"I find it hard to tell you, I find it hard to take, when people run in circles, it's a very, very, mad world, mad world....'

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1Nq086QB1Q
Mad World by Gary Jules (Tears For Fears Cover)
It is not a completely mad world but you really have to wonder.
http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/americas/07/31/canada.bus/index.html?iref=hpmostpop
http://www.cnn.com/2008/CRIME/07/31/shenadoah.beating/index.html?iref=mpstoryview
http://www.cnn.com/2008/CRIME/07/31/preacher.freezer/index.html?iref=mpstoryview
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/montreal/story/2008/07/31/teen-found-charges.html
http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/World/2008/07/31/6318311-ap.html
The following is from The Fire-Dwellers by Margaret Laurence.
"Nothing like that, nothing even remotely like that could happen here. And then again, anything that could happen to anybody could happen to anybody. Anything."
I wrote the following earlier this evening.
Cruelty
July approaches August
Without offering anything new
This summer has become a failure
I accept all blame for its disappointment
My heart was never really in it
There is a fundamental flaw in me
I think too much about everything
Doing nothing about anything at all
Vaguely interested in other people
Though never enough to matter
Living appropriately like a recluse
Saying as little as possible
For fear of becoming friends
There is too much reciprocation required
I cannot offer it or fake it
Without feeling too much awkwardness
We are all wired a certain way
My circuit board is frayed and damaged
Miraculously it functions sometimes
I do not need to be fixed
Write your song for someone else
An appreciative chap who smiles
Kindness is a mask for cruelty
Not the killing kind but torture nonetheless
Interaction engaged and quickly disengaged
I make no apologies for such inadequacies
My promises are purposely nonexistent
Those made to myself have all been broken
Daily it seems they are growing
So you will get nothing from me
Remembering I want nothing from you
Cruelty is more than cutting someone’s head off
A lifetime spent keeping people out is as cruel
I remember being a different boy
Those many summers ago
When July approached August
Offering another month of fun
What a strange word in my head
Thoughts can take almost any form
I made a costume of invisibility
Even though being so is impossible
Perhaps the boy and the man
Are not so different after all.
07/30/08
jr.

"She thinks that happiness is a mat that sits on her doorway..."

http://youtube.com/watch?v=BUVWzvFYk0k
3 AM by Matchbox Twenty
Today I heard the song above for the first time in a long time, so there is an acoustic clip of it. A few nights a week I am still not asleep at 3 AM, not by choice though, but such is that. Sleep is only a slightly shorter version of death.
Below is an interesting article about the Dalai Lama and how his goodness is not helping him deal with China. In fact the very thing that makes people look up to him, might make it impossible for him to accomplish what has been his goal for the people of Tibet.
http://lfpress.ca/newsstand/News/Columnists/Van_Dusen_Lisa/2008/07/30/6305476-sun.html
"More than words is all I ever needed you to show..."
http://youtube.com/watch?v=kt7L4X4li_k
More Than Words by Extreme
I was not impressed with The Love Guru when I watched it today. There were a few amusing moments, lots of Canadian content but most of the jokes were lame and tiresome. Mike Myers has failed here and what was Justin Timberlake thinking, playing a character who wears a fur coat and sings along to Celine Dion. Of course, he isn't gay but this doesn't help the impression. There was very little to like about the movie and even how the Maple Leafs win the cup is disappointing. Come on elephants allowed on the ice (to procreate) before a Stanley Cup deciding penalty shot. The song above was used in the movie, only with Myers and his Indian buddy singing it. There is a link to information about the movie below. Its 3.5 is appropriate.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0811138/
"Everybody needs a bosom for a pillow..."
http://youtube.com/watch?v=V9EUkckt458
Brim Full of Asha by Cornershop
The catchy song above was also used in The Love Guru, I hadn't heard it in a long time either, sort of still catchy.
What a funny story below. I guess not only does every guy need a bosom but every girl needs a penis, that doesn't break off.
http://www.metro.co.uk/weird/article.html?in_article_id=241571&in_page_id=2
"I'll wait for you while she slips in something comfortable and I'll miss you when I'm slipping in between....."
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Y2qEG4x6k2U
Goodnight Elisabeth (with Pale Blue Eyes alternates) by Counting Crows (last night in Raleigh, N.C.)
I wrote the following yesterday, borrowing sorrow and words to do so.
Using Words Borrowed To Say Goodbye
We walked beside the train tracks
Following its steel towards the moon
Not much was said because of ponderings
A tedious life this one is turning into
I suppose they all have their moments
Should anything be more than imaginary
Nothing is what we become in the ground
After all the trials and tribulations
Words spoken quietly or left unspoken
Each of us making our own decisions
Whether intentionally or accidentally
Time is our constant faceless stalker
God is only an echo in our head
We can either hear or choose not to
Faith is more than religion or hope
There can be no avoiding trusting
Our human instincts make it necessary
Though they also allow us to adapt
Should too many trusts become broken
Inevitably this is the way of the land
Steel reflecting light and blinding our way
I stood beside the open bedroom door
Watching you undress and mount him
Much like the night he deflowered you
They say things go around in circles
These train tracks only go forward
Mistakes are years in the making
When you never stop loving your first
How easily I forgive but never forget
Using words borrowed to say goodbye
Turning south and never looking back north
Our cities are too small for avoiding sorrow
You were delicate like a flower
Too easily pollinated and penetrated
With visitors from the past under various moons
I was always going to be a guest to you
A home is what my heart is waiting for
Beautifully landscaped with real flowers
Not imitations of the plastic variety.
07/29/08
Also from the Raleigh show last night.
Round Here (extended version)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=uJCDQyT9vGg
Recovering The Satellites
http://youtube.com/watch?v=5ouz0cljPHA
Time and Time Again
http://youtube.com/watch?v=M1MqRcLQnAE
We had quite the thunderstorm this morning around 8 and it has been overcast all day. I am not sure what the evening will bring. We can never really be sure of anything, if we are, we will be disappointed.
jr.

"If you wanted to be free, there's one thing you need to know and that's that you can't count on me..."

I think this is a good idea and I would like to see everyone have to smoke outside. It is safer and there is less chance of accidental fires.
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/cbc/080729/canada/stjohns_city_smoking_ban
Another nice and warm day. About an hour ago a 5.4 earthquake hit just east of Los Angeles, not sure if there is a lot of damage or death but doesn't seem to be.
Today is Tuesday, below is the countdown, a new/old #1. The top 100 songs out of 1315.
Letterman and summer toys, I found the 10 minute show and tell very funny.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=095u0ZsdNow Part 1
http://youtube.com/watch?v=EKwpSzQk5bc Part 2
jr.

