Sunday, June 29, 2008

"Like a soldier standing long under fire any change comes as a relief..."

With every baseball season there is a chance to see history made or at the very least to see something rare. I think this is what makes the game beautiful along with its plethora of statistics. Last night the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim without getting a hit. This is only the fifth time since 1900 that a team has accomplished this. The Dodgers scored their run after a runner reached on an error, stole second base went to third base on an errand throw and scored on a sacrifice fly. The game is technically not a no-hitter because the Dodgers only had to bat in 8 innings since they were the home team. Right now there are 30 teams in Major League Baseball, with each team playing 162 regular season games, meaning there are 4860 regular season games a year. It would be nice to know how many games where played over the last 100 years but I am not that bored, still the odds of this happening again are extremely low. I might see it again before I die, or not. Staying with baseball, the Jays have won 2 in a row, after winning 1-0 today. A.J. Burnett was dominate stricking out 11 in 7 innings. Watching the game was how I spent my afternoon, along with the occasional flipping to see the soccer score, I can't really get into soccer. Though I did see where Spain the underdog won, beating Germany 1-0. Though I am sure the 1-0 baseball was more exciting than the 1-0 soccer game, even with the Euro Cup on the line.
"Nothing is as beautiful as when she believes in me..."
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Xs4AdufqvFk
Last night I watched a movie called An American Crime. It is based on the real life story of Slyvia Likens who was tortured and killed by Gertrude Baniszewski while she was staying with her family. The torture was inflicted by Gertrude, her children and neighbourhood children. Ellen Page plays Slyvia and is very strong in this role. The depth of roles she plays for such a young actor is impressive. There is a link to information about the movie below.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0802948/
I think we all spend too much time online but it is the nature of life these days. Below is a link to a story outlining the top online dating tips. I am not fond of dating in general, let alone online relationships that take the personal connection aspect out of the equation.
http://ca.lifestyle.yahoo.com/family-relationships/articles/dating/rogers-chatelaine/sex-6_online_dating_tips
I suppose that is enough for a Sunday night. I need to shave and I think I ate too much spaghetti. Food is so good though.
Today's clips and lyrics are from Ben Harper including When She Believes and Diamonds On The Inside, its clip is below.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=fEheWHVgffM
john.

Saturday, June 28, 2008

"All I can do is read a book to stay awake and it rips my life away but it's a great escape..."

I am tired today. A couple friends and I went out for a few drinks. We ended up going to Molly's which is still my favourite bar here but I hadn't been in a couple months. It seems when we do go out, it is usually elsewhere. It wasn't overly busy for a Friday night but it was busy enough. I think all of us had a good time. I ended up sleeping in a strange house, on a couch, in a room that felt like a sauna. They definitely need a fan, it is summer after all. Needless to say I left pretty early and made my way home. There was a slight rain this morning and it has been overcast much of the day. I spent the afternoon watching the Jays game, which they won 9-5. It has been a very lazy day. Prior to the bar we were drinking at a friends on the balcony. A balcony with a screen door, a screen door which when closed is supposed to be opened prior to walking through its threshold. A certain person, and it wasn't me, walked right into it. This moment was instantly funny as there was an evident footprint in the screening and bruising on the unfortunate person. Sure alcohol played a factor but it his defense it was dark, nah, it was just one of those embarrassing moments. Though now our friend has to explain to his girlfriend, how dumb and stupid his friends are. This seems to be a constant for guys, I think if we aren't apologizing for our actions, we are apologizing for those of our friends.
"I don't feel the sun coming out today, it's staying in, it's gonna find another way............"
http://youtube.com/watch?v=g4H5vsQM7z8
After finishing reading Life Of Pi I have gone back to reading Snow by Orhan Pamuk. I haven't really been able to get into the book but it will do until I make another trip to the bookstore. The passage below is from the book, it caught my eye because it is a commentary on Muslim women and why they wear veils. This subject is in the news from time to time and last year there was a 16 year old girl in Toronto killed by her family for refusing to wear one. There is a link to the story below, along with comments. Personally I think it should be an individual girl's decision to make, once she is old enough. I would like to be able to see a woman's face and don't think they should have to hide it because of religion.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/yourview/2007/12/teen_dead_after_alleged_attack.html
"The veil saves women from the animal instincts of men in the street. It saves them the ordeal of entering beauty contests to compete with other women. They don't have to live like sex objects, they don't have to wear makeup all day. As the American Black Muslim professor Marvin King has already noted, if the celebrated film star Elizabeth Taylor had spent the last twenty years covered, she would not have had to worry so much about being fat. She would not have ended up in a mental hospital. She might have known some happiness."
I wrote the following poem Thursday on the balcony surrounded by night.
Everyone Should Have A Partner
The night breeze is cool on my tanned skin
Multicoloured lights shaped like snow globes glow
They are either blue, green, yellow, red or purple
Their colour changes every second like human emotions
Happiness is too closely followed by anger or sadness
We are all walking a tightrope across a pool of sharks
Their glistening white teeth waiting to devour us
Our blood is always seconds away from spilling
This is what makes life precious and unique
The thin line between it and infinite death
Even for the believers who have never seen
All they know are a few words in a few books
Above me singular stars practice their solo dances
Everyone should have a partner in this life
A friend who is more than a friend
They offer stability to our instability
Brightness when we want to live in darkness
Not everyone is lucky to find this person
Some of us are not as suited to company
We shutter at the idea of being vulnerable
Not realizing how much more we are when alone
Everyone relies on us and our actions
There is no safety net but only sharks
Even the rope is tethered and worn
The way everything does over time
I am slightly chilled now as night expands
There is no symphony of stars singing
The moon cannot be found among the clouds
Colour remains in the globes without snow
How wrong their creation looks to my eyes
Much like my impression on anybody’s heart.
06/26/08
Today's clips and lyrics are from Blind Melon. The title lyrics and clip below are from their hit song No Rain. The lyrics in the middle of the entry are from their equally brilliant song Change and the clip is from an appearance on the Late Show with David Letterman. Adding to the poignancy of the song is the fact that the body of Kurt Cobain, a major influence on the band was found earlier in the day. It is too bad lead singer Shannon Hoon was unable to change his own life and less than 2 years later died of a cocaine overdose. Their deaths left a huge musical void for many teenagers like I was then, and I don't think it has ever really been filled.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=C3Y-6JaDY24
You can change, the sun will come out most days and it will rain some days.
john.

Thursday, June 26, 2008

"I've been searching for a simple place, don't know if it exists...."

I was planning on using songs from Amos Lee's new CD, The Last Days At The Lodge, but couldn't find any of the lyrics on the Internet. I have been listening to the CD much of week since I downloaded it. Mr. Lee has once again proven his superior song writing skills in this collection of bluesy southern rock songs. Instead of the newer stuff, you get the older stuff.
Today we had another one of our common Southern Ontario summer thunderstorms. The type we expect when it is hot and humid like it was today. The storm lasted basically from 5-6 and produced a downpour of rain.
Earlier in the day I finished reading Life Of Pi by Yann Martel, it is a good story of survival and imagination. The following is from it. "It's important in life to conclude things properly. Only then can you let go. Otherwise you are left with words you should have said but never did, and your heart is heavy with remorse."
"Now, most days, I spend like a child who's afraid of ghosts in my mind. I know, there ain't nothing out there. I'm still afraid to turn on the lights..."
http://youtube.com/watch?v=w5hPVqPMywc
I was trying to do some writing as it was thundering and rain, the storm influenced results are below.
A Summer Thunderstorm
Thunder roared like a Bengal tiger
Lightning conducted water like a symphony
Rain tapped like keys on a piano
The storm lasted no long than an hour
Our warm June afternoon became dark
Electricity quickly zapped off as expected
Candles were lit to provide our illumination
Their light strangely danced in her eyes
I could not focus on anything but them
She had been lost to me until this moment
Something changed in the blowing wind
We moved closer like passengers on a bus
Feet dwarfed into inches and limbs extended
Their extension grabbing for skin and orifices
Abundant wetness soaked eagerly penetrating fingers
Moist lips sucked softness to hardness abandoning air
Gasps of pleasure accompanying gasps for life
Internal storms striking and mirroring external forces
Instead of feeling trapped we were freed
Peacefulness returned upon our mutual climax
Electricity sparked to life and rain sputtered
Before stopping completely as Orbison returned
A love should always be beautiful and lasting
Though it never is or could ever be
The rarity and spontaneity is all we have
Until there is a next time or a last time.
06/26/06
Well not the clips and lyrics I intended to use in today's blog but such is life. The clips and lyrics are Arms Of A Woman and Night Train by Amos Lee.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=aJKQrgUfURk
The end of one novel makes room for the continuation of others and the search for new stories.
jr.

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

"Haven't fallen down in a while, sitting here walking the line......"

Today I watched Kung Fu panda and thought it was a good animated movie. The perception with Jack Black as the voice of Po the panda is one of humour and only humour. This story is about more than laughs, it is about following your dreams. Po is a panda that wants to be a ninja and accidentally becomes the dragon warrior. This isn't a popular decision among the other ninjas but Master Shifu (Dustin Hoffman) decides to train Panda for the return of the evil Tai Lung. There are good action sequences throughout, a few very funny moments and in the end it is a feel good story. There is a link to information about the movie below.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0441773/
"I'm not ready to love...."
http://youtube.com/watch?v=DeXcG93w1pc
Below is a something I wrote yesterday. An attempt to remember a dream, they are always so tough to remember.
Creating and Learning Beauty
I am learning to dream
Without needing to scream
In a mystical world of falling stars
There is a glistening golden mermaid
With light orange hair illuminating
She transforms after my wish is granted
Turning into a freckled skinned woman
Eyes sparkling like a diamond mines
Their gaze is as vast as an ocean
Light blue on the surface but darker below
I do not know where she appears from
My imagination is a barren land of past failures
Inspiration like oil is becoming more scarce
Though it may only be an illusion of reality
A bump in the road of evolution and prosperity
I have thought a million times or more
About why love eludes me so easily
There does not seem to be good reasons
Except self-hatred and an unknown fear
Needing everything but being too kind
Unable to keep up appearances long enough
Thus allowing feelings to bubble and mature
I will be watching this summer closely
Preparing myself for its memory opportunities
Fresh strawberries and fierce thunderstorms
Images captured in the reaction of human faces
The young girls who are suddenly women
Their bodies creating and learning beauty
I am trying to dream
Without having to scream
My reality might not be fascinating
An alternate world of mystical falling stars
Might be enough to preoccupy me
Until autumn returns with its colours
Offering a landscape to make love in.
06/24/08
Well I don't feel like blogging anymore.
Last night Toronto beat Cincinnati 14-1, it isn't going to happen tonight, it is already 5-0 for the Reds.
The clips and lyrics used today are from Rufus Wainwright including I'm Not Ready For Love and the title lyrics are from Nobody's Off The Hook, there is a clip of it below.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=ucrjDRnmxuQ
Nobody is really off the hook for anything.
jr.

