One of the many moose statues scattered around Toronto, this one at St. Clements School, uptown Toronto.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
A wet dog and soccer parents
As I was leaving Sunnybrook dog park today I met up with a couple who were leaving at the same time. I recognized their dog as he'd been playing with mine for a while in the park. They asked if I was their son's soccer coach. Sure enough, I recognized this nice couple who I hadn't seen for quite a years.
As we were getting our dogs to our cars, we talked about our dogs, and they said they had recall problems with their dog (like mine) and it had ran off a while back from this parking lot. They only got it back after it had found another dog of interest. I said I got a little worried about Kooper at regular parks (not officially off-leash, fenced parks) and said once he got bored of other dogs and we were in a regular park, it gets very difficult to get him back.
We said our goodbyes and I began the tricky process of taking the leash off Kooper and closing the (station wagon) trunk. I noticed there was another dog in the parking lot and sure enough it was too big a temptation for Kooper. He leapt out of the trunk and went to say hello. As I approached, he ran off down the nature trail toward another dog. From there he quickly noticed the stream and started exploring the soft ice along the bank of the stream. I noticed the water was moving quickly and began to really worry. He was oblivious to my calls and ran further upstream as I approached. I couldn't get very close as the bank was steep and the ice, I'm guessing, too thin to hold me. The game continued and sure enough he got too close to the edge and slipped into the stream. I'm not certain how deep it was, but I was fearing the worst. He was obviously very surprised when he fell in, but luckily it only took a couple of tries over about 10 seconds and he jumped out and ran up the bank to the trail and met up with another dog. I grabbed him and walked back to the car. He didn't seem cold at all and for him it appeared his adventure was just another walk in the park. I hope he learnt a lesson.
As we were getting our dogs to our cars, we talked about our dogs, and they said they had recall problems with their dog (like mine) and it had ran off a while back from this parking lot. They only got it back after it had found another dog of interest. I said I got a little worried about Kooper at regular parks (not officially off-leash, fenced parks) and said once he got bored of other dogs and we were in a regular park, it gets very difficult to get him back.
We said our goodbyes and I began the tricky process of taking the leash off Kooper and closing the (station wagon) trunk. I noticed there was another dog in the parking lot and sure enough it was too big a temptation for Kooper. He leapt out of the trunk and went to say hello. As I approached, he ran off down the nature trail toward another dog. From there he quickly noticed the stream and started exploring the soft ice along the bank of the stream. I noticed the water was moving quickly and began to really worry. He was oblivious to my calls and ran further upstream as I approached. I couldn't get very close as the bank was steep and the ice, I'm guessing, too thin to hold me. The game continued and sure enough he got too close to the edge and slipped into the stream. I'm not certain how deep it was, but I was fearing the worst. He was obviously very surprised when he fell in, but luckily it only took a couple of tries over about 10 seconds and he jumped out and ran up the bank to the trail and met up with another dog. I grabbed him and walked back to the car. He didn't seem cold at all and for him it appeared his adventure was just another walk in the park. I hope he learnt a lesson.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Nadia
I work in a shared executive office, which means there are many different companies sharing common facilities, but otherwise not related at all. It's a weird kind of feeling, because you see the same people on a regular basis but they're not colleagues - it's more like a neighbourhood ! I've been here for over 5 years and seen many different companies and people come and go. I've causually met a few people over the years, but late last year, I started to make a point of getting to know more of my neighbours.
I walked into the office this morning and walked by one of the larger, multi-person corner offices and the morning light coming in was beautiful. Nadia was sitting at her computer and the lighting and the colour of her sweater just stood out ! I hadn't met Nadia before today so I dropped off my stuff in my office and returned to her office to introduce myself and see if I could take her picture.
I set the camera up before I approached her so I wouldn't be fumbling with the settings while I was introducing myself. As I asked if I could take her photograph I could tell she wasn't that comfortable with the idea, but she laughed a little, so I snapped a few shots before she had time to worry about a pose - I really like the result.
As she recognized my English accent, we quickly talked about our backgrounds. Nadia is originally from Pakistan, moved to Saudi Arabia, then the UK and has now been here in Canada for 5 years - she calls herself "a global soul". We agreed that the Canadian winters are a little harsh but the morning sun on her face was cheering her up.
This is the first "stranger" I've met at the office. It's an unusual situation, where someone is a stranger one minute, you introduce yourself, learn their name and little about them,and then they're part of your life.
Funny we didn't talk business at all.
Nadia is #39 in my 100 strangers project. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at www.100Strangers.com.
I walked into the office this morning and walked by one of the larger, multi-person corner offices and the morning light coming in was beautiful. Nadia was sitting at her computer and the lighting and the colour of her sweater just stood out ! I hadn't met Nadia before today so I dropped off my stuff in my office and returned to her office to introduce myself and see if I could take her picture.
I set the camera up before I approached her so I wouldn't be fumbling with the settings while I was introducing myself. As I asked if I could take her photograph I could tell she wasn't that comfortable with the idea, but she laughed a little, so I snapped a few shots before she had time to worry about a pose - I really like the result.
As she recognized my English accent, we quickly talked about our backgrounds. Nadia is originally from Pakistan, moved to Saudi Arabia, then the UK and has now been here in Canada for 5 years - she calls herself "a global soul". We agreed that the Canadian winters are a little harsh but the morning sun on her face was cheering her up.
This is the first "stranger" I've met at the office. It's an unusual situation, where someone is a stranger one minute, you introduce yourself, learn their name and little about them,and then they're part of your life.
Funny we didn't talk business at all.
Nadia is #39 in my 100 strangers project. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at www.100Strangers.com.