Top 100 Songs Played This Year On My iTunes Player
1. You Can't Count On Me by Counting Crows (7)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=h2lfD2XpnvM
2. The One I Love by David Gray (1)
3. Wonderwall by Oasis (2)
4. Supernatural Superserious by R.E.M. (5)
5. Empty by Ray LaMontagne (3)
6. Creep by Radiohead (4)
7. Boy With A Coin by Iron and Wine (8)
8. Say It To Me Now by Glen Hansard (6)
9. When I Dream Of Michelangelo by Counting Crows (11)
10. Waiting by City and Colour (10)
11. Have You Ever Seen The Rain? by C.C.R. (9)
12. Guaranteed by Eddie Vedder (15)
13. The Bends by Radiohead (12)
14. One by U2 (13)
15. Thinking About You by Norah Jones (14)
16. No One's Gonna Love You by Band Of Horses (16)
17. All The Trees Are Hers by Hawksley Workman (18)
18. Always by Neverending White Lights (19)
19. Everybody Knows by Ryan Adams (20)
20. Hannah by Ray LaMontagne (29)
21. When You Were Young by The Killers (27)
22. Long Road To Ruin by Foo Fighters (17)
23. Cowboys by Counting Crows (23)
24. A Long December by Counting Crows (43)
25. Blanket Of Ghosts by Dustin Kensrue (22)
26. Falling Slowly by The Frames (21)
27. NYC by Interpol (25)
28. Lemon Parade by Tonic (30)
29. You Are My Face by Wilco (32)
30. Calling All Friends by Low Stars (28)
31. Love Hurts by Incubus (24)
32. Your Heart Is An Empty Room by Death Cab For Cutie (38)
33. Strawberry Fields Forever by The Beatles (NR)
34. Have You Seen Me Lately? (Acoustic) by Counting Crows (39)
35. Hard Sun by Eddie Vedder (37)
36. A Time To Be So Small by Interpol (47)
37. Sunday Morning Coming Down (Live) by Johnny Cash (26)
38. Everything by Michael Buble (35)
39. Sing by Travis (34)
40. Kite by U2 (33)
41. Where The Streets Have No Name by U2 (31)
42. Off He Goes by Pearl Jam (67)
43. My List by The Killers (36)
44. Girl In The War by Josh Ritter (49)
45. Gotta Be Somebody's Blues by Jimmy Eat World (59)
46. If I Had Eyes by Jack Johnson (48)
47. Your Song by Elton John (46)
48. Society be Eddie Vedder (45)
49. Oceanside by The Decemberists (57)
50. 1492 by Counting Crows (40)
51. Hospital Beds by Cold War Kids (42)
52. Southern Girl by Amos Lee (41)
53. O Valencia by The Decemberists (44)
54. Let It be by The Beatles (79)
55. Baby I Love Your Way by Bob Marley (55)
56. The Hardest Part by Coldplay (NR)
57. Hard Candy by Counting Crows (52)
58. If You're Gonna Leave by Emerson Hart (72)
59. 1973 by James Blunt (58)
60. Only The Lonely by Roy Orbison (50)
61. Let It Ride by Ryan Adams (51)
62. Michelle by The Beatles (54)
63. Miller's Angels by Counting Crows (NR)
64. What Light by Wilco (61)
65. Tupelo Honey by Van Morrison (NR)
66. The Con by Tegan and Sara (60)
67. The Blues by Switchfoot (95)
68. Jumpin' Jack Flash by The Rolling Stones (93)
69. The Painter by Neil Young (69)
70. You're Always Going Too Soon by Matthew Jay (70)
71. Tears and Rain by James Blunt (NR)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=o96DcZoXSFU
72. Naked As We Came by Iron and Wine (89)
73. Talk Shows On Mute by Incubus (88)
74. Accidental Babies by Damien Rice (84)
75. Catapult (Acoustic) by Counting Crows (62)
76. Warning Sign by Coldplay (82)
77. Diamonds On The Inside by Ben Harper (75)
78. Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds by The Beatles (76)
79. Is There A Ghost? by Band Of Horses (53)
80. Only Love Can Break Your Heart by Neil Young (77)
81. Rain King (Acoustic) by Counting Crows (78)
82. Los Angeles by Counting Crows (56)
83. The Weight by The Band (NR)
84. Some Surprise by The Cake Sale (Lisa Hannigan + Gary Lightbody) (81)
85. Save Your Scissors by City and Colour (NR)
86. Daylight Fading by Counting Crows (74)
87. The Crane Wife 3 by The Decemberists (85)
88. Lying Eyes by The Eagles (73)
89. Almost Lover by A Fine Frenzy (NR)
90. Anna Molly by Incubus (NR)
91. Chase This Light by Jimmy Eat World (NR)
92. Kathleen by Josh Ritter (90)
93. For Reasons Unknown by The Killers (91)
94. Ramble On by Led Zeppelin (92)
95. Harvest Moon by Neil Young (NR)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=XQXnvNwGTAY
96. The Great Escape by Patrick Watson (68)
97. Alright by Pilot Speed (66)
98. Imitation Of Life by R.E.M. (65)
99. Hallelujah by Rufus Wainwright (64)
100. La Cienega Just Smiled by Ryan Adams (63)

"You saw her bathing on the roof, her beauty in the moonlight overthrew you...."

http://youtube.com/watch?v=vsa_xWLOghg
Hallelujah by Jeff Buckley (Leonard Cohen cover)
Perhaps the most beautiful song ever written, no matter who is singing it.
An almost perfect summer day today, temperature in the mid-twenties and there was a really nice breeze. I spent the late afternoon and early evening at my grandparents. My grandfather was working on his backyard garden, it is a labour of pleasure and it is also very beautiful. Perhaps beautiful is the word of the day. We had dinner, which was these thick, round, fried and wrapped in bacon chicken pieces with fresh streamed yellow beans and sliced potatoes with melted cheese slices and onions. It was so good. Also red Jello with banana's sliced in it for dessert. Oh, the beauty that is food.
Below is a long article from the New York Times, exploring online reading and book reading. Many traditionalists fear that the Web is eliminating books from the lives of children. Of course, since I read a lot of books, I think it is important for children to read and do so for fun. It should be fun but I also think if they can use their mind surfing the Web, then they should be allowed to. Finding the right combination, is very important and necessary to expand the young mind. I wish I had read more as a child but I am trying to make up for it now. Anyway, the link is below.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/27/books/27reading.html?em&ex=1217390400&en=2ed38ebdf3964f18&ei=5087%0A
A few Counting Crows clips to end the blog.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=cceKvO3oPfg
A compilation of their performance at the Heineken Festival.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=TdCuqhrYwpY
Hanging Around (July 25, Virginia Beach)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=d996KReLxPM
A Long December (almost all of it, very beautiful) (July 25, Virginia Beach)
All at once, everything can be beautiful, in the right light.
jr.

"Life is for the taking...."

http://youtube.com/watch?v=fEcysw1pjjM
Oh Maria by Sam Roberts
I am tired and unmotivated today. But last night was a lot of fun. It started with some backyard drinking at a friend's house beside his new enclosed fire pit. There were a few of us and it was also our friend's front neighbour's birthday, so we paid our respects and mingled with them. I think shortly before midnight we headed out to Molly's, where we met up with another friend who was out celebrating his bachelor party. The bar was fairly busy and much of my memory of it, is fragmented at best. Though I do remember having my attention distracted on the dance floor. Our friend who was celebrating his bachelor party was dressed up as a female, complete with long haired wig and an old lady style dress. It was like Halloween and he is a better man than me because I could never do that, except perhaps on Halloween. Anyway, good night with lots of friends out and more than enough drinks. I don't exactly remember going to bed but woke up on a strange couch, where a friend is house sitting for his sister. It was strange, I was like, where am I? And man did my head hurt, and there was flavoured popcorn everywhere. The messes we make of ourselves and everything else when we are drunk, are often unexplainable. With the simplest explanation being, we were drunk.
It took most of the morning but Jeff and I finally got motivated to go out for breakfast. Where upon waiting for our food, we decided you go nowhere when you die. Let all the religion nuts have our souls upon their knives. Also when questioned about the meaning of life, I had no explanation. The only reasonable explanation would be having children, they are the only pieces of us that will last beyond our deaths. Though being 30 and with none, I think there must be another meaning, worth searching for.
"The answer, my friend, is blowing in the wind..."
http://youtube.com/watch?v=ced8o50G9kg
Blowing In The Wind by Bob Dylan
The following is from The Fire-Dwellers by Margaret Laurence.
"Very far away in a galaxy countless light-years from this planet, a scorpion-tailed flower-faced film buff sits watching a nothing-shaped undulating screen. He decides he's seen enough. He switches off the pictures which humans always believed were themselves, and the imaginary planet known as Earth vanishes..."
"Be a simple kind of man...."
http://youtube.com/watch?v=sHQ_aTjXObs
Simple Man by Lynyrd Skynyrd
It is tough being a simple kind of man, when the world is like this.
http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/07/27/india.blasts/index.html
http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/europe/07/27/turkey.violence/index.html
Cowards with bombs, are very dangerous people. It's too bad we can't make them vanish, like they do lives.
I read a quote today, it said "memories are everyone's second chance at happiness...", I thought it was great quote. But for all the wrong reasons, there isn't enough happiness in memories.
jr.