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

"The sun afire of strings and wires, spin above my head and make it right..."

Nice day today, 23 and partly sunny.
Countdown Tuesday is below. The top 100 songs out of 1229 songs. Same #1 as last week, 31 clips to songs should you be interested in hearing one of them. Significant additions to the playlist that might start showing up in a couple months are songs from Viva La Vida by Coldplay and Seeing Things by Jakob Dylan. Though I am not entirely impressed with much of the Coldplay album, though it could grown on me in the coming months.
Peace.
john.

Top 100 Songs Played This Year On My iTunes Player
1. When I Dream Of Michelangelo by Counting Crows (1)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=SuVXF9os6Gw
2. Thinking About You by Norah Jones (7)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=eq4pbmWiI0Y
3. The Bends by Radiohead (8)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=jaA4lXiqClI
4. You Can't Count On Me by Counting Crows (2)
5. Creep by Radiohead (3)
6. Say It To Me Now by Glen Hansard (4)
7. Guaranteed by Eddie Vedder (5)
8. Waiting by City and Colour (13)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=6yrd3ayyXwY
9. Have You Ever Seen The Rain by C.C.R.? (6)
10. The One I Love by David Gray (11)
11. One by U2 (17)
12. Supernatural Superserious by R.E.M. (16)
13. Wonderwall by Oasis (9)
14. Always by Neverending White Lights (10)
15. Long Road To Ruin by Foo Fighters (22)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=68qqyM-_K4w
16. Cowboys by Counting Crows (12)
17. Sunday Morning Coming Down (Live) by Johnny Cash (15)
18. Empty by Ray LaMontagne (18)
19. Hannah by Ray LaMontagne (26)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=KMaWkAmhp3Q
20. Calling All Friends by Low Stars (19)
21. When You Were Young by The Killers (20)
22. Love Hurts by Incubus (25)
23. Falling Slowly by The Frames (21)
24. Hard Sun by Eddie Vedder (24)
25. Blanket Of Ghosts by Dustin Kensrue (23)
26. Southern Girl by Amos Lee (34)
27. Society by Eddie Vedder (32)
28. If I Had Eyes by Jack Johnson (30)
29. Let It Ride by Ryan Adams (27)
30. Everybody Knows by Ryan Adams (28)
31. Everything by Michael Buble (29)
32. My List by The Killers (37)
33. NYC by Interpol (31)
34. All The Trees Are Hers by Hawksley Workman (40)
35. Oceanside by The Decemberists (33)
36. Michelle by The Beatles (47)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=MEzHudlLQEc
37. Hospital Beds by Cold War Kids (35)
38. A Long December by Counting Crows (36)
39. Imitation Of Life by R.E.M. (38)
40. The Con by Tegan and Sara (57)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=q4tcDRkqU4o
41. Where The Streets Have No Name by U2 (59)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=gq08ouOwiqQ
42. You Are My Face by Wilco (39)
43. Strawberry Fields Forever by The Beatles (46)
44. Hard Candy by Counting Crows (43)
45. Impossible Germany by Wilco (60)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=OHYlwDpLFPo
46. The Great Escape by Patrick Watson (56)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=jGVF0vWAXkI
47. You're Always Going Too Soon by Matthew Jay (55)
48. Gotta Be Somebody's Blues by Jimmy Eat World (53)
49. No Sugar Tonight/New Mother Nature by The Guess Who (41)
50. If You're Gonna Leave by Emerson Hart (78)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=0SJlLwLALnM
51. Your Song by Elton John (51)
52. Your Heart Is An Empty Room by Death Cab For Cutie (42)
53. The Hardest Part by Coldplay (49)
54. Some Surprise by The Cake Sale (Lisa Hannigan + Gary Lightbody) (45)
55. Baby I Love Your Way by Bob Marley (48)
56. Diamonds On The Inside by Ben Harper (45)
57. No One's Gonna Love You by Band Of Horses (71)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=93OTv6Cjk6U
58. 1492 by Counting Crows (75)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=20dzBkIW2Yw
59. Sleep Don't Weep by Damien Rice (68)
60. The Crane Wife 3 by The Decemberists (67)
61. Anna Molly by Incubus (52)
62. You're Beautiful (Acoustic) by James Blunt (66)
63. Girl In The War by Josh Ritter (54)
64. Lemon Parade by Tonic (58)
65. Montebello Park by The Trews (63)
66. Brown Eyed Girl by Van Morrison (62)
67. Please Be Patient With Me by Wilco (90)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=u4FnPD7HyUI
68. Club Thing by Yoav (61)
69. Catapult (Acoustic) by Counting Crows (69)
70. Daylight Fading by Counting Crows (50)
71. What Light by Wilco (93)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=El5d8C47GzE
72. You Don't Know How It Feels by Tom Petty (87)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=IQhGfucHbtc
73. The Blues by Switchfoot (64)
74. Elevator Love Letter by Stars (96)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=xU7KGcrD_gc
75. Off He Goes by Pearl Jam (100)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=-6ekFZ9gBl4
76. Million Faces by Paolo Nutini (NR)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=bqRbfWxMknU
77. Kathleen by Josh Ritter (65)
78. Mind Games by John Lennon (81)
79. 1973 by James Blunt (73)
80. Naked As We Came by Iron and Wine (NR)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=0XXD20DhV4c
81. Almost Lover by A Fine Frenzy (NR)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=7LqJ2Hqt3A4
82. The Water by Feist (NR)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=l3QbMDSmcbA
83. Have You Seen Me Lately? (Acoustic) by Counting Crows (NR)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=UrayFUXg6i8
84. Last To Die by Bruce Springsteen (NR)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=xR1wOYiSCXw
85. Let It Be by The Beatles (70)
86. Antichrist Television Blues by Arcade Fire (72)
87. Rain King (Acoustic) by Counting Crows (74)
88. High Life by Counting Crows (91)
89. Los Angeles by Counting Crows (76)
90. Miller's Angels by Counting Crows (NR)
91. So Long, So Long by Dashboard Confessional with Adam Duritz (77)
92. Everytime by David Gray (NR)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=MYFD3qLbkso
93. O Valencia by The Decemberists (NR)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=vlb197LmwSw
94. Talk Shows On Mute by Incubus (79)
95. A Time To Be So Small by Interpol (80)
96. Chase This Light by Jimmy Eat World (NR)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=PvrO_MjTMPc
97. Nuclear Daydream by Joseph Arthur (NR)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=FvTP6Rsy5Qw
98. Love Stoned by Justin Timberlake (82)
99. Bedshaped by Keane (NR)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=SSRjfP2EJsw
100. Ramble On by Led Zeppelin (NR)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=5riAflWMeSk

Monday, June 23, 2008

"Do you come, together ever with him?...."

Well today was another day of weather warnings, more reported funnel clouds, golf ball like hail in downtown Toronto. Yet, here now, in the beautiful tree inundated London, it is a beautiful sunny June night. I don't think I saw a drop of rain despite mountains of black clouds as menacing as an evil clown.
I had dinner tonight at my grandparents. Saturday was their 56th wedding anniversary and with each year their example of togetherness amazes me. Tonight we had homemade meatballs, breakfast like hash browns, a mixture of vegetables including broccoli, cauliflower and carrots. For dessert we had freshly picked strawberries and watermelon. I am definitely full.
"Stones taught me to fly, love, it taught me to lie..."
http://youtube.com/watch?v=JxAI6Yd6diI
The following is from Life Of Pi by Yann Martel. "Oncoming death is terrible enough, but worse still is oncoming death with time to spare, time in which all the happiness that was yours and all the happiness that might have been yours becomes clear to you. You see with utter lucidity all that you are losing. The sight brings on an oppressive sadness that no car about to hit you or water about to drown you can match."
I am enjoying the story of Pi, thus far.
I decided to try and write something yesterday. It seems like life and love are constantly on my mind lately. The constant struggle to make sense of both. The piece is called A Damien Rice Song Or A Foreign Riddle. Basically it conveys the opposite sides of love. There is the memorized and remembered lyrics of a song and there is the misunderstanding and confusion of a riddle. Also there is the complexity that is a Damien Rice song and there is the fear of a foreign language, love operates on both of these extremes.
A Damien Rice Song Or A Foreign Riddle
I usually feel out of place
Even among friends and family
I cannot easily explain why
There is a severe lack of comfort
From when I wake until I sleep
Even dreaming has become scary
Not exactly nightmares but nothingness
A swirling and expanding black hole
With absolutely no light or noise
My days are too quiet for this silence
Few voices wait to speak to me
I reciprocate by saying little myself
Existing in my mind and its illusions
Certain realities remain absolutely true
Beauty can bring lasting smiles
Though it disappears too quickly
Nature is a source of comfort for me
I will be old and still searching
Love is an inevitable part of life
They go hand in hand for awhile
Before breaking permanently apart
Finding happiness is my biggest challenge
With or without love I need it
These boring Sunday nights are trying
A smaller challenge like a puzzle
Eventually enough pieces have to fit
Allowing the picture to take shape
Putting colours in the scenery
Summer offers warmth like spring kindness
What I offer is not as easily defined
A Damien Rice song or a foreign riddle
The answer seems confusing and complicated
Though slightly possible and plausible
After learning a new language of words
Love looking and sounding different.
06/22/08
"So why'd you fill my sorrow with the words you've borrowed.."
http://youtube.com/watch?v=huDIF--HmPU
Well I suppose that is enough for a Monday night. Today's clips and lyrics are naturally from Damien Rice including Cannonball, Delicate, the title lyrics are from Accidental Babies and there is a clip of it below.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=u5SZShwyAPk
It only took an hour and 3 tries to publish this. The joys of Blogger's scheduled maintenance.
By the way, lyrically Accidental Babies might be the most brutally honest song ever.
Also for fans of Amos Lee he is on the Craig Ferguson show tonight.
jr.

Sunday, June 22, 2008

"There are places I remember, all my life, though some have changed..."

