Blogging is one of the cooler hobbies. If there's something I can't find anywhere, I just need to write about it and eventually someone who can help me will find my entry and make my day. This happened with the Saint Ralph soundtrack, when I couldn't find or buy Gord Downie's version of "Hallelujah", and it's happened again.
In April 2007 I found myself blurting out "you're the Alpha-Getti Gobbler" to my daughter. That sparked a memory of an Alpha-Getti commercial I saw numerous times as a kid. I hit the web searching for the ad or at least a screen cap and I came up empty. That's when I wrote this entry about the Alpha-Getti Gobbler, now #1 when you Google this elusive beast.
Over a year passed until Ryan Barnett left a comment on that entry. He was Googling the ad and found my entry. Ryan Barnett was one of the three children in the Alpha-Getti Gobbler ad and he had the advertisement on DVD. That sparked this Gobbler alert from earlier today.
Not only has Ryan agreed to an interview, but he's already ripped the ad to a digital file that he's kindly emailed to me. I promptly uploaded the vid to my YouTube account, and now, without further ado, I'm sharing the hold grail of canned pasta ads. Here's the Alpha-Getti Gobbler.
I instantly hated the idea of Microsoft buying Yahoo!. Microsoft may be the big boys on the desktop, but they've always sucked at the web. Google and Yahoo either started or bought up most of the web sites and services that work, everything from YouTube to Gmail to Flickr. Microsoft has never launched a well-accepted web 2.0 web services suite, in fact, every time they attempt to compete they fail miserably.
Back in 2004, I fell in love (if you can fall in love with a web service) with Flickr. Flickr was founded by Ludicorp, a nice little Canadian company, and in 2004 I actually paid Flickr money for a pro account. I never pay for anything on the web, so the fact I was willing to hand over actual coin is all the evidence of my loyalty you need. This was something worth paying for, a photo sharing website that enhanced my life.
Why did Flickr work while many other photo sharing sites failed? Lord knows I tried several before falling for Flickr. What did Ludicorp do that Microsoft was never able to do? The answer is simple. It's the interface, stupid.
Flickr reflected a brilliant user interface that evolved into the epitome of Web 2.0 utilizing Ajax techniques that made one forget they were in a browser. Uploading pictures, tagging them, embedding them on the web and organizing ones photos isn't just easy, it's a pleasure. Flickr understands the importance of user interface and when they built a better mousetrap, passionate users followed in droves.
Flickr users aren't just users, they're part of a vibrant community. Creating passionate users is precisely what Microsoft fails at time and time again. Passionate users grow abundantly in such fertile ground. When Yahoo! bought Flickr, they understood what they had purchased and let it be. Other than forcing Flickr users to tie their accounts to a Yahoo! login, Yahoo! hasn't caused a single disruption in the force. Flickr is better than ever with several awesome upgrades of late. I'm happily sharing 4,713 photos right now, and it's all because of Flickr's interface.
If/when Microsoft buys Yahoo!, they'll own Flickr as well. I'm actually dreading this transition. I don't trust Microsoft to "let it be". They've proven time and time again that they don't get it. They don't lure passionate users because they don't do good user interface. If they end up with Flickr and don't announce plans to sell it to someone who cares, I'll leave the community.
I'll leave with my 4,713 photos and every ounce of my passion.
Now that both Humble and Fred have publicly stated it, I can finally write this entry. There will be no 18th Annual Humble & Fred Christmas show. Not on the radio or in podcast form. After 17 years, this annual Toronto tradition has come to an end.
Fans of the show will tell you this streak wasn't really in tact anyway. Back in 1991 Humble was at CKFM-FM while Fred was still at CFNY and in 2005 the show went on without Fred who had been relieved of his duties at Mix 99.9. Still, we all got together for the 18th annual show last December, against all odds, and it felt awfully special.
That's right, I said "we". I was invited to Dan Duran's house that Saturday morning we recorded the podcast and I took a bunch of pictures. Although I've known there would be no 18th Christmas show for some time, I had no idea I was witnessing the end of an era on December 16, 2006. At the time, I assumed we'd be doing it all again in December 2007. I was wrong.
As a fan, this truly sucks. The on-air chemistry between Humble Howard and Freddie P was awesome. They complemented each other so well, and watching them do their thing was like watching a long-time married couple complete each other's sentences. As a fan, I think it stinks that I can't hear another podcast and laugh my ass off.
On a personal level, it saddens me. I've grown quite close to Howard, we chat often about a variety of subjects and hook up whenever possible, and lately I've spent more time chatting with Fred and getting to know him. Both guys are solid citizens with unique talents and it would be a treat to watch them share a mic one more time. I root for both in their post-Humble & Fred careers, but it's tough when you think they're better when they're together. Like a long-time marriage, it's not necessarily forever. They've moved on, and so must we.
As I mentioned last month, I secured a complete backup of the old humbleandfred.com and I'm hosting it for posterity's sake. You can revisit the 17th Annual Christmas Show web page and listen to last year's podcast. You can stream it from that page, subscribe to the podcast or download the MP3. I covered all the bases. Trust me, it's a year old, but it's still hilarious. And now, it's bitter sweet.
Below is me, Bingo Bob, Fred Patterson, Dan Duran, Scary Bald Headed Pete and Humble Howard Glassman after we recorded the 17th and final Humble & Fred Christmas Show on December 16, 2006.
For waking me up every weekday morning of the 90s, for making me laugh and for helping me through both high school and university, thanks...
About a year ago I asked you good people for an MP3 of the Toronto Blue Jays' official song, "OK Blue Jays (Let's Play Ball!). Hours later I had it, and I meant to share it with everyone but somehow forgot.
Listening to today's Jays game against the Orioles I heard John McDonald put down a perfect bunt with players on the corners. Everyone was safe and I was just happy to hear the suicide squeeze was still a part of the game. That got me singing this song and finally, 15 months after the fact, I'm sharing it with you all.
Sing it loud, sing it proud. The lyrics are below the player, as if you'll need them...
You've got a diamond
You've got nine men
You've got a hat and a bat
And that's not all
You've got the bleachers
Got 'em from spring 'til fall
You got a dog and a drink
And the umpire's call
Waddaya want?
Let's play ball!
Is that a fly ball
Or is it a seagull
Coming in from the lake
Just to catch the game?
It's the last inning
Our guys are winning
Dave's put down a smoker
A strike
And you've got no doubt
(You're out!)
Waddaya want?
Let's play ball!
Okay (okay)
Blue Jays (Blue Jays)
Let's (Let's) Play (Play) Ball!
It's a beautiful evenin', fans
At the ballpark
When the game starts
Warm summer breezes
Sun's goin' down
And it's all dark
At the ballpark
But that's okay…it's a night game
Okay (okay)
Blue Jays (Blue Jays)
Let's (Let's) Play (Play) Ball!
Okay (okay)
Blue Jays (Blue Jays)
Let's (Let's) Play (Play) Ball!
Bring on the White Sox
Bring on the BoSox
Bring on the Brewers
The Rangers and the Yankees too
We'll beat the Indians
We'll beat the Tigers
We'll beat the A's so bad it'll make
Billy blue
Waddaya want?
Let's play ball!
Okay (okay)
Blue Jays (Blue Jays)
Let's (Let's) Play (Play) Ball!
Okay (okay)
Blue Jays (Blue Jays)
Let's (Let's) Play (Play) Ball!
Barry Bonds sent a 2-1 pitch from rookie Rick Vanden Hurk over the wall in left-center in the first inning last night for a solo shot in the San Francisco Giants 12-10 win over the Florida Marlins. It was the 754th home run of his career.
I'm stunned by how muted the hype is surrounding this pursuit of Hank Aaron's home run record, but I'm not shocked. In addition to the clear (and cream) signs of steroid use, Bonds is one major league son of a bitch. He's nearly impossible to like as a human being, even when acknowledging he might be the best hitter to ever play the game.
Over the past five years, I've written quite a bit about Bonds. It's the Bonds conundrum: he's statistically awesome but he's an arrogant SOB who artificially enhanced his power.
Personally, I'm not happy that this imminent moment will replace the one you're about to hear. Listen to this, enjoy the goosebumps and understand why Barry Bonds hitting 755 and 756 isn't nearly as significant as it ought to be.
Sorry, Barry... but karma can be an awful bitch at times.
I remember when I first saw them. It was about two years ago and I was in the waiting room of my kids' pediatrician. An entire family came in wearing these colourful shoes that looked like plastic Dutch clogs. I snickered to myself and shook my head. These things looked very uncool.