"I'm counting the cars on the freeway below, lost in the music, all the foolishness of our lives..."

http://youtube.com/watch?v=CKbozFx0w40
The Music by David Usher.
To be a leader of men you must act like one. This is what Barack Obama is trying to show on his world tour and for the most part he is doing a good job. The fact that well over 200,000 people showed up to hear him speak in Berlin Germany is remarkable. Though a lot of the people there said he did nothing to change their minds but he won a lot of hearts. Whether you like the country or not, America is still mystical for many people. Though being Canadian I am biased to thinking my country is superior, in terms of culture, kindness and quality of life. Naturally Canada is not perfect, but in my opinion there is something fundamentally wrong with how America has been run, and not all the blame rests with Bush. So it would not surprise me when November comes around, if America, elects John McCain. The man is someone to be looked up to, a hero and should be given the ultimate respect but it doesn't mean he can inspire the people. Perhaps practically speaking he would be the perfect President, but it isn't time for practicality, it is a time for hope and it is a time for optimism. The people of America have to believe in themselves again and the world has to believe in America again. This means America needs a different President, one with different skin, one with a different religion and one with a different approach. The country can't afford to remain the same, it is a time for drastic change, it is a time for the people, to look beyond their past and to their future. Of course, I can write all this with idle regard because I am not entwined within its borders. My freedom and opinions are allowed to be me because I am Canadian. And being so, I am open to a multitude of opinions, listening it seems is possible, even more so when you aren't tied to a heart beating in the past.
At least one billionaire, T. Boone Pickens, has a plan to end America's dependency on oil. It might not be possible in the time period Pickens has set out but it merits attention, if only because he has backed it with 10 Billion dollars. Sure in the end it maybe selfish and make him a richer man but at least he is speaking honestly.
What America needs is more billionaires to give up some of the money, frankly, they will never be able to spend it and I don't care how hard they worked for it. These are the people that the American government should be taxing and stealing from, to pay off their outrageous debt and fund education and health care. America made them rich and really how rich does a person need to be. Pickens plan is below along with an article about it from the New York Times.
http://www.pickensplan.com/
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/24/opinion/24egan.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=t%20boone%20pickens&st=cse&oref=slogin
"You look so defeated lying there in your new twin sized bed..."
http://youtube.com/watch?v=D95u0VfjYBI
Your New Twin Sized Bed by Death Cab For Cutie.
Yesterday I finished reading Hotel Du Lac by Anita Brookner, it was an okay read, another book written from the female perspective. A male can gain valuable insight reading books written by females, though it hasn't helped me much. Having finished that book I have returned to James Joyce's Portrait of the Artist, which I think I will have a really hard time finishing. Plus I have started reading another Margaret Laurence book, The Fire Dwellers, which I had lying around. The thing about older books and used bookstores, is that you can find them cheaply and gather them up and lose track of them. Such are my diversions, it is good thing they work half of the time.
I wrote the following last night.
A Master Of Conversations
To not die, is to not live
Without being able to imagine life
There would be no sunrises or sunsets
Perfectly coloured and peacefully lingered
Even in the absence of their presence
Our memories can form happy delusions
Much like they conjure unhappy occasions
The birthday’s without much celebration
A final goodbye lacking any poignancy
Nothing but a simple relief in its passing
When previously it seemed so important
Each heart beats differently as minds think
Our closeness can be a brilliant illusion
Held in place by our infinite loneliness
Shattered by the leaving of our companion
Carefully flown like a baby bird to another nest
Where it will be safer and free to love
Kindness is not enough in this life
Merely it allows you to almost touch
What can surely make you happier
The person with the deepest eyes
Blessed by being a master of conversations
Making not a minute boring or unexplored
Though knowing silence can be golden
When it is comfortable, welcomed and needed
To not speak, is to not regret
Much like speaking can be a mistake
Honestly none of us know absolutely how
Another person needs to be let go of
Should it even be possible for us
After too many hours have gone ignored
There is too much worrying in living
Being a burden once is inevitable
Avoiding the consistency of it is possible
Once we understand what we really need
There are no more flips of coins
Decisions made after a few glasses of wine
Everything does not seem random
We recognize the progression of life
The idiosyncrasies allowing it to be special
To have lived, is to have died
But in the breeze our story remains
A refreshing touch on human skin.
07/24/08
I like when this guy is on Letterman as one of his many characters. This time he is playing Francis Albert Lincoln.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=aIzg_2S4D6E
The phrase of the day is: I don't give a flying fuck.
jr.

"It's raining in Baltimore, baby, but everything else is the same..."

http://youtube.com/watch?v=dnzU0IzJJrY
Raining In Baltimore by Counting Crows (Live September 1997)
I am watching the Jays playing the Orioles and it certainly looks like it will be raining in Baltimore, very soon. Too bad the game is tied at 1, was 2-1 Jays now.
It rained here early this afternoon and feels like an early autumn day. It is actually a very nice change, though the sun shining would have been nice. Cooler weather with sun would be ideal. The city of Toronto has already set a rainfall record for any June and July. We haven't got as much rain but everyday lately, it looks like it is going to.
Amalea and I went to my grandparents for dinner tonight. I ate too much, really, this time I actually ate too much. We had macaroni and cheese with tomatoes, along with a garden salad mixture. I had 2 full plates of m+c, and I had 2 bowls of salad, plus a dinner role. About half an hour later I had my tea with apple pie and ice cream. I feel like I might explode.
"The butterfly in reverse here is me..."
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Ak5SgklD7rA
Butterfly In Reverse by Counting Crows
I wrote the following last night shortly after 11pm. It was only slightly influenced by Elton John's Levon, I suppose I should have used it in the blog but it is a CC day.
Left Behind Somewhere
The thunderstorm has ceased
After nearly an hour of steady rain
Jesus walks slowly beside Levon
They have just delivered their balloons
A lyrical father and son heading home
Carefully holding hands throughout New York
Each thinking of something different
Jesus wanting to be free like a balloon
Levon still feeling like a pauper’s son
Nothing can permanently be escaped
Once it has lived inside us for too long
I hold everything in but barely
What comes out, does so here
A few scatter lines of fictional fact
Deciphering an artist is impossible
All we can do is offer our interpretation
Though unsolicited words often fall
Upon deaf ears or absence minded thoughts
I have been left behind somewhere
Jesus on the streets of New York
Without a balloon to lift him free
A fingerprint above Central Park
Where Levon first read about God
Though they said he was dead
What do the papers know about truth
Was something Alvin taught his son
I think my lessons have been well learned
Through no miracle of faith or providence
They are remembered in my heart
A place of scars and scares
One day it will stop caring
Whether my mind is happy or not
Arbitrary feelings will no longer matter
I will be left to the imagination
A footnote in a poem or lyric
The creation of an artist
Unwilling to bend to critics
They so often need one or the other
Tonight there was lightning and thunder
Both occurred at the same time and place
Leaving a peaceful calm in their absence
A song to listen to and conjure
The characters necessary to write
Filling a void in my soul
I may have been left behind somewhere
But for now I am here.
07/22/08
Well it is now raining in Baltimore and the game is in a rain delay, at least the Jays are winning now.
jr.

"Tell the repo man and the stars above that you're the one I love..."

Nothing much to blog about today. The skies outside are dark and a summer thunderstorm will arrive momentarily.
The countdown is below, 100 songs out of 1307, same #1 as last week. Lots of movement though, U2's Kite comes flying from somewhere out of the top 100 and lands in spot #33. Check out the clips below. "Something's gotta give..."
jr.