He's Just Not That Into You
I came home from shinny (hockey) last night and my wife was watching He's Just Not That Into You on-demand on The Movie Network (TMN). I watched a little and found some parts quite interesting and quite funny (although I wasn't sure if it was supposed to be funny), but then some other parts just didn't do it for me.
A daily photo blog I follow is Daily Dose of Imagery. Today's posting (yesterday's photo) is entitled not that into you with a well captured simple moment on the subway.
A daily photo blog I follow is Daily Dose of Imagery. Today's posting (yesterday's photo) is entitled not that into you with a well captured simple moment on the subway.
Concert and Album Lists
If you look on the right column, you will notice that I have added two new lists.
The first is a list of upcoming Toronto concerts that we recommend (or are going to). We figured this would be a better way of adding new concert announcements as we heard them, rather than posting a new blog post every time.
So keep checking the list for new recommendations and of course, keep checking Ticketmaster, Live Nation and your favourite band websites for other dates. I also follow my favourite bands on Twitter, Facebook or MySpace to hear announcements as soon as they are available.
The second list we've added are for upcoming (and recent) album releases. Dates are not set in stone as album release dates are often changed, but it gives an idea of what we can look forward to in 2010.
The first is a list of upcoming Toronto concerts that we recommend (or are going to). We figured this would be a better way of adding new concert announcements as we heard them, rather than posting a new blog post every time.
So keep checking the list for new recommendations and of course, keep checking Ticketmaster, Live Nation and your favourite band websites for other dates. I also follow my favourite bands on Twitter, Facebook or MySpace to hear announcements as soon as they are available.
The second list we've added are for upcoming (and recent) album releases. Dates are not set in stone as album release dates are often changed, but it gives an idea of what we can look forward to in 2010.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Paula
I stepped out at lunch today to try and grab a snow flurry shot (didn't get one), but I ended up meeting Paula as she was walking her dog Molly. As you can probably guess, her hat got my attention - I love seeing people where bright colours in the winter !
We talked about dogs a little bit and I found out there are a few off-leash downtown dog parks. We also talked a little about photography - Paula just got a a new Canon dSRL (5D Mark II I think, lucky her), but she said she found it a little challenging taking photos while walking her dog - I agreed with her on that one ! She also told me about the Toronto Photo Walks (torontophotowalks.ca/) group on Flickr - I may join them on Saturday in the Beaches ! Hoping to connect with Paula on Flickr.
I'm so glad I stopped Paula and asked for a photograph, much more rewarding than a picture of the snow.
Paula is #38 in my 100 strangers project. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at www.100Strangers.com.
We talked about dogs a little bit and I found out there are a few off-leash downtown dog parks. We also talked a little about photography - Paula just got a a new Canon dSRL (5D Mark II I think, lucky her), but she said she found it a little challenging taking photos while walking her dog - I agreed with her on that one ! She also told me about the Toronto Photo Walks (torontophotowalks.ca/) group on Flickr - I may join them on Saturday in the Beaches ! Hoping to connect with Paula on Flickr.
I'm so glad I stopped Paula and asked for a photograph, much more rewarding than a picture of the snow.
Paula is #38 in my 100 strangers project. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at www.100Strangers.com.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Monday, January 25, 2010
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Friday, January 22, 2010
Hart House
I was picking up our tickets for tonight's performance of High Fidelity at Hart House Theatre at lunch today. If you don't know, Hart House is one of The University of Toronto's oldest buildings. I just loved the stone walls and wood paneling everywhere. The lighting today was just beautiful. I'm sure I'll be returning for future photo shoots.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Jully Black
On my walk home today I stopped in at HMV to check out a few new releases (always released on Tuesdays theses days). I noticed Jully Black's new album at one of the listening posts and put the headphones on to listen to track 1 - Running which is listed as her single. Pretty decent track - as I remove the headphones, thh same song is playing on the storewide audio system.
Kensington
As you may know, I have a daily photo blog called 365inCamera.
I was planning on visiting Kensington Market this afternoon for my daily shot (although I ended up finding something pretty interesting on the walk there and didn't make it all the way to Kensington).
I had a quick look at my Flickr comments in the morning and noticed one from a Sha_sha2008 (a Flickr member I didn't recognize). I had a quick look at her photostream and noticed her shot of Kensington Market in her Photo Content Winners set on her home page.
I was planning on visiting Kensington Market this afternoon for my daily shot (although I ended up finding something pretty interesting on the walk there and didn't make it all the way to Kensington).
I had a quick look at my Flickr comments in the morning and noticed one from a Sha_sha2008 (a Flickr member I didn't recognize). I had a quick look at her photostream and noticed her shot of Kensington Market in her Photo Content Winners set on her home page.
Mysterious noises
When I got home from my late night ultimate game last night (this morning), I went downstairs for a snack and to wind down. I noticed a high pitched buzzing went I entered the family room and then tried to find the remote to watch a little TV. Our universal remote was not in its usual spot and its screen was blank - the (rechargeable) batteries were run down. So I fished around for various remotes and did a manual power on for a few components. I grabbed the universal remote as I wanted to recharge its batteries, but the buzzing noise was getting very annoying so I started to walk around trying to isolate the mysterious sound. The noise sounded a little like one of the pot lights ready to blow. But no, that wasn't it. I wandered over to the downstairs bathroom and the noise seemed to be a little louder. I opened the utility closet door in the bathroom and thought the sound was coming from the natural gas pipe. I walked back into the family room and also checked the gas fireplace, the noise was there too. I checked in the furnace room and the noise was there too. But I still couldn't isolate it. I put the remote down and did another check, but the mystery continued. A went back to the family room and went over to the TV and audio components and bent down a little to see if I could hear any better. Sure enough, the noise was coming from the universal remote, the batteries were run down enough so they couldn't power the screen, but apparently not enough to cause the remote to emit an annoying high pitched buzzing sound.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Shredded glow
I experimented with lots of difficult exposures and 2 flash combinations (built-in and SB-600) and placement, but as it turned out, I liked the glow of this over-exposed shot the most.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Friday, January 15, 2010
High Fidelity
In my coincidence last week, entitled An Education, I noted the work of Nick Hornby and have since started reading his latest book, Juliet, Naked. One of Hornby's books that was turned into a movie and one I really liked was called High Fidelity. I just saw in this week's NOW magazine that the stage version is opening tonight running through the end of month at the Hart House Theatre.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Nofair / Nikon 18-200mm VR
Taken with my new Nikon 18-200mm VR lens.
