One thing that bugs me...

...people who are in the way, more precisely, people who are in my way.


It's like some people are still little kids, completely oblivious to their surroundings. You know, when you son is goofing around, walking backward showing off to his little sister, and is alerted at the last minute to the fact that he's about to plow into into a bunch of old ladies coming the other way !

The blockers typically fall within the following demographic categories:

• Teenagers. Caught up in their own mini ecosystems of he said / she said.
  
• College students. Nothing is more important that solving world peace and having a cigarette directly in front of the main entrance to your office.
  
• Visitors. See that map over there on the wall ? Give it a try.
• Shoppers. Don't these people know that there are people actually trying to get somewhere not just exercising their ICollectMoreMilesThanYou Visa card?
• Old people. God bless 'em, they're just slow.

And then there's the blocking technique or positioning:

• You're on your way to a meeting cutting through the department store and you come up behind the 5 person wide trolling shoppers. Hit the breaks before you step on their trailing scarves.
• You excuse me / excuse me past chatty teenagers on the escalator only to me met at the top by a gaggle of visitors who haven't got a clue which way they are going. Watch out the bodies are starting to pile up !
• You're rushing out of the subway station, spinning through the exit turnstiles and immediately blocked by the after-school-stand-in-circle-crowd discussing how unfair Jenny Petriedish's biology test was.

Here are the rules:

• In North America, like driving, walkways follow the stay-on-the-right rule.
• When on the escalator, stand on the right, walk on the left.
• When traveling along a walkway, do not just stop. Perhaps take a glance around and slowly make your way to the side of the walkway to evaluate your next move, check your map or to kiss cute Johnny Pencilcase from Math class.
• Heads up please when you're walking and talking on your mobile phone or texting on your Blackberry (I must admit I'm a little guilty here - see funny from Rick Mercer).
• Please put the tunnel-vision parka hoods down when you're inside. Maintaining a good amount of peripheral vision is key.
• If you walking your pet or perhaps even have you children on a tether, don't let that tether out more than 12 inches in crowded places.
  

I imagine a corollary to this post is how to handle crowds in unavoidable situations such as airports, the Santa Claus parade, Walt Disney World (no, I haven't forgotten about writing about our trip), Christmas shopping, rock concerts, the loo during intermission of a hockey game, the subway at rush hour (my next stop)...

Heads up !

Music and movie tips

A few for your entertainment dollar...

Death Cab for Cutie. Raved on my close buddy Eek (sp). Immediately appealing, gentler tunes, deeper lyrics lying undertone.

Muse. Passed this band up for a while, but this latest album has something ! #2 of the year as ranked by Q.

The Automatic. Catchy and corny, esp. Monster.

Arctic Monkeys. But you've heard me rave before.

Ok, it's getting too late now, getting pissed off with finding the right links, incl. The Editors - All Sparks (Cicado remix) - absolutely love this track, sorry allofmp3 not cooperating tonight.

Starting to warm up to Hot Chip (big in the UK last year).

Trying to get my head into new Nora Jones and Carli Bruni.

Looking forward to new Kaiser Chiefs album as we have tics for the show here in April.

Re: movies. Odd mix these days. A soccer lady friend had recommended It's all gone Pete Tong and I just saw it this week - loved it, Ibiza tracks, Brit edge and deeper thoughts.

Also caught most of Green Street Hooligans about football hooliganism on the UK. Interesting perspective.

Just picked up a version of The Professional on the way home. Great buy, $8 for the remastered DTS version on Superbit. If you've never seen it, great movie, Reno just phenomenal.

And the Katrina movie. Already referenced.

Why music is better than the movies (and maybe TV)

With music, it can be all around you. Especially if you're an iPod or you're home wired. You groove, you dance and you sing (badly) while doing important stuff like doing the dishes or tidying or filing a mound of financial receipts.

With movies, to get the most out of the experience you really need to "buy in" to the movie. That means focus, that means few distractions. Hence the problem, you need to set time aside for a movie.

Well, some TV can be enjoyed "in the background" (especially repeats of Seinfeld or Friend) or "a glance every 3 minutes" for the less intense shows.

And if you've been reading the blog who'll appreciate how important music is (in my life). But then again, don't most of my grand visions come from movie inspirations ?

Q.E.D music is better than the movies.

