Brandon Bisson's blog

Aim for a Great Finish

2010-05-21T12:39:00.001-07:00

This summer marks the second year since my grandfather passed away from dementia. He was the one who was always there for me.
When I would go without, he was there to give me the things that make a childhood what it is. To say I miss him would be an understatement. I wasn't right beside him when he passed, I beat myself up about that every day.
When I was four my grandmother died of cancer. Everyone has a story and the loss of a loved one is always a part of it, at one point or another. Death is an aspect of life that is not merciful, when it is your time it's your time. As a child things don't feel the same, for the most part you feel confusion. Pain is a part of growing up, learning about how life is, is the hardest part of it all.
One day it all ends for us all, and yet we continue living on. The reason is, life is filled with so much that we need to feel, hear and be a part of.
I don't want to miss a thing, being able to say that you did everything you wanted to, that sounds like a good end to me.

Music is a soul

2010-05-21T12:38:00.001-07:00

There are days when we all need someone, or something to help us.
For a long time it has been music for me. Music is its own entity, a mood, a state of mind, raw emotion channelling through everyone. When you hear a song from five years ago it is something special, the moment you hear it, that time of your life comes flooding back.
Music is a drug for many people, for me it is more than just a thing. Writing is a way for people to express themselves, you can turn any text into a thing of music. Unlike humanity, music can be seen for what it is, there is no shroud that covers its identity. The emotion behind a musician's experiences are true for everyone that listens, what you hear is what you feel, it may not be what the next person feels or hears.
One of the best things about the summer is that music is outdoors, flowing all around the community. Some people are karaoke singers, others sing only in the shower. With every thing considered, music has been and always will serve as glue.
There are personalities that have nothing in common, but a single song can bridge a gap and bring unlikely friends together.
Music is what some call magic.

How exciting can the Playoffs get?

2010-05-17T11:59:00.000-07:00

These playoffs were definitely not scripted...

It has been only three times in the Stanley Cup playoffs that a team has come from a 3-0 series deficit and won the series in four straight making it 3-4. The Philadelphia Flyers did it against the Boston Bruins in the quarter finals to advance to the Conference finals against the Montreal Canadiens. The Canadiens were seeded eighth in the playoffs. The Canadiens beat the top seeded Washington Capitals — the number one team in the NHL in scoring — in the first round.
The Canadians then faced off against the Pittsburgh Penguins – the defending Stanley Cup champions. The penguins coughed up the series to Montreal in game seven. It can be easily said that the series with the Canadiens and Flyers will be the most anticipated. In the Western Conference finals, the San Jose Sharks are going toe to toe with the Chicago Blackhawks, a young fast-skating team that has a good future ahead of them. The San Jose Sharks have been to the playoffs but find themselves unable to win when it counts the most. This series will be a test for both teams to show there fans and themselves that they can win when the stake are highest. With everything on the line, these teams have to dig deep and find a way to win. On both sides of the playoff tree there is a distinguishing difference in the turn out. The Conference finals in the east are entirely different form the finals in the west. The first and second seeded teams are facing off in the west and the seventh and eighth seeded teams are fighting it out in the east.
There are people who feel the winner in the west will take home the Stanley Cup this year, but if anything is clear it is that the two eastern teams that are left have overcome adversity and have a shot at winning against any team. The contrast between the two series could not be any more pronounced. Whichever team takes home the Stanley Cup will be a part of history – this could possibly be the most exciting playoffs since the lockout.

Education System

2010-05-12T05:20:00.001-07:00

Everyday you try to make ends meet to provide a home for your family and to make something of your life. The economy, the time it takes, the other people, all these things are obstacles in life that you have to go through. There are many choices to be made, with very little knowledge of how things may turn out. The skills that you acquire that help you through life are taught through learning the hard way. You cannot read a book and know how to live life, or what could happen if you did this or that.

Kids of today are finding it easier to dwell on less important things, pathways that make it easier for them to go on with life. The choices we make early on are very crucial. Should we allow for the culture of today to make decisions for the youth? Children watch TV and see characters that they themselves wish to be, and we tell them they can be whatever they want. Then we come out with labels and stereotypes that give people no choice in who they are to others.

Kids are kids not adults that are here to be moulded into what society feels they should be. We have testing and activities that separate the “weak-minded” and the “intellectually gifted” within a community. High schools, in particular, have become places where kids are slotted into a certain path and never given an equal chance to become what they want to be. Based on tests and one-way learning , kids are missing out because the education system feels it needs to baby every person that walks through its doors.