There is a man in Australia who is auctioning off his life. Apparently after he got his heart broke he decided to put his entire life for sale on EBAY. It is an interesting concept and the link to the story is below. I suppose you can get rid of almost everything in your life, if you want or need to, but you can't get rid of your life. At least until death, without death there is still life. So he can sell everything he wants but in the end he is left with himself and his memories. I don't have a problem with this, if this is what he wants, it is his life after all. I am sure one day in the future, long after I am less than dust, humans will be able to erase their memories on a daily basis. If you have a bad day, you will be able to wake up like it never happened. This is a scary concept but imagine being able to see the world again for the first time. Would we like what we see or not? Back to the guy selling his life. What if your life had little to no monetary value? What if you tried to sell your life and couldn't? It would have to be worse than the life prior. I think change is better attempted in small steps.
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/reuters/080620/tecnology/net_auction_life_dc
"Give my love to Rose please won't you mister..."
http://youtube.com/watch?v=TQmvIXN00jI
It turned out to be a pretty nice day. The sky has been overcast most of the afternoon but as of yet there hasn't been any rain. Though if I was writing this an hour from now, it might not be the case.
The Jays actually won today, 8-5, their first win under Cito Gaston.
I spend a fair amount of time, writing or reading in coffee shops. Doing so provides me with an assortment of characters to observe. What amazes me is how many people come into either Starbucks or Williams just to use the bathroom. Or better yet, they just come into sit and don't get anything. At either place, nobody seems to care and that doesn't surprise me either, because anything beyond the counter isn't of concern. The downtown Starbucks is especially bad with the bums and punks spending long periods of time in the bathroom, helping themselves to handfuls of napkins, sugar packs or whatever they can take. Not to mention, the ones that come in and fall asleep. These settings are perfect for creating characters, because as much as you can imagine a person, there is nothing easier than having them right before your eyes for observation.
Today's title lyric is from In My Life by The Beatles and there is a clip to it below. Also the other lyric is obviously Give My Love To Rose by Mr. Cash.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Ym0x3vTw6yc
Is there anything less boring than a Sunday night?
jr.

Saturday, June 21, 2008

"If I could make it rain today and wash this sunny day down to the gutter, I would just to get a change of pace........."

Well it is officially summer and we are having our first summer thunderstorm. Nothing overly dramatic, occasional loud thunder, intermittent lightning and steady rain. Though it has grown very quiet at the moment and all I can hear is the song playing which is the First Days Of Spring by Neverending White Lights. Its randomness is a little out of place considering the date. Good song, nonetheless.
Yesterday was the longest day of the year and we had over 15 hours of daylight. The June bugs seemed to come out in full force and were flying around everywhere. Quickly attaching themselves to the hair of all the Friday night party girls. In particularly startling one very cute girl, who asked for my assistance in assuring her that it was out of her hair. Young women shouldn't be allowed to be so cute because they make guys like me dream of their beauty. Plus what is it with dark glass, why do I find them so sexy?
Anyway after that I met up with some friends for drinks. It was a enjoyable outing, even if I did have to drink draft beer. For some reason, I get the worst hangovers from it, perhaps because I drink too much of it, when I drink it. In discussions with friends, it is always funny when everyone has the same opinion or impression of certain people. I suppose it justifies why we all associate with each other and don't associate with certain other people. Also the word peanuts can easily be said as penis, it happened more than once last night. We were at the downtown Crabby Joe's and they offer free peanuts, so you will drink more and of course you feel the need to. It is brilliant. Back to the hangover thing, I was alright today but didn't sleep much at all. It seems every night I drink, I end up going to bed late and getting up at the same time, if not earlier. Sleeping 4-8 isn't conducive to feeling like doing much on a Saturday. So I read, sat in the sun and listened to some live music from Counting Crows. After finishing A Heartbreaking Story Of Staggering Genius, a normal person would proceed to the other book they have on the go, but not me. I went out to the used bookstore Thursday and picked up Life of Pi by Yann Martel. I was surprised to find it in the used bookstore and quickly grabbed it, having wanting to read it for some time now. I usually don't buy new books, because I am cheap and like the idea that someone else has read the physical book I am about to read. Plus used bookstore are so much more romantic than new bookstores. Yes romantic.
"Thing are getting worse, but I feel a lot better and that's all that really matters to me..."
I don't know if they are getting worse but they aren't getting better, at least in measured quantities but I do feel a lot better about myself. It is a weird process, constantly exploring the introspection of my mind, soul and self perception. I am often puzzled by my lack of passion and inspiration for seemingly normal human ambition but my passion for things many people undervalue. For instance many people are career and goal oriented whereas I am not, being able to make it through singular days is more of a goal for me. I am not saying I am completely broken as a functioning human being but there are certainly pieces missing. Perhaps less than before but how can one measure this.
"We've waited so long for someone to take us back home, it just takes so long, meanwhile all the days go drifting away and some of us sink like a stone...."
It does take so long, waiting for someone.
I am not into religion. I have been baptised but don't attend church and really have my doubts about its relevance.
The following is a passage about religion from Life Of Pi by Yann Martel.
"Christianity is a religion in a rush. Look at the world created in seven days. Even on a symbolic level, that's creation in a frenzy. To one born in a religion where the battle for a single soul can be a relay race run over many centuries, with innumerable generations passing along the baton, the quick resolution of Christianity has a dizzying effect. If Hinduism flows placidly like the Ganges, then Christianity bustles like Toronto at rush hour. It is a religion as swift as a swallow, as urgent as an ambulance. It turns on a dime, expresses itself in the instant. In a moment you are lost or saved. Christianity stretches back through the ages, but in essence it exists only at one time: right now."
"There has to be a change I'm sure, today was just a day fading into another and that can't be what a life is for..."
The lyrics used today are from the song Amy Hit The Atmosphere by Counting Crows. It is a lyrical masterpiece like so many of Adam Duritz's creations. It doesn't get anymore honest than the line above. I have been there and might still be there, where one day fades into another, without any separation. There is nothing sadder, nothing scarier and nothing more in need of change. The only reason to live; for another day, a better day or the possibility of it.
For those of us who live in Blue Jay land, yesterday was a good day. The team finally fired John Gibbons as manager and have replaced him with the manager of our glory days Cito Gaston. We will bask in the glory of a returning hero, until the team doesn't improve. Last night wasn't very encouraging, they lost 1-0 in 12 innings. The offence is putrid. At least the ball that went off Halladay's head wasn't as serious as it looked. It is like he has a bulls eye on him. There is a clip below of him getting hit.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=TAz0R-srAkM
Below is the only clip of Amy Hit The Atmosphere I could find on the Internet. Too bad it is set to clips of Hillary Duff and other talentless actresses and singers. A fan video to this song should be something beautiful and honest, not fake and superficial.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=8cCHjE7A4GA
(What is thinspiration)
Tranquillity is in the hand of the person that we might not expect it to be.
jr.

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

"I've got one last chance to get myself together......."

Today I finished reading A Heartbreaking Work Of Staggering Genius by Dave Eggers. It had elements of genius and moments of heartbreak carefully crafted among the sarcasm. I think I could hear my own voice in the narrative of the main character. I am not sure if this is a good thing or a bad thing because the paranoid thoughts and strange ideas that run through the narrative could be alarming to some people. It is the eleventh novel that I have finished reading this year. Any number of novels I actually finish reading surprises me. Not because they aren't good because most of them are. I usually only pick up award winning books, not that this a guarantee of a good read but it helps. It is because of my lack of attention span, I guess it must be getting better. I only have 2 other books on the go at the moment. The following passages are from A.H.W.O.S.G.
"I knew I would do it, and I know this, I know what I am doing now, that I am doing something both beautiful but gruesome because I am destroying its beauty by knowing that it might be beautiful, know that if I know I am doing something beautiful, that it's no longer beautiful."
I can't say I have thought this way exactly but can relate. I often think of scenes and moments as being beautiful but don't see myself as beautiful, therefore if I am part of the moment, then how can I still see it as beautiful. Weird, but at the same time, if I think the sun setting is beautiful, me thinking it is beautiful, isn't going to change it from being beautiful.
"Of course with age comes the solemn understanding that forever is but a word. Seasons change, love withers, the good die young. These are hard truths, painful truths--inescapable but, we are told, necessary. Winter begets spring, night ushers in the dawn, and loss sows the seeds of renewal. It is, of course, easy to say these things, just as it is easy to, say, watch a lot of television."
I don't watch television, I glance at it and take fragments of information from it. Once again, lack of an attention span.
"I've been down so low people look at me and they know, they can tell something is wrong like I don't belong...."
http://youtube.com/watch?v=byN-Ys8FtpM
I am not sure what the following piece is about, other than it isn't about kindness. It isn't about hate either, perhaps just about reality. What is, what was and what will be.
Not About Kindness
I am imperceptible
Living my unfulfilled life
Season after season
Waiting or searching
For anything inspirational
A new colour of eyes
Looking deep into them
Transfixed by their gaze
Learning how to love
What I am, was or will be
Instead of hating myself
On days it rains or does not
Never able to be sunny
Even as summer approaches
Another collection of memories
Failing to add up to expectations
I am impenetrable
Loving my stubbornness
Year after year
Happy or not
You will never know
Our closeness is gone
Assuming it ever existed
Reality is individualized
Perception is our collectiveness
From country to country
Sympathy and pity
For tragedies and deaths
Sly smirks hidden behind frowns
Humankind is not about kindness
We are about ourselves
Planting, nurturing, harvesting and destroying
Everything not of value to us
I do not want to be a soldier
Lennon would be happy
My grandfather was a fighter
There is a lot of uncertainty in me
Doubts about everything and everyone
Life is but a long dream
Love is but a long illusion
We cling to each of them
Knowing nothing else
Being alone is not much fun
There are no parades or speeches
Mostly silence and constant thought
I am what matters most
Completely selfish and standoffish
When life is not this way
Unable to find happiness
For myself or for anyone else
Who is able to be around me.
06/17/08
"I'm still here but it hasn't been easy, I'm sure that you had your reasons, I'm scared for this emotion, for years I have been holding it down.."
http://youtube.com/watch?v=kDo6CiPueEo
What else is going on?
Tiger Woods is going to have season ending surgery on his knee. This news might have been accompanied by a tremendous cheer from the collective hands of the professional golfing community. It means really good golfers might have a chance to win a couple of tournaments. The need for surgery proves how much pain Tiger played through to win the U.S. Open and therefore makes his victory that much more impressive.
Another foot was found today, and I still have both of mine. Do you?
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/080618/national/foot_found
Apparently bananas could become an exotic fruit, instead of a common sight at kitchen tables. I like bananas but ripe ones, not green, but close. Yes, I can be picky.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/18/opinion/18koeppel.html?em&ex=1213934400&en=cdcae8cced5c0abe&ei=5087%0A
"There's no use in trying when the pieces don't fit anymore..."
http://youtube.com/watch?v=jG6TS2huZpI
Yesterday I watched the movie August starring Josh Hartnett and it really wasn't that good. I shouldn't be surprised because Hartnett can't carry a movie by himself. In my opinion he has only been in 2 good movies which are Black Hawk Down and Lucky Number Slevin, in those he was surrounded by a good supporting cast. In this movie, he has nothing and gives nothing. Boring.
In Slevin he had Willis, Lui, Freeman, Kingsley and Tucci. In Black Hawk Down he had McGregor, Sizemore and Bana. I think he would be better suited to take minor roles in big films, instead of the lead in crappy movies, made worse by him. There is a link to information about the movie below.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0470679/
A live clip from Counting Crows.
Richard Manuel Is Dead-Luxembourg May 31, 2008
http://youtube.com/watch?v=iwnntBBV8_c
Well I guess that is all. It was very cool and overcast again today, although the sun is out now, just in time to set. It is currently 15.
Today's songs and lyrics are from the very talented James Morrison including Wonderful World, This Boy, Pieces Don't Fit Anymore and below One Last Chance.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=jtZskrfiUms
john.
Too bad we never know when something is our last chance, if we did, perhaps we would do things differently, or not.
john.