Top 100 Songs Played This Year On My iTunes Player
1. The One I Love by David Gray (1)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=OWNN7gXk1rc
2. Wonderwall by Oasis (6)
3. Empty by Ray LaMontagne (4)
4. Creep by Radiohead (3)
5. Supernatural Superserious by R.E.M. (5)
6. Say It To Me Now by Glen Hansard (7)
7. You Can't Count On Me by Counting Crows (8)
8. Boy With A Coin by Iron and Wine (13)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=TLNyVLbqdEg
9. Have You Ever Seen The Rain? by C.C.R. (9)
10. Waiting by City and Colour (15)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=hDieZbG3KT4
11. When I Dream Of Michelangelo by Counting Crows (10)
12. The Bends by Radiohead (2)
13. One by U2 (11)
14. Thinking About You by Norah Jones (12)
15. Guaranteed by Eddie Vedder (14)
16. No One's Gonna Love You by Band Of Horses (33)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=93OTv6Cjk6U
17. Long Road To Ruin by Foo Fighters (16)
18. All The Trees Are Hers by Hawksley Workman (30)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=nNo-REJ74mc
19. Always by Neverending White Lights (17)
20. Everybody Knows by Ryan Adams (27)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=pZz2UeMKG80
21. Falling Slowly by The Frames (22)
22. Blanket Of Ghosts by Dustin Kensrue (19)
23. Cowboys by Counting Crows (20)
24. Love Hurts by Incubus (18)
25. NYC by Interpol (29)
26. Sunday Morning Coming Down (Live) by Johnny Cash (23)
27. When You Were Young by The Killers (28)
28. Calling All Friends by Low Stars (24)
29. Hannah by Ray LaMontagne (25)
30. Lemon Parade by Tonic (26)
31. Where The Streets Have No Name by U2 (40)
32. You Are My Face by Wilco (41)
33. Kite by U2 (NR)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=UFJsQ5a0g4M
34. Sing by Travis (44)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=G1f2M5G9KG8
35. Everything by Michael Buble (38)
36. My List by The Killers (60)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=UiRyRzZ5WlQ
37. Hard Sun by Eddie Vedder (21)
38. Your Heart Is An Empty Room by Death Cab For Cutie (48)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=JJUYhLGxxwM
39. Have You Seen Me Lately? (Acoustic) by Counting Crows (43)
40. 1492 by Counting Crows (42)
41. Southern Girl by Amos Lee (52)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=slUIDNUnbO4
42. Hospital Beds by Cold War Kids (54)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=jyhkQzPLjcA
43. A Long December by Counting Crows (35)
44. O Valencia by The Decemberists (32)
45. Society by Eddie Vedder (31)
46. Your Song by Elton John (47)
47. A Time To Be So Small by Interpol (75)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=xABZLAWYGAg
48. If I Had Eyes by Jack Johnson (37)
49. Girl In The War by Josh Ritter (59)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=kqLssKusGzM
50. Only The Lonely by Roy Orbison (69)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=3OdCG6_lB1A
51. Let It Ride by Ryan Adams (39)
52. Hard Candy by Counting Crows (49)
53. Is There A Ghost? by Band Of Horses (81)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=tLMTtSfYSm8
54. Michelle by The Beatles (53)
55. Baby I Love Your Way by Bob Marley (34)
56. Los Angeles by Counting Crows (56)
57. Oceanside by The Decemberists (36)
58. 1973 by James Blunt (NR)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=B2Cq7BJeBh0
59. Gotta Be Somebody's Blues by Jimmy Eat World (46)
60. The Con by Tegan and Sara (45)
61. What Light by Wilco (NR)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=El5d8C47GzE
62. Catapult (Acoustic) by Counting Crows (NR)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Ggl98PfwNu8
63. La Cienega Just Smiled by Ryan Adams (82)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=XoLAEHJ___0
64. Hallelujah by Rufus Wainwright (96)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=mmbQEQltOwM
65. Imitation Of Life by R.E.M. (62)
66. Alright by Pilot Speed (70)
67. Off He Goes by Pearl Jam (71)
68. The Great Escape by Patrick Watson (94)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=YA2h9PrIUxs
69. The Painter by Neil Young (NR)
70. You're Always Going Too Soon by Matthew Jay (61)
71. Chase This Light by Jimmy Eat World (73)
72. If You're Gonna Leave by Emerson Hart (57)
73. Lying Eyes by The Eagles (86)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=uXSf46Fmtek
74. Daylight Fading by Counting Crows (NR)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=PjH5vvpMByY
75. Diamonds On The Inside by Ben Harper (50)
76. Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds by The Beatles (80)
77. Only Love Can Break Your Heart by Neil Young (92)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=dEOnocP-A-0
78. Rain King (Acoustic) by Counting Crows (78)
79. Let It Be by The Beatles (83)
80. Here Comes The Sun by The Beatles (NR)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=OZtQh5EIgWQ
81. Some Surprise by The Cake Sale (Lisa Hannigan + Gary Lightbody) (79)
82. Warning Sign by Coldplay (NR)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=rlkismBvlQk
83. She Don't Want Nobody Near by Counting Crows (NR)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Eep1DY0dvgs
84. Accidental Babies by Damien Rice (NR)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=u5SZShwyAPk
85. The Crane Wife 3 by The Decemberists (77)
86. The Water by Feist (87)
87. No Sugar Tonight/New Mother Nature by The Guess Who (58)
88. Talk Shows On Mute by Incubus (89)
89. Naked As We Came by Iron and Wine (74)
90. Kathleen by Josh Ritter (NR)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=zdD1KDO5dzs
91. For Reasons Unknown by The Killers (NR)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=2OcB8ECRW3s
92. Ramble On by Led Zeppelin (91)
93. Jumpin' Jack Flash by The Rolling Stones (NR)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=9xflo4_UCtA
94. These Girls by Ryan Adams (68)
95. The Blues by Switchfoot (98)
96. One Horse Town by The Thrills (67)
97. You Don't Know How It Feels by Tom Petty (99)
98. With Or Without You by U2 (NR)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=_Ye8GLPUVsM
99. Impossible Germany by Wilco (63)
100. Club Thing by Yoav (64)

"Take a sad song and make it better..."

http://youtube.com/watch?v=t2QVKUCVhwY
Hey Jude by Paul McCartney (July 20, 2008 Quebec City)
Above is a clip from a free concert Sir Paul played in Quebec City last night, as part of the city's 400th anniversary. The estimated crowd was well over 200,000 and he sounded great. There was some Quebecois who didn't want him as part of the celebration for their political reasons, it is about the music, look at the crowd and tell me it wasn't something special. Plus he made some effort to communicate in french. A very generous gift to the city from the living legend.
"I'm glad it's your birthday..."
http://youtube.com/watch?v=t2QVKUCVhwY
Birthday by Paul McCartney (July 20, 2008 Quebec City)
Above is another clip of Paul in Quebec doing appropriately enough Birthday.
I finished reading The Stone Angel by Margaret Laurence today and now I have gone back to Hotel Du Lac, I need to finish it before I get something new. The following is from Hotel Du Lac by Anita Brookner.
"He was a man of few words, but those few words were judiciously selected, weighed for quality, and delivered with expertise. Edith, used the ruminative monologues that most people consider to be adequate for the purposes of rational discourse, used, moreover, to concocting the cunning and even learned periods which the characters in her books so spontaneously uttered, leaned back in her chair and smiled. The sensation of being entertained by words was one which she encountered all too rarely. People expect writers to entertain them, she reflected. They consider that writers should be gratified simply by performing their task to the audience's satisfaction. Like sycophants at court in the Middle Ages, dwarves, jongleurs. And what about us? Nobody thinks about entertaining us."
"Whisper words of wisdom..."
http://youtube.com/watch?v=XkCaWMNtIms
Let It Be by Paul McCartney (July 20, 2008 Quebec City)
The classic Let It Be, so good. I wrote the following yesterday, a reflection on those who are fortunate to seemingly have anything they want. Though that is never the case, usually like the rest of us, they are searching for something that is missing.
Astronomy and Anthropology
A string of pearls
Hides in a box
Another unwanted gift
The world is yours
When you smile
Bright and white
A girl of summer
Tanned by the sun
Freckled and open eyed
Full of cute mannerisms
I am always observing
Under these stars
Hundreds to name
One to forget
Highly unlike tonight
The music is too familiar
Much like the moon
After we die and fade
Astronomy will remain
For scientists to study
As amateurs dream
Of leaving this planet
The world is yours
When you are young
Beautiful and a girl
Offered symbolic gifts
Their price spelling love
With dust in the sky
I have no pearls
Little of anything
Under these stars
Hundreds to remember
One to wish upon
Highly unlikely tonight
The clouds are too many
Much like the feelings
Before we sleep and wake
Anthropology will remain
For scientists to study
As humans think
Of loving another heart.
07/20/09
"Good day sunshine...."
http://youtube.com/watch?v=WUsZwLfIAhQ
Good Day Sunshine by Paul McCartney
After a morning and early afternoon of rain and cloud, it has turned into a very nice day. We might even be in store for an explosion of colour when the sun sets.
The following articles are about what I would never want to do, and that is find a snake anywhere.
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/080721/national/apartment_snake
http://kennebecjournal.mainetoday.com/view/columns/5244860.html
"Maybe I'm a man, maybe I'm a lonely man..."
http://youtube.com/watch?v=oV-vA50oJSM
Maybe I'm Amazed by Paul McCartney (Original video)
Below is an article from Time Magazine about teen abstinence, the choice of whether to have sex or wait, the involvement of parents, the role of popular culture, and what purity really means.
Personally I think a boy and girl should talk about it and when they feel they are both mutually ready then they should, whether it is 15, 16, 17 or older. It is more important that the girl is ready and both sexes should be educated more, knowing doesn't hurt. Though I would advise most girls to wait because their "first" love is often a fleeting love. Guys and girls at a young age, are never at the same emotional or maturity level.
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1823930,00.html
jr.

