“Reggie The Egyptian Rescue Dog”: The Final Cut: Reggie Returns With a Prance and Swagger in His Step: The Terrible Misery of Abandoned Dogs! Chapter Fifty Three (53)

Our 6-month rest moratorium has concluded with Fay noting Reggie now has that prance back in his step and Bob adds that he has also that swagger! And I am feeling rejuvenated and totally alive. No imminent threats of danger but can I share with you a secret? I am a wee bit bored.

You have been reading about my adventures and thank you for so doing. These adventures are perhaps the most amazing ever experienced by any dog let alone a rescue dog. Winning a Nobel Prize for literature, hanging out with Drake, Mr. Gordon Lightfoot, President Biden and his wife Dr. Jill, being on national television networks and meeting the Pope and the Ayatollah of Iran. I am glad that I took a break because all this was exhausting. But you know what I cherish most is the love Fay and Bob give me, belly rubs, kind words, a snuggle or two, a big bowl of chicken kibble, a bowl of cold and clean water and a walk. Of course, that piece of toast I get in the morning or a chunk of cheese that miraculously lands in my bowl are so good despite the gourmet dog food I ate on the road.

Experiencing all these wonderful adventures has been amazing and I lead a happy life but deep in my soul there is lodged a bit of hurt. I have managed it best by accepting it and moving on. Had I not it would have gnawed me to pieces. But every once and awhile it surfaces that they took Anwar away and executed him for writing “treasonous articles”. I cry to myself but pick myself up and realize I have an important job to do and that is protecting my masters Bob and Fay and Dillie the Westie. I would defend them with my life. I have a deep sense of loyalty. I also want to help my brothers and sisters languishing in unsafe conditions.

Reggie accepts his past but will not bury it and plans to use it for the good of all

So yes I am well adjusted with an occasional bad memory but have patience or pity that many rescue dogs have internalised their pain and it eats them up with self pity and anger. They growl, snap and act up in the worst fashion. Some are so hurt and damaged no amount of training can overcome the terrible trauma they have suffered through neglect or punishment BY HUMANS. I can only hope you have compassion in your heart for these poor dogs after all it is humans that have caused the pain. Frustration and anger will do no good. My dearest hope is that with enough love, patience and training they will trust humans again. There are only a few rotten apple humans out there. I know that at Snookie’s Rescue Society who rescued me from Egypt there are often 150 applicants for each dog so I know there are many humans with big hearts that will not let us dogs down. Bob and Fay’s philanthropic organization “Reggie’s Dogs” helps Snookie’s and the foreign shelters they deal with and funds other rescue societies throughout Canada. Throw all the money you can at the problem which is what we need now but what about the problem of human abuse that simply remains and will always create a continual stream of abandoned dogs? You must change attitudes and hearts of people. Reggie’s Dogs has funded a hugely expensive pilot project in Cairo requiring anyone purchasing a dog to provide a “Certificate of Caring” attesting to the fact that the person(s) in whose name the dog will be registered has taken a 7-hour course in dog management and owner obligations. Whether this will work who knows. But I will leave you for the moment and say that humans are our worst enemies but can be our best friends.

Keeping all this in mind let us continue with some of my thoughts and adventures if you care to listen to Reggie who is “is just a dog”.

RKS 2024 Film: “The Omicron Killer”: A Film Trying to Discover Itself

I am uncertain how many viewers want reminders of COVID triggered by “The Omicron Killer”. The Omicron Killer is a New York City serial killer preferring kills of the bashing as opposed to the slashing method. I can’t find any scenes that remind me of New York City. Outdoor scenes could be in New Jersey!

The COVID Killer was gunned down in a police trap and is replaced by the Omicron Killer. Get the point? The virus has mutated bringing into the fold a mutated virus we all know as Omicron. Clever eh?