Shortly thereafter, I learnt these shoes were called crocs, and they were becoming very popular. I laughed at croc wearers. Then, Taryn bought me a pair and I tried them on to see what all the fuss was about.
They're both convenient and comfy. They're ideal if you're around water, and they're breezy and cool on summer nights. This is the great croc conundrum. They look nerdy, but they feel good. What's a guy to do?
My self imposed rule is that I won't wear my crocs more than 15 feet beyond my property limits. In the house and backyard is cool, but if I'm going out I'm switching into my sandals. That's just the way it has to be.... for now.
My favourite movies and television shows stick with me. Days after I've seen it, I'm still thinking about it. That's a sure sign I enjoyed myself. Once something I've seen bounces around in my head for a while, I'm a happy guy.
On Saturday night I watched The Sopranos series finale again. It's been eight days now since I first saw it, and I'm still thinking about it, formulating theories and gaining new perspective. It's been one hell of a journey.
Immediately after the episode originally aired, I wrote this. I initially felt screwed over, and then I warmed up to the ending. A couple of days later, I wrote this lengthy analysis in which I pronounced my love for the ending. I saw Tony and his family together, I had closure. Then, three days after I wrote that entry, I wrote this entry in which I wondered aloud if Tony was dead. That's a 180° turn on my part, further evidence of David Chase's genius.
After watching the episode again on Saturday, I'm certain Tony is dead. If you've been surfing around and reading analysis, you'll know why. Here's a great write up on the finale I strongly recommend you read, assuming you've seen the episode.
It's the end of an era in Toronto. Sam the Record Man at 347 Yonge Street is closing its doors for good.
I haven't read about this in the press and I haven't heard this news on the radio or television, but I have friends on the inside who have provided me with enough proof that I'm comfortable calling this a sad certainty. Earlier today, Sam the Record Man sent out letters to all their suppliers saying that they wanted all orders cancelled because they will be closing their store June 30th. Employees are actively looking for new work and are aware the flagship Sam the Record Man location in downtown Toronto is about to enter its final month after 46 years at Yonge and Dundas.
This shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone, but it's still very sad for this long time fan of the store. Unlike HMV at 333 Yonge, Sam's had character. You could read the history written on the walls in the words of the many artists who had visited. The official site stopped selling music online a month ago and is now a static store hour information page. A good indicator a business is about to go under is a barebones or offline website.
Sam the Record Man will most definitely be missed. Here are entries in which I remember better days at Sam's.
The Deputy District Attorney for Clark County in Las Vegas left me a voice mail and email yesterday regarding the State v. Greg Chao. He wanted to speak with me about a high profile trial starting up in Las Vegas this week. Greg Chao, a Canadian poker player, has been charged with murdering Donald Idiens, another Canadian poker player.
I've never heard of Greg Chao or Donald Idiens, I've never been to Las Vegas and I don't really play much poker. A little Googling quickly revealed how sensational a case this is. Here's an article about the case from CNN.com.
Chao is charged with robbery and murder with a deadly weapon in the brutal slaying of fellow Canadian and avid poker player Donald Idiens, 53, on the night of December 8, 1997.
Prosecutors say Chao went to Vegas on a desperate bid to win enough money to pay back Canadian loan sharks, to whom he owed tens of thousands of dollars. Chao borrowed $1,000 from Idiens, lured him back to his hotel room to ask for more, then killed the land developer for his bankroll when he refused to lend any more money, prosecutors have said.
Idiens' battered and nearly naked body was found in a stairwell one floor below room 18136, where Chao was staying. Police also found Idiens' blood in the room.
A DNA analyst said Monday that a blood sample taken from a strip of carpet was identified as belonging to Idiens. The chance of the sample coming from someone else, a police DNA analyst told jurors, is 1 in 600 billion.
Chao's public defender, Timothy O'Brien, has said that his client merely lent Idiens his hotel room for a meeting with the person or persons who must have killed him. When Chao returned to his room, O'Brien claims, nothing was astray, save for some liquor bottles on a dresser.
Why did the DA want to talk with me? How could I possibly be connected to this 1997 crime? All day yesterday I was trying to figure out where I fit in.
I just heard back from the Deputy District Attorney and it turns out the case has a reference to "Toronto Mike". They have questions for Toronto Mike, and in a desperate attempt to find Toronto Mike they Googled the name, found TorontoMike.com and took a shot in the dark.
They're now pretty sure they're looking for a different Toronto Mike, and I'm positive they are. The 1997 Toronto Mike was a pretty good poker player. At the time, my game was euchre.
I've been doing this for almost five years now, and I monitor the site statistics fairly closely. I think I've got a pretty good idea as to who reads this content and the raison d'etre. People typically fall into one of six groups.
1. Family, Friends and Acquaintances
These are people who know me in the non-virtual world. Family will visit to see what I'm up to, see pictures of the kids, etc. Friends and acquaintances will do the same, because they play ball with me, run with me, are fellow playoff poolies, work with me or are just buds or buds of a bud. This type of visitor is almost always a repeat visitor, often dropping by at least once a day.
2. The Locals
As you may have noticed, there's a rather Toronto-centric quality to this blog. Fellow Torontonians enjoy reading about other Torontonians and keeping up with local happenings. The "Toronto Blog" crowd drops by for a second opinion on Toronto topics and usually returns on a regular basis.
3. The Former Locals
There's a group of visitors that used to live in Toronto, and enjoy checking in on what's happening back home. Some of these people now live elsewhere in Canada, have moved to the States or are now living overseas, but they're naturally curious as to what people are talking about in their former city. Again, these visitors either subscribe to the RSS feed or drop by regularly.
4. Those With A Specific Overlapping Interest
Because it's all about me, there are certain topics I cover more frequently than others, because they're personal passions. Someone who is a die hard Toronto sports fan may keep their eyes on the category pages for the Leafs, Raptors, Jays or Argos. Fellow Hip fans watch related entries and my Hip page. Simpsons fans enjoy Homer's Quote of the Week and related entries. You get the idea...
5. Toronto Mike Fans
This is my favourite group, because these people don't know me in the non-virtual world but somehow stumbled upon this blog and liked it enough to bookmark it and return regularly. Some leave comments, most don't, and some have became friends in the non-virtual world by way of this virtual world. Often these people discover the site via a Google search or a link from another blog, but the fact they return means there's something here they enjoy, and that's pretty cool. Interestingly enough, I find people in this category are far more likely to leave a comment then those in the first category.
6. The One Offs
These are people who come here via a Google search, get the information they seek, and disappear into that good night never to be heard from again. This is the majority of traffic on this site, people hunting for wedding playlists, a particular Homer Simpson quote, information on whatever happened to Humble Howard and Freddie P, an MP3 of Gord Downie's Hallelujah, a celebrity death watch or the Alphagetti Gobbler. Sometimes these visitors fall into the 5th type and become fans of the site, but more often than not they stay in #6. That's okay, I've usually got the information they're looking for, and if I can help just one person learn a little bit about Bill Barilko, I sleep well at night.
There you have it, the six types of Toronto Mike visitors. Some fall into more than one category, but typically you're in one of these six. Which one are you?
Yesterday Michelle was Wonder Woman and James was Spider-Man. They asked me to be the Green Goblin. Somehow, at that precise moment, "goblin" sounded like "gobbler" and I blurted out something I hadn't thought about in at least a couple of decades. I told them I was the Alphagetti Gobbler.
I remember these ads for Alphagetti, or is it Alpha Getti, Alphaghetti or perhaps Alpha-Ghetti? A kid would say to this flying spaghetti monster-like creature "You're the Alphagetti Gobbler!" I went to YouTube in the hopes I'd be able to see the Alphagetti Gobbler but came up empty. Googling this creature from my youth didn't help either.
Taryn remembers the ads, but I'm wondering if this was just a Canadian thing or perhaps even more localized than that. Do you remember the Alphagetti Gobbler?
As I age, I find it harder to interpret the distance between the current time and a memory. For example, while reading the paper this morning I got lost in a synopsis of the Blue Jays' first 30 seasons. There was a blurb about Dave Stieb losing a no-hit bid with two out in the ninth against the Yankees. Roberto Kelly hit a two-out double in the left corner to ruin the perfect game.
I have vivid memories of Roberto Kelly getting that hit and Stieb coming oh so close once again. In my mind, that feels like ten years ago. It actually feels more recent than that, but even ten years is way off base. That game took place on August 4, 1989 which is almost 18 years ago. How is that possible?