"We can be heroes, just for one day....."

http://youtube.com/watch?v=YYjBQKIOb-w
Heroes by David Bowie.
Tonight I watched Imaginary Heroes. I thought it was a pretty good movie. I am surprised I haven't come across it earlier, since it has been out for a couple of years. The movie is another portrait of a dysfunctional family, after one of the sons committed suicide. I don't think there is such a thing as a "normal family', there is always something hiding under the surface. The movie stars Sigourney Weaver, Jeff Daniels, Emile Hirsch and Michelle Williams. The following is a quote from the movie about dealing with people, if I remember it correctly. "You have to find one quality in them that makes them bearable." Even then most of them are still unbearable, that wasn't in the movie, all me. Also I liked this observation about meeting your heroes. 1) They are assholes. 2) They are just like you. 3) Either way you lose out. Below is a link to information about the movie.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0373024/
"I have been lost inside my head, echoes fall off of me, I took the prize last night for complicated mess..."
http://youtube.com/watch?v=BCnT6xEAIBY
Hollow Man by R.E.M.
How true are the lyrics above. I was trying to write something yesterday. It had a certain feel to it and then I was interrupted. The feeling was lost, I was a little annoyed and it turned into something else. Maybe it doesn't matter, it was going to be something else than what I wanted it to be anyway.
Commingled
The smell of rain
Preludes its arrival
A quick downpour
Tears for a July day
Saturday by calendar
Really any day
They all seem commingled
Lasting a span of hours
Twenty four by definition
Barely a drop in the bucket
Before it is kicked out
From under our legs
Lazily tanned in the sun
Whenever it emerges
Burning cancer into us
How sad a disease
Taking our weight
Dropping it from bones
The creation of a skeleton
Following us to the graveyard
The smell of flowers
Preludes our arrival
A symbolic beauty
Tears on a January day
Sunday by observation
Really any other way
Would not do
On death’s bed
Soaking with rain
Waiting to wilt
As the flowers do
No matter what.
07/19/08
Really just one day?
jr.

"Call out your name...after the rain..."

http://youtube.com/watch?v=id8TAm2og_w
After The Rain by Blue Rodeo.
We have had a couple down pours of rain today and it looks like another could come soon. The air through is still too stagnant, it is too hot and humid. This weather makes everyone a little agitated, people just seem like they are in a bad mood.
My toe is not looking much better, there is a lot of blood under the nail. I decided I was sick of looking at it, so I put a band aid on it. I really don't want to lose the toenail, so I am trying to take it easy.
Last night I watched the movie Smart People. I thought it was really good, the movie stars Dennis Quaid, Ellen Page, Thomas Haden Church and Sarah Jessica Parker. Quaid plays a cankerous single father who is a professor, Page is his clone daughter, Church is his adopted "bum" brother and Parker, a doctor, becomes his love interest. The movie really appealed to me because it has dysfuctional characters and quirky moments, this is my favourite type of movie. It reminds me of movies like The Squid and The Whale, Igby Goes Down and King Of California. I was surprised that Parker didn't turn me off the movie, she is not one of my favourites but she was effectively limited in this role. Though I would have watched for Page and Quaid anyway. There is a link to information about the movie below.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0858479/
"I never thought this could happen but somehow the feeling is gone, you got sick of the patterns and I got lost in this song........."
http://youtube.com/watch?v=JKLsppZaa98
Hasn't Hit Me Yet by Blue Rodeo.
With the rain today, I decided to watch a movie. The movie I watched was called Turn The River, it wasn't great but was watchable. Some of the comments about the movie compared it to Rounders and it wasn't even close. The movie stars Famke Janssen and Rip Torn. Famke is a pool hustler who is trying to raise money to smuggle her son out of the country. She had lost total access to her son but manages to communicate with him, eventually getting him to agree to leave with her. The ending is a little mysterious but it passed an hour and a half. There is a link to information about the movie below.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0811128/
I guess it is a Blue Rodeo type of day. Most days could be.
jr.

"Disarm you with a smile and cut you like you want me to....."

http://youtube.com/watch?v=QQtLoJlQD6E
Disarm by The Smashing Pumpkins.
I watched The Wackness last night and thought it was a good movie. The movie stars Josh Peck, Ben Kingsley, with support from Olivia Thirlby (Juno), Mary-Kate Olsen and Famke Janssen. The movie set in 1994 follows Luke Shapiro (Peck) as he sells drugs through the streets of New York trying to make money for college. One of his clients is Dr. Squires (Kingsley) who he trades weed with for therapy lessons. Dr. Squires also happens to be the step-father of Stephanie, a girl Luke has a crush on. The movie develops the friendship between Luke and Dr. Squires brilliantly, as both of their lives come apart. Luke enters a relationship with Stephanie, destined for heartbreak while his parents lives fall apart. Dr. Squires own marriage is declining and among all the chaos is some really good music. The soundtrack features much of the hip-hop and rap that was becoming mainstream in 1994, including Notorious B.I.G., D.J. Jazzy and The Fresh Prince, NAS, A Tribe Called Quest, R. Kelly, Wu Tang Clan. I have never been a huge fan of hip-hop or rap but remember those songs from when I was Luke's age, actually for anyone my age, the movie will remind us of our own youth. Well perhaps without the drug selling. I also like how the movie makes a few references to Rudy Gullian and how he was trying to "clean up" New York. Overall I liked the feel of this movie. There is a link to information about the movie below. Also featured musically in the movie is the song above by The Smashing Pumpkins and they also used Out On The Weekend by Neil Young, which is linked below. Brilliant choice.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1082886/
"See the lonely boy, out on the weekend, trying to make it pay. Can't relate to joy, he tries to speak and can't begin to say..."
http://youtube.com/watch?v=m5R4UPhphSM
Out On The Weekend by Neil Young.
Enjoy yourselves out on the weekend.
jr.