I've wanted this lens for quite some time, but I haven't been able to easily justify the expense. Nikon released a new version of this lens late in 2009 that by most reports, only differs with a zoom lock to stop lens creep. Nikon apparently changed a lot of the focusing mechanics, but I don't believe the old and new are really that different and not really worth the $100+ difference. Nikon were still showing this lens on their site up until quite recently, but asking around told me that this original version was already disappearing from the stores. Combine that with a great price at Black's here in Toronto and the decision point was getting closer. When my wife got her ticket to the Olympics, there was another big reason to invest in this versatile and very highly rated lens. But as I was mulling this over just this morning, what became the tipping point was my wife's blog post and her desire to step out of auto-mode and learn how to properly use a dSLR.
I had a chance to take a few shots over lunch before my battery died. Already, I can tell it's going to create a little spike in my photographic activity. Early impressions of focusing speed and picture quality are very good. Why did I put this decision off so long ?
I've wanted this lens for quite some time, but I haven't been able to easily justify the expense. Nikon released a new version of this lens late in 2009 that by most reports, only differs with a zoom lock to stop lens creep. Nikon apparently changed a lot of the focusing mechanics, but I don't believe the old and new are really that different and not really worth the $100+ difference. Nikon were still showing this lens on their site up until quite recently, but asking around told me that this original version was already disappearing from the stores. Combine that with a great price at Black's here in Toronto and the decision point was getting closer. When my wife got her ticket to the Olympics, there was another big reason to invest in this versatile and very highly rated lens. But as I was mulling this over just this morning, what became the tipping point was my wife's blog post and her desire to step out of auto-mode and learn how to properly use a dSLR.
I had a chance to take a few shots over lunch before my battery died. Already, I can tell it's going to create a little spike in my photographic activity. Early impressions of focusing speed and picture quality are very good. Why did I put this decision off so long ?
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Toronto Island Concert
The Toronto Island Concert is back this year after being cancelled last year.
There are more band announcements to follow. For now, the following are confirmed:
Pavement
Broken Social Scene
Band of Horses
There will be more bands announced in the near future.
Presale begins January 18th.
There are more band announcements to follow. For now, the following are confirmed:
Pavement
Broken Social Scene
Band of Horses
There will be more bands announced in the near future.
Presale begins January 18th.
More Concert Announcements
Adding to pjmixer's post from earlier this morning...here are more concert announcements that have caught my eye:
Editors February 18 at The Phoenix
Muse with Silversun Pickups March 8th at Air Canada Centre (anyone with a GA ticket for me? lol)
Jamie Cullum March 9th at Massey Hall
Bedouin Soundclash March 12th Mod Club
Norah Jones March 23rd at Massey Hall (sold out)
Vampire Weekend March 30th Sound Academy (new album just released...thx JH)
Hot Chip April 20th at Kool Haus
Owl City April 27th at Sound Academy (daughter's new favourite)
The XX April 4th at Phoenix (tickets on sale Jan. 15th)
Hawksley Workman April 24th at Massey Hall
U2 July 3rd at Rogers Centre
Editors February 18 at The Phoenix
Muse with Silversun Pickups March 8th at Air Canada Centre (anyone with a GA ticket for me? lol)
Jamie Cullum March 9th at Massey Hall
Bedouin Soundclash March 12th Mod Club
Norah Jones March 23rd at Massey Hall (sold out)
Vampire Weekend March 30th Sound Academy (new album just released...thx JH)
Hot Chip April 20th at Kool Haus
Owl City April 27th at Sound Academy (daughter's new favourite)
The XX April 4th at Phoenix (tickets on sale Jan. 15th)
Hawksley Workman April 24th at Massey Hall
U2 July 3rd at Rogers Centre
Early 2010 Toronto concert announcements
The Cribs at The Phonenix this Friday, Jan 15th - still not sold out (good or bad?)
Timbaland at the Sound Academy on Jan 22nd - hoping to find hip hop co-pilot
Frank Turner at The Horseshoe on Jan 26th - new find from Kelly1122
Nouvelle Vague at The Opera House on Jan 27th - should be interesting lounge with retro twist
Clientele at The Horseshoe on March 19th - going to this one - smooth sounds of spring
Air at The Phoenix on March 23rd - would be nice
Nada Surf at Lee's Palace on March 29th - need to listen to more - CS is a big fanAnd a few comedy shows that caught my eye:
An Evening with Kevin at Roy Thompson Hall on Feb 6
Steven Wright at Convocation Hall on Jan 30 and 31st
Monday, January 11, 2010
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Saturday, January 09, 2010
Friday, January 08, 2010
Delivery
We're waiting for our new washing machine to be delivered today. Of course, they can only tell us it's going to be between 7am and 5pm. So we just see a delivery van pull up outside and take out a boxed washing machine - but it's a Samsung, not a Frigidaire like we ordered. Sure enough, the delivery is for one of our neighbours down the road. We're heard that a few people had appliances break down over the holidays. But a new washing machine delivery on the same block on the same day ?