I am currently in high school and from what I see the education system has become pitiful and weak. Colleges and Universities won't take a large portion of graduates because there is a large number of high school graduates that are not prepared. It is the education system's responsibility to make sure that the youth in our society have equal opportunity and are able to thrive and become all they can be.

The outcome for a Journalist

2010-05-03T07:51:00.001-07:00

When I first thought about being a journalist I wanted to live in the big city and work on the big news stories. Looking on it now, I feel differently about it. I would rather work in a small city with a tight knit community.
With this choice, it would take a lot longer time for me to experience career burn-out or a need to retire from the field. Being apart of a community and seeing what you write having an effect on people, and it causing discussion is a feeling that I myself cannot describe.
I may not be 100 percent sure of where I want to go, but I'm going to keep this in mind. A journalist's career can be short or long depending on the person, and that person may need to make a change in the future to help keep them happy.

The Need to be Known

2010-04-14T06:07:00.003-07:00

As a reporter you need to know who to talk to, who is important with each story. If you have a criminal case, it is clear that you would talk to the police officers involved. If the case has something to do with theft, getting the victim's name is important. Informing people of what is going on around them every day is a task that takes diligence, tenacity, and connections. Knowing what connections to use and how to use them can make or break a story. Learning the boundaries and finding a way to do a story are aspects of the job that require skill, which you work on throughout your career. I have noticed that in a short period of time you can have many connections with law enforcement, or even small business owners. A news reporter is only as good as his or her connections.

Looking Ahead

2010-04-14T06:07:00.001-07:00

Over the last weeks of my placement at The Intelligencer, I plan on writing as much columns, briefs, and “people and events” as possible. By getting my name out there, I am creating a structure for my future. I owe a lot to my school and all the people I currently call co-workers here at the Intelligencer. Without their guidance I would be at square one, unaware of what I'm missing. I'm working hard to use my time here as wisely as possible. Opportunities come around in life, its all about what you do with them.

Co-op update

2010-04-07T11:50:00.001-07:00

This past week I have been working on my all-round journalism skills. I have been focusing on photography, watching how the reporters take their shots and what shots are priority. In today's journalism you need to be able to out stretch into every area there is, whether it is photography, writing, reporting, or designing the newspaper layout. Through this Co-op placement I am learning a lot. Keeping focused and realizing your goal is very important, but you also need to be open to possibilities. I have been very busy with running around and working on other things that my blog has suffered. I will be working on more posts in the next week, it takes time to make a routine (next to impossible).

My time at the Intelligencer

2010-03-24T05:31:00.002-07:00

I wrote my first story about a week ago. I am hoping to write more over more stay at the Belleville Intelligencer. My stay here has been more than I could have wished for. The news has been going wild over the last month even. This past March break was full of new crime cases and other big news in the area. You could say that I started at a great time, I wouldn't disagree. News is a fickle thing. One day your staring at the ceiling wondering what to write about , and the next your scrambling to keep all your stories fresh in your head. Running around like a chicken with its head cut off is common in journalism, but so is the waiting game. In many ways I find the waiting game less bearable than the running around losing your mind. Things can get out of hand, but it is a lot of fun. The news is something I feel connects a community in a way nothing else can. Being at the Intelligencer I see it every day. To be honest it surprised me to see how much the news really is involved with everyday life. In the next few weeks I anxiously await another story of my own.

Just a state of mind

2010-03-24T05:31:00.000-07:00

I may not be a environmentalist, but I think things are headed to destruction.
Planet Earth has been experiencing some issues of late. Ever since there has been man, there has been the end of the world hanging in the fringe. Now, no matter how true the theories may be about humanity's demise, life on planet Earth has become even more unpredictable. Climate theorists are suggesting that the Earth is off its axis. My main thought is; climate is always changing, the earth is always changing, so why do these changes say we are in danger? I believe fear has got the better of us. I do not mean being green is useless, but let’s be honest, drawing conclusions is something humanity tends to do a lot. These conclusions do not always have substantial facts to them. The world is fragile and should be treated with more care than what we are giving it. Lets remember that this planet has gone through more things than we can account for, we can not possibly know everything about it. Looking forward we should relax and take it a day at a time, rather than creating the feeling of an impending doom.