"We live in a wheel, where everyone steals, but when we rise it's like strawberry fields.."

http://youtube.com/watch?v=m4jLHxbX3NA
Glycerine by Bush.
OMG, I am sore from tennis yesterday. It was around 35 Celsius and we rallied for about an hour. During which I managed to hurt my toe running into a fence, I didn't realize how bad until I got home. After rallying, Jeff and I played a set which he won 6-4. If we had played the best of 3, I think I would have won because Jeff was exhausted. Not to say I wasn't but I was a little better off than he was. Back to my right big toe, the toenail is some combination of purple, black and blue but I don't think it is broken. I think I could lose the nail though.
The title clip today is Glycerine from 1990's band Bush. Their lead singer, now gone solo, Gavin Rossdale was on The Tonight Show last night. I haven't really paid any attention to any of his solo stuff but when I saw him, I suddenly wished he would play Glycerine which is by far Bush's best song. Though of course he didn't.
"Love lost, such a cost..."
http://youtube.com/watch?v=xNl9DOb76cY
Old Man by Neil Young (July 2008)
Earlier in the night Neil Young was on Letterman talking about trying to change a 1959 Cadillac into an electric car and promoting a CSNY Documentary. It was disappointing that Neil wasn't on Letterman to perform but it always interesting to watch interviews with Neil, especially a 8 or 9 minute interview. I will post it, when it comes on Youtube. Dave asked Neil to bring the car next time he comes, hopefully he does, along with a guitar or two.
The following is from The Stone Angel by Margaret Laurence, it is about moving and how it can possibly free us. I would go anywhere in a minute, if the opportunity was a good one.
"To move to a new place-that's the greatest excitement. For a while you believe you carrying nothing with you-all is canceled from before, or cauterized, and you begin again and nothing will go wrong this time."
"Somebody spoke and I went into a dream..."
http://youtube.com/watch?v=R1MKkr2IUkc
A Day In The Life by Neil Young (Beatles cover June 2008)
I think Neil's cover above is really good. It helped in the writing of the piece below.
For A Day In Our Lives
The July air was stagnant
Sweat clung to everyone
A silver haired music played
His version of A Day In The Life
For his departed friend John
Before a crowd of thousands
Distorted guitars and raspy voice
We can go anywhere in dreams
From Dublin to Rio Madrid
Across oceans and countries
Following the music of legends
Their songs bringing us peace
When our internal soul is at war
Wrestling with this vast world
Confused by its inadequacies
Equally questioning our own
A song cannot change the world
Though it might be able to change us
For a day in our lives
When hardly a breeze blows
Water is scarcely enough to quench
The thirst growing in all of us
From a lack of proper nutrition
Newspapers printing only dire stories
Making diversions necessary and welcomed
Though not always in our best interest
Until we find the right music for us
A real sound and not manufactured
Instruments of love and not labour
Have we not all toiled enough
Trying to escape boredom and unhappiness
The time for freedom is upon us
Caution is necessary but happiness is possible
I hear it in the music everyday
Should you want to listen with me
We could find a smile together
For a day in our lives
Which we would usually frown away
Until darkness won and light lost
Maybe tomorrow you can begin listening
I will be around somewhere in a dream
Should you need someone to listen with.
07/16/08
The following article is about a Native Canadian and his growing business empire. It was nice to find it in an American paper.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/16/sports/othersports/16lacrosse.html?scp=3&sq=native%20canadian&st=cse
"I wish I was traveling on a freeway, beneath this graveyard western sky, I'm gonna set fire to this city and out into the desert we’re gonna ride..."
http://youtube.com/watch?v=W-7-8SwT6ZE
Time and Time Again by Counting Crows.
Not many strange clouds here today, just more heat. Along the coast of England it was much difference. The weather today at the first round of the British Open turned grown men into crying boys, complaining about having to play in the rain, wind and cold for their millions. Come on boys, Tiger beat you one leg and you can't handle the weather. Grow up.
jr.

"Summer arrives with a length of lights and summer blows away and quietly gets swallowed by a wave.."

http://youtube.com/watch?v=D1TXtveRqJ4
Summersong by The Decemberists.
Quite the Major League Baseball All-Star game last night. The game played at historic Yankee Stadium was one for the history books and not just because this is the last year of Yankee Stadium. The pre-game ceremony featured a great collection of living legends, Aaron, Mays, and McCovey among others. Along with players from my generation like Boggs, Molitor, Eckersly, Gwynn, and Ripken Jr. After all the festivities that seemed to last forever, came the game. The game did last forever, almost 5 hours to and 15 innings. The American League finally won 4-3 after many dramatic close calls throughout extra innings. Both teams were down to their final pitchers and it was looking like what was a great game could end up being a fiasco, but it got saved. The All-Star managers need to do a better job of managing their pitchers, especially the Starters, Roy Halladay throw 9 pitches in only 1 inning, he could have easily thrown another one. Also I think the starting lineups should actually be inserted at the end of the game. It would have been nice to see the "stars" at the end of the game and not the "good" players. Poor Dan Uggla of Florida, he made 3 errors and look scared to death out there.
"I sit and wait, does an angel contemplate my fate? and do they know, the places where we go, when we´re grey and old...."
http://youtube.com/watch?v=sQxZztI7264
Angels by Robbie Williams.
The following is from The Stone Angel by Margaret Laurence.
"Even if heaven were real, and measured as Revelation says, so many cubits this way and that, how gimcrack a place it would be, crammed with its pavements of gold, its gates of pearl and topaz, like a gigantic chunk of costume jewelry. Saint John of Patmos can keep his sequined heaven, or share it with Mr. Tory, for all I care, and spend eternity in fingering the gems and telling each other gleefully they're worth a fortune."
My friend Jeff and I had dinner at Prince Albert's (the best diner in London) after which our conversation turned deep, as they usually do. Many of the them end up at the same opinion as the quote above, heaven is a simply high priced imaginary place that no one can be certain really exists, like any God.
I liked the article below comparing Economics and love.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/13/business/13every.html?em&ex=1216353600&en=7bd9ffd7ca313b8f&ei=5087%0A
It is a very hot summer day today, close to 40 Celsius with the humidity and the plan tonight is to play tennis. We are brilliant. Maybe we will get that thunderstorm.
jr.

"Perfect summers night, not a wind that breathes, just the bullets whispering gentle amongst the new green leaves..."

So at the end of yesterday's blog, I thought Lance Berkman had put on a show, it was nothing compared to the show Josh Hamilton put on. Hamilton, of Texas, hit 28 home runs in the first round, his 28 home runs are the most ever in a single round. Josh wasn't barely hitting them either, a handful were over 500 Ft. and it was very impressive to watch. Hamilton who has overcome a drug addiction and 3 years out of baseball, is finally reaching his #1 draft pick status. Though by the final round of the derby he looked tired and lost to Canadian Justin Morneau.
Today is Tuesday, below is the countdown, a new #1 out of 1292 songs. There are 22 clips below should you want to check out a song.
Enjoy what is left of a very nice summer day, at least here.
jr.