Why music is better than the movies (and maybe TV)

With music, it can be all around you. Especially if you're an iPod or you're home wired. You groove, you dance and you sing (badly) while doing important stuff like doing the dishes or tidying or filing a mound of financial receipts.

With movies, to get the most out of the experience you really need to "buy in" to the movie. That means focus, that means few distractions. Hence the problem, you need to set time aside for a movie.

Well, some TV can be enjoyed "in the background" (especially repeats of Seinfeld or Friend) or "a glance every 3 minutes" for the less intense shows.

And if you've been reading the blog who'll appreciate how important music is (in my life). But then again, don't most of my grand visions come from movie inspirations ?

Q.E.D music is better than the movies.

#5 Who cares ?

Starting backwards. And it's a little easier because I can transcribe from my personal, neglected handwritten journal.

Once again, inspired by a movie, in this case When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts.

'Zan and I watched this recently and coming out of it I wondered "could this happen in Canada" (or for that matter any apparent caring country) ?

This HBO movie is about the aftermath of the Katrina hurricane.

I am lucky enough to have enjoyed the sheer pleasure of N'awlins on 3 occasions (maybe 4, but the intoxicating effect of the Big Easy is taking a toll) and I must say I'm a big fan.

But getting back to the plot...well just see the movie and I can save a lot of typing...

I'm sure that smaller scale stories of injustice [insurance companies] and examples of governments not caring occur all over the world.

The difference with Katrina is not economics (US-oil-Iraq), but when things go wrong the people who really care help out. And with smaller events, these people are not political leaders and very rarely biz execs. They are your family, your friends and your neighbours.

Can you really count on your government to help ?

But help out where you can when family, friends and neighbours need help and there will be someone there to help you one day.

It's sad to say, that in Nola there were no family, friends nor neighbours to help out because everyone was in it together.

I'm back, sorry I've been gone for a while

Friday night. A little bit of a buzz. Too late to watch a movie. Dishes are done. Wife has gone to bed. 10:58pm. iTunes playing scrambled best tunes. A beer (Tiger) and a little blogging perfect !

I'll post the following separately (if the beer lasts and I'm awake):

1. Walt Disney World Vacation summation.

2. Making the most of digital music.

3. Why music is better than the movies (and maybe TV).

4. Music and movie tips

5. Who cares ?

2006 Music Roundup

First post of 2007. But before I get deep on new ideas, I wanted to share some music highlights for 2006. Plus I'd like to try out a few new ideas for sharing music !

I've given a few of you my 2006, best of CD. But I didn't include a playlist on a lot of handouts nor did I add any clever annotations.

Top songs for 2006. Grouped and ordered by genre and tempo. Note that the track may be pre-2006, but may have only made its way to my ear'oles in 2006. A little of everything !

Links to preview tunes should work (but I've been having a lot of trouble with them all day). Warning that the site is the infamous pseudo-illegal Russian download site, but should be harmless for a quick naughty listen. Some links are for entire album.

John Mayer "Continuum"— Waiting On The World To Change

Yes, poppy, but the words that seem to sum up a lot of thoughts about the world today. I think it's Mayer's college circuit popularity that always makes me think about my Bro when I hear his voice. Great album.

The Kooks "Inside In - Inside Out"— Naive

Close choice for group and album of the year. Nice Brit lads with cheeky and cheery lyrics. Other select tracks - 1,5 and 7.

Richard Ashcroft "Keys To The World"— Music Is Power

Fab solo track from ex Verve front man. We saw him open for Coldplay in '06 and with the help of a appreciative crowd, put an incredible set together of older Verve sing along classics and newer stuff. A gruff lovely voice.

Snow Patrol "Eyes Open"— Shut Your Eyes

PJMixer's pick for groove track from the second big album. Great show from the Scottish lads at Koolhaus in '06. Potentially, on the runway to the next big anthem Brit band.

The Killers "Sam`s Town"— Read My Mind

Another great sophomore album, another off-hit pick (actually Bones is a fave, but Suz picked it for her best of). I still don't get the references to Springsteen ! Again, this show's the groovier side of the band, but still shows of Flowers' unique vocals. Other select tracks - 3 and 8.

Scissor Sisters "Ta-Dah!"— I Don`t Feel Like Dancin'

Pop dance track of the year. Lots 'o fun. I think Sir Elton is playing piano on this one. Great story Suz heard about the drummer on tour...