The budget that may come

2010-03-10T05:44:00.001-08:00

The federal budget is unveiled, the goal is to rid us of debt.
When the federal budget was released, certain party leaders made their opinions clear. New Democratic Party leader Jack Layton said that he would not vote in favour of the budget because the budget does not have enough money going into our environment. He would also not vote no, there may be another course to take. Michael Ignatieff leader of the Liberals also did not say he would vote “no,” but that he would not vote “yes.” Politics aside, the budget has a lot to offer. There will be no raised taxes, for which we are lucky. The budget is meant to take A $56 billion deficit we have made, and shrink it to $2 billion in five years. The budget does not just stop heavy spending, but it will also allow for jobs to open in Canada and insure that our economy will still be able to grow. In my opinion there are signs when a government is helping its country and when it is just stalling for re-election. The fact the government is freezing wages within the government system simply states, that the main goal of right now is to keep the money in our hands. Looking back at the campaign the Conservatives won on at the last election, they promised to keep our money in our hands.

So what do students have to gain from this budget? Well rather than taking money from our education system the government has put more money into education systems. This helps because colleges and universities are constantly increasing tuition. Jobs should be easier to get than last year. The government has put more money into businesses so that Canadians can get jobs. The future for students under this budget could be bright.

In order for us to ever see this budget through, it must first be voted upon in Parliament. The idea that an election may be the result if the budget fails to pass the House is unsettling — mostly unsettling for the parties that are not ready for re-election.

Belleville's Rockin' summer

2010-03-05T09:00:00.001-08:00

This summer the streets of Belleville will echo with the sounds of Lynyrd Skynyrd, Alice Cooper and Three Doors Down.
Not only will the annual Waterfront Festival be taking place this summer but the Empire Theatre will be holding its own concert. The Empire's three day music feast will include three headlining bands. Alice Cooper, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Three Doors Down will be the three headlining bands. July 22, 23, 24 will be the dates these bands will perform. There is also going to be a festival at Zwicks Park during the summer.

Belleville seems to be booking a lot of talent in recent years. Could this mean there will be further development to give us an entertainment arena or new grounds to bring even bigger venues to this city? It seems to be a likely possibility unless Belleville is happy with what they have, but for the most part people want more. Building a bigger venue will open the doors for more artists to perform here in Belleville.

Seeing and hearing live performers is an experience unlike any other. To be able to have large-scale performances from bands that are bigger than the town they play in is a great feat. For music enthusiasts, the chance to see their favourite band live in their own hometown, is great.

Here I am, at the Intelligencer

2010-03-05T08:15:00.000-08:00

Being at the Intelligencer has brought more than just a learning experience for me, I also have the ability to brag about my placement. I get to see what is going on in the world and my hometown. Being in the “know” is a privilege the newspaper and other media sources give us. There are times when I would like to not know certain things.

Confidentiality has swept into my life during this time. You never know how much there is that is not meant to be said. When dealing with court cases or possible opening businesses there is a lot to be considered. The media is meant to inform the people, but there are times when the news can make things worse. Court cases have been thrown out due to a media leaks.

Things have not been all cautious, in fact I have had a lot of fun. It is as if I have become a part of the real world, and I like it. Being here has made me more open-minded. I look forward to being criticized in my work, to be better.

While at the Intell

2010-03-05T08:13:00.001-08:00

I have been at the Intelligencer for almost a month now. If I look back at myself before this placement, I would see that I had no clue what the news business really was. I have gone to court many times to simply see when a pre trial will be set. I have spent many days in the newsroom. I have experienced many things within this first month, many of which are due to a stroke of luck and timing.

When going to school, things like grammar and punctuation are not focused on nearly enough. (Previous sentence a prime example — editor's note). In my first week, I could see that there is much for me to learn. Writing is not the only thing that I have to work on. Interviewing people and being comfortable doing so are things that come with a journalist's life.
I feel that with the amount of things I have seen and done so far, that I am already benefiting tenfold.

Soon I hope to be conducting a live interview for my own article in the newspaper. When this day comes, my mark on the newspaper will be made. I hope it will be a good one.

The newsroom is like a big family, and I am glad to be apart of it for the time being.