Top 100 Songs Played This Year On My iTunes Player
1. The One I Love by David Gray (9)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=QaLGNhxQnAM
2. The Bends by Radiohead (1)
3. Creep by Radiohead (2)
4. Empty by Ray LaMontagne (14)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=rIUSikXex5w
5. Supernatural Superserious by R.E.M. (13)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=_We6ubpUHZs
6. Wonderwall by Oasis (4)
7. Say It To Me Now by Glen Hansard (7)
8. You Can't Count On Me by Counting Crows (3)
9. Have You Ever Seen The Rain? by C.C.R. (12)
10. When I Dream Of Michelangelo by Counting Crows (10)
11. One by U2 (15)
12. Thinking About You by Norah Jones (5)
13. Boy With A Coin by Iron and Wine (6)
14. Guaranteed by Eddie Vedder (8)
15. Waiting by City and Colour (11)
16. Long Road To Ruin by Foo Fighters (18)
17. Always by Neverending White Lights (16)
18. Love Hurts by Incubus (17)
19. Blanket Of Ghosts by Dustin Kensrue (20)
20. Cowboys by Counting Crows (19)
21. Hard Sun by Eddie Vedder (21)
22. Falling Slowly by The Frames (22)
23. Sunday Morning Coming Down (Live) by Johnny Cash (23)
24. Calling All Friends by Low Stars (25)
25. Hannah by Ray LaMontagne (24)
26. Lemon Parade by Tonic (44)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=s-kmsHjC2P0
27. Everybody Knows by Ryan Adams (27)
28. When You Were Young by The Killers (26)
29. NYC by Interpol (35)
30. All The Trees Are Hers by Hawksley Workman (28)
31. Society by Eddie Vedder (34)
32. O Valencia by The Decemberists (49)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=D0PN_o2_eqY
33. No One's Gonna Love You by Band Of Horses (54)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=jfX6WTOmt5E
34. Baby I Love Your Way by Bob Marley (31)
35. A Long December by Counting Crows (32)
36. Oceanside by The Decemberists (29)
37. If I Had Eyes by Jack Johnson (36)
38. Everything by Michael Buble (38)
39. Let It Ride by Ryan Adams (39)
40. Where The Streets Have No Name by U2 (40)
41. You Are My Face by Wilco (41)
42. 1492 by Counting Crows (57)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Cffjkcz41vY
43. Have You Seen Me Lately? (Acoustic) by Counting Crows (82)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=UrayFUXg6i8
44. Sing by Travis (64)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=G1f2M5G9KG8
45. The Con by Tegan and Sara (45)
46. Gotta Be Somebody's Blues by Jimmy Eat World (37)
47. Your Song by Elton John (48)
48. Your Heart Is An Empty Room by Death Cab For Cutie (33)
49. Hard Candy by Counting Crows (42)
50. Diamonds On The Inside by Ben Harper (52)
51. Strawberry Fields Forever by The Beatles (53)
52. Southern Girl by Amos Lee (30)
53. Michelle by The Beatles (55)
54. Hospital Beds by Cold War Kids (51)
55. The Hardest Part by Coldplay (50)
56. Los Angeles by Counting Crows (66)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=3MhYvcIw9wY
57. If You're Gonna Leave by Emerson Hart (59)
58. No Sugar Tonight/New Mother Nature by The Guess Who
59. Girl In The War by Josh Ritter (61)
60. My List by The Killers (46)
61. You're Always Going Too Soon by Matthew Jay (62)
62. Imitation Of Life by R.E.M. (63)
63. Impossible Germany by Wilco (43)
64. Club Thing by Yoav (67)
65. Please Be Patient With Me by Wilco (65)
66. Tupelo Honey by Van Morrison (NR)
67. One Horse Town by The Thrills (NR)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=4z5LkgjBSRE
68. These Girls by Ryan Adams (NR)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=tctql8dP8CQ
69. Only The Lonely by Roy Orbison (98)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=nlY1q12Jxro
70. Alright by Pilot Speed (96)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=GWqajaj0nwg
71. Off He Goes by Pearl Jam (70)
72. Mind Games by John Lennon (60)
73. Chase This Light by Jimmy Eat World (91)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Nf2S-KeRVJ4
74. Naked As We Came by Iron and Wine (74)
75. A Time To Be So Small by Interpol (75)
76. Anna Molly by Incubus (76)
77. The Crane Wife 3 by The Decemberists (58)
78. Rain King (Acoustic) by Counting Crows (NR)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Qq_XmbU7ziY
79. Some Surprise by The Cake Sale (Lisa Hannigan + Gary Lightbody) (56)
80. Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds by The Beatles (NR)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=A7F2X3rSSCU
81. Is There A Ghost? by Band Of Horses (85)
82. La Cienega Just Smiled by Ryan Adams (99)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Z-skFB7DkRw
83. Let It Be by The Beatles (83)
84. Miller's Angels by Counting Crows (86)
85. Sleep Don't Weep by Damien Rice (87)
86. Lying Eyes by The Eagles (79)
87. The Water by Feist (78)
88. Almost Lover by A Fine Frenzy (77)
89. Talk Shows On Mute by Incubus (89)
90. Nuclear Daydream by Joseph Arthur (73)
91. Ramble On by Led Zeppelin (NR)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=ssKtIni9adA
92. Only Love Can Break Your Heart by Neil Young (72)
93. My Rights Versus Yours by The New Pornographers (94)
94. The Great Escape by Patrick Watson (71)
95. All I Need by Radiohead (97)
96. Hallelujah by Rufus Wainwright (NR)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=rx2wqkcQDHo
97. Elevator Love Letter by Stars (100)
98. The Blues by Switchfoot (NR)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=7VO8A5WkeLo
99. You Don't Know How It Feels by Tom Petty (69)
100. Montebello Park by The Trews (NR)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=XxY4QWruWVY

"Hell, I still love you, New York..."

http://youtube.com/watch?v=1IhDW18rxyY
New York, New York by Ryan Adams.
In honour of the All-Star break in New York, above is New York, New York by the very talented Ryan Adams. Right now the Home Run Derby is on, it is always fun to watch how far and how many some of the players can hit.
Today Amalea and I went over to my grandparents (her great grandparents) for dinner. We had BBQ steak, baked potato and garden salad along with maple walnut ice cream for dessert. It was mostly overcast today and really windy, apparently the humidity is coming back tomorrow.
Last night I watched the movie Young People Fucking. It explores the relationships of 5 couples during one night. I didn't think it was a great movie but it wasn't horrible. It had some realistically funny moments and was fairly realistically in its portraying of certain relationships. The movie was made with the support (grants) from the Tele Film Canada, in other words with money from the Canadian government. There was a bit of a controversy over the making of this because of its title and content. Yes there was nudity, women's breasts and a male ass, but nothing you can't find on cable most nights. There was a scene of voyeurism, guy watching his friend having sex with his girlfriend. There was a scene of a woman with a dildo having sex with her boyfriend, they were trying to "spice" things up. I can't say this scene wasn't a turnoff for me. Having watched this movie, I think it is a movie showing the intimacy or lack of intimacy of any relationship. Each relationship is different, and especially in the bedroom. The movie isn't just about young people fucking, it is about how sex is a very important part of any relationship, and how it is important to understand your partner. I have no problem with the government of Canada giving financial support to movie makers who are trying to and succeding to varying degrees to make movies with substance. There is a link to the movie below.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0913445/
Lance Berkman just put on a show in the Home Run Derby, 450 FT. + dingers.
The oldest blogger, a 108 year old woman died over the weekend. Below is a link to her blog.
http://www.allaboutolive.com.au/
Well that is all.
jr.

"Nobody here can live forever, quiet in the grasp of dusk and summer..."