The Omicron Killer is unkempt and overweight but nonetheless a killing machine with his crowbar. The police force is inept in an attempted comedic way. Even the Satanists are inept. And the acting for the most part is inept and highly overdone. It is so poor one conclusion to make is that it is intentionally so in an attempt to create a spoof basher movie but the problem is there is scant humour. Neither is there much terror aside from the bathroom bashing.

The acting on the spoof rating is a failure. Bai Ling as Nurse Nancy is over the top even for a spoof role. The entire cast gives the spoof a go but fails with the exception of Lynn Lowry as the sarcastic and caustic Captain Lois Callahan who has enough spoof in her to be likeable and comedic.

“The Omicron Killer” fails as a spoof and as a thriller basher movie. I think that leaves it lost in itself.

World premiere starts in Los Angeles on 22February2024 and works it way across the United States in a limited theatre engagement.

Written and directed by Jeff Knite.

RKS 2024 Film Rating 61/100.

“Reggie The Egyptian Rescue Dog”: The Final Cut: Reggie Says Time for A Break: Hope for You Humans Yet! All are on a Six Month Chill Out Moratorium: Chapter Fifty Two (52)

You’ve read about a couple of years I have been in Canada and in my recounting of my brief history there has made me realize how lucky and happy I am. There has been sadness and tragedy in my life but that’s life isn’t it. Telling you my story has been like being on an emotional rollercoaster. It has both exhilarated and exhausted me.

One lesson you may wish to take away is that however humble your beginnings you can rise to incredible heights if you try and of course then there is fate. Not every person or dog will succeed even if they try and try again and again but that’s life isn’t it?

What have I learnt is that humans can be both cruel and compassionate. As a dog I bark out loudly there is hope for you humans yet!

I have also been a testament that horrible situations can be blessings. If I had not been injured by that Rottenwhiler dog in Cairo I never would have been rescued by Snookie’s Society and brought to Toronto. I would have been lying dead on the street, swept up and thrown in a garbage truck.

I have discovered a unified spirituality amongst humans although stupidly most of them fail to realize that. I often said I prayed to Allah however after meeting religious leaders and seeing my favourite BBC documentaries humans from a “primitive society” in the deep Amazonian rain forest and humans from “advanced societies” are looking beyond themselves for answers about why they are on earth. If only you humans would take the time to REALLY LISTEN TO EACH OTHER the world would be a better place. 

As a closing comment I am puzzled why so many dogs are badly treated? What evil have they done to humans except wanting to be loved and cared. What price is it to cuddle and take care of a creature that really can’t take care of itself. Why in Egypt do they shoot and poison street dogs? Who is the animal the dog or the human?

I have enjoyed taking my journey with you dear readers. Given my young age I have much more to accomplish. And remember NEVER EVER MESS WITH A STREET DOG FROM CAIRO!

I noticed Bob is about ready to collapse with severe exhaustion and perhaps even worse. The promotional tours for the Disney film and his book “Reggie The Egyptian Rescue Dog”, the violence, the politics must stop Bob says. I have noticed I look forward to quiet times, lots of naps and mindless activities like watching Coronation Street with Fay. Bob had said to me more than a few times that we have given our body and souls to world peace and dignity for dogs but now is the time TO TAKE CARE OF OURSELVES!

As a result, there is a 6 month chill out moratorium imposed by Bob especially since his promotional duties under his Disney contract have ended.

Penny and Kit Kat will also be resting and catching up with domestic life. Penny will be in Beamsville and is training for the Royal Hamilton Canine Caravan Best In Show Award. She has always considered herself the prettiest dog on the block so the best of luck to her and her dreams. She will be on standby with her Oodlecopter. Kit Kat has returned to Portugal. We flew him to Porto in our private jet. As Dr. Murray advised a 6-month rest cure is warranted he will be spending 6 months with one of Bob’s fellow knights in the Order of The Port Brotherhood at his quinta is the Douro.

The Mookster and Ollie are neighbours of mine and we will keep in touch. They both have emergency beepers on their collars if they are needed.