Bodyrockers "Bodyrockers"— I Like The Way

Dirty track of the year. I just feel a little sleazy listening to this one, but it's an irresistible bum mover. Actually first heard this a long time ago on the Victoria's Secret 2005 runway show, then it made regular airplay all year.





Prince "3121"— Fury

Hard guitar licks from the 'lil guy who happens to have a home here in TO. Great performance on SNL.





Primal Scream "Riot City Blues"— Country Girl

Great country rock track. The lyrics just got stuck in my head in '06.

Red Hot Chili Peppers "Stadium Arcadium"— Dani California

Another catchy heavy guitar track from the fun Californians. About to check out more tracks from the album ! Aren't this guys getting old yet!

Fratellis "Costello Music"— Chelsea Dagger

Absolutely fab track from album with a few other rocking tunes that get a lot of PJMixer airplay. Surprisingly didn't make Q top 100 albums.

Arctic Monkeys "Whatever People Say I Am, That`s What I`m Not"— Dancing Shoes

One of the many great tracks from the undisputed best album of 2006. One thing I heard about their music was the unusual structure of songs that contain multiple hooks. Love it !

Young Stanley "Sing It For England"— Sing It For England

It got us all in the mood for the World Cup, but not sure if the lads on the field heard it ! England could definitely beat up Italy or France on the dance floor or a Karaoke ! Inspired words from from five builders from Bromley.

Jurassic 5 "Feedback"— Work It Out (Featuring Dave Matthews Band)

Hot hip hop band meets the smooth voice of Dave Matthews (which I finally got around to listening to in '06).

Gnarls Barkley "St. Elsewhere"— Smiley Faces

2nd great track off this very eclectic record that got my attention. We all needed a break from Crazy. Add Gnarls to the Monkeys and there is now significant proof that downloads are a bigger force than CD sales.





Corinne Bailey Rae "Corinne Bailey Rae"— Put Your Records On

Simply a beautiful musician and performer. Lots of great tracks on one of the top albums of the year.





Feist "Let It Die"— One Evening

Canadian lady I initially heard about from Paris based DJJuice. Interesting multi-media web site too. Sultry and fun. Other select tracks - 2 and 10.





John Legend "Once Again"— Save Room

I think his second album is a little easier to enjoy than his first, a warm voice and earnest lyrics.





Diana Krall "From This Moment On"— Exactly Like You

My favourite lady of jazz. This album gets back to what she does best - the standards sung with great care and orginality. For those not familiar with Diana Krall she is now married to Elvis Costello and just gave birth to twin boys - musicians of the future maybe ?

Crash "Soundtrack By Mark Isham"— Bird York - In The Deep

A deeply moving track from the best movie of '05.




I chose to include the album covers for a few reasons...it perhaps tells another story about the band; it's a little throwback to the nostalgia or having a vinyl LP cover to hold in your hands as you're listening to the music; it may help you find the CD if you love the track(s) so much you want to own it !


2006 Music Roundup

First post of 2007. But before I get deep on new ideas, I wanted to share some music highlights for 2006. Plus I'd like to try out a few new ideas for sharing music !

I've given a few of you my 2006, best of CD. But I didn't include a playlist on a lot of handouts nor did I add any clever annotations.

Top songs for 2006. Grouped and ordered by genre and tempo. Note that the track may be pre-2006, but may have only made its way to my ear'oles in 2006. A little of everything !

Links to preview tunes should work (but I've been having a lot of trouble with them all day). Warning that the site is the infamous pseudo-illegal Russian download site, but should be harmless for a quick naughty listen. Some links are for entire album.

John Mayer "Continuum"— Waiting On The World To Change

Yes, poppy, but the words that seem to sum up a lot of thoughts about the world today. I think it's Mayer's college circuit popularity that always makes me think about my Bro when I hear his voice. Great album.

The Kooks "Inside In - Inside Out"— Naive

Close choice for group and album of the year. Nice Brit lads with cheeky and cheery lyrics. Other select tracks - 1,5 and 7.

Richard Ashcroft "Keys To The World"— Music Is Power

Fab solo track from ex Verve front man. We saw him open for Coldplay in '06 and with the help of a appreciative crowd, put an incredible set together of older Verve sing along classics and newer stuff. A gruff lovely voice.

Snow Patrol "Eyes Open"— Shut Your Eyes

PJMixer's pick for groove track from the second big album. Great show from the Scottish lads at Koolhaus in '06. Potentially, on the runway to the next big anthem Brit band.