It doesn't seem very long ago that my wife and I bought her a dog but in reality that was over a decade ago. There are ball players and hockey players I remember watching recently and then I'll learn they retired in '92. I could swear the Chris Webber NBA draft was just a few years ago but he's now a 13 year vet. What is it about memories that they always appear closer than they are?
I remember the Blue Jays tenth anniversary crests they wore on their uniforms like it was yesterday, and now the franchise has hit the big 3-0. It feels like I watched James enter this world for the first time but a month ago, but he's a big five year old boy now. I could go on, but this will only depress you.
I've been looking for an offline challenge. I've noticed that outside of fatherhood, all my recent personal challenges have involved a computer. It's time to set a goal that doesn't involve staring at an LCD screen for hours at a time.
I was inspired by Saint Ralph. For some writing about Saint Ralph, check out this page. Ralph needed a miracle, so he set out to win the Boston Marathon. I don't need a miracle, but for a guy who hasn't run since the 4x100m relay in primary school, challenges don't get much bigger than this. I'm going to run a marathon.
I made this decision a couple of months ago, and the first thing I did was contact a reader who left a comment about having run the Boston Marathon. He put me in touch with people who could help transform a total noob with no running experience into a marathoner. I'm literally starting from square one.
Since this blog is all about me, I'll blog about this challenge. I start clinics in a couple of weeks. I'm currently out of breath if I run a couple of blocks, so this should be interesting. When I need inspiration, I always have that song.
I did my best, it wasn't much
I couldn't feel, so I tried to touch
I've told the truth, I didn't come to fool you
And even though
It all went wrong
I'll stand before the Lord of Song
With nothing on my tongue but Hallelujah
I've also registered to run in The Terry Fox Run in September. It's no marathon, but it's for a great cause. You can sponsor me here.
I spent the morning in Brampton with Freddie P. I was greeted with a great cup of coffee and a raisin bran muffin from Tim's, a perfect way to start a Saturday morning.
I was there for our Movable Type education transfer. His web site is now a real blog powered by Movable Type and I was giving him the 101 review so he can maintain and manage everything by his lonesome.
Freddie P has a cool collection of CFNY-related images in his basement. For a long time fan of the radio station, this was ultra cool. I created a photoset because that's the kind of guy I am.
I have a copy of the unreleased soundtrack for the movie Saint Ralph. If you shrugged your shoulders and muttered "so what" under your breath, I encourage you to read the entries on this page.
Now that you're up to speed, you know I've been in love with Gord Downie's cover of Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah since I first saw the film Saint Ralph. You're also aware that this song isn't available anywhere. You can't buy a copy of the Saint Ralph soundtrack, you can't purchase the song online and it has never been released as a single. It simply doesn't exist anywhere other than in the movie, and a version ripped from the DVD is all I've had for the past year.
After years of hunting, I now have the unreleased soundtrack. A wonderful person who shall remain anonymous became aware of my plight and blessed me with not one, but two studio versions of The Tragically Hip's Gord Downie singing Hallelujah. This is truly a rare beast as only a few copies were pressed when they were trying to get it released as a soundtrack back in 2004.
So you don't think I've lost my mind, here are pics of the CD. Before you ask me to share with you this official copy of the Hallelujah audio I'm afraid I can't. Part of my deal with this anonymous donor is that I can't share it. I will, however, continue to share the version ripped from the DVD. For now, the polished Hallelujah is for my ears only, unless you want to drop by for a listen.
Being a Maple Leafs fan in the 80s was tough. There were some awful teams in that decade, but hope arrived in the mid 80s when we drafted #17, Wendel Clark.
I will never forget the 1985-86 post season when we swept the Chicago Black Hawks in three games. That was when my brothers and I first broke out the Diet Coke. You would have thought we had just clinched the cup. Wendel was our leader and a member of The Hound Line with Russ Courtnall and Gary Leeman. We took the St. Louis Blues to a seventh game before bowing out. We went just as deep the next season, too.
Wendel Clark scored the overtime winner in the greatest game I ever saw. My brother Ryan proudly wore his #17 jersey but we all suffered during long periods of inaction due to injuries. Clark was our guy and pound for pound the toughest player you'll ever see playing the game. Doug Gilmour remains my favourite Leaf, but Clark was the definitive Leaf.
This video is entitled "All Heart" and Freddie P linked to it on his site today. It's a fitting tribute to the man who led us seven games deep in the second round in 1986 and gave me my first taste of the thrill a playoff series victory brings.
I mentioned Michelle loves to sing. One of her favourite songs to sing is k-os' "Sunday Morning". She just loves that song.
This morning, which just happened to be a Sunday morning, she was singing this song while she coloured. I thought it was pretty damn cute and took a little video with my digital camera. Here's Michelle singing a little "Sunday Morning".
I received a fantastic email last night from Andrew Lockington. He stumbled upon my "A Homemade Hallelujah" entry in which I spread my love for Gord Downie's cover of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" that appeared in the movie "Saint Ralph". Here's his email.
Hey man,
I was the composer on Saint Ralph and am amazed that the orchestral version of Hallelujah I arranged for Gord has such a following. Thanks for finding a way to get it to all these people.
Best,
Andrew
I then asked Andrew the million dollar question, the question many of us have been wondering about. I asked him why this exceptional song was never released as part of a soundtrack or as a single. Here's what he told me.
There was a soundtrack deal all lined up for the film which included the source music and the two versions of Hallelujah (the orchestral and the acoustic) and a combined version which starts out acoustically and the big orchestra joins in part way through. Someone dropped the ball and didn't get the material to the record label on time. They concluded they couldn't have the CD pressed in time for the film's release, and thus it wasn't worth putting it out. It was a real shame because there'd been a few companies willing and interested in putting out the soundtrack.
It was sure interesting to find your website. The song has been either praised or bashed by a lot of people all over the world. Everyone seems to have an opinion on it. The vocal take used in the film was truly magical. We were all so moved while Gord was singing this take (including Gord). I think it really shows through.
Best,
A
I've been seeking that kind of awesome detail for years and I'm sure others have as well. In fact, I know others have, because my "A Homemade Hallelujah" entry currently has 141 comments.
As I enter my fifth year of blogging, I find myself 360° from where I began. In the beginning, I was writing for a few members of my family and a few friends. That was my audience and the stats proved it. I remember when I first saw the number of unique visitors creep into double digits and I recall being surprised when there were returning visitors who weren't friends or family. In the beginning, I didn't care how many people were reading, I was just having a blast writing.
At some point a couple of years ago, I saw the number of daily visitors hit triple digits and I slightly modified my focus. Heading into 2006 I decided to blog less about the completely Mike Boon-centric aspects of my life and more about subjects that would appeal to the average Torontonian or displaced Torontonian. I started focusing on the traffic, I moved to Movable Type, opened all entries up to comments and even added ads to the interior.
In 2006 I saw the number of daily visitors hit quadruple digits but I realized the content of my blog would never have mass appeal. If I wanted more eyeballs and if I actually wanted to make any money from this, I'd have to dramatically modify my entire approach to this blog. It would become less interesting for my family and friends but more interesting to the thousands of new visitors who hit this site after Googling. I'd have to sacrifice the current organic state of my writing for a more manipulative, skewed approach designed to increase returning visitors. I'd also have to add sponsored links to the home page.
Here we are in 2007 and I find myself right back where I started. I'm going to write about what I want to write about, regardless of whether there are 20 people reading or 20,000 people reading. I'll always be naturally curious as to how people get to this site, but I'm not going to care about how many unique visitors there are or how many returning visitors there are. It just doesn't matter.
From now on, it's all about me. This is a hobby, a public display of a passion for writing. It's Mike Boon-centric and you can either visit or not. I'm a regular guy who loves his family, his city, his hockey team, his music and his Simpsons. When something interests me, I'll write about it. Everyone is welcome to follow along, but when I write I'm writing for a few members of my family and a few friends.
I was lucky enough to be a little slice of broadcast history this weekend. Regular visitors to this site have seen me write about The Humble & Fred radio show. It began in 1989 on CFNY-FM (later renamed Edge 102) and was the morning show I awoke to until it moved to Mojo 640 in April 2001. The team was broken up in the summer of 2005 when Fred Patterson was relieved of his duties at Mix 99.9. In July 2006, Humble Howard experienced the same cruel fate.