And of course, Dillie the Westie, the brains of the operation, is now just sunning himself out in the backyard.

I will return with more adventures after we all rest up.

God bless!

“Reggie The Egyptian Rescue Dog”: The Final Cut: The Mookster Leads Hostage Negotiations: Mustafa Has a Limp of a Certain Sort: Chapter Fifty One (51)

The United States viewing audience watching Dr. Phil has now increased by millions. There are more viewers watching the drama than have ever watched the Super Bowl even that one with that biker looking thug and Taylor Swift. There are 68 members of the audience being held hostage along with Dr. Phil and his wife and of course Bob and me Reggie! Luckily Kit Kat has been removed by a fleeing audience member and Dr. Phil, a religious man, leads a prayer session for Kit Kat. Please Allah I say let Kit Kat see another day.

Mustafa and his plastic explosives headed to a Mountain Lakes New Jersey ED boot camp: Photo courtesy of the New Jersey Urologists Association

The studio is surrounded by police, FBI, media and an elite squad of Secret Service agents has been sent by President Biden by Executive order. Video screens have been set up in the studio and we understand The Mookster will shortly be on screen to lead the hostage negotiations.

The hostage taker identifies himself as Mustafa from the Houthi brethren. He demands the immediate decapitation of all members of the Israeli Knesset by midnight or he will detonate the plastic explosives taped to his body and he has his finger on the detonator and he is VERY NERVOUS.

In a flash The Mookster is on the screen and it is a Mookster I have never seen oozing confidence and authority yet earnest and sincere. And you thought he was nothing but a cute fluffball!

Bob is on his mobile with The Mookster and the story is shockingly simple.  Relying The Mookster’s intelligence network it is revealed Mustafa has ED despite his 21 Burka clad wives. Using the most sophisticated psychological tests The Mookster hypothesizes Mustafa wants to be a martyr so he can “get it on” with the virgins waiting for him in heaven.

Dr. Phil hasn’t been on television for 21 years for nothing. He sidles up to Mustafa in the most charming fashion and offers him a fully paid week at an ED boot camp to get hm back to the “earthly swing of things”. The Mookster goes offline with Joe and using the compassion and empathy card ensures Mustafa will not be gunned down and will be permitted to attend the ED boot camp in Mountain Lakes New Jersey but after that will be apprehended and immediately deported to Yemen.

Mustafa removes his explosives and is immediately transported to his ED boot camp.

Bob and I return to our hotel room. He is looking terribly pale and wobbly. We order room service and poor Bob is so tired no walk for me instead he apologizes and puts me out on the patio to pee. He crashes out fully clothed on the bed. I jump up and give him a good snuggle. He needs it!

RKS 2024 Film: “Total Trust”of the Good Comrades or Total Mistrust of the Paranoid Comrades

The documentary “Total Trust” enables a better understanding of the oft use phrase the People’s Republic of China (PRC) is a “surveillance society” where Big Data and surveillance are attempted to be sold by the good comrades running the state apparatus as desirable for “public safety” and “good order” with a good dose of “foreign subversives” thrown in for good measure. Many citizens of the PRC enjoy a standard of living thought unattainable a few decades ago so they surrender political freedoms for economic stability and where each citizen has a social credit point system imposed on their life. Be a good citizen, do as you are told and God forbid never protest or petition the government or face a loss of points. The lower your social credit score is social privileges (or what we might refer to human rights) will be withdrawn or curtailed e.g. what schools your children can attend. There are 190 ways to gain points and 1040 ways to lose them. You are living in “a grid” with grid managers keeping extra vigilant tabs on malcontents “on a list” as directed by the good comrades.

Facial and biometric iris recognition and millions of surveillance cameras all pour individual data into Big Data servers so efficient that if are a “malcontent” any social media posts with your picture are removed and if you as the malcontent posted this picture your account will be terminated. George Orwell’s “1984” is thriving in the PRC. I recall seeing another documentary on China’s social management technology and yes there was Google in the thick of it helping the good comrades with their social management. Here in North America, we are only being spied on at this point for commercial gain and not thrown in prison.