The Killers "Sam`s Town"— Read My Mind

Another great sophomore album, another off-hit pick (actually Bones is a fave, but Suz picked it for her best of). I still don't get the references to Springsteen ! Again, this show's the groovier side of the band, but still shows of Flowers' unique vocals. Other select tracks - 3 and 8.

Scissor Sisters "Ta-Dah!"— I Don`t Feel Like Dancin'

Pop dance track of the year. Lots 'o fun. I think Sir Elton is playing piano on this one. Great story Suz heard about the drummer on tour...

Bodyrockers "Bodyrockers"— I Like The Way

Dirty track of the year. I just feel a little sleazy listening to this one, but it's an irresistible bum mover. Actually first heard this a long time ago on the Victoria's Secret 2005 runway show, then it made regular airplay all year.





Prince "3121"— Fury

Hard guitar licks from the 'lil guy who happens to have a home here in TO. Great performance on SNL.





Primal Scream "Riot City Blues"— Country Girl

Great country rock track. The lyrics just got stuck in my head in '06.

Red Hot Chili Peppers "Stadium Arcadium"— Dani California

Another catchy heavy guitar track from the fun Californians. About to check out more tracks from the album ! Aren't this guys getting old yet!

Fratellis "Costello Music"— Chelsea Dagger

Absolutely fab track from album with a few other rocking tunes that get a lot of PJMixer airplay. Surprisingly didn't make Q top 100 albums.

Arctic Monkeys "Whatever People Say I Am, That`s What I`m Not"— Dancing Shoes

One of the many great tracks from the undisputed best album of 2006. One thing I heard about their music was the unusual structure of songs that contain multiple hooks. Love it !

Young Stanley "Sing It For England"— Sing It For England

It got us all in the mood for the World Cup, but not sure if the lads on the field heard it ! England could definitely beat up Italy or France on the dance floor or a Karaoke ! Inspired words from from five builders from Bromley.

Jurassic 5 "Feedback"— Work It Out (Featuring Dave Matthews Band)

Hot hip hop band meets the smooth voice of Dave Matthews (which I finally got around to listening to in '06).

Gnarls Barkley "St. Elsewhere"— Smiley Faces

2nd great track off this very eclectic record that got my attention. We all needed a break from Crazy. Add Gnarls to the Monkeys and there is now significant proof that downloads are a bigger force than CD sales.





Corinne Bailey Rae "Corinne Bailey Rae"— Put Your Records On

Simply a beautiful musician and performer. Lots of great tracks on one of the top albums of the year.





Feist "Let It Die"— One Evening

Canadian lady I initially heard about from Paris based DJJuice. Interesting multi-media web site too. Sultry and fun. Other select tracks - 2 and 10.





John Legend "Once Again"— Save Room

I think his second album is a little easier to enjoy than his first, a warm voice and earnest lyrics.





Diana Krall "From This Moment On"— Exactly Like You

My favourite lady of jazz. This album gets back to what she does best - the standards sung with great care and orginality. For those not familiar with Diana Krall she is now married to Elvis Costello and just gave birth to twin boys - musicians of the future maybe ?

Crash "Soundtrack By Mark Isham"— Bird York - In The Deep

A deeply moving track from the best movie of '05.




I chose to include the album covers for a few reasons...it perhaps tells another story about the band; it's a little throwback to the nostalgia or having a vinyl LP cover to hold in your hands as you're listening to the music; it may help you find the CD if you love the track(s) so much you want to own it !


Sports pics of the year

Compliments of great photos from Sports Illustrated and thanks to my wife for finding this great gallery of pics from 2006 - The Year's Most Interesting Pictures.

The bad part of doing the Yonge street TTC loopback shuffle...

Sometimes it doesn't work.

Sometimes you overhear that typical Bay street crap...

"Our Christmas dinner was at Didier. $4500 for 10." "Not bad" he says. Then he goes on to say that it wasn't that good, and "the service was sh***y." Then he drops the J.P. Benson name as if that means anything !

He's still going on. Only these types and unknowing tourists talk across the subway car like no one else is here.

Where's he getting off ?

And what the lady's story ? They both seem to trying to impress.

He's trying to think of Tru... something...sure enough Triax, one of those bastard labour sponsored funds I sunk money into a while back. Makes sense he's buddies with the founders.

Getting off at St Clair.