For many a Humble & Fred fan, their annual Christmas show was a highlight of the season. This Christmas marked the first time in seventeen years that neither was on the radio. The Humble & Fred Christmas Show was dead... or was it? I received a call on the QT from Humble on December 8th in which we discussed the logistics of recording a Christmas show and sharing it at humbleandfred.com. On December 10th I wrote a plan of a attack and received a late night call from Humble indicating it was a definite go. I threw a temporary countdown page at humbleandfred.com and was told to be at Dan Duran's house on December 16 at 10:30 in the morning. I was going to be the embedded journalist as history unfolded.
It had been well over a year since the two conversed on the mic as they had daily for over sixteen years, so I knew this was something special. I was also a fan of their folksy charm and humour that never failed to make me laugh. I charged the battery of my digital camera and made the short stroll to Dan's house yesterday morning unsure of what to expect but certain I'd be witnessing something extraordinary.
In addition to Dan Duran who was producing the show in his home office, his wife and son were mingling about when I showed up. Soon thereafter, Humble Howard arrived with his daughter Spencer, followed by Fred Patterson, Scary Bald Headed Pete (who is no longer bald) and Bingo Bob. Dan, Pete and Bob were all former producers of the Humble & Fred show making me the one person in the room who had never appeared on the radio show. My plan was to not pollute the process, take it all in and snap a ton of pictures.
The first thing I noticed was how natural and genuine it all seemed. There was some discussion about how it would all unfold, some audio checks and arrangement of the non-live material and then it was show time. It was all so slick, Humble and Fred anticipated each other so well, it was like watching a couple that's been together so long they finish each other's sentences. Even better, it's totally organic. No scripts, no second takes, just a natural flow that's both endearing and hilarious. The warm and fuzzy nature of the hour long show is perfect for this time of year. The Baileys Irish Creme in the coffee didn't hurt either. By the end of the show, Dan's wife was literally preparing martinis. It was the most fun you can have on a Saturday morning without taking your clothes off.
The show itself included a frank discussion about what transpired since Mix 99.9, a recollection of Christmas shows past, some great performances by The Doo Wops and Barenaked Ladies, the annual favourite "Snow Removal Machine" and a number of great Humble & Fred exchanges that make you scratch your head and wonder why these two are still out of work.
On the morning of December 22, the 17th Annual Humble & Fred Christmas Show will be available at humbleandfred.com. You will be able to stream it from the site or download the MP3. If you were ever a fan of the Humble & Fred morning show, or if you're just curious what all the fuss is about and in the holiday spirit, you're going to want to check this out.
Throughout the broadcast yesterday morning I was overwhelmed with this tingling feeling that had nothing to do with Baileys or Jackie's martinis. A large media company forced Humble and Fred off of their airwaves ending a seventeen year run in Canada's largest market. Without a time slot on terrestrial or satellite radio, the Christmas show survived. Think of the Grinch stealing all the Christmas trees and presents in Whoville. The Whos' holiday spirit could not be crushed just as Humble and Fred's voice could not be silenced. You can take their jobs, but they belong to us.
Yesterday I wrote about songs that reference Canada. I promised I'd share my ten favourite musical references to my home and native land. Here are my top ten with apologies to Stompin' Tom Connors.
"Bobcaygeon" by The Tragically Hip - I'm starting this list with Bobcaygeon because it's a village of 2500 people, nestled along the Trent-Severn Waterway in the Kawarthas area of east-central Ontario, Canada. Throw in a shout out to Toronto that always gets the loudest cheer during local Hip shows and it can't be left off this list. Did I mention it's also a spectacular song?
"The Spirit of Radio" by Rush - There are two CFNYs... the "Spirit of Radio" CFNY which sort of died in the late 80s and the "Modern Rock" CFNY that my generation knows. This song is about that first CFNY.
"Further Again" by Staggered Crossing - I've always liked this song. It's cut from the same cloth as "Little Bones" and opens with the great lyric "Heading out on the 401, don't it make you nervous". The 401, baby!
"Runnin' Back To Saskatoon" by The Guess Who - This song had to make this list because this tune is home grown. It's all about Saskatchewan and some town where nothing much ever happens.
"The Old Apartment" by Barenaked Ladies - This song broke around the time Taryn and I were moving into our first shitty apartment. I dig the tune and the local setting. They bought an old house on the Danforth for goodness sake.
"Prairie Town" by Randy Bachman and Neil Young - Bachman and Young are jamming about prairie life with that great refrain "Portage and Main fifty below". It doesn't get much more Canadian than this.
"Wheat Kings" by The Tragically Hip - The Hip get a second mention on this list because "Wheat Kings" is so damn pretty. It's one of my all-time favourite Hip songs and that's saying something. It's about David Milgaard and starts with a loon call and even mentions the CBC. It still gives me chills.
"Helpless" by Neil Young - If you put a gun to my head and made me pick one Neil Young song, this might be it. Again, it's stunningly beautiful and opens with "There is a town in north Ontario". Helpless, helpless, helpless.
"Canadian Railroad Trilogy" by Gordon Lightfoot - On the Ask MetaFilter page that sparked this discussion I went on the record by saying "two songs are so drenched in Canadiana your playlist won't be complete without them." This is one...
"Northwest Passage" by Stan Rogers - This is the other essential song that has to conclude this list of songs that reference Canadian places. It's a definite sing-along that opens with "Ah, for just one time I would take the Northwest Passage". If you haven't heard this song and would like to, leave a comment below (include your email address, it won't appear on the site) and I'll email it to you. It's the least I can do for my country.
I was bouncing around YouTube looking for NHL content when I saw someone had posted Pond of Dreams. This was a 2.5 minute clip that aired prior to the 2000 all-star game. I remember watching it then and getting goose bumps.
Lemieux's lines are a little stiff and it's a fairly manipulative piece, but it still gives me chills. They're playing me like a fiddle and there's nothing I can do to stop it.
The official NHL videos from YouTube can be found here. It's worth visiting daily for the play of the night.
A couple of weeks ago I wrote about a survey conducted in Britain to learn what the most requested funeral songs are. Naturally, this got me wondering what songs I'd choose for my funeral.
I'm really hoping my funeral is so far in the distance that I'll have plenty of time to revise this list over the years, but after a couple of weeks of thought, here are twenty songs for my funeral.
I Am Mine - Pearl Jam "I know I was born
And I know that I'll die
The in between is mine
I am mine."
Fiddler's Green - The Tragically Hip "He doesn't know a soul
And there's nowhere that he's really been
But he won't travel long alone
No, not in Fiddler's Green."
So Gently We Go - I Mother Earth "I've heard the sound
That silence makes
And I realize the world
Can break
From the inside out
Or outside in
On a breath of wind."
Danny Boy - Johnny Cash "Oh Danny boy
the pipes the pipes are calling
from glen to glen and down the mountain side
the summer's gone and all the roses falling
it's you it's you must go and I must bide."
Leonard Cohen - Hallelujah "I did my best, it wasn't much
I couldn't feel, so I tried to touch
I've told the truth, I didn't come to fool you
And even though
It all went wrong
I'll stand before the Lord of Song
With nothing on my tongue but Hallelujah."
O Death - Ralph Stanley "O, Death
Won't you spare me over til another year
Well what is this that I can't see
With ice cold hands takin' hold of me
Well I am death, none can excel
I'll open the door to heaven or hell."
In My Life - The Beatles "Though I know I’ll never lose affection
For people and things that went before,
I know I’ll often stop and think about them
In my life I love you more."
The Circle Game - Joni Mitchell "And the seasons, they go round and round
And the painted ponies go up and down.
We're captive on a carousel of time.
We can't return, we can only look behind from where we came
And go round and round and round in the circle game."
Fire and Rain - James Taylor "Thought I'd see you one more time again
There's just a few things coming my way this time around, now
Thought I'd see you, thought I'd see you fire and rain, now."
Mad Word - Michael Andrews f/ Gary Jules "And their tears are filling up their glasses
No expression, no expression
Hide my head I want to drown my sorrow
No tomorrow, no tomorrow."
All Apologies - Nirvana "All in all is all we all are
All in all is all we all are
All in all is all we all are
All in all is all we all are."
Angel - Jimi Hendrix "And I said "fly on my sweet angel,
fly on through the sky,
fly on my sweet angel,
forever I will be by your side"."
Wish You Were Here - Pink Floyd "So, so you think you can tell Heaven from Hell,
blue skies from pain.