In “Total Trust” the camera follows a journalist, a lawyer, his wife and son and a human rights activist who in the minds of the good comrades have challenged the government and they pay the price with imprisonment, torture, harassment and increased surveillance in a desperate attempt to keep the good comrades and their perpetual Supreme Leader in power.

China has never experienced democracy and given the revelations of “Total Trust” it appears unlikely it ever will.

Directed by Jialing Zhang.

Available on VOD/Digital as of 13February2024.

RKS 2024 Film Rating 91/100

RKS 2024 Film: “The Madones”: The B Side Life of a One Hit Wonder Group

No typo here. This film is not about rockers The Ramones but a fictional all female Canadian rock group The Madones. They had their only big hit,” Mad Ones” twenty years ago. We know these bands as one hit wonders. Three sisters Rose (Lucy De Coutere), Gladys and Stella (Terra Doyle) were in this all-girls band.

The years have not been kind to the ladies. Rose is a schizophrenic plagued by imaginary  voices. Stella is bitter for having been the sole care giver for sister Rose. Gladys blames Stella for killing The Madones. None of them have been in happy relationships. While Rose can be said to be a “Mad One” Stella and Gladys are mad in the angry sense. Collectively they are indeed the mad ones!

The characters in this film are odd and eccentric if not comedic. Adonis (Mark A. Owen), Stella’s husband just released from prison and his buddy Dolls (Bryden Macdonald) have planned a big heist of a bank that doesn’t exist and in furtherance of the job have kidnapped the former assistant bank manager Wayne (Hans Böggild) no longer working at the bank thinking he is the manager of the bank. Wayne also wants to be kidnapped.

Besides delving into a dysfunctional family and portraying the effects of schizophrenia the plot can be puzzling and meandering but that is fine as the cinematography can be delightfully artsy inherently both stark and lush. The black and white cinematography contributes to the eccentricity and harsh reality the characters live in. The numerous songs all tell a story central to the film’s actions.

A true indie film. Abstract. Well shot. Well acted. Limited commercial appeal but could it be one day be seen as a cult film aka “This is Spinal Tap” ?

Limited Canadian theatrical release 16February2024 and VOD Digital release 26March2024.

RKS 2024 Film Rating 84/100,

RKS 2024 Film: “Union Street”: Being Black in Vancouver and Beyond

“Union Street” is a Canadian documentary focusing on a microcosm of black history in the City of Vancouver, particularly a district known in East Vancouver as Hogan’s Alley. It had a rich history for black Vancouver for almost a century where train porters, speakeasies, juke joints, restaurants and thriving businesses existed with musicians such as Louis Armstrong, Jimi Hendrik and Ella Fitzgerald passing through.

Like the black suburb of Liberty Square in Miami, Hogan’s Alley in Vancouver was deemed an example of urban blight and set for widescale demolition in the 1960’s by white politicians and government bureaucrats. As noted by Joshua Tecumseh Robertson a “decolonial curator and writer” this was but an attempt of colonialists and white supremacists to eradicate the black community. Liberty Square was razed to make way for higher end housing for the wealthy of Miami Beach as rising waters caused by global warming will destroy their pricey real estate whereas Liberty Square is several hundred feet above sea level. A rather blatant land grab by private interests supported by Metro Dade politicians. Hogan’s Alley was nothing “but urban blight” crippling the natural regeneration of the city according to the white politicians and bureaucrats. Rather a shame the documentary didn’t mention who economically benefitted from the demolishing of Hogan’s Alley. Follow the money!

Calmer personages supplement Robertson’s polemics with heartfelt personal experiences as they try to revitalize Hogan’s Alley to reflect black cultural and economic passions and ambitions.

And introducing the elephant in the room and speaking of colonization and white supremacy did Hogan’s Alley displace Indigenous populations of the Squamish, Musquean and Tsleil Waututh residing in the Vancouver area?