Olympics over

2010-03-03T13:15:00.000-08:00

Now that the Olympic frenzy is over, the history-making event concludes.
Canada set a new record for most gold medals at the winter Olympics this year with 14, breaking the record by one. Many Canadians saw that we had our gold coming, even when the start of the Olympics did not bring as many medals as we had hoped. Probably the biggest event Canadians as a whole look at are the men's and woman's hockey tournament. Both the men's and woman's hockey teams walked away with gold a feat that Canada has done before at the Salt lake city winter Olympics.

The closing ceremonies brought to an end the glorious event and sent some Olympians to retirement and others thirsty for redemption. Now things will start to heat up all over the world. Because while the Olympics were setting people's national pride on fire, political and life-threatening issues continued to unfold elsewhere in the world. In the last few days Chile was hit by a large scale earthquake that hit at 8.8 on the rector scale — a thousand times larger than the Haiti earthquake. Death totals are said to be lower than Haiti. Haiti was struck by an earthquake that surpassed what most earthquakes get on the rector scale, which was a 7.0. Meanwhile, the efforts for rebuilding Haiti have continued on through the Olympics, though, and are still needed. The country bonded like at no other time while the games were on.
In politics, Prime Minister Stephen Harper's government has been receiving some flak for decisions they have made to suspend Parliament.
There is going to be a lot going on in government for the next while, there are many global issues rising and many things within our country that have to be taken care of.

What about the News?

2010-02-24T11:48:00.000-08:00

In todays society we take many things for granted. Looking deeper you can see different age groups take advantage of different things and ignore others. The news in general now has a select demographic, the younger crowd has stop listening in some ways. News is not only a way for good conversation, but it helps in other ways. The idea of a future crosses everyone's mind. With the news you can see what is going on in the world. With that you can make plans and decisions based on the way the world is. It almost seems like that aspect to news has been cast aside.

This occurrence is not to be blamed on the people not reading. It is, simply put, an issue of the media. It may be that things have become so diluted, that it has become hard for people to see news form tabloids. The paper in its on way, has become a model of how things have changed. The web has become a large distributor of information. The need for a newspaper has been questioned by many people over the last few years. Like the people's idea of news, the paper has had to bend in ways it never did before. Becoming smaller and being limited to what it can put out there, the paper has become an acquired taste. For younger people today it has become easier to just turn the computer on and do a Google search for what is going on.

The similarity between the paper and the lack of interest in news is this. People have become fans of new ways of reading. Some do not care for affairs other then their own. Things like games and other materialistic items have become more important than the worlds issues. The newspaper is old news and the internet is fresh. Knowing other worldly things is not everyone's concern anymore.

The things we choose to Ignore.

2010-02-24T11:46:00.000-08:00

Danger comes in many forms. Many of these to see. The simplest thing can cause a lot of pain and loss. The idea that someone would harm you for their own benefit is confusing in ways that almost makes a person blind to it. The world has become a place of which we hide from what we do not know or we simply continue on with our day. The simplest thing like having your pin number stolen could lead to you having no money. There are people that would take your life for something that is not theirs.
Life has become about an arrangement of choices that you make. These choices can make life harder or easier. Being aware of the facts of life has become a necessity to everybody.
The days of carelessness are over.

The thing about Music

2010-02-24T09:12:00.000-08:00

Things are always changing, what people like, how people perceive things. There are always things that no matter how much it may seem or feel, never change. Music is and always has been a demonstration of emotions. It captures the listener in what ever mood they may be in. Nowadays there are new genres that have appeared, something new, fresh. These genres are influenced by the times, and the times are hard to define.

Many teenagers do not realize that they directly influence how music evolves through time. Their views, their feelings are what music is about. That is shown through to-days music, such as ; heavy metal, alternative rick, screamo, metal core, and many more. Even though these types of music exist some of them have yet to become mainstream, not many radio stations play them. There are a number of reasons why some music never makes it into the mainstream. For one big reason is; there are many adults that do not care for non – mainstream music at all. In most cases mainstream music has been lost to older generations. It is almost like there is a cut off point where ether you continue to grow with the music or you leave it behind. Many cases “you leave it behind” has become the answer.

There are somewhat clear lines of where a genre begins and another ends. At times it is still hard to tell. The main point is, that music is something that is and will always be influenced by time. We share that same aspect.