Thursday, January 07, 2010
Please Close Gate
Experimenting with new Blackberry Bold 9700 3mp camera. Not too bad, but still very basic.
Wednesday, January 06, 2010
Ultimate food court
I went down to the North end food court at The Eaton Centre today to load up on some wonton noodle soup and bumped into an old friend of mine. Tom is a lawyer and works in one of the office towers so I've known he works in the 'hood for a long time, but I don't think I've ever seen him close to our offices (I'm in another of The Eaton Centre's 3 office towers) in over 5 years. I know Tom from ultimate [frisbee], we played on a few teams together and went to the world championships back in 1995. One small coincidence is that I sent him a quick email the other day wishing him happy birthday. As I'm walking out of the foodcourt with my take-out soup I bump into another old friend from ultimate - Russell. I've never seen him out of ultimate gear and here he was dressed like he'd just stepped out of GQ (he was on his way to a meeting). Turns out that Russell's office is in the same tower as Tom's.
Where I find new music: Part 2 - Blip.fm
Quick on the heels of posting my 2009 best of, I log into Blip.fm to post a new track for this new year. In Blip.fm, after your track ends it automatically starts playing from your favourite DJ list. So on comes this really great track from The Duke Spirit, called You Really Wake Up the Love In Me from a DJ named albertsdad. I quickly sample and download a few tracks, sync my iPod and presto, the first new music find for 2010.
Tuesday, January 05, 2010
2010 New Year's Resolutions
New Year's resolutions may be a little out of fashion these days, but they always say you should write down your personal goals and what better time than a fresh new year to do it.
- Photography: take more photographs of my family. I take tons of pictures, but I'd really like to capture some shots of my family that really shows their true selves (and that will be the challenge); continue with my daily photo blog - 365 in Camera (getting difficult to continue to find new subjects every day, but I'm looking hard); and add at least another 30 strangers to my 100 Strangers Flickr project.
- Health: get back to my humble morning workout - some push-ups and some sit-ups - no big whoop, but every little bit helps this tired old body. Yes, I'm still playing lots of sports (ultimate twice a week, shinny starting this week for a few months and a couple of runs with the dog/kids each week), and I intend to try and maintain a good amount of this for the year too.
- Food: make sushi more often at home. I love maki rolls, my daughter loves them and it's something we can do together. It's healthy and not too difficult to make. Ingredients and decent prep time tis all. Add some new food and recipes to our home menu, don't need to necessarily stress healthy, just stuff that gets the whole family excited about dinner time !
- Fun and games: play more board games with family and friends. I love board games and whenever I can convince others to play, most end up really like playing, especially my son who said the other day he wants to play more often. In today's age of constant audio/video bombardment , I find it refreshing to spend time with a board game and experience a little nostalgic throw back to simpler times. The two big games that I constantly try and get people to play are Ticket to Ride and Carcassonne (I received a couple of expansion sets for Christmas).
- Work: stay on top of email (easier said than done); pick up the phone or meet face-to-face more often rather than relying too heavily on impersonal email correspondence; meet and socialize with more people in my shared office environment and create a less lonely work life; get a little more active thru Linkedin; and of course, make my quota.
- Film: watch a movie with my wife once a month. This is probably easy for most couples, but not for us. I love movies, and so does my wife when she has the time, but finding something we both like and is worth our valuable time, can be a challenge.
- Money: spend some money on the house. The reward isn't as immediate as shiny somethings that plug-in, but our wonderful home deserves some loving updates.
- Music: build some quality playlists from the huge amount of music in my collection; find more music a little further afield, incl. some more jazz, classical; get out and support local artists; continue to write on our music blog: in Tune in.
- Family and friends: stay in touch with family and friends on all channels; get to know more of our kids' friends and their families; begin to document my family story - maybe a new blog, co-authored my my Mom, Dad and brother ?
- Get back to writing this blog a little more regularly, I've missed the ramble and rant.
An Education
I was in the bookstore today and also doing some browsing online (Amazon always seems to have the best prices in Canada). I recently finished The Lost Symbol and I was looking for some new fiction (as I already have a few Gladwell non-fiction books I'm currently reading). I came across Nick Hornby, I'm not familiar with his books, however I've seen some of the movies adaptations, incl. High Fidelity and About a Boy. I liked the premise of his new novel Juliet Naked and order it on Amazon. But I did notice another title that sounded interesting, An Education, and also saw that it had been made into a movie. I hadn't heard of the book or whether the movie was new or had already come and gone. But the list of actors was pretty decent. After work, I duck into 10 Dundas West where there happens to be an AMC movie theatre to make a quick call home. While I'm talking to my wife, I notice a poster for An Education, now playing !
Deal of the year
I usually buy a calendar for my office wall in January as they are usually priced at 50% of the original price. I'm not too picky and I usually change things up year after year. I had a casual look in Indigo at lunch and this Weather calendar caught my eye. Pretty unusual, some nice photography and lots of extra weather bits inside that I thought my son would like at the the end of each month. But I couldn't believe the $2 sticker - wow, now that is a no-brainer. I take it to the checkout desk with another book I wanted to do a price check on. Turns out the book was not on sale, so I say "just the calendar" and she says "can't beat a $2 calendar", no kidding. So then she says, it's 50% off ! Hah, this must be the cheapest purchase in a very long time, with tax $1.13.
On a somewhat related note, it really bothers me I have to pay full price for magazines. I assume this is the case everywhere in the shopping world and you can really only save yourself a few dollars if you get a subscription. Subscriptions for me don't work out too well because my mag choices are mostly from the UK (why do UK mags seem to have so much more content in them?). Here's an idea, don't you think the mag companies/distributors etc, could make some decent money selling last month's mags at a discount rather than sending them back and selling as a back issue ?