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

"You know I don't like you but you want to be my friend, there are bodies on ceiling and they are fluttering their wings..."

It is very cool today, 15, with an overcast sky that will bring rain before the evening. Though it is nothing like what has occurred in Iowa, the flooding there has or is threatening to destroy 1-3 Million acres of corn. Already corn prices are up 11% and what was already going to be an expensive summer for food has just got more expensive. I don't think it will be as bad here in Canada as long as our own crops fair well.
A few news notes, Air Canada has slashed 2,000 jobs and lots of flights. This shouldn't be a surprise, it is too expensive to fly half full planes. As much as the flight industry has tried to provide convenience, it just isn't possible. If you want to fly somewhere in Canada or in North America, you might only have 1 or 2 time slots to do so. It doesn't affect me and if I wanted to fly somewhere, I would rather pay less and fly on a full plane because convenience of flights isn't a factor for me.
Another severed foot has washed up along the B.C. coast and has added to the mysterious nature of these feet. Below is an article about the story. I have both of mine, do you?
http://www.cnn.com/2008/CRIME/06/17/canada.feet/index.html
Okay so this isn't really a new news story but Jewel has gone country. This isn't something I knew until I heard a song by her the other day and thought it was a little different. Upon listening to a few more songs I realized it is pretty good. She has always had a good voice and fits good with twangy sounds.
Today is Tuesday, imagine that, and below is my countdown. There is a new #1 by the same band, imagine that. Lots of links to songs in the countdown, check them out, if you haven't heard the song, or are bored.
God knows I am, when I dream.
john.

Top 100 Songs Played This Year On My iTunes Player
1. When I Dream Of Michelangelo by Counting Crows (7)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Y2m_NYbmbiI
2. You Can't Count On Me by Counting Crows (1)
3. Creep by Radiohead (3)
4. Say It To Me Now by Glen Hansard (8)
5. Guaranteed by Eddie Vedder (5)
6. Have You Ever Seen The Rain? by C.C.R. (2)
7. Thinking About You by Norah Jones (10)
8. The Bends by Radiohead (11)
9. Wonderwall by Oasis (19)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Hh7pUR5vGQU
10. Always by Neverending White Lights (4)
11. The One I Love by David Gray (6)
12. Cowboys by Counting Crows (13)
13. Waiting by City and Colour (14)
14. Boy With A Coin by Iron and Wine (9)
15. Sunday Morning Coming Down (Live) by Johnny Cash (17)
16. Supernatural Superserious by R.E.M. (20)
17. One by U2 (23)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=VqyW1XQrNhk
18. Empty by Ray LaMontagne (21)
19. Calling All Friends by Low Stars (18)
20. When You Were Young by The Killers (27)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=-Tdk60viEzA
21. Falling Slowly by The Frames (16)
22. Long Road To Ruin by Foo Figthers (12)
23. Blanket Of Ghosts by Dustin Kensrue (15)
24. Hard Sun by Eddie Vedder (30)
25. Love Hurts by Incubus (33)
26. Hannah by Ray LaMontagne (24)
27. Let It Ride by Ryan Adams (22)
28. Everybody Knows by Ryan Adams (25)
29. Everything by Michael Buble (26)
30. If I Had Eyes by Jack Johnson (28)
31. NYC by Interpol (34)
32. Society by Eddie Vedder (29)
33. Oceanside by The Decemberists (32)
34. Southern Girl by Amos Lee (31)
35. Hospital Beds by Cold War Kids (79)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=08HfyT2WP2w
36. A Long December by Counting Crows (41)
37. My List by The Killers (35)
38. Imitation Of Life by R.E.M. (36)
39. You Are My Face by Wilco (56)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=1j2k47bXrgs
40. All The Trees Are Hers by Hawksley Workman (51)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=nNo-REJ74mc
41. No Sugar Tonight/New Mother Nature by The Guess Who (40)
42. Your Heart Is An Empty Room by Death Cab For Cutie (48)
43. Hard Candy by Counting Crows (47)
44. Some Surprise by The Cake Sale (Lisa Hannigan + Gary Lightbody) (45)
45. Diamonds On The Inside by Ben Harper (43)
46. Strawberry Fields Forever by The Beatles (57)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Ywg-PdeGVL0
47. Michelle by The Beatles (71)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=_Xl8YtgDAKc
48. Baby I Love Your Way by Bob Marley (44)
49. The Hardest Part by Coldplay (46)
50. Daylight Fading by Counting Crows (58)
51. Your Song by Elton John (50)
52. Anna Molly by Incubus (85)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=C_IzvGE3xBA
53. Gotta Be Somebody's Blues (66)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=cg8wlQNBvgY
54. Girl In The War by Josh Ritter (53)
55. You're Always Going To Soon by Matthew Jay (64)
56. The Great Escape by Patrick Watson (39)
57. The Con by Tegan and Sara (38)
58. Lemon Parade by Tonic (55)
59. Where The Streets Have No Name by U2 (37)
60. Impossible Germany by Wilco (96)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=WbDshsxIDQU
61. Club Thing by Yoav (99)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=fxwAP_-w0zQ
62. Brown Eyed Girl by Van Morrison (74)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=mXbkp3BYZqQ
63. Montebello Park by The Trews (95)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=XxY4QWruWVY
64. The Blues by Switchfoot (54)
65. Kathleen by Josh Ritter (NR)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=zdD1KDO5dzs
66. You're Beautiful (Acoustic) by James Blunt (59)
67. The Crane Wife 3 by The Decemberists (49)
68. Sleep Don't Weep by Damien Rice (69)
69. Catapult (Acoustic) by Counting Crows (NR)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=lq9oD66jfRU
70. Let It Be by The Beatles (42)
71. No One's Gonna Love You by Band Of Horses (72)
72. Antichrist Television Blues by Arcade Fire (73)
73. 1973 by James Blunt (52)
74. Rain King (Acoustic) by Counting Crows (98)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Qq_XmbU7ziY
75. 1492 by Counting Crows (76)
76. Los Angeles by Counting Crows (75)
77. So Long, So Long by Dashboard Confessional with Adam Duritz (81)
78. If You're Gonna Leave by Emerson Hart (NR)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=t7mHsp_Xs0c
79. Talk Shows On Mute by Incubus (68)
80. A Time To Be So Small by Interpol (67)
81. Mind Games by John Lennon (NR)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=8dHUfy_YBps
82. Love Stoned by Justin Timberlake (65)
83. Alright by Pilot Speed (88)
84. Around The Sun by R.E.M. (63)
85. Jigsaw Falling Into Place by Radiohead (89)
86. Thank You by The Redwalls (90)
87. You Don't Know How It Feels by Tom Petty (94)
88. With Or Without You by U2 (62)
89. Tupelo Honey by Van Morrison (61)
90. Please Be Patient With Me by Wilco (100)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=u4FnPD7HyUI
91. High Life by Counting Crows (70)
92. Black Star (Acoustic) by Radiohead (NR)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Vy5FtCsf3d4
93. What Light by Wilco (60)
94. Why Does It Always Rain On Me? by Travis (NR)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Nwh3FmpZ7kg
95. One Horse Town by The Thrills (NR)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Nwh3FmpZ7kg
96. Elevator Love Letter by Stars (93)
97. Hallelujah by Rufus Wainwright (92)
98. Only The Lonely by Roy Orbison (NR)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=nlY1q12Jxro
99. Jumpin' Jack Flash by The Rolling Stones (91)
100. Off He Goes by Pearl Jam (NR)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=9MAeVcm3zPI

Monday, June 16, 2008

"Before his first step, he's off again..."

Tiger Woods is incredible. There is no other way to describe the man. Today he won the U.S. Open, his 14th major golf title. It took pain; a bad knee. It took beating a good man; Rocco Mediate. It took guts; a birdie putt Sunday on 18, just to tie the tournament. It took time; 4 rounds of 18 holes, 1 playoff round of 18 holes and one sudden death playoff hole. Incredible.
"It's a shame to awake in a world aflame..."
http://youtube.com/watch?v=n4CYeTFFivk
Speaking of Incredible, today I watched the Incredible Hulk. The movie wasn't incredible, it was good though, with an intriguing ending. I like Ed Norton and the action sequences were good, not my favourite type of movie but still fun to watch. Liv Tyler is cute and fit her role perfectly. Willaim Hurt is his usual intimidating on screen force. Tim Roth is formidable as Hulk's adversary. Below is a link to information about the movie, don't want to spoil anything. I never read comics as a kid but have enjoyed Iron Man and now The Incredible Hulk, perhaps I should have.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0800080/
Yesterday I watched Semi-Pro and was disappointed in it. It is definitely the least funny movie Will Ferrell I have seen. His character Jackie Moon seemed a lot like the Ice Skating character he played in Blades Of Glory, which was equally less funny than Ferrell classics. Again there is a link to information about the movie below.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0839980/
Not much of a blog, I couldn't tell you the temperature, other than it is probably close to 20, very windy and there are rain clouds threatening.
Today's clips and lyrics are from Pearl Jam including World Wide Suicide and below the great Off He Goes.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=WuJlbRRwzhQ
Yes off I go, before my battery dies.
jr.

Sunday, June 15, 2008

"Cause they know something good this way comes...."

Happy Father's Day to all the fathers. It has been a nice day here, 26 with lots of sun. Dad and I watched the Jays game until it was obvious that they were going to lose again. We had a good dinner of chicken, scalloped potatoes and green beans. Right now I am watching the U.S. Open, a very crowded field with Tiger leading and 1 or 2 other golfers with a chance to win.
"I had forgotten about you then you turned up again, I always knew we were meant to be more than friends ...."
http://youtube.com/watch?v=BTu__gj-1cQ
Earlier I listened to Jakob Dylan's new album Seeing Things, which I liked. Then I decided to listen to his father's last album Modern Times, which I also like. I have friends who can't stand Bob Dylan and I have never been a huge fan compared to other legends of music. I respect his songwriting but a lot of his songs sound better when others sing them. Though Modern Times is brilliant, it is great songwriting and very easy to listen to for Dylan.
"These are the days that I won't get back..."
http://youtube.com/watch?v=CeDa56B-3Yw
Last night I watched the movie Vantage Point. I heard bad to mixed reviews of the movie but I thought it was okay, interesting and watchable, not great though. It passed some of a boring Saturday night. Below is a link to information about the movie.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0443274/
Well that is all for a Sunday.
Today's clips and lyrics are Spirit On The Water by Bob Dylan, Closer To You by The Wallflowers and below Something Good This Way Comes by Jakob Dylan.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=8cFZfaziYEk
jr.

