer: Exactly. Nothing else.
This semester is my first time having Duncan teach me. I was already terrified of him before ever sitting in his classroom. (Have you seen this guy's resume? Pretty impressive. And anyone that can maintain a beard like that has my utmost respect. So an intimidating human being nonetheless.) So I thought I had him all figured out until I walked into the newsroom this morning and was greeted by the "Streeter Look."
What is the Streeter Look might you ask?
It's a look designed to instil panic and fear in any first year CreComm that passes Duncan McMonagle.
It's a cross between a little bratty child scheming and a Dr.Evil sneer. You know he's cooking something up in that brain of his. What he's cooking is Streeters. Streeters in the snow, streeters in the sun, it doesn't matter what the weather is like outside - you're gonna go talk to at least three strangers and you're gonna do it now.
Now I'm pretty sure only Duncan has mastered this look. So don't even attempt it because I'm almost positive he owns copyrights to it or something. CreComm's know everything about "copyright laws and stuff."- Duncan knows more than everything about "copyright laws and stuff."
I'm also pretty sure that he only uses this look on first years.( Just kidding, one can only hope.) Therefore I'm looking forward to next year. If I make it there. Cross your fingers. ( In hopes of no Streeter Looks)
Besides the blowing flurries the assignment wasn't all that bad. At least it wasn't like -15 or something. THAT would suck. Thankfully Duncan gave us a few options to write about. Weather and hockey being two of those options. Can anyone take a stab at what Allison might have chosen to write about?
HOCKEY you say? Me? Noooo.
Just kidding.
Yes I did.
Lucky guess on your part I suppose.
Next blizzard-esque weather we encounter on a Friday morning this semester I will come to school fully prepared to be sent out on to the street by Duncan. The only logical thing we would be doing that morning would be a streeter. Don't worry Duncan, we're on to you here.
Until our next snowstorm, Streeter, until our next snowstorm...
Sunday, 11 December 2011
Player Profile #2
Here's another one.
Jeff Peel is one of my better besties these days. Not your, "typical" hockey player. And by typical I mean he has a heart! ( I know right? Who woulda thunk...) Quite the jokester this guy is - a huge factor as to why I'm as good friends with him as I am. He played for the MJ team back in my hometown and that's how we met. I went to almost every road game these boys played in stein, portage, winnipeg, selkirk, and even d-town sometimes. But even though he's done his junior days he still plays a little intramural hockey at school every week! Here's a little about his MJHL hockey days.
Meet Jeff Peel:
Hometown:
Virden, MB
Position:
Forward
Number:
23
Shoots:
Left
What team did you play for?
Swan Valley Stampeders (MJHL)/ Melville Millionaires (SJHL)
How long did you play there?
2 and half years in Swan, Half a year in Melville
What does hockey mean to you?
Best sport in the world, a lot of fun and a great way to meet new people
How long have you played?
16 years
Who's your favourite player?
Jordan Eberle
Why?
Because he's the man
Why do you wear your number?
Got it given to me by the GM
What's your pregame meal?
Anything
Do you have any game day rituals?
Sleep for 2 hours in the afternoon
What do you plan to do after hockey?
Go to University and hopefully marry Allison Pattison
Peel is already in University considering his last season was his last year of junior. You can only play until you're 20 in the MJ. As far as the whole marrying me thing goes... We'll have to see about that one. Im not ready for marriage Jeff Peel - I like to party. He's also an h-core Oilers fan... bleeds orange and blue or something lame like that. BUT he loves twitter so follow him : @peel23
Jeff Peel is one of my better besties these days. Not your, "typical" hockey player. And by typical I mean he has a heart! ( I know right? Who woulda thunk...) Quite the jokester this guy is - a huge factor as to why I'm as good friends with him as I am. He played for the MJ team back in my hometown and that's how we met. I went to almost every road game these boys played in stein, portage, winnipeg, selkirk, and even d-town sometimes. But even though he's done his junior days he still plays a little intramural hockey at school every week! Here's a little about his MJHL hockey days.
Meet Jeff Peel:
Hometown:
Virden, MB
Position:
Forward
Number:
23
Shoots:
Left
What team did you play for?
Swan Valley Stampeders (MJHL)/ Melville Millionaires (SJHL)
How long did you play there?
2 and half years in Swan, Half a year in Melville
What does hockey mean to you?