Monday, January 04, 2010
Best of 2009 music
I downloaded and listened to a ton of music this year and also went to more concerts (21, 31 artists) than I have in many years. There are a few friends and fellow concert photographers that enjoy the same music as I do, however my tastes are quite varied and I'm finding more than ever, that perhaps my music is not on everyone's radar screen of what's good or popular in music today. However, I do hope that you'll agree with some of my choices for 2009 and more importantly I hope you'll find something new in the lists below that appeals to your ears and rhythm.
1. Kasabian - West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum. Driving riffs, beats, and sing-a-longs across the majority of the tracks of this fantastic record - first time I heard it I knew is was going to be my number one (shortlisted for the 2009 Mercury Prize, and was named Best Album of the 2009 by Q). The only thing missing is a North America tour ! pjtracks: Underdog, Fire and Where did all the love go ?
2. K'Naan - Troubadour. Somalia born and now based in Toronto, K'Naan conjures up a modern blend of hip hop, rap, pop and African beats with very personal and political story telling. Fabulous. The album was shortlisted for the 2009 Polaris Music Prize. A remix of Waving Flag has been selected as the official song of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. pjtracks: Dreamer and Take a Minute.
3. Jamie T - Kings & Queens. Quirky voice singing our clever, perky and potent lines make the blend of upbeat pop, rap, hip hop with a few ballads irresistible. pjtracks: Sticks 'n' Stones and Chaka Demus.
4. The Temper Trap - Conditions. Fantastic surprise when we saw these Aussies bring the house down at The Horseshoe Tavern a few months ago. Credit to Suze20TO for the find, must-see live act, overflowing with energy and chart potential. pjtracks: Science of Fear and Love Lost.
5. U2 - No Line on the Horizon. When I first got this album I wasn't immediately impressed. However, after quite a lot of listening, the quality of the songwriting and the music is what we've come to expect from U2 - perfect. But what got them on the list this year was their concert performance. Best show of the year and maybe an all time top 10, big thanks to Scotty H for the comp tickets and getting the chance to see the biggest band in the whole up-close. pjtracks: I'll Go Crazy If I Don't go Crazy Tonight, Magnificant and Moment of Surrender
6. Champion - Resistance. This second album from Montreal DJ and guitar gang takes much more of a rock path, but the beats from Max always get you moving and then the guitars and catchy keep you in the moment. Superb live show a must-see. pjtracks: Alive Again, Resistance (Skool) and Backing Off.
7. The XX - XX. Wonderful mellow minimalist, electronica perfect for late night listening. Thanks to Rob S for the tip on this one. pjtracks: Crystalised and VCR.
8. Florence and the Machine - Lungs. A voice that at times reminds me of Kate Bush (and on other tracks can really belt it out), lovely layered and varied tracks on this rather unique sounding album. pjtracks Rabbit Heart (Raise it up), You've got the Look and Kiss with a Fist.
9. White Lies - To Lose My Life. A great example of the renewed 80's sound found in quite a few albums this year. Lyrics are a little dark, but the synth layers are warm and the beats and buildups are top draw. pjtracks: Death and E.S.T.
10. Camera Obscura - My Maudlin Career. Light, fair-weather tunes that put a smile on my face, but don't seem to fit our current sub-zero conditions. Another recommendation from Rob S. pjtracks: You Told a Lie and James.
Other 2009 releases that I played a lot this year, but didn't quite make the top 10 include: The Clientele, Jet (pjtrack: She's a Genius), Manic Street Preachers, Coldplay (the live LeftRightLeftRightLeft), Sam Roberts (pjtrack: The Pilgrim), Franz Ferdinand, The Streets (pjtrack: Heaven for the Weather) and Cut Copy (pjtrack: Lights and Music).
There were a flurry of releases later in 2009 (or in the case of Metric weren't available via my regular download channel), that I've begun to listen a lot to and are very promising and perhaps would have made the list if I'd found them earlier or monopolized the stereo for the last few weeks: John Mayer (pjtrack: Heartbreak Warfare), Norah Jones (pjtrack: Chasing Pirates), Metric, Jay-Z and Timbaland (pjtrack: Timothy where you been, feat. Jet).
My picks for songs of 2009 are:
1. Kasabian - Where did all the love go ?
2. Kasabian - Fire
3. K'Naan - Take a Minute
4. K'Naan - Dreamer
5. Peter Doherty - Last of the English Roses
6. Arctic Monkeys - Cornerstone
7. U2 - Moment of Surrender
8. Jay-Z - Empire State of Mind (feat. Alicia Keys) (and with all the shots of NY in the video, on first viewing, this becomes my favourite video of 2009)
9. Jamie T - Sticks 'n' Stones
10. White Lies - Death
And to finish off the lists for 2009, a few odd tracks from other artists that got a lot of iPod playtime: Deadmau5 - Ghosts 'n' Stuff; Reverend and the Makers - No Soap in a Dirty War; Madelaine Peyroux - Instead; The Enemy - Sing When You're in Love; Junior Boys - Work; and last but not least, what 2009 list would be complete without Dizzee Rascal's Dance Wiv Me.
1. Kasabian - West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum. Driving riffs, beats, and sing-a-longs across the majority of the tracks of this fantastic record - first time I heard it I knew is was going to be my number one (shortlisted for the 2009 Mercury Prize, and was named Best Album of the 2009 by Q). The only thing missing is a North America tour ! pjtracks: Underdog, Fire and Where did all the love go ?
2. K'Naan - Troubadour. Somalia born and now based in Toronto, K'Naan conjures up a modern blend of hip hop, rap, pop and African beats with very personal and political story telling. Fabulous. The album was shortlisted for the 2009 Polaris Music Prize. A remix of Waving Flag has been selected as the official song of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. pjtracks: Dreamer and Take a Minute.