* The Yonge Street TTC Loopback Shuffle is a commuting technique where you get on the subway travelling the opposite way you need to go, then get off and switch back in the intended direction. This technique drastically increases the odds you'll actually got on a train and maybe find yourself a little elbow room in the middle of the car.

Charity

I've touched on this topic a few times before, incl. Recent Observations.

To a lot of people, thoughts of charity become more frequent during this time of year. I've had a bit of a (good) habit for many years to carry a few extra loonies and twonies around to give to the street people that I walk by regularly, to the old or young that look like they need a little extra handout, or the entertainers that (selfishly) put a smile on my face. Giving a little change when the temps drop below freezing like last week, seems only human to me.

There was an reader's letter in the local paper saying it shouldn't just be the responsibility of the mayor to take care of the homeless, its our civic responsibility. I can't say I completely agree with this but I can see where they're coming from. I think our cities and world would be a much better place if we thought about other people more often, especially those less privileged than us.

However, I must say I have to turn a blind eye on occasion because there are simply way too many charities to give to. This may not come out right, but I dislike many charities because of the guilt they leave if you chose not to support them. This happens very frequently when people come knocking at my front door, asking for donations for many apparently worthy causes. Sadly, mostly of them are to do with children. One charity that I must compliment for not falling into this trap is Sick Kids. Their volunteers are out on the streets all the time, and always have a pleasant greeting and surprisingly never directly request a donation. To me it's polite, they know that people know Sick Kids and they'll gladly offer up some change if they can spare it or perhaps, if that person has chosen Sick Kids as one of their charities.

So I think it makes sense to pick a few charities that you are somehow connected to or deserve the most in your opinion. To tackle the difficulty in choosing and having to say no to many charities, I try to give to a few specific causes.

As it happens, my daughter's classmate is the brother of Jacob Schwartz. Jacob has touched many lives and his family help drive Jacob's Ladder - The Canadian Foundation for Control of Neurodegenerative Disease. This has become our family charity.

This type of charity does take us a little further away from the people who need our help now, however I think they are just as important as other more direct charities. It seems to make sense to me that the best cure for many problems that face our world today, is prevention. Giving to charities live Jacob's Ladder and the The Heart and Stroke Foundation (which I also have some direct connection to) seem great ways to help out future generations.

But it seems rather obscene to me, to extend the good intent of philanthropy to the political arena ? You could argue the above point, but that's a pretty big swerve off course if you ask me. Surely money is better spent on the search for a cure for tragic debilitating diseases rather than propping up some sorry old gent who fancies a go in office !

The types of local charities that help cloth and feed street people are also very important to me and I try to make more tangible donations to charities like The Daily Bread Food Bank.

And lastly, there are occasionally a number of global incidents and causes that get my attention. For instance, the Gap (RED) program, Make Poverty History, or the fallout from natural disasters like Katrina. I'd like to say I pay attention because of the massive number of people affected or the global significance, but I must admit that part of the attraction is that it's in (hip, cool). Do I really need to wear a white rubber band or a red bead on a safety pin to show that I care ? I'm sure this is a little shallow of me, but often, the only way I hear about these causes is via the musicians I listen or via some other "commercial" advertising. I don't think there's anything wrong in a musician using there global reach to at least bring attention to some very worthy world problems. Problems, which we can give a little help to. Maybe if it takes a little self-promotion or a step into a state of fashion to get people to give more generously, then maybe that's ok.

Heavy Metal

The movie is Metal: A Headbanger's Journey

You may not have heard about it, but it has received lots of great reviews and if you've ever been a fan, I'm sure there's something in there you'll enjoy. If heavy metal has never been in your life, the movie serves as a perfect documentary on the power of music and it's impact on, or reflection of society. How did I hear about it ? Well of course, I did used to be a bit of a headbanger in my early Windsor high school years. But more interestingly, I actually played ultimate for a few years with the guys that made the movie - Sam Dunn and Scott McFadyen. Our team was called Norge which may have some connection to this movie !

Great movie, really well put together, entertaining, insightful, thought provoking. Got a bit of a headache though ! Favourite spots - heavy metal fussball; Dee Synder and Dio interviews. Those dudes in Norway were friggin scary - I've asked Sam if he was spooked interviewing them in person ? Disappointments - no disc shots ! 8/10.