Despite the lack of bringing into play the economics behind the destruction of Hogan’s Alley we are offered an interesting sliver of black history although not enough as the documentary shifts to explore what it is like to be black or partially black in Canada it becomes less interesting and more on the vanilla side of the equation i.e. seen and heard that before and experienced by many immigrants to Canada.

Take away what you find valuable in the documentary but for me it was oft repeated by commentators the necessity of racial and ethnic groups to have a hub or centre where they can gather and feel safe. Failing that the commentators speak of alienation, loneliness, informal segregation, stereotyping, being unwanted and displaced. There are hints from the commentators about how this can be undone and simply said it might be the ability to be yourself in a place you feel that you belong. 

British Columbian Jamilia Pomeroy directs. This documentary feature launches 20February2024 on Telus Optik TV channel 8 and on watch.telusoriginals.com and will be in Vancouver theatres for Black History Month.

RKS 2024 Film Rating 78/100.

“Reggie The Egyptian Rescue Dog”: The Final Cut: Wrapping Up Public Appearances for Reggie and Bob: Houthi Terror at Dr. Phil’s Show! Kit Kat in a Pool of Blood: Chapter Fifty (50)

Quite literally Bob and I have been ripping up the globe promoting the Disney animated film “Reggie The Egyptian Rescue Dog” and his book of the same name. I am worried about Bob as he looks tired and often speaks in an exhausted monotone. The travel, stress and too many hotel rooms are taking a toll on him. I am only 3 or so and have more energy and I can sleep anywhere. Bob has one last contractual commitment with Disney to appear on an American talk show “Dr. Phil”.

Bob and I fly into Los Angeles the day prior the taping of the show. We have an early dinner with some Disney executives and are asleep by 10 p.m. The Disney limo arrives at 9 in the morning to take us to Dr. Phil’s set. Dr. Phil greets us and I receive a Dr. Phil bowl full of water while Bob has some jasmine tea. Dr. Phil briefs Bob about the questions he will ask which are similar to all the other questions we’ve been asked on “The View”, “The Fifth Estate”, “Oprah” and the many other television shows we have been on. Bob says he has a special announcement to make and asks Dr. Phil to get Christine Gill from Snookie’s Society on the line as well as Mr. Gordon Lightfoot and Drake. They are to speak to a national audience. What has Bob got up his sleeve?

Dr. Phil asks the usual questions and then asks Bob what was in his heart when he wrote “Reggie The Egyptian Rescue Dog”. Bob comes to life with a sparkle in his eye. “My heart was stolen by Reggie when we firs encountered him at Sherwood Park in Toronto. My wife Fay and my dog Dylan really warmed up to Reggie and he even shook my hand. There was something special about him. I am not a Buddhist but they believe in auspicious connections meaning what seems random is really destiny. I am not boasting but Reggie has done a great deal to make the world better by being Reggie! A street dog from Cairo has been blessed by the Pope and is a friend of many political leaders. I mean Reggie got the Iranians and Americans talking about nuclear issues because Reggie is seen as a friend to Islam and Christianity. The world was headed to madness and Reggie helped set it on course. This Reggie is my 4th dog but like all the others he has taught me about life and how precious it is.”

The audience goes wild and gives us a standing ovation. Dr. Phil says that he has a big surprise for us which he’d like to launch into before we tell him our surprise. I CAN’T BELIEVE THIS! It is President Biden on a video feed. He says hello to the nation and explains what I have done for the improvement of international relations and announces that Iran and Israel have just now re-established diplomatic relations because Americans who release a film about a Muslim dog in such a positive light deserve to be trusted. President Biden says in my honour he will pass an executive order establishing “Rescue Dog Awareness Week” in the United States. He then waves at me and says we’ll see you at Camp David next summer.