3. Jamie T - Kings & Queens. Quirky voice singing our clever, perky and potent lines make the blend of upbeat pop, rap, hip hop with a few ballads irresistible. pjtracks: Sticks 'n' Stones and Chaka Demus.
4. The Temper Trap - Conditions. Fantastic surprise when we saw these Aussies bring the house down at The Horseshoe Tavern a few months ago. Credit to Suze20TO for the find, must-see live act, overflowing with energy and chart potential. pjtracks: Science of Fear and Love Lost.
5. U2 - No Line on the Horizon. When I first got this album I wasn't immediately impressed. However, after quite a lot of listening, the quality of the songwriting and the music is what we've come to expect from U2 - perfect. But what got them on the list this year was their concert performance. Best show of the year and maybe an all time top 10, big thanks to Scotty H for the comp tickets and getting the chance to see the biggest band in the whole up-close. pjtracks: I'll Go Crazy If I Don't go Crazy Tonight, Magnificant and Moment of Surrender
6. Champion - Resistance. This second album from Montreal DJ and guitar gang takes much more of a rock path, but the beats from Max always get you moving and then the guitars and catchy keep you in the moment. Superb live show a must-see. pjtracks: Alive Again, Resistance (Skool) and Backing Off.
7. The XX - XX. Wonderful mellow minimalist, electronica perfect for late night listening. Thanks to Rob S for the tip on this one. pjtracks: Crystalised and VCR.
8. Florence and the Machine - Lungs. A voice that at times reminds me of Kate Bush (and on other tracks can really belt it out), lovely layered and varied tracks on this rather unique sounding album. pjtracks Rabbit Heart (Raise it up), You've got the Look and Kiss with a Fist.
9. White Lies - To Lose My Life. A great example of the renewed 80's sound found in quite a few albums this year. Lyrics are a little dark, but the synth layers are warm and the beats and buildups are top draw. pjtracks: Death and E.S.T.
10. Camera Obscura - My Maudlin Career. Light, fair-weather tunes that put a smile on my face, but don't seem to fit our current sub-zero conditions. Another recommendation from Rob S. pjtracks: You Told a Lie and James.
Other 2009 releases that I played a lot this year, but didn't quite make the top 10 include: The Clientele, Jet (pjtrack: She's a Genius), Manic Street Preachers, Coldplay (the live LeftRightLeftRightLeft), Sam Roberts (pjtrack: The Pilgrim), Franz Ferdinand, The Streets (pjtrack: Heaven for the Weather) and Cut Copy (pjtrack: Lights and Music).
There were a flurry of releases later in 2009 (or in the case of Metric weren't available via my regular download channel), that I've begun to listen a lot to and are very promising and perhaps would have made the list if I'd found them earlier or monopolized the stereo for the last few weeks: John Mayer (pjtrack: Heartbreak Warfare), Norah Jones (pjtrack: Chasing Pirates), Metric, Jay-Z and Timbaland (pjtrack: Timothy where you been, feat. Jet).
My picks for songs of 2009 are:
1. Kasabian - Where did all the love go ?
2. Kasabian - Fire
3. K'Naan - Take a Minute
4. K'Naan - Dreamer
5. Peter Doherty - Last of the English Roses
6. Arctic Monkeys - Cornerstone
7. U2 - Moment of Surrender
8. Jay-Z - Empire State of Mind (feat. Alicia Keys) (and with all the shots of NY in the video, on first viewing, this becomes my favourite video of 2009)
9. Jamie T - Sticks 'n' Stones
10. White Lies - Death
And to finish off the lists for 2009, a few odd tracks from other artists that got a lot of iPod playtime: Deadmau5 - Ghosts 'n' Stuff; Reverend and the Makers - No Soap in a Dirty War; Madelaine Peyroux - Instead; The Enemy - Sing When You're in Love; Junior Boys - Work; and last but not least, what 2009 list would be complete without Dizzee Rascal's Dance Wiv Me.
PJMixer best music of 2009
I downloaded and listened to a ton of music this year and also went to more concerts (21, 31 artists) than I have in many years. There are a few friends and fellow concert photographers that enjoy the same music as I do, however my tastes are quite varied and I'm finding more than ever, that perhaps my music is not on everyone's radar screen of what's good or popular in music today. However, I do hope that you'll agree with some of my choices for 2009 and more importantly I hope you'll find something new in the lists below that appeals to your ears and rhythm.
1. Kasabian - West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum. Driving riffs, beats, and sing-a-longs across the majority of the tracks of this fantastic record - first time I heard it I knew is was going to be my number one (shortlisted for the 2009 Mercury Prize, and was named Best Album of the 2009 by Q). The only thing missing is a North America tour ! pjtracks: Underdog, Fire and Where did all the love go ?
2. K'Naan - Troubadour. Somalia born and now based in Toronto, K'Naan conjures up a modern blend of hip hop, rap, pop and African beats with very personal and political story telling. Fabulous. The album was shortlisted for the 2009 Polaris Music Prize. A remix of Waving Flag has been selected as the official song of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. pjtracks: Dreamer and Take a Minute.
3. Jamie T - Kings & Queens. Quirky voice singing our clever, perky and potent lines make the blend of upbeat pop, rap, hip hop with a few ballads irresistible. pjtracks: Sticks 'n' Stones and Chaka Demus.
4. The Temper Trap - Conditions. Fantastic surprise when we saw these Aussies bring the house down at The Horseshoe Tavern a few months ago. Credit to Suze20TO for the find, must-see live act, overflowing with energy and chart potential. pjtracks: Science of Fear and Love Lost.