For the record, my early days in Canada gave me the opportunity to see some classic heavy metal / hard rock bands in Detroit and then I reconnected with the punk stuff in university. Blue Oyster Cult, Nugent, Van Halen, AC/DC, Rainbow to Killing Joke, Forgotten Rebels and Problem Children to name a few.

A few lines from one of my all-time favourite bands (although a stretch to be categorized as heavy metal - too much love!):

It rained flowers when the music began

Love all around when the music is loud

Heavy Metal

The movie is Metal: A Headbanger's Journey

You may not have heard about it, but it has received lots of great reviews and if you've ever been a fan, I'm sure there's something in there you'll enjoy. If heavy metal has never been in your life, the movie serves as a perfect documentary on the power of music and it's impact on, or reflection of society. How did I hear about it ? Well of course, I did used to be a bit of a headbanger in my early Windsor high school years. But more interestingly, I actually played ultimate for a few years with the guys that made the movie - Sam Dunn and Scott McFadyen. Our team was called Norge which may have some connection to this movie !

Great movie, really well put together, entertaining, insightful, thought provoking. Got a bit of a headache though ! Favourite spots - heavy metal fussball; Dee Synder and Dio interviews. Those dudes in Norway were friggin scary - I've asked Sam if he was spooked interviewing them in person ? Disappointments - no disc shots ! 8/10.

For the record, my early days in Canada gave me the opportunity to see some classic heavy metal / hard rock bands in Detroit and then I reconnected with the punk stuff in university. Blue Oyster Cult, Nugent, Van Halen, AC/DC, Rainbow to Killing Joke, Forgotten Rebels and Problem Children to name a few.

A few lines from one of my all-time favourite bands (although a stretch to be categorized as heavy metal - too much love!):

It rained flowers when the music began

Love all around when the music is loud

A brief movie review - A History of Violence

Well I think I have to agree with Eco's positive comments about this movie. See references in Further Analysis and Dick's contrary comments on The Impact of Film.

I finally got to watch it last night and really enjoyed it.

• Great main roles and complex characters.
• Nice balance of emotion and violent action.
• Eco maybe stated this with a little more accurately, but it felt like it followed classic Asian war themes.
• Steamy sex scenes.
• A few incomplete or flawed minor characters.

Obligatory PJMixer comment: You can't ignore your past or your inner true self, but maybe you can learn from it !

I liked it. 7/10.

Losing your sense of humour

Did I ever rant on about my thoughts about interconnectivity and coincidence that's too common to be coincidence. I think so.

It's happening again. Maybe it's because I have so many ideas on the blotter waiting to be edited and posted here that it's just a matter of time until blog thoughts and ideas criss-cross or meet with current events. When they do, the result is oftentimes a more potent message that the subject presented individually.

Comedy, humour, the lovely laff.

I've finally got my head into podcasts. What was the immediate attraction for me was the comedy content, especially from my home country. I loved watching the Secret Policeman's Ball ages ago when there were wonderful acoustic performances by the likes of Pete Townsend intertwined with laff splatters of Pythonesque. I had assumed the Ball had gone away (maybe it never did), but now it's back and can be enjoyed via a(free) podcast subscription. Some great stuff and even some American comedians getting some air time. Weird how American accents seems so "foreign" and strong when mixed with a majority of British voices !

Funnily enough, what I really found interesting was a comment made by Chevy Chase of all people. He wasn't really funny at all, but what he did say, I loved.

A sense of humour is the same thing as a sense of perspective.

I like that. I like it a lot. (Chevy went for the easy laff by saying that of course George Bush was lacking in this area !)

The other standout snippet I've heard so far was Steve Merchant (of The Office fame) taking the mick with Jimmy Fallon (of SNL fame) - funny stuff.

So working backwards a little, I've got to provide some comment on Borat. I haven't seen the movie yet, but I've only heard great things. What I like about it is Cohen's utterly convincing alter-ego, which he's done previously with the brilliant Ali G character and has another one waiting to be fully introduced.

But this is where I'm going to tie-in to this blog title. The anti-semitism humour. Is it just too real for some (unknowing) observers ? I say unknowing because Cohen apparently follows his own Jewish faith quite seriously. Or should this make a difference ? They always say it's ok to laugh at your own kind ! Is he perhaps too convincing or have people lost their perspective ?