Can you tell a green field from a cold steel rail? A smile from a veil?
Do you think you can tell?"
Knockin' On Heaven's Door - Guns N' Roses "Momma take this badge off of me
I can't use it anymore
It's getting dark, too dark to see
I feel like I'm knockin' on heaven's door."
Always On My Mind - Willie Nelson "Little things I should have said and done
I just never took the time
You were always on my mind
You were always on my mind."
Everything In Its Right Place - Radiohead "Everything, everything, everything, everything...
In its right place
In its right place
In its right place
Right place."
The End - The Doors "This is the end, Beautiful friend
This is the end, My only friend, the end
It hurts to set you free
But you'll never follow me."
Do You Realize?? - The Flaming Lips "And instead of saying all of your goodbyes - let them know
You realize that life goes fast
It's hard to make the good things last
You realize the sun doesn't go down
It's just an illusion caused by the world spinning round."
The Long Road - Eddie Vedder with Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan "Will I walk the long road?
I cannot stay
There's no need to say goodbye
Oh, the friends and family...
All the memories going round
Round, round round..."
Free Bird - Lynyrd Skynyrd "If I leave here tomorrow,
would you still remember me?
For I must be travelling on, now.
'Cause there's too many places I've gotta see."
Cheri DiNovo, the NDP candidate in yesterday's provinicial by-election in Parkdale-High Park, will replace Gerard Kennedy as our Member of Provincial Parliament. She beat Liberal candidate Sylvia Watson by more than two thousand votes. For the second time in less than a year, this riding which previously overwhelmingly supported the Liberal candidates both federally and provincially, has gone orange.
Before we look at the numbers, you might want to catch up on what you've missed with regards to this nasty little by-election. Hit the following for more information.
Since they realigned the provincial electoral districts to match the federal borders, Parkdale-High Park voted Liberal candidate Gerard Kennedy to power twice. Last time out, in 2003, he received 57.8% of the vote and won by over 16000 votes. It wasn't even close. The Liberal Party dropped from 57.8% of the vote and an overwhelming victory to 33% of the vote and a defeat to the NDP in less than three years.
The same trend can be seen federally. In 2004, Liberal candidate Sarmite Bulte won her third consecutive term as Member of Parliament for Parkdale-High Park. Earlier this year, she too lost to NDP candidate Peggy Nash by more than two thousand votes. The two elections, only nine months apart, are a near exact mirror of one another.
For more on January's federal election, check out these entries.
Did Parkdale-High Park turn orange or did they reject red? As a voter in the riding, in both instances I supported the NDP candidate because I was dismayed by the Liberal candidate. With Sarmite Bulte there was her conflict of interest with regards to our copyright law. With Sylvia Watson, there was the relentless assualt on Cheri DiNovo's character based on sermons she delivered to her congregation at Emmanuel Howard Park United Church. I suspect others in my riding felt the same internal pressure to vote some where else and none of us were willing to move to the right. The NDP reaped the benefits.
I'm glad the Radical Reverend survived the storm. I'm a proud supporter of both her and Peggy Nash. I think we look good in orange.
Although this blog has been around for almost four years, I only started accepting comments in early February. That's almost six months ago, but today a single entry received more legitimate comments than any other entry in the history of this site.
Throughout the day, well over a thousand fans of Humble Howard hit my "Humble Howard, Are You Okay?" entry from July 14. Today was the day he was expected back from vacation but instead it was announced that Mad Dog and Billie were taking over Mix 99.9 in the mornings. This prompted thousands to Google Humble Howard which led people in massive waves to that entry. We're at 56 comments and counting, blowing away all previous records.
It truly makes you appreciate this brave new world we live in. People from all over the GTA (and a few from Buffalo) awaken to realize a radio pal was off the air and one by one they hit Google in search of further details. Without a doubt, a quick entry I wrote on July 14th because of a spike in hits from people wondering if Humble Howard Glassman had left 99.9 has become the de-facto Humble Howard tribute page where people are sharing their feelings about the man, offering him and his family support and expressing to Mix 99.9 management that they are not happy. Humble himself has chimed in.
Blogging is social. There's dynamic interaction. A topic is introduced and a virtual discussion open to anyone with internet access is encouraged. Voices are heard, in hours fans conglomerate and all principles involved can follow the discourse. Aware of the relevance, more are able to find this discussion thanks to extremely high rankings in Google, such as this #1 ranking for a search on Humble Howard Glassman. In a very real sense, geography ceases to inhibit interaction and instead fuels it. Nothing is more social.
Humble Howard never got to say thanks and farewell to his audience, but now something more spectacular is possible. His audience can say thanks and farewell to him. And don't think for a moment he won't be reading every word of praise.
A well placed piece of music in a film can alter the meaning of that song for all eternity. Try and listen to Bill Conti's "Gonna Fly Now" without envisioning Rocky Balboa's run up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Some will think of Gord Martineau, but most will think of Rocky. Here are my favourite film songs from a life time of movie watching.
The Pixies' "Where Is My Mind" from Fight Club - Shortly after that memorable scene when the building collapses, Fight Club bursts into "Where Is My Mind?" and the combination is perfectly haunting.
The Crystals' "Then he Kissed Me" from Goodfellas - One of my favourite scences in cinema is that one when Henry enters the restaurant from the kitchen and the entire scene is done in one take. This is the song that plays during this fantastic scene.
The Geto Boyz' "Damn It Feels Good To Be A Gangster" from Office Space - This song juxtaposed with the white collar life of a cubicle warrior made my day when I first saw it. It's become the feel-good anthem of Dilberts everywhere.
-M-'s "Belleville Rendez-Vous" from Les Triplettes de Belleville - This is a great animated flick with an opening sequence set to this tune. It's catchy, jazzy fun that you'll be singing for weeks.
Gord Downie's "Hallelujah" from Saint Ralph - I've probably said enough about this one already.
Iggy Pop's "Lust For Life" from Trainspotting - I could have gone with Lou Reed's "Perfect Day" or Underworld's "Born Slippy", but "Lust For Life" almost seemed to have been written for this flick. Hearing it always reminds me of what a great movie Trainspotting is.
Pearl Jam's "State Of Love And Trust" from Singles - This is another movie with several notable songs on the soundtrack, but this was a song from one of my favourite bands that seemed way too good not to appear on a studio album. How much better would Vs. have been with this sucker on it?
Elton John's "Tiny Dancer" from Almost Famous - I had never heard this song until I saw Almost Famous, an almost perfect little movie. Now, whenever I hear "Tiny Dancer", I'm back on that bus singing right along.
Public Enemy's "Fight The Power" from Do The Right Thing - This song and movie made a statement, and it's difficult to imagine one without the other. Always do the right thing.
Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" from Wayne's World - Aurora, Illinois was a thinly veiled Toronto, right? The sing-a-long in Wayne's shitty hatchback to this classic is classic in its own right. Let me go!
Violent Femmes' "Blister in the Sun" from Grosse Pointe Blank - This cool flick also had a number of great tunes on the soundtrack, but none suited it better than "Blister in the Sun".
Wagner's "Ride of the Valkyries" from Apocalypse Now - I don't really need to explain this one, do I?
Damien Rice's "The Blower's Daughter" from Closer - I liked the movie, but when it was over I kept hearing this song in my head. It's chilling and perfect for one of the closing scenes of "Closer".
Michael Andrews' "Mad World" from Donnie Darko - Sometimes a cover of a song is more enjoyable than the original. That's the case for me and this Tears For Fears song. Donnie Darko was a dark gem of a movie and "Mad World" sums it all up perfectly.
The Beach Boys' "Surfin' U.S.A." from Teen Wolf - Okay, this is a guilty pleasure from my youth. We had Teen Wolf on tape and practically wore it out playing that last basketball game over and over again. "Surfin' U.S.A." plays while Scott as a werewolf surfs on the van and I always thought that was a pretty cool stunt to pull.
Stealers Wheels' "Stuck In The Middle" from Reservoir Dogs - This is a seriously sadistic scene that seems all the more sadistic when contrasted with this silly little Dylan-esque ditty. Try imagining this song without this scene and vice versa.
Nancy Sinatra's "Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)" from Kill Bill Vol. 1 - Sure, this list is a little heavy on the Tarantino, but for my money there is no better director. Kill Bill Vol. 1 opens with this song and Kill Bill Vol. 2 wraps up shorty after The Bride's baby guns her down. Bang bang.