In Belleville we have many music fanatics that claim there favorite band or type of music to be the best. The thing is, all music stems from the same root. It would be correct to say that always music is wonderful, no matter how painful it could be. Teenagers in this city have a diverse outlook on music as a whole. That very well could be because unlike other areas of the world we have a culture that is influenced by more than just one city. The Quinte region is a single entity that decides what is on demand rather than it being singular for just Belleville. Refreshing to know that we live in an area that allows expressions of music to develop with us rather than fixating on one and only one.

The truth is, we as a community, on many levels, have become creators of our own culture.

MMA is Here

2010-02-23T11:29:00.000-08:00

Across the world MMA has begun to draw attention to itself in a very positive way. People all over are watching as their favorite fighter goes for the championship. The fan base has started its growth with this sport. At the start many people thought that it would soon go under due to boxing's hold on the industry. Now it is clear that MMA is here to stay and there is nothing that anyone can do about it. This sport by character is not for everyone. There are points that people make about how gruesome it is and how it is inhumane. These feelings have had no effect on the ever growing organization like the UFC. In fact the idea of people even making a big deal about it, brings forth how much it has grown with its fans. Now on TV, it captures a raw instinct that all humans have.

In Belleville many teenagers have started taking it seriously and are attempting to make it a career for themselves. There are training programs all over, it is as easy as buying clothes. The phenomenon of MMA clothing stores has popped up out of nowhere. It is clear that our culture has had a new aspect added to it.

MMA has captured a state of mind that almost everyone has experienced. The tenacity of the sport is real, the competitiveness is true. It is more or less refreshing when shows like the WWE have become so repetitive. The athletes train, fight, then rest. It is a tasking job for their bodies, but it sells. The city of Belleville has shown this trend to be true, and if it means anything, maybe in the future MMA could have a home here one day.

AN "Old" Belleville ?

2010-02-23T11:25:00.000-08:00

In the Quinte region the population has hit 101,770. Between the ages 10 -24 makes up twenty percent of that. This raises a question: Is there any reason for our youth to stay in this area, or are they better off elsewhere? Belleville itself is home to the larger portion of the Quinte region and serves many necessities and commodities. Is it enough to keep the youth here? Everyone knows that without the younger generation the future of this area is in question. Belleville is a highway city, that is located more or less in between Toronto and Kingston. These two cities attract a lot of attention from the younger citizens of Ontario.

Should Belleville be made of skyscrapers and an 18 screen theater, or is there something more that we may be missing? The problem is boredom comes freely to all teenagers. Adventure and curiosity whisk youth away to far destinations. One obvious pull for teenagers is school and friends. So should our education system be made to target more young learners in order to keep Belleville striving, in doing so create a prosperous future for this city?

The truth is that Ontario's population and Belleville's both have the same percentage of young people aged 10 – 24: it's 20%. This unlike other cities and towns is a positive note. Belleville is not an “old” city be any standards. The truth is that Belleville is one of the cities that is in good shape looking forward. The need to attract more people is forever a goal of any city or town, but the worry that our population is in need of youth shall not be a deterring factor. Belleville is not in a bad position despite many people's feelings. The facts are there.

A Big Loss for Canada

2010-02-23T07:03:00.000-08:00

Team Canada's hope for gold may now be lost to the wind. After losing to team USA Canada is going to face-off against Germany. Germany may not be at the top of the worry list, but the Russians are. After the Canada versus Germany game, the winner will face the stacked team of Russia. The odds of ether Germany or Canada having a medal finish may not exist at all. The quite young Canadian team has found itself in a position that no team wants to face. Russia and Canada were seen as the two teams that would face-off in the finals for gold and silver. No one has to wait that long, after Team USA insured itself the quarter-finals. Canada's route to victory has become that much more of a challenge than anyone could have thought.

The blame for Canada's loss to USA falls on the entire team. Coach Mike Babcock could be blamed for his lack of diversity with his lines. Team USA is made up with as many NHL players as Canada. This means that the upper hand with talent no longer is a defining weapon. Now its all about how you use what you have. Goaltending for Marin Broduer was just as disappointing. He started because he has experience in these games. It never really showed through the entire game. Ryan Miller team USA's goalie, showed that he had a better comfort level than Broduer . Broduer attempted to play the puck on at least two occasions, of which he was scored on and seemed very shaky in net. The defence aspect to Canada's game was good and bad. The veteran defenceman seemed to be lost, but the younger players like Duncan Keith and Drew Doughty were on top of their game. Those two were probably the only positive point that Canada had after their disappointing loss to team USA. Canada has many things to work on in order to show who they are and who they represent.