Unfortunately I have to end with the most recent news of an off-the-rails comedian. Michael Richards. What he said earlier this week on stage was just plain racist and completely inexcusable. But you've got to wonder where those hateful words come ? I think he lost his perspective somewhere along the way. I loved watching his physical comedy even from early appearances on Fridays to the brilliant Kramer on Seinfeld (which, in my opinion is the best ever American comedy TV show). Now, the idiot's gone and ruined it all.

So getting back to Chevy. Perspective and don't forget....timing - the secret of good comedy.

The music downloading wars continue

Yes, I'm still downloading music and yes, my pseudo-illegal habits are quite controversial in this house. But isn't that one goal of a blog - to spark controversy and get a healthy argument going ?

Every now and again I check on news about my vice - allofmp3. I just noticed there a number of blog threads hosted by allofmp3.com. Some of the things recently discussed include:

• The actual cost of producing CDs
• The decreased value of your music collection when DRM (digital rights management) is being enforced
• The controversial blocking of allofmp3.com by Visa and Danish ISPs - what line does this start to cross ?

Note that the blogs do cover a broad spectrum beyond just allofmp3 and do include outspoken comments against allofmp3 !

Shall we play a game ?

Some of you may remember that famous movie line, boy have things changed in the computer gaming world.

Today was the North American launch of Sony Playstation 3 (PS3).
Sunday is the launch of Nintendo's Wii.
I think Microsoft Xbox have something planned for January.

My son wants them all.

I'm not helping the situation, because I've got caught up in the hype.

The pictures are from the Game Fest happening today at Yonge Dundas Square. Yeah, I was there, looking over shoulders at the latest in game technology and trying to win a PS3 for my son.

PS3 HD graphics are fab and it plays Blu-Ray - more reasons to break the bank for the HD TV.

Wii interactivity is definitely worth talking about. Get those lazy kids off the couch (although that's not a prob from my son - latest count: basketball 3 times a week; soccer once a week, swimming, house-league game-of-the-week and full live action game replay of every Raptor, Leaf and NFL game on right now). The latest marketing angle I just found is brilliant.

I'm sure previous releases have been as big, but perhaps it's the attention of my son that is focusing me a little. Although, all us guys like a cool toy ! Here's a a little snippet on the sub-text of the line-up story this week.

But all isn't oows and aahs, I recently caught a segment on Toronto's edgy Edge 102 radio where the guys were wooping it up about the latest fight/war game - "the new weapons are so cool; pretty graphic stuff; you can really do some damage with...". That's when this phenom starts to grind a little - how easy is it to cross the line of fiction and end up as a CNN moment ?

But, what's more fun the gyrating your pathetic excuse for a bod trying to beat some malformed head of an animated character hitting a phosphorous tennis ball trailer at you - in the comfort of your own home with a beer in your free hand ?

What ever happened to pong or a good board or parlour game - charades anyone ?

A Great Waste of Time

YouTube

WARNING - massively addictive - like channel surfing through time and across the world !

I've probably lost your attention already (oy, back over 'ere).

There is just so much great stuff on YouTube. Yes, there's lots and lots or crap too, but there is really good stuff too. For instance, can't remember where that mime of Torn is - here it is.

A few of my fave's (but I keep finding new stuff):

Music Video - gotta be Ok-Go. This one was so big, this single is now playing on top 40 radio !
Comedy - A Warm Welcome. I'd only heard this one on CD previously.
Made-up - Male Restroom Etiquette.

Get this sidenote - I actually heard these snippets of CONVERSATION between two chaps in their stalls in the office loo this morning - the cost of flying, Kyoto and LG televisions. Forget the etiquette from the vid, that surely has to break some basic low level rule of decency.

And a few big categories to browse through at your leisure:

Anything by Dane Cook - gotta be one of the funniest, visual American comedies today (even my wife thinks he's funny). He's hosted SNL at least twice with great monologues. He made a weird reference to in the last one - "you'll find anything on YouTube, just randomly bang on the keyboard, get A:F6 and search for that in YouTube and you'll get...".

Anything from The Secret Policeman's Ball. For those not familiar with this event, it's a great charity benefit that has some top notch musical performances and the best of Brit comedy - all for a good cause. The podcasts are available here too, but more on that later.

Anything by Jon Stewart. Arguably American's funniest. Smart, topical, observational.
Anything with Ricky Gervais. Arguably Britain's funniest. Smart, irrelevant, awkward.

Plus lots of great TV commercials, car stuff and sports.

This posting took a little while longer to write because I got caught watching a lot of videos while doing the "research".