Saturday, June 14, 2008

"The hurtin's on me yeah, but I will never be free, no my baby, no, no...."

The following is from A Heartbreaking Work Of Staggering Genius by Dave Eggers. "We've reached the end of pure inspiration, and are now somewhere else, something implying routine, or doing something because people expect us to do it, going somewhere each day because we went there the day before, saying things because we have said them before, and this seems like the work of a different sort of animal, contrary to our plan, and this is very very bad."
I am definitely lacking inspiration in my life especially when it comes to writing. I used to be able to write naturally and without it feeling like it was out of necessity. For the last few months, nothing seems natural and it feels like a chore. I thought the arrival of spring would bring blossoming ideas to me but it really didn't. I am sure it is more than a lack of inspiration and mostly likely something missing inside me. There isn't an inner passion or love for a lot of the things there used to be. I still read a lot but I think this is mostly just to pass the time. Writing like I said earlier is a chore. I enjoy movies but have seen too many good movies to enjoy anything but good movies. Music remains near the top of potential sources of inspiration along with nature. Sports are more background sources of entertainment, I don't play much and watching has been muted by failures and the changing nature of sports which has taken much of the fun out of the game. I guess finding inspiration is the reason I wake every day, occasionally it can be found making the day less long but mostly waking is better than the alternative.
"Anybody here see the long distance cheer for the notion, I think we missed it, anybody here see the sky weeping tears for the ocean...."
http://youtube.com/watch?v=LzPCSyf1yKY
There is a new copyright law being tabled by our Conservative government. It is aimed at discouraging Internet downloads of copyrighted material. According to the new law, an ordinary Canadian citizen who downloads a song illegally could be subject to the $500 fine. As the article below explains, the law is tough to interpret and will most likely not make it through the House of Commons. I personally think all music should be available for free on the Internet and the artists would be rewarded by us attending their concerts. I think most people pay almost any price to see their favourite artist and wouldn't have anything to complain about, if the prices were higher because their music was available for free. I think as an artist, you want as many people as possible to hear your music because this means a potentially bigger fan base for concerts.
http://www.nationalpost.com/most_popular/story.html?id=583085
"Time goes slowly, but carries on...."
http://youtube.com/watch?v=bDxg8z7iCQg
A couple news notes, Tim Russert of NBC news died suddenly at 58 of a heart attack. I liked watching Tim on Meet The Press or on other talk shows explaining American politics with passion and honesty, making it understandable to not only Americans but Canadians like me.
A daring attack on an Afghan prison has freed many Taliban soldiers and insurgents. This can't be good for the battle to control Afghanistan and it can't be good for the Canadian soldiers fighting there.
Below is an article which agrees with my opinion earlier in the week that celebrities like Ed McMahon shouldn't be used as the humanizing faces of the foreclosure crisis in the United States.
http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/06/11/beck.foreclosures/index.html?iref=newssearch
Right now it is 25, mostly sunny, midly humid and generally a nice day. Russia looks like it is going to beat Greece 1-0, deservingly as they have outplayed them most of the soccer game.
Today's clips and lyrics including Hand Me Down World, Laughing and below These Eyes are from Canadian legends The Guess Who.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=f25Fs-93HFY
Enjoy another Saturday night.
jr.

Thursday, June 12, 2008

"I'm finally dandy with the me inside, one look in the mirror and I'm tickled pink, I don't give a hoot about what you think...."

The thing I had been putting off for nearly a year, I went and did yesterday. It was renewing my passport and it only took about 15 minutes. Since mine hadn't been expired for more than a year, I could go through the more simplified process and will get my new passport in a couple weeks. It really wasn't that busy, I think the long lines are done with. I am not good at keeping up with these things, everything seems to be expired or about to expire. I let my health card go expired for about 2 years and was grilled when I went to get a new one. It is not like I get sick very often, and even when I do, it takes a lot before I will go to the hospital.
"Tell me there's a logic out there, leading me to better prepare for the day that something really special might come, tell me there's some hope for me. I don't wanna be lonely for the rest of my days on the earth....."
http://youtube.com/watch?v=WgR-l3fhygw
The following is from A Heartbreaking Work Of Staggering Genius by Dave Eggers, a very funny, honest and melancholy read.
"What about dignity...?"
"You will die, and when you die, you will know a profound lack of it. It's never dignified, always brutal. What's dignified about dying? It's never dignified. And in obscurity? Offensive. Dignity is an affectation, cute but eccentric, like learning French or collecting scarves. And it's fleeting and incredibly mercurial. And subjective. So fuck it."
I wrote the following late last night under the moon.
A Little Bella In Annabelle
Half of a moon disappears behind night clouds
The sky is a dark black, blue and grey colour
June has reached its calendar halfway point
Although spring succumbed to summer earlier
I am outside listening to a piano playing inside
The accompanying voice is soft and female
A little Bella becoming a grown Annabelle
How quickly girls are transformed into women
Their bodies evolving fasted than their minds
Pleasures arriving without the treasure of knowledge
Carrying life makes them the superior gender
Though many men would tend to disagree
Most women I know are stronger and smarter
Able to forgive, forget, remember and move on
Most men have trouble separating and letting go
Multi-coloured orbs illuminate her face between pieces
Eyes passing between brown, green and blue
Settling into a hazel gaze cast downwards
Black and white keys are all she sees
Candles burn, wax falls and cats stir
Their fur glows like the stars behind the clouds
I know she does not play for me
The sound is too beautiful and warm
Things not often applied to my name
Mysteries surround music and its creation
I am a detective absorbing all the clues
Ears glued to walls and eyes searching reflections
This has got me no further in finding love
Possibly drifting away from its presence
All my heart knows is what it feels
Like half of a moon it loves
Like half of a moon it is not loved
Clouds and sky are not men and women
Though each could be one or the other
Can there be enough sky for both
Can there be enough clouds for both
Or like music is there never enough
After Annabelle has stopped playing.
06/11/08
"Say it ain't so, your drug is a heartbreaker, say it ain't so, my love is a lifetaker..."
http://youtube.com/watch?v=YU7LZts87Zg
The article below highlights the difference between protecting minority human rights in Canada and protecting the freedom of speech in the United States. In Canada there are certain things you can not write or say, if they are hateful in a racial nature. In the United States you can write or say almost anything, even if it is hateful or racist, as long as is not intended to promote violence. The article focuses on a MacLean's article from 2006 where they stated that the rise of Islam threatened Western values and how now MacLean's is in court for violating British Columbia's hate speech law. MacLean's should be solely responsible to its advertisers and should have freedom to print whatever stories it wishes. Then it would be up to its readers to decide to read or not. I love my countries values and diversity but we often go to far in protecting people. All people should have a say and should be heard. If MacLean's magazine believes that Islam is a threat to Western culture, then let them print that. I tend to agree with their statement. Canada is not a Muslim country and we shouldn't be rearranging our culture, laws and traditions to suit their religion. They should be free to practice their religion without interference but I should not have to alter my life to fit their needs. In the United States, individuals and the press, are able to print and say whatever they please. Though it can promote hate, it lets opinions be heard and debated. I am a white male and I know by the time of my death, I will be in the minority throughout the world. Does this upset me, no. The world is what it is. I don't care who my neighbours are, Muslims or Catholics, as long as they don't try to pawn their collective religions off on me. I am Canadian, I know what that means, it means everything and it means tolerance. What it shouldn't mean is silence. I should be able to say what I wish to say, like Americans are able to because of their first amendment rights. Of course in extreme cases, legal action should be taken and apologies issued but not in MacLean's case. It should be their right as a magazine to present its opinions and like I said earlier let its readers decide.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/12/us/12hate.html?em&ex=1213416000&en=0a8d34dd757e8d47&ei=5087%0A
Today's lyrics and clips come from Weezer including Perfect Situation, Say It Ain't So and from their latest album (The Red Album) below is a clip from Pork + Beans. A very cool video.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=muP9eH2p2PI
Right now it is 25 with a little humidity and mostly sun.
jr.

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

"It'll all work out eventually, better off with him than here with me..."

The movie Bella is one of the most emotionally raw movies I have watched in a long time. The emotions trapped, ignored, being lived with and being released by the characters are immense. The main character Jose was a promising soccer player before an accident changed his life. We find him working as a chef for his brother in a New York restaurant and the drama involved with this new life. The other main character Nina is a waitress at the restaurant, recently pregnant she gets fired by Jose's brother Manny because she was late. Jose follows her out of the restaurant abandoning his brother and the story unfolds. I didn't particularly like the ending of the movie, it leaves a lot for the viewer to piece together. I have watched worse endings though and some ambiguity isn't necessarily bad. Below is a link to information about the movie.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0482463/
"She's gonna listen to her heart, it's gonna tell her what to do, she might need a lot of loving but she don't need you...."
http://youtube.com/watch?v=MXR8yuiiCKQ
Below is an interesting article about Muslim women living in Europe and their need to restore their virginity. Being young women living in open societies they are able to live differently than in strictly Muslim countries. This means there is a chance for the loss of their virginity prior to marriage. In Western societies this is acceptable but for many Muslim women it isn't. They are expected to remain "pure" and especially if they are to marry a Muslim man. Given no alternative these women are resorting to having their hymen's restored. I imagine it is a very tough choice between their religion, their family, their own bodies and what is seen as normal in the rest of the world. Sex should be pursued for pleasure, love, or both. Should individuals wish to enter into a relationship of a sexual nature, it should be their choice. Sex is a very normal part of life and shouldn't be restricted by religion.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/11/world/europe/11virgin.html?em&ex=1213329600&en=7e3715da3237218a&ei=5087%0A
"Even the losers get lucky sometimes...."
http://youtube.com/watch?v=zpmmJc7uCfk
Peter Pocklington is among the biggest losers in sport's history. As owner of the Edmonton Oilers he won 5 Stanley Cups but sold Wayne Gretzky off, thus limiting his team's future success. Now he is obviously in financial trouble as he recently sold his Stanley Cup rings. I cannot understand how you could work for something your entire life and taint it by making the decisions he did. Some people have more money than brains and eventually everything equals out for them. Below is an article detailing what he sold and how much he got for them.
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/cbc/080611/canada/hockey_pock_rings
Sticking with hockey, the "hockey song", CBC's Hockey Night In Canada theme song since 1968 was bought by CTV. This means it will be played endless on TSN before their hockey games and apparently on CTV during the 2010 Olympics. The good news for hockey fans is that we still get to hear it but not where it should be, on CBC. The CBC is in danger of letting CTV get too many hockey assets that one day the NHL will take the more money they have to offer and hockey on CBC will cease to exist.
It is a very nice day today, currently 26 with little humidity and a nice breeze. More like the weather I want for June.
Today's clips and lyrics are from Tom Petty including Listen To Her Heart, Even The Losers, and below It'll All Work Out.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=OBi0px6B4qE
I suppose it does and if doesn't, I haven't met anyone who has lived two lives.
jr.