5. U2 - No Line on the Horizon. When I first got this album I wasn't immediately impressed. However, after quite a lot of listening, the quality of the songwriting and the music is what we've come to expect from U2 - perfect. But what got them on the list this year was their concert performance. Best show of the year and maybe an all time top 10, big thanks to Scotty H for the comp tickets and getting the chance to see the biggest band in the whole up-close. pjtracks: I'll Go Crazy If I Don't go Crazy Tonight, Magnificant and Moment of Surrender
6. Champion - Resistance. This second album from Montreal DJ and guitar gang takes much more of a rock path, but the beats from Max always get you moving and then the guitars and catchy keep you in the moment. Superb live show a must-see. pjtracks: Alive Again, Resistance (Skool) and Backing Off.
8. Florence and the Machine - Lungs. A voice that at times reminds me of Kate Bush (and on other tracks can really belt it out), lovely layered and varied tracks on this rather unique sounding album. pjtracks Rabbit Heart (Raise it up), You've got the Look and Kiss with a Fist.
9. White Lies - To Lose My Life. A great example of the renewed 80's sound found in quite a few albums this year. Lyrics are a little dark, but the synth layers are warm and the beats and buildups are top draw. pjtracks: Death and E.S.T.
10. Camera Obscura - My Maudlin Career. Light, fair-weather tunes that put a smile on my face, but don't seem to fit our current sub-zero conditions. Another recommendation from Rob S. pjtracks: You Told a Lie and James.
Other 2009 releases that I played a lot this year, but didn't quite make the top 10 include: The Clientele, Jet (pjtrack: She's a Genius), Manic Street Preachers, Coldplay (the live LeftRightLeftRightLeft), Sam Roberts (pjtrack: The Pilgrim), Franz Ferdinand, The Streets (pjtrack: Heaven for the Weather) and Cut Copy (pjtrack: Lights and Music).
1. Kasabian - Where did all the love go ?
2. Kasabian - Fire
3. K'Naan - Take a Minute
4. K'Naan - Dreamer
5. Peter Doherty - Last of the English Roses
6. Arctic Monkeys - Cornerstone
7. U2 - Moment of Surrender
8. Jay-Z - Empire State of Mind (feat. Alicia Keys) (and with all the shots of NY in the video, on first viewing, this becomes my favourite video of 2009)
9. Jamie T - Sticks 'n' Stones
10. White Lies - Death
And to finish off the lists for 2009, a few odd tracks from other artists that got a lot of iPod playtime: Deadmau5 - Ghosts 'n' Stuff; Reverend and the Makers - No Soap in a Dirty War; Madelaine Peyroux - Instead; The Enemy - Sing When You're in Love; Junior Boys - Work; and last but not least, what 2009 list would be complete without Dizzee Rascal's Dance Wiv Me.
1. Kasabian - West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum. Driving riffs, beats, and sing-a-longs across the majority of the tracks of this fantastic record - first time I heard it I knew is was going to be my number one (shortlisted for the 2009 Mercury Prize, and was named Best Album of the 2009 by Q). The only thing missing is a North America tour ! pjtracks: Underdog, Fire and Where did all the love go ?
2. K'Naan - Troubadour. Somalia born and now based in Toronto, K'Naan conjures up a modern blend of hip hop, rap, pop and African beats with very personal and political story telling. Fabulous. The album was shortlisted for the 2009 Polaris Music Prize. A remix of Waving Flag has been selected as the official song of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. pjtracks: Dreamer and Take a Minute.
3. Jamie T - Kings & Queens. Quirky voice singing our clever, perky and potent lines make the blend of upbeat pop, rap, hip hop with a few ballads irresistible. pjtracks: Sticks 'n' Stones and Chaka Demus.
4. The Temper Trap - Conditions. Fantastic surprise when we saw these Aussies bring the house down at The Horseshoe Tavern a few months ago. Credit to Suze20TO for the find, must-see live act, overflowing with energy and chart potential. pjtracks: Science of Fear and Love Lost.
5. U2 - No Line on the Horizon. When I first got this album I wasn't immediately impressed. However, after quite a lot of listening, the quality of the songwriting and the music is what we've come to expect from U2 - perfect. But what got them on the list this year was their concert performance. Best show of the year and maybe an all time top 10, big thanks to Scotty H for the comp tickets and getting the chance to see the biggest band in the whole up-close. pjtracks: I'll Go Crazy If I Don't go Crazy Tonight, Magnificant and Moment of Surrender
6. Champion - Resistance. This second album from Montreal DJ and guitar gang takes much more of a rock path, but the beats from Max always get you moving and then the guitars and catchy keep you in the moment. Superb live show a must-see. pjtracks: Alive Again, Resistance (Skool) and Backing Off.
7. The XX - XX. Wonderful mellow minimalist, electronica perfect for late night listening. Thanks to Rob S for the tip on this one. pjtracks: Crystalised and VCR.
9. White Lies - To Lose My Life. A great example of the renewed 80's sound found in quite a few albums this year. Lyrics are a little dark, but the synth layers are warm and the beats and buildups are top draw. pjtracks: Death and E.S.T.
10. Camera Obscura - My Maudlin Career. Light, fair-weather tunes that put a smile on my face, but don't seem to fit our current sub-zero conditions. Another recommendation from Rob S. pjtracks: You Told a Lie and James.
Other 2009 releases that I played a lot this year, but didn't quite make the top 10 include: The Clientele, Jet (pjtrack: She's a Genius), Manic Street Preachers, Coldplay (the live LeftRightLeftRightLeft), Sam Roberts (pjtrack: The Pilgrim), Franz Ferdinand, The Streets (pjtrack: Heaven for the Weather) and Cut Copy (pjtrack: Lights and Music).