The Tronto Maple Leafs (need I say more)

2010-02-22T07:32:00.001-08:00

The Toronto Maple Leafs have really shown signs of change. These changes that have been made can not be judged at this time, for if they were it would be a negative conclusion. The Leafs are facing another no-show playoff appearance even after some changes. The future of the Maple Leafs is no longer in question, it is going to take time to see any positive effects from the trades or signing of players. Some players that have been brought to the white and blue have already gained a reputation from the fans. In this case it is negative and positive. With every skeptical eye on GM Brian Burke for the remainder of his contract, it will be enlightening to see what kind of team will be playing next year for the Toronto Maple Leafs. For this season has had its constant reminder of things that need to change.

Even now with a Stanley cup drought of more than 40 years, the Toronto Maple Leafs fans have still risen above the media's lack of hopes, by their optimistic reasons for further support. With what looks to be consistent changes to come, this team has yet to be finalized, which brings the question of whether or not this team will ever be complete. The banners in the Air Canada centre serve as a reminder for all fans and players, to never lose hope.

Alexander Ovechkin

2010-02-22T07:15:00.000-08:00

Alexander Ovechkin is 24 years old 6'2”, and wears jersey number 8. Drafted first overall to the Washington Capitals. Ovechkin has quickly built a reputation like no other. With his pinpoint accuracy and hard hitting ways, Ovechkin has become a favourite among hockey stars. He has an enthusiastic personality and displays it on and off the ice. This young super star has all the tools that a great hockey player needs, and the knowledge to us them. His future in the NHL is a bright one.

Although Ovechkin has won many scoring titles in the NHL he has yet to win the prestigious Stanley cup. He consistently scores forty or more goals in an eighty–two game season, while in the NHL. The finger can not be pointed in anyone direction when it comes to the Capitals failure in the playoffs. Ovechkin seems to start off slow, but keep in mind that the entire Washington team is very inexperienced when it comes to the playoffs. The future for the Capitals has become intertwined with Alexander Ovechkin, a fate that the newly refreshed organization has accepted with open arms.

Ovechkin is a gold mine for the Washington Capitals. Even the teams that Washington plays when away benefit from his presence. The fans of the NHL are always watching Ovechkin whether it is to see him fail or rise above all the rest, with his breathtaking plays. Alexander Ovechkin is one of the players that represent the new NHL.

Hiati

2010-02-19T08:35:00.000-08:00

The earthquake that devastated Haiti took many lives and tore apart many families. Canada itself has put serious efforts in helping the Haitian people to repair their broken home. The aftershock of this earthquake is clearly still affecting the lives of those who are working to help. Haiti is a long way from being fully repaired, thus many hands will be required to rebuild the walls, and streets of all the towns and cities. Haiti is a land that has been home to many people, it now resembles a dark memory for those who lived, and a terrible end for those who died. Many families find themselves mourning their loved ones without knowing what happen to them.

Many schools and businesses alike have started to send money and supplies to provide a better living status for the people of Haiti that have nothing. Even families say good bye to a loved one as he or she takes leave to help reinforce order in Haiti. The outside community takes looks and pokes at the happenings that are occurring there,most people are left feeling hopeless and others are not even sure what to make of all this. What is clear is that all the hard work that is needed, will be applied to bring back home for those Haitians that have no where else to go.

COL. Russ Williams in Court

2010-02-19T08:34:00.000-08:00

Col Russ Williams will be back in court March 25, after appearing in court Feb. 18 via video call. Williams was quiet, only responding to the justice of the peace. More than half of the seats in the court room were empty after Williams made his appearance. Many reporters were waiting for the end of this court hearing to get more info on what direction the case is taking. Sketchers were among the people who attended the video call, in order to get a accurate sketch. Williams' legal representative quickly departed in an attempt to dodge the media.

March 25 is a long period of time, an entire month. By this time things will hopefully settle down around this case. For the past two weeks coverage of this story has been widely covered with many perspectives exhausted. Everyone is waiting while the courts make their moves to end this case. More evidence was removed from Williams' cottage on Feb. 18. Cosy Cove lane shows signs of home owners deliberately avoiding the constant bombardment of the media. Simply put, the people of the community are ready for this to move on.