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

"She eyes me like a pisces when I am weak..."

Well the mini heatwave is over for a day, at least. Right now it is 22 without any humidity. The thunderstorms last night seemed to have cleared out everything.
I feel a little out of sorts today like I am missing a molecule. I was supposed to do something that I have been putting off for a while but didn't do it. Forever the procrastinator.
Last night was a friend's birthday, there was a little gathering involving pizza, cake and ice cream, so delicious. I also got to show my inferior bowling Wii skills and inferior than superior than inferior Wii tennis skills. Fun though.
"It's okay to eat fish because they have no feelings..."
http://youtube.com/watch?v=rg-yYi8saZY
I am not sure about that but wouldn't want to doubt Mr. Cobain.
I picked up a new book called Snow by Orhan Pamuk, a winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature. Hopefully it will be good.
I wrote the following yesterday, nothing much to say about it.
We Are All Trying To Be Strong
I am done reading another novel
Before a summer like thunderstorm
June has decided to act like July
We are all trying to be someone else
Forgetting old habits, friends and memories
Shared triumphs, defeats and climaxes
Pleasure used to be a treasure pursued
Now it is anything without pain
The day rose before I opened my eyes
Heat is easily trapped in skin and bone
We are all burning or have been burnt
Love does not feel like it should
I cannot touch its face anymore
Time has elapsed, disappeared and laughed
While you moved, erased and smiled
A thousand jokes or more were shared
How quickly we forget their punch lines
Knocked out, left behind and whispered about
I am the breeze whenever it is calm
You cannot touch, remember or see me
There are worse things or people to be
When mulling over the possibilities
A sky thinking about rain but shining
Contrasts exist everywhere there is sight
One eyes sees one thing and the other another
Golden apples growing among sour grapes
I am getting ready for the next story
After a summer like thunderstorm
June has decided to act tough
We are all trying to be strong
This is not always a kind world
Only we can choose kind words
When it comes time to remember
What used to bring us no pain
Now it is anything but pleasure.
06/09/08
"Nature is a whore, bruises on the fruit..."
http://youtube.com/watch?v=wY3oEvaq71A
The lyrics and clips used in today's blog are from Nirvana including Something In The Way, In Bloom and below Heart Shaped Box.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=SK7Ai9dWrRQ
Also it is Tuesday, my countdown is below, same #1. Being predictable is usually me but not always. Don't want to be pigeonholed.
john.

Top 100 Songs Played This Year On My iTunes Player
1. You Can't Count On Me by Counting Crows (1)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=h2lfD2XpnvM
2. Have You Ever Seen The Rain? by C.C.R. (3)
3. Creep by Radiohead (2)
4. Always by Neverending White Lights (9)
5. Guaranteed by Eddie Vedder (5)
6. The One I Love by David Gray (6)
7. When I Dream Of Michelangelo by Counting Crows (4)
8. Say It To Me Now by Glen Hansard (8)
9. Boy With A Coin by Iron and Wine (27)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=dhmH_itX59A
10. Thinking About You by Norah Jones (10)
11. The Bends by Radiohead (19)
12. Long Road To Ruin by Foo Fighters (13)
13. Cowboys by Counting Crows (7)
14. Waiting by City and Colour (14)
15. Blanket Of Ghosts by Dustin Kensrue (30)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=aKLPhhGfRew
16. Falling Slowly by The Frames (15)
17. Sunday Morning Coming Down (Live) by Johnny Cash (25)
18. Calling All Friends by Low Stars (17)
19. Wonderwall by Oasis (24)
20. Supernatural Superserious by R.E.M. (36)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=q79iFXJTNlU
21. Empty by Ray LaMontagne (12)
22. Let It Ride by Ryan Adams (11)
23. One by U2 (22)
24. Hannah by Ray LaMontagne (20)
25. Everybody Knows by Ryan Adams (21)
26. Everything by Michael Buble (18)
27. When You Were Young by The Killers (16)
28. If I Had Eyes by Jack Johnson (26)
29. Society by Eddie Vedder (29)
30. Hard Sun by Eddie Vedder (32)
31. Southern Girl by Amos Lee (43)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=slUIDNUnbO4
32. Oceanside by The Decemberists (31)
33. Love Hurts by Incubus (33)
34. NYC by Interpol (28)
35. My List by The Killers (34)
36. Imitation Of Life by R.E.M. (23)
37. Where The Streets Have No Name by U2 (38)
38. The Con by Tegan and Sara (37)
39. The Great Escape by Patrick Watson (35)
40. No Sugar Tonight/New Mother Nature by The Guess Who (40)
41. A Long December by Counting Crows (49)
42. Let It Be by The Beatles (75)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=67J_66hdN-I
43. Diamonds On The Inside by Ben Harper (42)
44. Baby I Love Your Way by Bob Marley (47)
45. Some Suprise by The Cake Sale (Lisa Hannigan and Gary Lightbody) (48)
46. The Hardest Part by Coldplay (41)
47. Hard Candy by Counting Crows (76)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=a_rPbYUXhec
48. Your Heart Is An Empty Room by Death Cab For Cutie (50)
49. The Crane Wife 3 by The Decemberists (51)
50. Your Song by Elton John (52)
51. All The Trees Are Hers by Hawksley Workman (86)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=nNo-REJ74mc
52. 1973 by James Blunt (44)
53. Girl In The War by Josh Ritter (67)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=BdobffvLPPA
54. The Blues by Switchfoot (54)
55. Lemon Parade by Tonic (62)
56. You Are My Face by Wilco (55)
57. Strawberry Fields Forever by The Beatles (72)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Ywg-PdeGVL0
58. Daylight Fading by Counting Crows (56)
59. You're Beatiful (Acoustic) by James Blunt (39)
60. What Light by Wilco (57)
61. Tupelo Honey by Van Morrison (59)
62. With Or Without You by U2 (60)
63. Around The Sun by R.E.M. (NR)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=cvUMUkG7RzI
64. You're Always Going To Soon by Matthew Jay (NR)
65. Love Stoned by Justin Timberlake (66)
66. Gotta Be Somebody's Blues by Jimmy Eat World (88)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=cg8wlQNBvgY
67. A Time To Be So Small by Interpol (87)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=xABZLAWYGAg
68. Talk Shows On Mute by Incubus (53)
69. Sleep Don't Weep by Damien Rice (81)
70. High Life by Counting Crows (80)
71. Michelle by The Beatles (46)
72. No One's Gonna Love You by Band Of Horses (77)
73. Antichrist Television Blues by The Arcade Fire (45)
74. Brown Eyed Girl by Van Morrison (94)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=w3uCH_sdFVo
75. Los Angeles by Counting Crows (NR)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=pLNFoGShkJw
76. 1492 by Counting Crows (70)
77. The Weight by The Band (73)
78. All I Ever Wanted (Live) by Brian Melo (71)
79. Hospital Beds by Cold War Kids (78)
80. St. Robinson In His Cadillac Dream (Live) by Counting Crows (NR)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=iweosAmlknI
81. So Long, So Long by Dashboard Confessional with Adam Duritz (NR)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=ja6m-zgBorU
82. O Valencia by The Decemberists (83)
83. The Water by Feist (85)
84. Almost Lover by A Fine Frenzy (69)
85. Anna Molly by Incubus (68)
86. Bedshaped by Keane (89)
87. Simple Man by Lynyrd Skynyrd (65)
88. Alright by Pilot Speed (91)
89. Jigsaw Falling Into Place by Radiohead (NR)
90. Thank You by The Redwalls (64)
91. Jumpin' Jack Flash by The Rolling Stones (63)
92. Hallelujah by Rufus Wainwright (100)
93. Elevator Love Letter by Stars (93)
94. You Don't Know How It Feels by Tom Petty (97)
95. Montebello Park by The Trews (61)
96. Impossible Germany by Wilco (NR)
97. Miller's Angels by Counting Crows (NR)
98. Rain King (Acoustic) by Counting Crows (NR)
99. Club Thing by Yoav (95)
100. Please Be Patient With Me by Wilco (NR)

Monday, June 9, 2008

"True perfection has to be imperfect, I know that sounds foolish but it's true....."