There were a flurry of releases later in 2009 (or in the case of Metric weren't available via my regular download channel), that I've begun to listen a lot to and are very promising and perhaps would have made the list if I'd found them earlier or monopolized the stereo for the last few weeks: John Mayer (pjtrack: Heartbreak Warfare), Norah Jones (pjtrack: Chasing Pirates), Metric, Jay-Z and Timbaland (pjtrack: Timothy where you been, feat. Jet).
My picks for songs of 2009 are:
My picks for songs of 2009 are:
1. Kasabian - Where did all the love go ?
2. Kasabian - Fire
3. K'Naan - Take a Minute
4. K'Naan - Dreamer
5. Peter Doherty - Last of the English Roses
6. Arctic Monkeys - Cornerstone
7. U2 - Moment of Surrender
8. Jay-Z - Empire State of Mind (feat. Alicia Keys) (and with all the shots of NY in the video, on first viewing, this becomes my favourite video of 2009)
9. Jamie T - Sticks 'n' Stones
10. White Lies - Death
And to finish off the lists for 2009, a few odd tracks from other artists that got a lot of iPod playtime: Deadmau5 - Ghosts 'n' Stuff; Reverend and the Makers - No Soap in a Dirty War; Madelaine Peyroux - Instead; The Enemy - Sing When You're in Love; Junior Boys - Work; and last but not least, what 2009 list would be complete without Dizzee Rascal's Dance Wiv Me.
Apple app images
The Mac store window display at the Eaton Centre in Toronto. Where do those iPhone and iPod Touch people start finding and loading apps out of the thousands available ? I'll find out soon as my wife gets hers later this week !
Unfortunate pricing coincidence
Coincidence - I've had my eyes on the Nikon 18-200mm lens for some time as a walk-around and travel lens and a replacement to our kit and telephoto lenses. The current, best price of the older version is $729 at Blacks.
Our front-load washing machine broke over the holidays. The breakage is severe enough that a repair doesn't make sense so we need to buy a new washer. The dryer is mounted on top of the washer so choices for a replacement are limited because of the need for the correct attachment with the dryer. I called The Bay for the latest price for the same model as our old washer - $729. The sales person who we've bought from in the past will give us a 15% discount. But still, those prices are unfortunately the same !
Our front-load washing machine broke over the holidays. The breakage is severe enough that a repair doesn't make sense so we need to buy a new washer. The dryer is mounted on top of the washer so choices for a replacement are limited because of the need for the correct attachment with the dryer. I called The Bay for the latest price for the same model as our old washer - $729. The sales person who we've bought from in the past will give us a 15% discount. But still, those prices are unfortunately the same !
Sunday, January 03, 2010
Quite the year for concerts...
2009 - 21 concerts - 31 artists, rated out of 5*
The Killers at Air Canada Centre (with M83) ****
Arkells at Horseshoe (with Waking Eyes and We Are The Take) - ****
Thievery Corporation at Kool Haus *****
Glasvegas at Mod Club (with Von Iva) ****
English Beat at Lee's Palace ****
Travis at Sound Academy (with Republic Tigers) ****
Gavin Rossdale at The Music Hall ***
Diana Krall at Massey Hall ****
Franz Ferdinand at Kool Haus ***
Coldplay at Air Canada Centre (with Elbow) *****
The Killers at Molson Amphitheatre (with Wolfmother) ***
Champion at Yonge Dundas Square (opening for Toronto International Film Festival) ****
U2 at Rogers Centre (with Snow Patrol) *****
K'Naan at The Phoenix Theatre ****
Arctic Monkeys at Kool Haus ***
Mat Kearney at Lee's Palace (with Diana Birch) ***
Psychedelic Furs at Kool Haus (with Happy Mondays) ***
Temper Trap at Horseshoe (and We Are The Take) ****
Thievery Corporation at Kool Haus *****
Champion at Mod Club *****
The Most Serene Republic at The Horsehoe (with Zeus and Still Life Still) ***
The Killers at Air Canada Centre (with M83) ****
Arkells at Horseshoe (with Waking Eyes and We Are The Take) - ****
Thievery Corporation at Kool Haus *****
Glasvegas at Mod Club (with Von Iva) ****
English Beat at Lee's Palace ****
Travis at Sound Academy (with Republic Tigers) ****
Gavin Rossdale at The Music Hall ***
Diana Krall at Massey Hall ****
Franz Ferdinand at Kool Haus ***
Coldplay at Air Canada Centre (with Elbow) *****
The Killers at Molson Amphitheatre (with Wolfmother) ***
Champion at Yonge Dundas Square (opening for Toronto International Film Festival) ****
U2 at Rogers Centre (with Snow Patrol) *****
K'Naan at The Phoenix Theatre ****
Arctic Monkeys at Kool Haus ***
Mat Kearney at Lee's Palace (with Diana Birch) ***
Psychedelic Furs at Kool Haus (with Happy Mondays) ***
Temper Trap at Horseshoe (and We Are The Take) ****
Thievery Corporation at Kool Haus *****
Champion at Mod Club *****
The Most Serene Republic at The Horsehoe (with Zeus and Still Life Still) ***
Saturday, January 02, 2010
Bowl game tension
The International Bowl game was played today at Toronto's Roger's Centre for the third year. This year, The University of South Florida defeated Northern Illinois University. This was the first NCAA bowl game I've seen and even though the crowd was a little small, the support from the loyal traveling fans and local fans was great.
Friday, January 01, 2010
Antony
Antony is #60 for the Quebec All-star high school (midget) football team. Anthony's mom is my wife's cousin so we all went to see his game versus the GTA All-Star team New Year's day at the Roger's Centre.
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