Dr. Phil looks a bit dazed. Bob then says he will establish “Reggie’s Dogs” dedicated to helping rescue dogs throughout the world. He will fund it initially with twenty million dollars. Then Mr. Gordon Lightfoot (with Bosco) and Drake appear on a video feed saying they are chipping in a million dollars each to Reggie’s Dogs.

Then there is Christine Gill from Snookie’s Society on a video feed. She looks puzzled but breaks into a big grin when Bob announces he is giving a $2 million grant to them. Snookie’s Society is an all-volunteer based non-profit rescue organization based in Toronto and Vancouver specializing in small breed dogs of late from Egypt and China. Snookie’s saved my life paying for my medical care in Cairo and flying me to Toronto. Snookie’s relies on the generosity of donors to realize their mission of safeguarding, rescuing, medically treating, spaying/neutering and finding forever homes for the dogs that enter its rescuing arms. The dogs come from local and international street abandonment, puppy mills, local shelters and facilities including dogs scheduled for euthanasia. Their rescue is 100% foster based, meaning its dogs are placed in the home of a loving volunteer foster family. The dogs are evaluated, medically cared for, loved and receive basic training skills to aid in the transition to their forever home. They have been operating for 19 years and started as a project in a humanities class. You can find more about them at http:/www.snookiessociety.com

Christine is speechless for a minute or so and in a wobbly voice thanks Bob for establishing “Reggie’s Dogs”. She waves to me and in a faltering voice thanks me for being Reggie and doing for rescue dogs what no dog has ever done before. Bob whispers in my ear that when we return to Toronto he will ask Christine to become CEO of Reggie’s Dogs!

The audience goes wild as Dr. Phil signs off. I hear my late master Anwar laughing with joy and Karim my late Snookie’s Society Cairo street dog friend barking from The Land Beyond. And Dillie the Westie is barking in front of the television set in Toronto for sure!

A voice in my head says, “WELL REGGIE YOU HAVE REALLY DONE IT NOW!” I give a howl of joy and the audience cheers.

Before the audience thins out and heads for the exit Kit Kat starts barking a up a storm and lunges towards man with a scraggly beard. Kit Kat lunges ferociously at the man who knifes Kit Kat in mid air before he landed on the shouting man. Kit Kat lies whimpering in a pool of blood. The man shouts, “Stay still and face the wrath of the Holy Houthi Blowfish or die!” He rips open his shirt and all see he has explosives taped to his body. The scenario is caught live on television. Americans are in disbelief. While the attacker is dreaming for the seven virgins awaiting him America sighs loudly and you can hear in the air, “Oh not again”.

“Reggie the Egyptian Rescue Dog”: The Final Cut: President Biden and Dr. Jill Visit Us: Chapter Forty Nine (49)

The Rat Pack, Bob and Fay are steadfast friends with Joe and Jill. These American luminaries were in Canada visiting Prime Minister Justin “Black Face” Trudeau on an “official visit”. Joe had told Bob he and Jill would be delighted to stay with us for a night after his official business concluded in Ottawa. Imagine Canadian Thanksgiving dinner with President Biden and Dr. Jill! Trudeau and his purple haired Governor General were so royally pissed off they were dumped his tattoos were bristling more than when they were when pierced by his numerous inspirational publicly televised COVID vaccinations. Sophie has left him and he will be lonesome on Thanksgiving. The opposition in Parliament is laughing hysterically as a Canadian Prime Minister is dumped in favour of a pack of dogs and Bob a “Disney executive”! These Canadian Conservatives are clueless.

Surrounded by heavy security Joe and Jill arrived at our Bridle Path home. A virtual army of Secret Service and RCMP types surrounded our house. Bob had been slaving away all day preparing a CANADIAN Thanksgiving dinner. Penny is diligently working with the Secret Service doing an aerial sweep of the area in her new Ferrari Oodlecopter. The Mookster is ferreting out North Korean spies. Ollie is smelling for explosives. Kit Kat is in a trance carefully analyzing the area for anything that does not “fit in”.