Eddie Vedder's "Man Of The Hour" from Big Fish - I promised myself I wouldn't cry. This song about that man... damn, I can't do this.
Leonard Cohen's "Everybody Knows" from Pump Up The Volume - For a fifteen year old kid, Pump Up The Volume seemed pretty cool. The guy ran a pirate radio station and said cool stuff like "All the great themes have been used up and turned into theme parks" and "eat your cereal with a fork and do your homework in the dark". After seeing this movie at the Humber Odeon, I felt like a changed man and Cohen's "Everybody Knows" was my theme song. Of course, all the great themes have been used up and turned into theme parks.
The Soggy Bottom Boys' "I Am A Man Of Constant Sorrow" from O Brother, Where Are Thou? - I don't think this movie would have been as effective without a tune you'd believe was a hit. I believe in "I Am A Man Of Constant Sorrow" and it made a great movie greater.
Dusty Springfield's "Son Of A Preacher Man" from Pulp Fiction - We'll finish things off with a song used brilliantly in my favourite movie of all time. It's one of my ten tracks and I first heard it in this flick. I'm going to spin it right now.
All day long I've been getting hits from people Googling Humble Howard leaves mix and other similar searches. I rank rather highly for these searches, thanks to this entry about Fred Patterson getting the boot last September. I listened to Humble & Fred every morning for years when they were on CFNY Edge 102 but I lost touch with the geeks that groove when they signed on with Mix 99.9.
All of these Google searches got me wondering if Humble Howard had jumped or was pushed from his morning slot at the station that loves Dixie Chicks and Coldplay. There is nothing on the subject at Google News Canada but a quick visit to the Mix 99.9 program schedule reveals that Steve Anthony is penciled in the 5:00 am spot. Is this simply a vacation for Humble Howard Glassman or is there a little fire amidst this smoke?
Pop quiz, hot shot. What is SLS? If you don't know, you're new to these parts, and that's perfectly alright. This entry is going to bring you up to speed lickety-split.
What does SLS stand for? SLS stands for Smells Like Sour. The phrase was coined before I got involved with SLS, but I hear it has something to do with a road trip, a Nirvana song and an aroma.
What exactly is SLS? SLS is a "hypothetical" collection of new tunes that we "release" twice a calendar year. Henceforth, all editions of SLS will consist of 20 songs the SLS committee deems to be the best new music since the previous installment of SLS. We "release" new editions of SLS around Canada Day and Christmas Day.
How did you get involved in SLS? A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, I worked with this guy. It turned out we had similar taste in music, so he lent me a copy of the second installment of SLS. It was simply another mix of new rock tunes for the car and not intended to be much more than that. We began collaborating on the playlists of the next couple of installments, which were "released" periodically, at non-specific intervals. It occurred to me that we should normalize the "release" dates so that they were every six months. Independently we'd come up with our choices for the next edition, we'd meet up and we'd negotiate until we arrived at a consensus.
Does SLS have a home on the web? Absolutely. There's the Smells Like Sour home page which I've been maintaining since September 16, 2003. From this page you can access the songs that have appeared on the previous installments and suggest a song for the next edition. It's also become a popular destination for those who wish to discuss the latest releases and such. Although we only went public with the SLS site a few years ago, we had been using the web as a way to track tunes we each thought was SLS worthy for a couple of years prior, only it was our little secret.
What makes a song SLS-worthy? This is a tough question to answer. If a song is going to qualify as part of the best 80 minutes of music from the previous six months, it's gotta be good. We know an SLS-worthy tune when we hear it, but it's difficult to quantify. There's a spirit to an SLS tune that makes you want to turn it up and get lost in it's aura. System of a Down's "Chop Suey" was SLS-worthy. Simple Plan's "Perfect" was not.
Who decides the final playlist for SLS? Anyone can submit a song for SLS consideration via the Smells Like Sour home page, but the final decision is made by Mark and I. Since I maintain the page and have my ear closer to the ground, I usually come up with a 20 song mix of music and give Mark an opportunity to veto a track or suggest another. We typically come to an agreement pretty quickly.
What edition are you on? We are currently accepting submissions for SLS16 which will be "released" in late December. SLS15 just came out last week. SLS17 will be out in June 2007, SLS18 in December 2007, and so on, and so on, and so on...
Isn't this illegal? There is nothing illegal about compiling hypothetical mixes. Any resemblance to a compilation we share with friends and family is completely coincidental.
What tunes are looking good for SLS16? The best way to catch hints about what the next edition of SLS might look like is to monitor this site. When I submit a tune for SLS consideration, I'll mention it here. I also periodically write about potential track lists and tunes that look good for inclusion. All my SLS-related entries are conveniently located on one page.
That about does it. You now know what SLS is, what it stands for, how it came to be and where you can go to learn more. SLS 2.0: all the tunage and twice the love.
Last month I linked to a site that was sharing several covers of this Cohen classic. I left a comment on that site telling everyone about my search for Downie's version and asking for help. It's not on an album, it's not available for sale online and not even The Tragically Hip faithful seem to have a bootleg copy.
There seemed to be only one way to get this version of the song in MP3 and that's to create an MP3 from the audio output of "Saint Ralph". Sophie, a Hip fan from Germany, saw my comment on the site sharing the Downie covers and offerred to help. She rented the DVD, created an MP3 and emailed it to me early this morning. Hallelujah!
This will tide me over nicely until Downie releases something official. I know a lot of people have been trying to locate this song as I've heard your empathetic pleas since I first wrote about the cover last August. If that's you, leave a comment and I'll email you the MP3 Sophie shared with me this morning.
I love playing ball. I always have. From the moment I played my first game of tee ball at Lessard Park I was hooked. What I lacked in natural God-given talent I made up for in heart and soul. Baseball has always been my favourite participation sport and I've given 100% in every inning I've played.
I've been playing with Raging Storm for about five years now and we've had quite a bit of success and plenty of good times along the way. We've played in a few different leagues in the GTA, currently climbing the ranks of the RSPA. A few years ago, we started keeping stats.
As a fan of Major League Baseball, I'm obsessed with stats. Ask me who was the first Jay to hit .300, smack 30 homers and drive in 100 RBIs in a season and I have the answers. I can tell you who recorded the first 20 win season, who hit our first all-star game hit and who pitched our first no-hitter, hit for the cycle or won the AL MVP award. Major League Baseball and statistics are a marriage made in heaven. When it comes to your summertime slo-pitch team, I've always been a great deal less sure.
I opened this matter up to debate at the beginning of the year, and the general consensus was that keeping stats was a good thing. Agreeing to satisfy the general will, I've been happily recording our batting statistics on our official page and I'll continue to do so. Following our fifth game of the season, however, I had an epiphany.
We are not professional ball players. In fact, we pay to play in this league. When you pay to play there is only one objective. We're playing to have fun. That's not to say we're not playing to win, we're definitely playing to win as winning enhances the fun, but we're certainly not playing for our stats, or are we? I had myself down as 2-4 in the game but when the official stats came in I was listed as 1-4. The mistake was mine, when I reached base the second time it was recorded as a fielder's choice. Suddenly, the difference between a fielder's choice and a single in a game of slo-pitch on a Monday night meant something more than it ever should. It meant a significant drop in the batting average.
I played Monday in a great deal of pain, playing first for all seven innings because it hurt to move and even calling for a courtesy runner for the first time in my career when I reached base in the last inning. I'm glad I played, because it was a lot of fun, and that's exactly why I play. I play for love of the game. I play to be part of a team, ideally a winning team, and I play because I've loved playing since that first game of tee-ball. I don't play to ensure my batting average stays above .500 and I've removed my stats from our page to ensure I never lose sight of this fact. If other members of Raging Storm wish to follow my lead, I'll gladly remove their stats as well.
It's time to start a revolution. I am not a number. I am a ballplayer.
After a restless night of the most severe back pain I've ever experienced, I decided at 5:00 this morning to visit St. Joseph's Health Centre. At the very least I figured they could rule out anything serious and prescribe some heavy duty pain killers. Even in the very early morning, a visit to the hospital is a series of waits.
Wait #1: Triage Nurse - Upon arrival, you've got to check in. I was third in line which made this wait bearable. If you show up with something clearly life threatening, you get to move to the front of this line!
Wait #2: Registration - After checking in with the triage nurse, you get to sit down for a while and wait to be called by the registration desk. This was only a half hour wait, but keep in mind it was really early on a Monday morning. On the bright side, they had a TV in this room and they were airing live action from the French Open.