Canada's Hockey Team

2010-02-19T08:32:00.000-08:00

The Olympics are now fully under way and a lot of attention is being generated by the media. Which in this case is no surprise. Many Canadians are watching from home and cheering on the red and white. There has been much talk and deliberation over Canada's hockey team. This team is to represent the talent that Canada as a whole has become well known for. Although many Canadians take pride in their hockey history and future, these Olympics are going to test the talent of today more than ever before. The teams that have proven difficult at best to contend with have become better than before, not only that but now there are more teams with players that are widely recognized for being the best at what they do. Canada has its work cut out for it.

All the players on Canada are big names in the NHL. This means that the Canadian players have been apart of an elite group. One other thing this means is that these players have been televised for all to see. Which could bring forth a problem when they could be out scouted. The European teams have players that many fans, coaches, players and scouts have never heard of, and this may cause underdog stories to pop up and end what is seen as a sure medal finish for Canada. The possibilities are endless this year, history itself is not repeated nearly as much as some would wish it to be. The Canadians sitting at home or in Vancouver must all believe that they are not alone in the Olympics.

Canada's young hockey team is going to be challenged in a more diverse setting than they have experienced before. Their opponents are looking to win just as much as they are. The favorite on everyone's mind is Russia. Many Canadians know of the rivalry that team Russia produces with North America. At these winter Olympics the tensions will be high an the outcome will be a high point no matter where the gold goes.

Olympic Time

2010-02-19T08:30:00.000-08:00

It is Olympic fever like never before here in Canada. This is the third time that Canada has held the Olympics and the first time we have tasted gold in our own country. Home ground has not been a factor that Canada has been able to thrive on in the past, but now maybe that has changed. In many events we are contenders to win a medal. Although the weather has made for many difficulties, the spirit of the winter games presses forward. With now two gold medals under our belt, Canada has no more need to worry about the home field drought. Focus is now put to adding more gold finishes, which by many calculations by spectators is not to far from possible.

With any light that is shone on the Olympics, whether negative or positive, the Olympics are a big deal. Held only every four years, athletes and spectators alike anxiously await the arrival of this history making event. For four years athletes prepare to compete against other athletes around the world, in a competition to bring gold home to their country. Some athletes compete for 20 seconds in their sport and leave everything they have trained for in those 20 seconds up to judges. For some it is an immediate end to their journey, for others it is the start of their stardom. One thing is for sure the athletes of the Olympics are among the best in the world.

Ovechkin versus Crosby

2010-02-16T13:08:00.000-08:00

The great debate of Ovie and The Kid. Two careers that define hockey at its finest.

In the last few years hockey fans alike have had the privilege to watch some great talent surface. Players like Alexander Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby have set a new tone for all to follow. Like their heroes before them, they strive to win the Stanley cup. Both careers have been phenomenal, I for one, get quite anxious every time Alexander Ovechkin hits the ice. Sid the Kid has won the cup once already in his career, and is surely looking for more in the future.

This is what these marquee players have already demonstrated in their efforts for the cup.

Jessica Lloyd Case

2010-02-16T12:48:00.000-08:00

Local and national media sources flocked to Belleville when Jessica Lloyd was found dead. Her suspected murderer is Col. Russ Williams of CFB Trenton. Many people were shocked to hear that he was being charged with not only her murder but the murder of Comeau and allegedly he was charged with sexual assault on two other occasions.

At the press conference many sources of media were lined up to hear if there was truth behind the Colonel's charges, if he was even arrested. The announcement confirmed that Col. Russ Williams is indeed being held as the prime suspect behind the charges, and possibly more charges could follow. Many people are hanging their heads, mostly those that have served in the military. Not to mention the citizens that feel their safety has been put into question. Russ Williams has been a leader to many people he has worked with.

Now the family is simply recovering from the very shock that this community and this nation as a whole has been subjected to. One thing is for sure, their lives have changed forever, and so too the lives of the people that followed this story. As a society there is a need to remember that Jessica Lloyd was more than just a picture. The memory of Col. Russ Williams will not overshadow the memory of those who were his victims.

First blog

2010-02-16T12:40:00.000-08:00

Brandon Bisson is a co-op student at Bayside Secondary School who is currently placed at The Belleville Intelligencer until June.
Brandon will blog about his experiences at the newspaper and other areas of personal interest.

Dave Vachon, Intelligencer Multimedia Editor.

From this point on, all the content is Brandon's.