Best sport in the world, a lot of fun and a great way to meet new people
How long have you played?
16 years
Who's your favourite player?
Jordan Eberle
Why?
Because he's the man
Why do you wear your number?
Got it given to me by the GM
What's your pregame meal?
Anything
Do you have any game day rituals?
Sleep for 2 hours in the afternoon
What do you plan to do after hockey?
Go to University and hopefully marry Allison Pattison
Peel is already in University considering his last season was his last year of junior. You can only play until you're 20 in the MJ. As far as the whole marrying me thing goes... We'll have to see about that one. Im not ready for marriage Jeff Peel - I like to party. He's also an h-core Oilers fan... bleeds orange and blue or something lame like that. BUT he loves twitter so follow him : @peel23
Friday, 2 December 2011
Player Profile #1
With the weather slowly starting to get a little bit colder, we're hoping the outdoor rinks will get flooded soon. A little pick-up hockey is always a ritual for my family during the Christmas break, and I know of a few other families that do the same. I was talking to a friend of mine last night after his hockey game and he was talking about coming home for Christmas break soon as well and was looking forward to hitting up the outdoor. I'm so proud of how far he's gotten considering that he's come from such a small place. I want everyone to know about him, so here he is!
Meet Dee Fontaine:
Hometown:
Opaskwayak Cree Nation
Position:
Centre/ Right Wing
Number:
17
Shoots:
Right
What team do you play for?
Utah State Aggies
Division 2 Hockey
Where did you play last year?
Opaskwayak Cree Nation (OCN) Blizzard
Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL)
What does hockey mean to you?
It's a part of me; I don't know what I would be doing or where I would be right now if it wasn't for hockey. It teaches me a lot and has made me the person I am right now.
How long have you played?
I've been playing hockey since I was 4 years old.
Who's your favourite hockey player?
Sidney Crosby.
Why?
The fact that he's still very young and has surpassed every expectation that's been given to him. He is unbelievably talented and dedicated to the game; it motivates me to get better whenever I watch him play.
Why do you wear number 17?
My father always wore #17 and my brothers have always worn it, so I felt I needed to do the same.
What's your pre-game meal?
Usually I eat Pasta and Salad.
Do you have any Game-Day rituals?
Nope.
What do you plan to do after hockey?
I'm in my first year of University right now so I am deciding what I want to major in, after my four years here I am planning on playing Pro for a couple of years, of course if that doesn't work out then I will get my Masters.
Utah State University is in Logan, Utah. Dee is attending school there on a scholarship. His team is doing really well, their record so far is 19-1-1. The top 2 teams in his team's division get an automatic bid to Nationals. With his team being one of those two teams he gets to travel to Florida this year to take part in this big deal.
I have a feeling these boys are gonna bring home the title this year.
Meet Dee Fontaine:
Hometown:
Opaskwayak Cree Nation
Position:
Centre/ Right Wing
Number:
17
Shoots:
Right
What team do you play for?
Utah State Aggies
Division 2 Hockey
Where did you play last year?
Opaskwayak Cree Nation (OCN) Blizzard
Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL)
What does hockey mean to you?
It's a part of me; I don't know what I would be doing or where I would be right now if it wasn't for hockey. It teaches me a lot and has made me the person I am right now.
How long have you played?
I've been playing hockey since I was 4 years old.
Who's your favourite hockey player?
Sidney Crosby.
Why?
The fact that he's still very young and has surpassed every expectation that's been given to him. He is unbelievably talented and dedicated to the game; it motivates me to get better whenever I watch him play.
Why do you wear number 17?
My father always wore #17 and my brothers have always worn it, so I felt I needed to do the same.
What's your pre-game meal?
Usually I eat Pasta and Salad.
Do you have any Game-Day rituals?
Nope.
What do you plan to do after hockey?
I'm in my first year of University right now so I am deciding what I want to major in, after my four years here I am planning on playing Pro for a couple of years, of course if that doesn't work out then I will get my Masters.
Utah State University is in Logan, Utah. Dee is attending school there on a scholarship. His team is doing really well, their record so far is 19-1-1. The top 2 teams in his team's division get an automatic bid to Nationals. With his team being one of those two teams he gets to travel to Florida this year to take part in this big deal.
I have a feeling these boys are gonna bring home the title this year.
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