Wait #3: Ambulatory - Here you leave your chart and sit down for an hour or two. Luckily, there's a TV in this area airing CBC Newsworld. 60% of the broadcast was about the terrorist bust this weekend and 35% was about the Stanley Cup final kicking off tonight. The other 5% was the weather forecast. This wait is to see a nurse, not an actual doctor.
Wait #4: The Doctor - After being reviewed by a nurse in a little room I was actually sent to a different little room to wait for a doctor. I'm now in my fifth waiting location and about three hours into my hospital stay.
Wait #5: Blood Work - After finally seeing a doctor I was asked to wait for another nurse who would take my blood. In the meantime, I'm asked to give a urine sample.
Wait #6: X-Ray - After giving up a couple of bodily fluids it was time for an x-ray. This wait takes place in the same place as wait #3 which means more news about the terror arrests, more shots of the CN Tower, TSX and Peace Tower and more discussions with police officers, RCMP and Muslim community leaders.
Wait #7: Results - This was supposed to be the last wait. I was back in front of CBC Newsworld awaiting word from the doctor regarding my urine, blood and x-ray. From what I could tell, they were looking for something related to my kidneys which could explain the back pain. The next time my name is called, I'd be done... or so I thought.
Wait #8: Results II - They called my name after wait #7 and told me they needed more blood. Did they lose the original vial? Were they double checking because I tested positive for something serious? Why were they tapping my poor veins for more juice? I was afraid to ask and just did what I was told like a good Canadian boy.
Wait #7 and #8 took a couple of hours combined but in the end, about five hours after I arrived and eight waits later, I was given a prescription for codeine and told to rest my back for a while and time would heal my wound. When I decided this morning to visit the hospital, that was really all I was hoping for. When they test your urine, blood and review your x-rays and find nothing out of the ordinary, that's a good thing. Sucking back codeine like it's candy reduces the sharp pain to a dull ache and a week without ball won't kill me.
This game had nothing to do with the final score. It honestly didn't matter. This was James' first football game and the first time Ricky Williams touched the ball in a game as a Toronto Argonaut.
Williams only played one quarter and didn't have a single solid rush, but being there for his Argo debut was something special. The last Argo game I attended was Pinball's last game as a player so it's fitting I return to witness Williams' first. As games go, it was a dog with fleas, but that didn't matter. The real fun began after the game concluded.
Fans are invited onto the field after all home Argonaut games. James and I waited patiently for the go ahead and ran that field like we had just won the Grey Cup. James was literally rolling around on the turf as I snapped picture after picture. Soon, the players began taking the field to meet and greet fans and sign autographs. I said hi to Eric Crouch and others while keeping a look out for #27.
I honestly didn't think he'd come out to meet us, assuming he was too popular and it might be a security risk or something. Then, he appeared. Ricky Williams began making his way along the barricade signing everything presented to him. I stood six feet away from him for ten minutes, holding James and just taking in everything Williams' said and did. He was totally patient and way nicer than he had to be, and then I found myself side by side with him looking him in the eye. I wasn't even thinking about getting an autograph, I just wanted to snap a picture of him and say hi. I ended up saying three words to him. "Welcome to Toronto".
It was surreal. I saw Ricky Williams' first play as an Argo, his first quarter of action and I got to meet him. At St. George station, way past his bedtime, James fell asleep in my arms and I carried him the rest of the way home. We just got in and I'm still buzzed. Tonight, the score didn't matter one iota. This was about something better.
Deciding to completely ignore my plea, Doug Flutie has called it a career. They list him at 5-foot-10, but there's no way he's that tall. 5-feet-8 would probably be closer to the truth. What he lacked in stature he more than made up for in heart. The highlights break nicely into three categories.
The Magic Flutie In 1984, at the Orange Bowl, his Hail Mary pass to Gerry Phelan won it for Boston College. He won the Heisman that year, and was already a legend.
O Canada! Here in Canada, Flutie became an honourary Canuck when he played eight years for the BC Lions, Calgary Stampeders and Toronto Argonauts. It was only eight years, but he made the most of it, winning the league's outstanding player award six times and capturing three Grey Cup rings. He didn't just win three Grey Cups, he won three Grey Cup MVP awards.
The Bill In 1998, Flutie signed with my favourite NFL team, the Buffalo Bills. During that first season, he went 8-3 as a starter and followed that up by going 10-5 in 1999. All Flutie did was win, but Wade Phillips made the call that took my love for NFL football and all but destroyed it. He started Rob Johnson ahead of Flutie for the opening round playoff game against the Tennessee Titans. I've written in the past about how this Johnson over Flutie decision affected me. Rob Johnson looked the part but Doug Flutie was the part. Anyone who chooses to cut Flutie and go with Johnson as their starter has absolutley no soul, brains or a snowball's chance in hell of winning anything. History has proven me right.
I mentioned I was putting together a wedding playlist for my brother's wedding next month. I wanted 100 songs that were decent, wouldn't offend and had an appropriate theme for such an occassion. This wasn't as easy as it sounds, and to make things a little trickier, I capped the number of songs per artist at two.
Here's my initial stab at it. I've got a bit of time to perfect this before I cut the disc. If there's a song on this list you passionately disagree with, let me know in the comments. Conversely, if there's a song missing that you believe absolutely has to be there, chime in.
Without further adieu, here are the Wedding 100, sorted alphabetically by artist.
311 - Love Song
54-40 - Nice to Luv You
Al Green - Let's Get Married
Alice Cooper - Be My Lover
Alice in Chains - No Excuses
Arcade Fire - Crown of Love
Arctic Monkeys - A Certain Romance
Audioslave - Show Me How To Live
B-52s - Love Shack
Barenaked Ladies - Be My Yoko Ono
Barney Bentall and the Legendary Hearts - Something to Live For
Beach Boys - Good Vibrations
The Beatles - In My Life
The Beatles - All You Need Is Love
Ben E. King - Stand By Me
Bif Naked - Lucky
Bill Withers - Lean on Me
Billy Idol - White Wedding
Bloc Party - Banquet
Blue Rodeo - Try
Blue Rodeo - Lost Together
Bob Segar & The Silver Bullet Band - Night Moves
Bruce Cockburn - Lovers In A Dangerous Time
Bush - Comedown
The Chemical Brothers - Let Forever Be
City and Colour - Save Your Scissors
The Clash - Lover's Rock
Collective Soul - Shine
Crowded House - Something So Strong
Custom - Beautiful
Damien Rice - The Blower's Daughter
David Gray - This Year's Love
The Dears - Lost in the Plot
Death Cab For Cutie - Soul Meets Body
Depeche Mode - Just Can't Get Enough
Dido - Thank You
Elton John - Tiny Dancer
Fatboy Slim - Praise You
Feist - Mushaboom
The Flys - Got You (Where I Want You)
Foo Fighters - Walking After You (X-Files Version)
Frank Sinatra - Love and Marriage
Goo Goo Dolls - Iris
Gorillaz - Feel Good Inc.
Guns N' Roses - Sweet Child O' Mine
Harry Connick Jr. - We Are In Love
INXS - Never Tear Us Apart
Jack Johnson - Better Together
Jeff Buckley - Hallelujah
Jive Bunny - Lover's Mix
Johnny Cash - Bridge Over Troubled Water
Keane - Somewhere Only We Know
Kenny Rogers - She Believes In Me
The La's - There She Goes
Lenny Kravitz - Let Love Rule
Louis Armstrong - What A Wonderful World
Lou Reed - Perfect Day
Moist - Breathe
Neil Young - Love is a Rose
Neil Young - Act of Love
New Pornographers - Mass Romantic
Nirvana - About A Girl
Oasis - Let There Be Love
Odds - Love Is The Subject
Pearl Jam - State of Love and Trust
Pearl Jam - Throw Your Arms Around Me
The Pretenders - I'll Stand By You
Queen - Somebody to Love
Radiohead - A Punchup at a Wedding
Radiohead - True Love Waits
Ray Charles - You Are My Sunshine
R.E.M. - The One I Love
Righteous Brothers - Unchained Melody
Sarah Harmer - Open Window (The Wedding Song)
Sarah McLachlan - Hold On
Sinaid O'Connor - Nothing Compares To You
Skydiggers - I Will Give You Everything
Smashing Pumpkins - Today
Smashing Pumpkins - Disarm
Sonic Youth - Superstar
Stars - What the Snowman Learned About Love
Stars - Ageless Beauty (The Most Serene Republic Remix)
Stone Roses - Love Spreads
Stone Temple Pilots - Interstate Love Song
Switchfoot - Meant To Live
Tears For Fears - Sowing The Seeds Of Love
Three Dog Night - Joy To The World
The Tragically Hip - Long Time Running
Travis - Sing
Treble Charger - Red
The Turtles - Happy Together
U2 - One
U2 - All I Want Is You
Van Morrison - Have I Told You Lately
Van Morrison - Into The Mystic
The Verve - Lucky Man
The Watchmen - All Uncovered
Weezer - Perfect Situation
The White Stripes - Fell in Love With A Girl
Willie Nelson - Always On My Mind
Sponsored Links: As you painstakingly attempt to pick the perfect wedding song, the perfect band, the perfect cake don't forget the personalized wedding favors that make your wedding day uniquely you. Wedding cake jewelry is a great way to add a personal touch to the cake. Wedding reception favors themed to your wedding decorations eases the stress of too many choices.
