CHILL MAGAZINE: OCTOBER 2009

OLYMPIC HOCKEY PREVIEW By Scott Morrison - Perhaps not since 1972, when Canada faced the Russians in the historic eight-game summit series and an entire nation stood still for a month, has there been quite the same level of expectation for our national hockey heroes. You recall what happened in 1972, when virtually the best NHL players Canada could assemble played a team of so-called amateurs from the Soviet Union. It was supposed to be a romp for Canada ... read more

OLYMPIC HOPEFUL: STEVE OMISCHL By Mike Dojc - When your event boils down to 3.5 dizzying seconds of exhilarating hang time, you need to think in slow motion if you want to land on your feet. That's of course if you're just an average jumper. Steve Omischl was getting as flippy as a bottle in a flair bartending competition, jumping off ramps in his backyard before aerial skiing was even considered a sport. For Steve O twisting artfully in the wind is an automatic reflex ... read more

SHAQ VS THE WORLD By Fred Topel - Did any ballers want to challenge you? Basketballers? They all know better. They all know better. This year Shaquille O'Neil moves from the Phoenix Suns to the Cleveland Cavaliers. It's not enough for him to dominate basketball though he had to take over every sport in this summer series Shaq vs. which saw him best other athletes at their own game. ... read more

TRUE FANTASY FOOTBALL By Mike Dojc - Have you ever been sitting in the bleachers at a football game and find your focus drifting away from the action between the lines toward the sideline pom-pom show? Ok, that's a given. But have you followed that up by zoning out and lapsing into a fantasy sequence where those same cheerleaders take out scissors, snip each other's outfits down a few sizes, put on hockey helmets, and then run amok on the field trying to score touchdowns? ... read more

THE LOCKER ROOM By Ryan Kelly - There was a time when the world of professional and high level college sports was all about the athletes and the competition. Sure there was press coverage and corporate sponsors, but no one really viewed sports as a big business. During this era, there was no place more reserved for the athletes themselves than the locker room. Away from the prying public eye, the team could focus on what they'd been asked to do – win a game. ... read more

FROM SCREEN TO GREEN Since he began his professional career in 1996, Tiger Woods has launched himself into the pantheon of all-time golfing greats with his flair for the dramatic and his uncanny ability to dominate. Along the way, his intense competitive drive has melted more than a few competitors during a tournament's stretch drive. The sight of his fiery red shirt on a Sunday afternoon can strike fear into the hearts of even the most battled-tested golfers ... read more

OKTOBERFEST A long time ago in a land far away (Bavaria), a Crown Prince, who later became King Ludwig I, married a beautiful princess, Therese Von Sachesen-Hildenburghausen. The Prince's National Guard thought that horse races would be a most fitting way to celebrate the happy event. King Max, proud father of the Prince, gave his consent to the races and so they became the finale of five days of wedding festivities on October 17, 1810. This was the beginning of Oktoberfest. ... read more

HALLOWEEN UNMASKED By Mike Dojc - Back in fifth century B.C. when the Celts celebrated Halloween's eerie great uncle Samhain, partaking in October 31st festivities was a lot simpler. All you had to do was follow the mob. Druid priests believed that on this day the ghosts of the dead were free to mingle with the living. So in order to avoid getting possessed by the rampaging poltergeists, villagers got decked out in frightening attire and lit bonfires in order to spook the spirits out of Dodge ... read more

THE GIFT OF GOBBLE By Becky Dumais - Back in the day giving thanks meant something entirely different than our current fest filled with turkey tryptophan and elasticised waistbands. Now we automatically think of Butterball, potatoes, gravy and Pilgrims with big hats, white stockings and clunky shoes with buckles. But do you know the history of Canada's Thanksgiving? In 1578, English explorer Martin Frobisher couldn't seem to find a northern passage to the Orient, so he settled in Newfoundland instead ... read more

GRILLIN' & CHILLIN': AUTUMN By Charmaine Broughton-Dunn and Meagan Broughton - Autumn feels like the start of a new year. Kids are back in the swing of things, fall fairs become weekend getaways, Grey Cup parties are being planned and the puck drops for a new hockey season. However, the greatest joy of fall is gathering to give thanks with family and friends. Crank up the grill and celebrate one last backyard bash before Old Man Winter arrives. ... read more

MEET YOUR MEAT First of all, a warning to any vegetarians about to read this article: We know there are many of you out there who make the decision not to eat meat, often for religious, ethical or health reasons. We understand and respect your beliefs. This article is not for you. It's for the rest of us, the ones whose mouths water at the first scent of a juicy steak grilling over an open flame. Welcome to the first installment in a series dedicated to the king of the BBQ, the centrepiece of Sunday dinner ... read more

REACH FOR THE TOP By Mike Dojc - Looking for a sport that combines the endurance of basketball, the agility of soccer and the mental alertness of boxing? Indoor rock climbing will push your limits and have you coming back for more! With climbing gyms popping up all over the world, indoor climbing has become one of the fastest growing sports. Many are discovering the benefits of this sport and are ditching their regular gym memberships in favour of tackling a vertical thrill ... read more

WHO THE *#@! INVENTED TIES? By Eric Thom - Dressed to Chill. Flash forward some 25 years when, readying the entire family for a special family wedding, my young son turns to me and asks, “What's up with ties, anyway?” A fair question but, before handing down my now-yellowed copy of the book destined to be his inheritance, I decided to investigate. Peculiar items at best, ties are the one element of a man's attire seemingly devoid of any real function ... read more

MANCATIONS By Harrison Joseph & Scott Stevenson - There comes a time in every man's life where a long overdue trip is essential to escape the hustle and bustle of the everyday grind and reacquaint with your manhood. Not just any trip will do; it has to be something liberating, gritty and well, manly. A getaway where communication is limited to a grunt, burp, silence or a fist bump. An oasis where your primitive instincts will not be subdued. Gentlemen, it is with great pleasure that we present to you, the mancation. ... read more

GREEN WITH ENVY By Allison Dempsey - An all-too short summer is drawing to its inevitable close and fall is looming. And what follows fall? C'mon. You must remember, because how could we ever forget the frigid season that lasts for more than half the year in Canada? Yes, winter. If you want to enjoy your backyard again next summer, there are a few steps you need to take right now to ensure your lawn is luscious and inviting for those oh-so-brief moments when your bare feet touch soft, green grass. ... read more

MAN VS. WINTER By Jeff Renaud - With little or even no doubt, three things will come true before January 1, 2010: The Toronto Maple Leafs will be out of playoff contention; your better half will have returned at least one of your Christmas gifts and you'll have gained at least 4 to 5 pounds. Don't feel guilty – unless you have 'Börje Forever' tattoed on your left buttock – you are not alone. Winter weight gain (or for the politically incorrect 'festive flab') is a bona fide health condition and millions, ... read more