Enjoy.

Updates

The Soup Man is back and my belly has never been happier.

Schumi didn't win the F1 world championship. Spaniard Fernando Alonso won his 2nd. Get a load of this tidbit I just saw !

I got to play a few final games of golf over the last week. Saturday's game for my buddy's 40th was the worst weather I have ever played in - about 3c , windy, rainy (wet hands by the end), swamp-like conditions (wet feet after the third hole) and we almost lost daylight ! Lots of laffs though and a few decent shots here and there. Next up some golf with Micky in Disney in January.

Latest great movie - The Departed.
Latest great TV - Life on Mars (BBC link, just premiered on Showcase in Canada).
Latest great music - John Mayer - Waiting on the world to change.

A belated happy anniversary - celebrating one year of blogging

To me, well my blog.

I posted the first entry on October 3rd, 2005 and 84 posts later I'm here.

I'd like to thank....

Well, thank the world for being such a crazy place and giving me lots to comment on. Special thanks your comments, always welcome and it gives me an audience to write for.

The pace of posting has slowed a little, but I'm still committed to sharing my thoughts on subjects near and dear to my heart and hopefully causing a laff, a moan or a yeah (he's right you know) !

A reminder that this blog is not indexed on the web, so if you think another friend may find this blog of interest, please feel free to forward the link http://pjmixer.blogspot.com/.

I'm going to take this opportunity and recent surge of topics to extend an invite to some newer friends and remind others that the creative musing of their old friend is just a click away.

Remembering war veterans

I attended a Remembrance Day Ceremony with my son's class at the university of Toronto earlier today.

It was a moving and beautiful ceremony.

I believe Remembrance Day is a day for remembering the sacrifices of so many people during wartime in the last 100 years, incl. the Great War, WW II and the Korean War.

But somehow, it's harder to think of today's wars in the same sense. The great world wars that serve to tell stories of valour, national pride and steadfastness are ones I am proud to tell my children about and make sure we remember those that protected our families and friends for all time. Can we say the same about the Gulf War, Kosovo, Afghanistan and dare I say Iraq ?

I was in Halifax, Nova Scotia this summer for a business trip and during one of the mid-morning breaks I went outside to the harbour (famous for the massive explosion in 1917) for some fresh sea air. At that moment, HMCS Athabaskan was returning home from the Persian Gulf (a colleague of mine who's father had built the ship helped identify her and a few locals I talked with told me where her mission had been). The local lady emotionally said "it's good to have the boys home (her son had served in Kosovo in years past)". Her simple words and seeing the sailors proudly standing rail side onboard was a moment I don't want to ever forget - a proud moment to be a Canadian.

Now, a few months have passed and debate is heating up on the mission in Afghanistan. Canada's troops are supposed to be there until 2009 and casualties and fatalities are becoming weekly occurrences. The battles and dangers seem to be ever increasing. The latest comments centre on whether the war can actually be won ! Shouldn't this have been part of the decision process to engage in Afghanistan ? What made the military leaders think they could win ? What has changed ? Personally, I am not a fan of the military, but It think it is an important investment for world security. So if we're doing a good job and making a difference we should be there to help with the fight against terrorism. Are we afraid to show the Taliban they may have won this time ? Have we made it worse by challenging them in the first place ? Canada has always been known and respected as a conscientious ally in world concerns, and I don't think we should back down from that commitment.

Sitting hear in my comfy office, about to head home to my wonderful family in my safe and secure world, I wonder about the men and women out there putting their life on the line for us.

So today is a time for me to remember those who have served their country in the past and also recognize the dedication our troops have today to securing our world.

Some interesting historic links - British military conflicts; List of wars; and the Military History of Canada.

Nice cuppa

Yes, the car is resting on teacups !

SEH found this beauty on a great photo blog site called Daily Dose of Imagery.

The Middle East - simplified

I've had enough horror movies for a while, so I got around to watching Kingdom of Heaven tonight. I really enjoyed it and I think I actually got a little more understanding of the Middle East and the everchanging face of the religious war. I am sure I'm grabbing too much from this, but here goes...

What "should be" important is what is in the minds and hearts of people, not what a piece of land means (or once meant). Jerusalem is worth nothing...and everything.

Wow, that's big. But I'll leave it at that.

Yes, lots more ideas (and big topics) scratched down and waiting for an impulse.

I hope I have a few readers left, please stay tuned.