Today I finished Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides, it is a good book and interesting. I learned a lot about hermaphrodites and life in general. The following quotes are from the closing pages of the novel.
"The streets were still full of trees, bare in winter, so that we could see all the way to the frozen river. I was thinking how amazing it was that the world contained so many lives. Out in these streets people were embroiled in a thousand matters, money problems, love problems, school problems. People were falling in love, getting married, going to drug rehab, learning how to ice-skate, getting bifocals, studying for exams, trying on clothes, getting their hair cut, and getting born. And in some houses people were getting old and sick and were dying, leaving others to grieve. It was happening all the time, unnoticed, and it was the thing that really mattered."
"The lesson of Desdemona's suffering and rejection of life insisted that old age would not continue the manifold pleasures of youth but would instead be a long trial that slowly robbed life of even its smallest, simplest joys. Everyone struggles against despair, but it always wins in the end. It has to. It's the thing that lets us say goodbye."
"Where do you go when you're blue, where do you go when you're lonely, I'll follow, when the stars go blue...."
http://youtube.com/watch?v=99sjZT1qB2Q
I go where reality cannot follow me. I go where the novel takes me and I stay where the movie leaves me.
Last night I watched Be Kind Rewind and found it enjoyable. Not overly funny, but funny enough, quirky enough without being stupid, sentimental without being sappy. The movie of course feeds off Jack Black's character Jerry but is stolen by Mos Def as Mike. Danny Glover is graceful in a supporting role as Mr. Fletcher and Mia Farrow is acceptable as the typical older hippy woman. There is a link providing information about the movie below.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0799934/
"Maybe I don't want to know how your garden grows, I just want to fly, lately did you ever feel the pain in the morning rain as it soaks it to the bone..."
http://youtube.com/watch?v=rSEWR45zN3s
One of the best and most controversial goaltenders in National Hockey League history retired today. Dominik Hasek compiled a 389-223-82 record with a 2.20 goals against average and .922 save percentage, 6 Vezina trophies, 2 MVP trophies, 2 Stanley Cup victories, was 65-49 in the playoffs with a 2.02 goals against average and .925 save percentage. He also won an Olympic Gold and Bronze medals. His style was unorthodox but he was athletic enough to succeed with it. I was not a fan of Hasek's but his numbers leave little doubt about his legacy as one of the greatest goalies in NHL history. I think he was overrated and played in front of superior defenses which hid his weaknesses well but in the end he won and unlike me that is all that really matters.
"So if it's gotta be you, treat her nice, hold her hand and tell her twice that she doesn't have to worry, and it will be alright..."
http://youtube.com/watch?v=iKCcy43y78o
There is a pretty cool concert coming here in September, it is Oasis with opening act Ryan Adams and The Cardinals. I like Oasis but really like Mr. Adams and his supporting band. Today's clips and lyrics are When The Stars Go Blue by Adams, Live Forever by Oasis, Hard Way To Fall by Adams and below Little by Little by Oasis with some strawberries.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Ox6dIBstiI0
Right now it is 30 Celsius but feels like 39, there is another thunderstorm warning but the sun is currently shining, about 30 minutes ago it wasn't as bright. It is too early for this hot and humid storm causing summer weather. I know, I complain too much about the weather.
I found a couple more Counting Crows clips I wanted to share.
The first one is from Pink Pop.
Cowboys
http://youtube.com/watch?v=8XGfx67K89E
The second one is from a concert in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Holiday In Spain
http://youtube.com/watch?v=3xCGaJz_oKE
We are rare people, even in our masses.
john.

Sunday, June 8, 2008

"Why is there no breeze, no currency of leaves..."

There is a breeze but it is still too damn hot. Currently it is 30 Celsius but feels like 40 and it is nearly 7 pm. There are thunderstorm and tornado warnings all over the area, and apparently a tornado hit the ground in Lucan which is north of here.
We decided to play ball hockey today, yes, in this heat. I nearly died playing goalie with all the equipment, jogging pants and sweater but it was fairly fun and good exercise. We are Canadians after all. I also had a little too much rye in my system and a Harvey's burger combo lunch. Actually I should be dead from heat exhaustion for being so stupid.
"With a sky blue sky, this rotten time wouldn't seem so bad to me now..."
http://youtube.com/watch?v=1RRkrccHgNI
Well the skies got black and the rain fell in the last 15 mintues or so. I tried to take some pictures but they didn't turn out the best. It was quick and intense but didn't seem as bad as I suppose it could have been.
I wish I had something more interesting to write or link to but I am exhausted. I think I will try to find a movie to watch and drift into the Sunday night.
I think Wilco might be my second favourite active band behind Counting Crows. Their lyrics and clips used today are Sky Blue Sky and below You Are My Face, excellent stuff.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=RgNJdWUX1do
john.

Friday, June 6, 2008

"If I had some influence girl with the powers that be, I'd have them fire that arrow at you like they fired it right at me...."

Hot today. Plain and simple. Sun and sweat. Humidity and breeze. It is currently 29 Celsius and with the humidity, it feels like 38. Or for those in Fahrenheit countries, 84 and 100.
Last night was poker night. I didn't do so well, losing $40. A combination of bad luck and bad moves, occasionally a bad move can be made good by luck but not last night. Poker night is fun but can be dampened by stupidities and it is too bad that all it takes is for one such stupidity to ruin the night. A few examples of my loses, Ace Jack to pocket Jacks, pocket Queens to Ace Jack, hmm, and three Queens to a flush. Next week is another week.
"What we gonna do, when the money runs out, I wish that there was something left to say, where we going to find the eyes to see, the bright of day..."
http://youtube.com/watch?v=HuBLDQmzcj0
The way both the American and Canadian economies are going, there are many people silently wondering what they are going to do. There are States and Provinces in both countries that are doing well and it will take both Federal governments to bring those individual successes to the whole. Certain Provinces like Ontario and States like Michigan will need to move away from manufacturing and towards service industries. This not only takes time but money and a change of attitudes.
I found it disappointing that the American media is trying to make a connection between the sub prime mortgage crisis and the foreclosure notices of a couple celebrities. By using both Ed McMahon and Evander Holyfield as examples of the foreclosure crisis hitting everyone is wrong. They are not, and not to say they weren't, hard working ordinary Americans. They were people because of their skills, a comedian of sorts beside Johnny Carson and a heavyweight boxing champion, who made millions. The fact that they can't pay their mortgages has nothing to do with the sub prime mortgage crisis. It has to do with either them being too stupid with their money or trying to live beyond their means. The only thing it has to do with the crisis is that the banks who hold their mortgages are worried and looking to get back a lot of the money they lost. So why not go after the rich. I don't blame them. If these people can't afford their homes take them from them. It isn't like they can't get a cheaper one and aren't going to end up on the streets. Therein lies the difference with ordinary hard working Americans, they most likely will end up on the street. To compare people who have accumulated millions in their lives and now can't afford their million dollar houses to people who work hard and have never made a million dollars is completely wrong.
"I've been talking drunken gibberish, falling in and out of bars, trying to find some explanation here, for the way some people are, how did it ever come so far.........."
http://youtube.com/watch?v=XIxiH-7qAO4
If only we could sail away.
The following is from Middlesex by Jeffery Eugenides, it is one of the books I am currently reading and slowly finishing. It is interesting and relatively enjoyable.
"I hadn't gotten old enough yet to realize that living sends a person not into the future but back into the past, to childhood and before birth, finally, to commune with the dead. You get older, you puff on the stairs, you enter the body of your father. From there it's only a quick jump to your grandparents, and then before you know it you're time-traveling. In this life we grow backwards."
I tried to do some writing and below is Pre-summer Heat.
Pre-summer Heat
Our shared moments and dreams
Might be the only convincing evidence
Arguing we are alive and not dead
Would a difference be evident
If there was no one else around
I spend more time than most silent
Reading books, listening to music and writing
Hardly able to find my own voice
When it comes time to speak up
Answering questions about my life
A failure by universal measurements
Yearning for love but unable to understand
What it really means or could potentially
Should there be a chance for me again
The past offered opportunity but not really
Being too afraid, self-absorbed and awkward
I was never fully and completely myself
Disappointment has broken my confidence
Leaving me utterly conflicted about relationships
They used to be so valued but have rusted
Beauty appeared everywhere and disappeared
I am a painter without a solid canvas
Colours attach themselves and fall from me
The end result is a bust and left for dust
This June is already hot but not happy
Our sun rises, lights, warms, lingers and sets
Everything in between is lost by my worrying
A calming influence used to surround me
I have no idea where it has gone to lately
Many people ask the same about me
The answers are not very simple at all
Removing ourselves from ourselves is impossible
Being honest can be too much for most people
Their hurt exists in secret and in hiding
Mine does not, could not and does not want to
I will bake and burn in this pre-summer heat
Before soaking under a thunderstorm of tears
Rejuvenating my passion for rain and love
You can have the sun it makes you look beautiful
All it makes me is weathered and torn
Between staying inside or finding shade.
06/06/08
Today's lyrics and clips are from the awesome David Gray, including Nightblindness, Sail Away and below Be Mine.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=feE9OQoEzqA
Enjoy the heat and the weekend. So much floats on the breeze but quickly passes us by.
jr.

Thursday, June 5, 2008

"We are the champions......my friends...."

Last night the Detroit Red Wings won their eleventh Stanley Cup in their 76 year history with a 3-2 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins. Compared to game 5, game 6 wasn't as exciting but provided a very entertaining finish. Down 3-1 on the power play, with less than 2 minutes left and with the goalie out, the Penguins made it 3-2. But failed to score with the goalie out in the last minute, coming very close with mere seconds remaining. It was a good effort by the young Pittsburgh team but not good enough. Henrik Zetterberg won the Conn Symthe Award as playoff MVP, meanwhile fellow Swede Nicklas Lidstrom became the first European trained player to captain a Stanley Cup Champion. I suppose since it is June 5, it is about time the season ended. They need to shave 2 or 3 weeks off the season, and this is coming from a Canadian.
"Close won't do it...." Bob Cole.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=GRYspNbKCck
"Another one bites the dust..."
http://youtube.com/watch?v=hMenB9Ywh2Q
Today Hillary Clinton stated in a letter that she plans on suspending her campaign for the Democratic Presidential nomination and on Saturday will endorse Barack Obama. Some people have a hard time admitting their defeat, Hillary is definitely one of these people. The question now becomes, what is next. I think I will be very surprised if she is offered the V.P. position by Obama.
It is hot and hazy today with the appearance that it could rain at any moment. Though it has not yet done so, at least where I am.
Both of today's lyrics and clips are from Queen, including Another One Bites The Dust and We Are The Champions which is below.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=sogKUx_q7ig
This is nothing more beautiful to a Canadian than the polished Stanley Cup, no matter who is winning it, well perhaps a smiling Canadian woman.
jr.

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

"I was lying in a burned out basement, with the full moon in my eyes, I was hoping for replacement when the sun burst thru the sky...."

