Homosexuality in NHL

This week's blog I decided to bring up the topic of homosexuality in hockey...specifically the NHL. This weekend as I was channel surfing an episode on the TV show 'Marketplace' caught my attention. The episode talked about homosexuality in hockey and how there is no openly gay males in the NHL, this was surprising to me. Being in a world where homosexuality is pretty much accepted…we see gay marriages all the time…celebrities such as Ellen DeGeneres ‘coming out’ and other athletes in other sports such as Olympic swimming champion Mark Tewksbury, just to name a few have admitted to being gay, but the fact that no hockey player has admitted to being gay is astounding to me. The stigma of homosexuality is obviously still an ongoing issue. The show also profiled Brendan Burke, the son of Toronto Maple Leafs, General Manager, Brian Burke. Brendan was an openly gay male who came out to his family then to the world on ESPN.com. Brendan was the manager for the hockey team at Miami University in Ohio and was becoming the closest person to the NHL ever to come out publically and say he was gay, sadly Brendan died in a car accident on Feb 5, 2010. A bit of Brendan’s statement from the ESPN interview was “I think it’s important my story is told to people because there are a lot of gay athletes out there and gay people working in pro sports that deserve to know there are safe environments where people are supportive regardless of your sexual orientation,”. Brendan’s father Brian has become an advocate for homosexuality, he participated in the gay pride parade, and attends various dinners, and it’s quite a symbol to see this big, burly GM of the NHL participate in these functions. It should show these athletes that it’s ok to be you and not to be intimidated by the league. We all know that hockey is perceived as a macho sport which players have a tough mentality but should that really stop them from accepting homosexuality in the league? With modern society today is the NHL finally ready to accept gay hockey players? These are just a couple of questions that entered my mind as I thought about this issue. Maybe it just takes one brave soul to break the barrier and finally make every one realize that someone’s sexual orientation doesn’t define them as a person nor as a player!!

StarBucks New Logo

Starbucks is launching a New Logo in March, although i have never had Starbucks before (shocking i know) i'm not sure if i like the new design...I kinda like the old one...maybe i'm just old fashion and don't like change...but having just the Siren on its packaging seems like its missing something..I like seeing 'Starbucks Coffee' logo on the cups...wouldn't it be strange if Tim Hortons had just a logo that says 'Always Fresh Coffee' without the known Tim Horton's logo..be kinda weird wouldn't it??...Just my opinion :)

Has Miley Cyrus been stripped off her Role Model title???

The recent video leaked on you tube about teen sensation Miley Cyrus smoking the 'legal' drug Salvia, has generated quite the media buzz! Salvia divinorum is a sprawling perennial herb found in the Sierra Mazatec region of Mexico. It's leaves contain the extremely potent Salvinorin A. It has a history of buccal use as a divinatory psychedelic, and has been widely available since the mid 1990s primarily as a smoked herb. Its effects are considered unpleasant by many people. Do you think because this video was leaked strips her of her popularity and innocence? Or is it harmless teenage experimentation? My thoughts on this is that if Miley wants to have some recreational fun, then she should do it in a more private setting. She lives a very public life and to display that type of behavior is only asking for trouble, especially if you are in a group setting. The advances technology has nowadays just opens her up for the possiblity of people taking advantage of certain situations and public scrunity. I think Miley needs to take into consideration that if she is gonna party with friends she should be aware of the implications that may arise. She is a role model with a very young fan base, and having decided to be in this type of industry, Miley needs to uphold that image she has created for herself!

My Hometown, Holyrood, NL

Holyrood, NL

This week's blog i decided to do a little write up about my hometown, Holyrood, NL. Holyrood is a small town with a lot of great tourism attractions. I decided to talk about some of them this week and give you all a little look into the place where i grew up, i shall post some beautiful scenery pics as well. Every year Holyrood holds its annual Squid Jiggin Festival, this festival originated 1988,  got its name from the long history of the inshore squid fishery that occurred in Holyrood Harbour. Squid fishermen used small open boats equipped with a jigger rigged reels to catch squid. During the last week in July the Squid Fest offers a large variety of events that are exciting and enjoyed by people of all ages. Throughout the days of the week children may participate in everything from a Teddy Bears Picnic to a Bicycle Rodeo. Other people may enjoy a relaxing afternoon surrounded by local folk talent. Evenings offer exciting live entertainment and dancing at the Beach Party. Holyrood has lots of walking trails and parks such as The Salmonier nature park, which is based on a nature walk. The animals are in large natural enclosures scattered along the park trail, which allow visitors to see animals that are part of their natural surroundings, not divorced from them, and which also encourage visitors to feel they are part of these surroundings. Salmonier Nature Park takes people into the landscape where the animals are displayed in settings that are as natural as possible.

Our Lovely friends who like to come out for a visit :)

There is also a great swimming park as well, the Holyrood Swimming Park is well known throughout the Avalon Peninsula as an excellent place to bring your family for a day of swimming, sunbathing and picnicking. The Maher's river provides clean and safe swimming for young and old alike. There is a "kiddie" pool for the very young children. A great day to spend a sunny afternoon....One of the most major attractions to Holyrood is the Willows Golf Course, which is one of the province's most scenic 9 hole, with natural landscape, its worth the trip to spend the day there its absolutely gorgeous.

I always knew that there was many attractions to Holyrood, but i never really realized how much until now, its a great place to live. There are many more things to do here than i haven't mentioned, such as the George Cove Mountain and Murray's Peak hiking trails which once you make it to the top the scenery is absolutely breathtaking. Now it is quite the exercise to the top, but believe me its worth it!! I will post a link to the Town of Holyrood and I recommend you to go through the photo gallery as there are some great shots posted in there. Holyrood is a small town with a big heart and I encourage everyone to drop by, have a visit and enjoy the hospitality Holyrood has to offer :)
Town of Holyrood webiste:  http://www.townofholyrood.com/