It was wonderful to see Joe and Jill again. President Biden is a gracious and kind man. He brought us some squeaky toys and he picked up Dillie the Westie and I and gave all of the Rat Pack a pat on their heads. Jill gave us a mincemeat pie she personally baked. Dogs can’t eat raisins so no pie for us.

We had invited Drake and Mr. Gordon Lightfoot (and stinky Bosco) to join us. The humans had a few glasses of wine from a British Columbia winery called Crescent Hill. President Biden loved their Mad Medusa Merlot and Jill liked their sparkling wine called Frizzante. President Biden said this Canadian wine is going to give California a run for the money! President Biden liked the Mad Medusa so much he was going to order several cases for the White House wine cellar.

Mr. Gordon Lightfoot brought his guitar which delighted President Biden as he was a huge fan of “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald”. Drake rapped out a song as well. I could never have imagined such a crowd would be in our house. Happy conversation, laughing, the clinking of glasses and THE SMELL OF TURKEY!

President Biden said grace and it was moving as he thanked (and sincerely meant it) God for us all being together safe and sound. We all tucked in and everyone had seconds! Joe looks thin but boy he put a lot of turkey away and his plate was swimming in Bob’s killer gravy. The Rat Pack and Bosco had a special meal of white turkey meat, mashed potatoes, Bob’s legendary turkey dressing, Brussel sprouts and carrots. Our tummies were so full of this wonderful food we fell asleep. WE DOGS LOVE TURKEY! President Biden told a very funny story of how on American Thanksgiving he had to pardon a turkey and save its life. Americans can be so funny. Oh goodness Bosco is farting up a storm as his system simply can’t digest Brussel Sprouts.

We had dessert of pumpkin pie and mincemeat pie with some wine from the island of Samos in Greece which was made with Muscat grapes. Again Joe and Jill said they never heard of this sweet wine but Bob said it had been famous for a very long time. Fay is from Samos. President Biden is a honey fanatic so when Fay said Samos has the best honey in the world Joe said on his next official visit to Greece he simply must stop in Samos to try and buy Samian honey!

Mr. Gordon Lightfoot kept us entertained and in a strange but wonderful combination Drake and Mr. Gordon Lightfoot sang a couple of songs! We wrapped up this long and exciting day at 11 when President Biden said he had to go to bed as he was off to Washington early in the morning.

I was in a deep sleep when President Biden said good-bye early in the morning saying to Dillie that the Rat Pack were always welcome to visit. He said we were SUCH GOOD DOGS. Oh my I suddenly thought of Karim and Anwar in The Land Beyond as President Biden shook my paw and Dillie’s saying what a good time he had. Politics just flew out my head for a day he said. Imagine an Egyptian rescue dog a good friend with an American President! Off he and Jill flew in a helicopter CO-PILOTED BY PENNY!

RKS 2024 Film: “Unshook”: Part of the Telus Celebration of Black History Month

Telus Originals honours Black History Month in Canada with the launch of Documentary Features “Union Street”, “Handle with Care” and two shorts “Unshook” and “Out There”.

“Unshook” is a short film documentary in which 19-year-old Afro-Cuban Canadian René Osmani Diakité copes with the recent death of his African born physician father and his grandfather dying within four months of each other. René’s mother is Cuban.

René recounts that his father wanted him to be proud of his African heritage but his pursuit of the emptiness of video games and a rift with his father prevented his further discovery of his background which he sorely regrets and admits and laments his immaturity.

René realizes he must make the journey of self discovery on his own but this excites more than frightens him.

René is just one of the many of us, irrespective of color or ethnicity, who are jolted by the death of a loved one, to learn from such a terrible event to pursue a goal that the deceased had wished we had pursued.

“Unshook” was directed by Aya Garcia. It will be launching on 27February2024 on Telus Optik TV channel 8 and on watch.telusoriginals.com (Canada only). It will be shown with a documentary Feature Film “Handle with Care”.

RKS 2024 Film Rating: 72/100.