Here in Ontario they've launched Gift of Life Donor Cards. There's a marketing push right now to get people to sign these donor cards, thereby consenting to donate organs and tissue upon death. It's not enough, however, to simply sign the card. It's important to tell your family about your decision and ensure your loved ones are aware of your wish.
My loved ones read this public web site. There is no bigger pulpit from which I can shout these words. In the event of my death, I consent to donate any needed organs or tissue in the hope that I may help others.
I'm hoping I can stick around for a while. I really want to see what kind of people James and Michelle become, I'd love to participate in a Stanley Cup parade on Yonge Street and I'd get a kick out of scoring that senior discount on haircuts. I'm hopeful to live a good fifty years more, but if I should die in my sleep tonight, let there be no doubt as to where I stand on the issue of organ and tissue donation. It's first come, first serve and everything is available.
If I can enhance one person's life in death, that's a very good thing.
I just cried like a baby. I'm not talking about a manly cry where you grimace and a tear escapes from one eye, I'm talking about an actual cry. The sad thing is, I knew I was going to cry and there was nothing I could do to stop it. You see, I've just finished watching "Big Fish" and every single time I've watched this movie, and I've seen it dozens of times, I've cried at the end without exception.
I've written before about the effect this movie has on me. There is no other movie that extracts this response from me after multiple viewings. I'll swell up during a scene in "Field of Dreams", but that's it. With "Big Fish", it perfectly presses my buttons in a manner that leaves me a blubbering fool.
Critics will tell you Tim Burton has done better work, but I beg to differ. You'll also hear the great Albert Finney has been better, but I haven't seen it. IMDB.com users rank 174 films higher, but I find that hard to believe. "Big Fish" is the perfect storm of exceptional direction, an inspiring screenplay and actors who assume their roles perfectly. Still, I've seen a number of fantastic flicks, but none cause me to respond as emotionally as this one does. Why does "Big Fish" cause big tears?
It's that triple smack-down at the end. With Ed Bloom lying on his death bed, his non-believing and bitter son Will tells the final story. The story is in full Ed Bloom-style and fulfills the witch's prophecy. Everyone is there, everyone is happy and Will carries his father into the river where he becomes a big fish. This scene starts the tears flowing, Ed passes away but not before his son finally understands him and makes peace with him. Then, there's the funeral. This is where I really cry. The characters Ed spoke about in his elaborate stories are there, lending credence to what Will always assumed was hyperbole. Karl the Giant is there, Amos Calloway is there, Ping and Jing are there, Norther Winslow is there, they're all there and they're all sad to say goodbye to their pal Ed. Will realizing that his father had lived such adventures strikes a chord in me. Whereas the previous scene is Will buying into the stories to satisfy his dying father, this scene is Will realizing they were true all along. He now believes as I do. Just when I'm in full weep mode and can't take any more, the credits start to roll and I hear Eddie's voice starting "Man of the Hour". As I said, it's a triple smack-down and resistance is futile.
I'm not one to re-watch movies. Even movies I really liked rarely get a second viewing. I have a handful of films that I'll watch over and over again, but they're few and far between and lately I haven't had much of an urge to watch any of them. "Big Fish" is the great exception. It's as if the emotions it unleashes in me have created a chemical addiction to the movie. Even without the great ending, it's a fantastic movie that seems custom made for me, but throw in that ending and I need "Big Fish". Crying is great therapy and men don't try it nearly often enough. As I wrote before, only six things have made me cry in the past five years, and only one of those things is a fictional movie I can revisit over and over and over again.
Today, Taryn and I are celebrating our ten year wedding anniversary. Here's the story of us...
In early January of 1996, when she was twenty and I was twenty-one, we were chatting on the phone one night as we often did. We had only met eight months earlier, but we quickly fell in love and decided remarkably early on that we'd one day tie the knot. As I recall this particular conversation, Taryn suggested we just do it. I called her bluff and we met on the eastbound platform of Ossington station the next morning. We were on our way to City Hall.
The first step was applying for a marriage license and $53 later we had what we needed to legally marry. We could either get wed at Old City Hall or the new one, but I preferred the old one because it seemed more romantic. Taryn agreed and we shot over to Old City Hall to book the next available appointment with a Justice of the Peace. That appointment was booked for January 15, 1996 at 14:00 EST.
Next, we went to a little jewelry store in the basement of the Eaton Centre and negotiated a decent deal for two wedding rings. I still have the receipt and I still wear mine daily.
For better or worse, I have always strongly believed weddings were for the couple being wed. I see it as the most personal and private of ceremonies where two people pledge to spend eternity together. In this vein, we decided to get married and tell our families afterwards. I suspect Taryn also feared her family would try and stop the ceremony for fear I had brain washed her and was holding her against her will. For the record, I wasn't.
To marry in Canada, you must have two witnesses vouch for you. We were each responsible for ensuring someone joined us at the ceremony for this purpose. I chose Rosalie, a long time friend I went to high school with and continued to attend U of T English classes with. I remember asking her during a boring Chaucer class and I remember how totally cool and romantic she thought the whole plan was. She also thought I was nuts.
When January 15, 1996 arrived, we took the subway to Old City Hall, met up with our two witnesses and waited for our appointment. It was short, but sweet. The Justice of the Peace was great and we had no doubt that we were doing what we wanted to do. Here's a picture taken before the ceremony and one taken during. Following the ceremony we went out for a bite to eat and crashed at Taryn's place where we watched "Melrose Place" before heading for bed. The next day, after all, was another school day.
The next day I told my mom what we had done over a burger and fries at McDonalds and then shared the news with my siblings. A few months later we moved into our own downtown apartment, a couple of years after that we were both wrapping up our diplomas, starting careers and before you knew it we were buying a home and starting a family.
Thank you for being my rock, thank you for being my best friend, thank you for James and Michelle, thank you for ten fantastic years. I love you Taryn.
When I was in high school, I remember hearing stories about kids who were being swarmed at the Eaton Centre. If a group of teens wanted your pair of Doc Martens, they simple swarmed you until you handed them over or you were going to get beat up. As a guy who wore Doc Martens and frequently visited the Yonge and Dundas area, I remember being particularly interested in these tales classmates were telling.
Fifteen years later, that legend sounds like a story straight out of the 50s. All year long we've been hearing that gun violence has increased in the city but yesterday's news of gun play really pissed me off. At about 17:00 EST, outside the Eaton Centre at Yonge and Dundas during the hustle and bustle of Boxing Day, gunfire broke out between two groups. 10 to 15 people in their late teens to early 20s were involved as six people were wounded and one innocent 15-year old girl was killed. She was standing outside a Foot Locker store, shopping with her family, when she was shot in the head.
I sincerely believe kids today are more brazen about these activities than they would have been even ten years ago. These people who fire guns into crowds of Boxing Day shoppers have no fear and simply don't care. 52 people have died in Toronto in 2005 due to a gunshot wound. This 15-year old girl wasn't shot at an afte
Blogging is one of the cooler hobbies. If there's something I can't find anywhere, I just need to write about it and eventually someone who can help me will find my entry and make my day. This happened with the Saint Ralph soundtrack, when I couldn't find or buy Gord Downie's version of "Hallelujah", and it's happened again.
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When I was in high school, I remember hearing stories about kids who were being swarmed at the Eaton Centre. If a group of teens wanted your pair of Doc Martens, they simple swarmed you until you handed them over or you were going to get beat up. As a guy who wore Doc Martens and frequently visited the Yonge and Dundas area, I remember being particularly interested in these tales classmates were telling.