It is hard to believe its June. I know that sounds like a cliche but it has speed up on me. Measuring time's passage is never really easy to do. One day it seems like we are welcoming spring and the next day we are saying goodbye. Of course it doesn't happen in that manner, each day is a small change until spring is summer, perhaps we only notice the extreme. Or maybe it is only me.
The weather today like yesterday is crappy and overcast. The temperature is 19 but in the next couple of days, we are supposed to have temperatures with humidity approaching 40. I don't mind the heat but the humidity makes breathing harder than it should be.
"I spilled my promise cup, I really don't know why, now the distance lies between you and I ........."
http://youtube.com/watch?v=b51G4xVctVk
Tonight is game 6 of the Stanley Cup Finals. The Pittsburgh Penguins are trying to stave off elimination again and keep the Detroit Red Wings from winning their eleventh Stanley Cup. Game 5 was watched by over 2 million Canadians and had a 4.5 share on NBC making it the most watched Stanley Cup game in the United States in a few years. Go Pens.
Sticking with hockey, below is a clip of the Spokane Cheifs Memorial Cup winning celebration. Spokane won its second Memorial Cup (Canadian Hockey League Junior Champions) and along with the Portland Winter Hawks are the only American teams to win the cup. The point of the clip is that it is funny as the replica trophy broke apart during the celebration. Should the Detroit Red Wings win the Stanley Cup tonight, they will get to celebrate with the real thing and breaking that would rather embarrassing.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=g2cT5J0gxeU
"Oh, this old world keeps spinning round, it's a wonder tall trees ain't layin' down, there comes a time...."
http://youtube.com/watch?v=-JH-iv52nX4
Apparently no one wants to come to Canada anymore because of our high dollar and the cost of travel. The article below explains the state of our tourist industry, it is too bad that more people can't see the beauty of this land, from coast to coast.
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/080602/utravel/tourism_industry
"Throw your hatred down..."
http://youtube.com/watch?v=5M_7TZ2valk
Last night was a historic night in American politics as Barack Obama obtained enough delegates to get the Democratic nomination for President. He is the first man of colour to obtain the nomination of either the Republican or Democratic party, he now has a chance of being the first man of colour to be President of the United States. The question now becomes what to do with Hillary Clinton, she is still a factor and could be useful or hurtful as his Vice-President. Not taking Clinton as his V.P. will anger a majority of her supporters but will it be enough for them to vote Republican or not vote at all, I don't know. Let the intrigue begin.
Today's lyrics and clips are from the legendary Neil Young, including Love Art Blues, Comes A Time, Throw Your Hatred Down (clip is a performance of the song with Pearl Jam) and a cover his After The Gold Rush by Thom Yorke of Radiohead. The song is amazing and Thom does it justice.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=7fAz54YWw6I
Counting Crows are in Europe playing club gigs and festivals, below are a few clips from recent performances.
From the Pink Pop Festival in Holland.
A Long December
http://youtube.com/watch?v=EkHX4BS4zeo
Holiday In Spain
http://youtube.com/watch?v=QYyIWJUlHJo
Have You Seen Me Lately?
http://youtube.com/watch?v=SaiySF1zw7E
Mr. Jones
http://youtube.com/watch?v=qZhzMHO4elM
Colorblind
http://youtube.com/watch?v=3zXM3ioOSfw
Round Here
http://youtube.com/watch?v=sDg4kUs6O3k
From a club gig in Zurich, Switzerland.
When I Dream Of Michelangelo
http://youtube.com/watch?v=pnApFnAZ9lI
Nothing to do with Europe but a 2002 cover of a Jackson C. Frank song.
Blues Run The Game
http://youtube.com/watch?v=IBjVi6ro33U
Enjoy the music and hockey tonight.
jr.

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

"I should be leaving but I'm not ready to go..."

The Pittsburgh Penguins are not ready to go golfing or to see the Detroit Red Wings celebrate a Stanley Cup victory. The Penguins survived game 5 last night in Detroit, winning 4-3 in a dramatic triple overtime classic. Pittsburgh led the game 2-0 only to watch Detroit storm back to take a 3-2 lead but with the Stanley Cup all polished up Pittsburgh scored with 35 seconds left to tie the game. The game would go another 50 + minutes before Petr Skyora scored the game winner. This game had everything but what won the game for the Penguins was their goalie Marc-Andre Fleury who made 55 saves and many of them amazing. Detroit out shot Pittsburgh 34-18 in regulation and 24-14 in overtime but it wasn't enough last night. The cardiac kids will get to play another game and I hope they get to play another one after that, it is exciting. They aren't supposed to win and will probably not but they could, Fleury and the Pens proved this much and more last night. Exciting stuff. If you could stay up until one like me.
"Tomorrow's always far away when you're stuck in yesterday..."
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Vhdr6XFfqIE
There is very little sunshine today and it is supposed to rain. Yesterday was a very nice day, part sun, part cloud, warm and breezy. I tried to write something, anything, and it was nearly impossible, I did eventually get something down and the results are below. Along with a couple pictures I took because a camera is always in my bag and Victoria Park looked typically early June appealing.
Seclusion
I found a form of serenity
On this day in early June
With its intermittent light
Breaking apart castle like clouds
I am in the shadow of a tree
Feeling completely comfortable here
Able to observe but hidden
Beautiful people surround me
I am not part of their scene
The music plays in my ears
Seclusion can be tough to accept
After nearly thirty years I have
Love is a novel or a lyric
Confirming romance could be possible
For those still willing to look
Beautiful women with bad luck
There are good hearts waiting
I feel mine beating between breezes
Seconds separate life from death
Reflections mask illusion from reality
A memory can appear like a ghost
Forgetting is not like disappearing
The mind chooses its own course
Mine is influenced by disappointment
Focusing on the positives is hard
I am getting better at being content
Absolute happiness might not be possible
There can be enough to be happy
Spring always whispers this to me
No matter how many winters have failed
Leaving behind less and less
I observe what I can of beauty
Hoping to make it truly real
Understandable and appreciated
Knowing how rarely it lasts in me.
06/02/08


"All that was there and what might have been is no longer here, it's time to begin yearning..."
http://youtube.com/watch?v=iw4PCoVoiJg
A friend of mine sent me an interesting article about oil and life after it because despite what some people think, it isn't a renewable resource.
http://www.lifeaftertheoilcrash.net/SecondPage.html
"Harder times we wonder if it's worth our while to try, aimless generation wakes to watch the world pass by, those who get ahead in life are those who live a lie..."
http://youtube.com/watch?v=XxY4QWruWVY
Since it is Tuesday, my countdown is below, same #1.
Today's song lyrics and clips, Makin' Sunshine, Yearning, Montebello Park and Not Ready To Go below are from the great Canadian band the Trews. I have seen them live once and they are really good.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=LTo4VhOtM0A
What is the point of nose hairs? To sneeze?
jr.

Top 100 Songs Played This Year On My iTunes Player
1. You Can't Count On Me by Counting Crows (1)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=MFou5gU9c9A
2. Creep by Radiohead (3)
3. Have You Ever Seen The Rain? by C.C.R. (2)
4. When I Dream Of Michelangelo by Counting Crows (6)
5. Guaranteed by Eddie Vedder (4)
6. The One I Love by David Gray (5)
7. Cowboys by Counting Crows (8)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Nae39OSzKrU
8. Say It To Me Now by Glen Hansard (9)
9. Always by Neverending White Lights (22)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=u_pyxSj-A4I
10. Thinking About You by Norah Jones (8)
11. Let It Ride by Ryan Adams (24)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=P7WjCTmSm_M
12. Empty by Ray LaMontagne (15)
13. Long Road To Ruin by Foo Fighters (13)
14. Waiting by City and Colour (14)
15. Falling Slowly by The Frames (17)
16. When You Were Young by The Killers (20)
17. Calling All Friends by Low Stars (21)
18. Everything by Michael Buble (35)
19. The Bends by Radiohead (12)
20. Hannah by Ray LaMontagne (11)
21. Everybody Knows by Ryan Adams (25)
22. One by U2 (10)
23. Imitation Of Life by R.E.M. (23)
24. Wonderwall by Oasis (31)
25. Sunday Morning Coming Down (Live) by Johnny Cash (26)
26. If I Had Eyes by Jack Johnson (19)
27. Boy With A Coin by Iron and Wine (27)
28. NYC by Interpol (18)
29. Society by Eddie Vedder (28)
30. Blanket Of Ghosts by Dustin Kensrue (16)
31. Oceanside by The Decemberists (41)
32. Hard Sun by Eddie Vedder (29)
33. Love Hurts by Incubus (36)
34. My List by The Killers (30)
35. The Great Escape by Patrick Watson (34)
36. Supernatural Superserious by R.E.M. (43)
37. The Con by Tegan and Sara (33)
38. Where The Streets Have No Name by U2 (32)
39. You're Beautiful (Acoustic) by James Blunt (NR)
40. No Sugar Tonight/New Mother Nature by The Guess Who (52)
41. The Hardest Part by Coldplay (39)
42. Diamonds On The Inside by Ben Harper (37)
43. Southern Girl by Amos Lee (38)
44. 1973 by James Blunt (50)
45. Antichrist Television Blues by The Arcade Fire (60)
46. Michelle by The Beatles (57)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=8NEzbpQldZI
47. Baby I Love Your Way by Bob Marley (56)
48. Some Surprise by The Cake Sale (Featuring Lisa Hannigan and Gary Lightbody)(54)
49. A Long December by Counting Crows (53)
50. Your Heart Is An Empty Room by Death Cab For Cutie (40)
51. The Crane Wife 3 by The Decemberists (64)
52. Your Song by Elton John (65)
53. Talk Shows On Mute by Incubus (42)
54. The Blues by Switchfoot (44)
55. You Are My Face by Wilco (97)
56. Daylight Fading by Counting Crows (94)
57. What Light by Wilco (NR)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=El5d8C47GzE
58. Impossible Germany by Wilco (74)
59. Tupelo Honey by Van Morrison (45)
60. With Or Without You by U2 (72)
61. Montebello Park by The Trews (46)
62. Lemon Parade by Tonic (47)
63. Jumpin' Jack Flash by The Rolling Stones (71)
64. Thank You by The Redwalls (48)
65. Simple Man by Lynyrd Skynyrd (69)
66. Love Stoned by Justin Timberlake (49)
67. Girl In The War by Josh Ritter (68)
68. Anna Molly by Incubus (51)
69. Almost Lover by A Fine Frenzy (NR)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=lsWsasqIoyk
70. 1492 by Counting Crows (99)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=CG8veGmU2r8
71. All I Ever Wanted (Live) by Brian Melo (55)
72. Strawberry Fields Forever by The Beatles (91)
73. The Weight by The Band (58)
74. Miller's Angels by Counting Crows (75)
75. Let It Be by The Beatles (59)
76. Hard Candy by Counting Crows (63)
77. No One's Gonna Love You by Band Of Horses (61)
78. Hospital Beds by Cold War Kids (90)
79. Trouble by Coldplay (62)
80. High Life by Counting Crows (77)
81. Sleep Don't Weep by Damien Rice (88)
82. Tripping Billies (Live) by Dave Matthews with Tim Reynolds (87)
83. O Valencia by The Decemberists (76)
84. If You're Gonna Leave by Emerson Hart (66)
85. The Water by Feist (NR)
86. All The Trees Are Hers by Hawksley Workman (NR)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=nNo-REJ74mc
87. A Time To Be So Small by Interpol (67)
88. Gotta Be Somebody's Blues by Jimmy Eat World (86)
89. Bedshaped by Keane (83)
90. Million Faces by Paolo Nutini (81)
91. Alright by Pilot Speed (NR)
92. Black Star (Acoustic) by Radiohead (70)
93. Elevator Love Letter by Stars (79)
94. Brown Eyed Girl by Van Morrison (73)
95. Club Thing by Yoav (NR)
96. Ashes Of American Flags by Wilco (78)
97. You Don't Know How It Feels by Tom Petty (NR)
98. One Horse Town by The Thrills (NR)
99. Your Ex-Lover Is Dead by Stars (NR)
100. Hallelujah by Rufus Wainwright (NR)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=rx2wqkcQDHo