http://youtube.com/watch?v=33w6R85eKzs
Dusk and Summer by Dashboard Confessional.
It has been a pretty nice Sunday summer day today, though it has gotten rather windy and cloudy in the last hour. The wind gusts are over 30 km/hr. There is that constant flapping and clicking sound associated with wind. I have been spending time with my niece Amalea and it is fascinating how children love you unconditionally, as I suppose we do them. There is no thought process in it, it just is. She is 9 and a pleasure to be around. We all; my parents, Amalea and I, had a great dinner of breaded Chicken, green beans, potatoes with sour cream and brown rice with a side of garden salad, it was really good. Though I think I ate too much.
Today I finally finished reading Snow by Orhan Pamuk, it was okay, I had trouble getting through parts of it. With it finished I started reading The Stone Angel by Margaret Laurence, a book I had to read in high school, and liked it, but think I will like it more now that I am older.
"In beds, in little rooms, in buildings, in the middle of these lives which are completely meaningless..."
http://youtube.com/watch?v=gGWJ0TIEN40
Perfect Blue Buildings by Counting Crows (live Oxegen Festival, Ireland, July 12, 2008)
I spent the early part of last night drinking tea in a cafe and trying to piece together a poem that was formulating itself in my head. The results are below. It is about a lot of things, the least of which being summer, though summer did find its way into the title. It is more about the natural growing apart of friends and how it is nothing to worrying about, it is a chance to find people with more common interests. Of course, it is not to diminish any current friendships, it is just realizing that we aren't the same people we were 1 year, 5 years, 10 years ago and so naturally we would want to find people more similar to who we are now.
Summer Is The Season Of Our Redemption
A feeling of separation
Has imbedded itself in me
The distance is growing
Between casualness and awkwardness
There have been too few conversations
For us to pick up like old friends
Saturdays have become Mondays
Silence strangely surrounds everyone
The normalcy of it equally strange
Have we all accepted this new reality
Where close friends are strangers
I believe it is part of our evolution
There should be no struggle
Memories are created and lost
Faces remain and in their faces
We too easily see our forgotten past
Those days have run their course
Our sun rose and our sun set
Often appearing brighter or warmer
The failures inevitably make it colder
Winter is the season of our defeat
Summer is the season of our redemption
Nourished by rainfall through spring
We are greener and more lush
Waiting for new songs and lovers
Hours to ponder a future of happiness
Separating ourselves from ourselves
The person we were is longer viable
Change means making difficult choices
Abandoning our protective and restrictive layers
Finding new friends with similar interests
Since we all do not grow the same
Throughout this life and its many challenges
Humanity forces loyalty upon us naturally
Until we realize separating is necessary
A snowflake from a cloud at a certain altitude
The conditions of its formation completely random
Much like our own individualized genetics
We could very easily have been anybody else
Fortunately there is only one of us
With our idiosyncrasies and our stubbornness’s
Defining another person is never fair
There is no way we can every know everything
Humanity is too complex and simple
When we think the answer is easy, it is hard
The opposite is completely true as well
A feeling of isolation
Can only last as long as you let it
Separating ourselves from others is hard
Though at times it necessary
So we can once again form bonds.
07/12/08
"You can't ask what you're asking me to do and I hope you understand when I refuse, I'm going North with my point of view and I'm never gonna think the same as you and I'm where I can't be found and I won't be coming 'round, no, I'm an American on the Canadian Shield and I'm putting down roots in your frozen fields, it gets cold but you feel so good to be a stranger in a town and you're understood..."
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Cm21sjHvi40
An American Draft Dodger In Thunder Bay by Sam Roberts.
Below is an interesting article from the NY Times about how Canada isn't as welcoming to American war deserters of the Iraqi war as we were during Vietnam. I feel if a soldier signed up for the army before the Iraqi war than I would welcome him or her into Canada. But if the soldier signed up for the army after the war had begun in Iraq then I would want them sent back to America. They made their choice and unlike Vietnam, they have a choice. This would explain the relatively low number of Iraq deserters in Canada, as outlined in the article. It is definitely an area that our Conservative government is trying to stay out, by making our courts decide for them. The opposite parties have tabled legislation to allow these deserters a safe haven in Canada. Stephen Harper would never want to do that, he is ideologically too close to America. Liberals like me, and like past governments of Trudeau and Chretien would welcome any American opposed to the war in Iraq. This is because we believe it is an illegal war, according to International Law, and obliging by International Law is what Liberal Canadians believe in.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/13/world/americas/13canada.html?ref=americas
The Blue Jays finished the "first half" of the season on a winning note, beating the Yankees 4-1, highlighted by strong pitching from A.J. (Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde) Burnett. The Jays are now 47-48 heading into the All-Star break, 12-9 under new manager Cito Gaston, they are still 9 games out of the division lead, but they aren't dead, yet. A great second half, 47-20 or better, could get them into the playoffs. It is a longshot but once in a while longshots hit the board. Though they are much more exciting to watch now and it doesn't feel like time wasted watching them.
Enjoy what is left of your Sunday.
jr.

"It's all here for you as long as you choose to stay, it's all here for you as long as you don't fly away..."

http://youtube.com/watch?v=TIIXXTqGCpg
Talking Bird by Death Cab For Cutie.
A pretty nice day today, with enough sun and with enough breeze. I was having a conversation with someone today and they got to showing me these weird animated birds. Ever since I have had birds on my mind, it didn't help that I heard Death Cab For Cutie's Talking Bird earlier. The song is really growing on me.
I suppose it had some influence on the piece of writing below, considering its title is Wounded Bird.
Wounded Bird
I have fallen from a tree
My wings would not fly
They only spread like rumours
My mother could not catch me
I heard her screams from above
The ground was hard and broke me
I am now a wounded bird
Can you come and rescue me
There is not much I can do
Without your love and presence
My wings need fixing by your hands
I saw you in a dream with caring eyes
Your soft skin was a nest to sleep on
My body needs healing and loving
Can you come and save me
The world is a lonely spinning place
From where I am lying now
Barely able to move my head
I am only a wounded bird
My songs will come back to me
They live in my heart and mind
Your voice came to me in a dream
The sweetness of it reminded me of candy
Hours of pleasure without sickness
Just a constant sugar rush of adrenaline
Can you please come and love me
I will not ask more than you can give
You might find me useful enough
For long conversations about this and that
I am a wounded bird
Nothing would fix me better than you
Rise out of your ocean of blue water
Dry off under my wings and sleep
Soon enough we will both fly
Away from pain and towards blissfulness
I cannot say it will be easy
There is much healing needed on my part
You might be in the same frame of mind
Together we can learn to live right
Without much of our current stresses
Can you please just give it some thought
I am tired of being and thinking alone
Lying here without a tree to call home.
07/10/08
Below are some recent Counting Crows live clips.
"Run past the heather and down to the old road..."
http://youtube.com/watch?v=9PyZI8ncMg4
Omaha (live in Liverpool July 7, well almost all of the song)
"It does not bother me to say this isn't love because if you don't want to talk about it then it isn't love.."
http://youtube.com/watch?v=9PyZI8ncMg4
Anna Begins (live in Belgium July 2)
"There are bodies on the ceiling and they are fluttering their wings..."
http://youtube.com/watch?v=9PyZI8ncMg4
When I Dream Of Michelangelo (live in Liverpool July 7)
Well tonight was an impressive victory by the Blue Jays, they actually swept the Orioles but are still so far behind. Now I am watching the Seinfeld episode about the Kenny Rogers Roaster and its glowing red sign. This might just be the funniest of all their episodes. Good way to end the night.
jr.

"And so it is, just like you said it should be, we'll both forget the breeze, most of the time...."

http://youtube.com/watch?v=8xdO44DJQAQ
The Blower's Daughter by Damien Rice.
A little cooler today with a very nice breeze. I got to see one of my nieces and my nephew. Noah who is four had just been to the doctor's and they think he has been having seizures, so he needs to undergo some more tests. Poor little guy.
"It's a small crime and I've got no excuse..."
http://youtube.com/watch?v=aHW3BTF5pWY
9 Crimes by Damien Rice with Lisa Hannigan.
A quick comment on the recently completed G8 summit, it is irrelevant, a waste of money and I am embarrassed Canada continues to be a part of this massive waste of money. The G8 countries are never able to reach agreements with definite targets, especially on the environment and anything they tell us is just smoke coming out of their asses. Canada's Environment minister John Baird is the worst thing to happen to this country and its chances to improve its environment. Actually he is a product of Stephen Harper, so Harper is the worse. The G8 leaders spend more time having their pictures taken and shouting "Yo's" at each other rather than changing the world.
I wrote something today and it is below.
Our Magical Lives
The disappointment does not always dissipate
When a new day begins with birdsongs and sunlight
I know it should but emotional magic is not my forte
There are no wands to wave and make feelings disappear
Time is our only magician with absolute illusionary power
We are but its puppets living tied to shortening strings
The length of the world is presented to us as a child
Only to be choked away from us as we enter adulthood
Mistakes are made and friendships are formed
Some are repeated until those friendships fade
Leaving us with lessons learned and hearts broken
The real trick to our magical lives is to understand why
Once we are able to identify why we are a certain way
Life becomes a little more simple and manageable
Happiness can grow among the weeds of loneliness
The breeze can easily find us on the hottest of summer’s day
When the July sun tests our patience and our resolve
A quiet room is not a sad room but a reflective room
The disappointment can always be dealt with
Once we are able to understand its origins
None of us are complete failures but imperfect people
Such is the nature of humankind and always will be
Long after we have destroyed our planet and ourselves
There will be no magic to stop this and time will go on
Only it will go on without us like it always has
I cannot measure it and I do not think you can either
Together we must make peace with it or die with it
None of us might ever be touched by a greater force
Though we can always reach out and touch each other
Whether it is with a singular hello or a long conversation
There will always be enough time left as long as we live
For a few words to fall where they have not in a long time
Those mistakes were made and will never change
Those friendships were broken but can form again
Nothing is as it was or as it could ever have been
The simple reality is of what it is and can be
Disappointment might win its share of days
Though as long as we know where to find the breeze
We will never be burnt by things we cannot understand
In each movement of wind there is a voice being carried
Should we become better listeners its message might be heard.
07/09/08
I got a couple of nice emails today which is like getting real mail in the "old" days.
Peace.
jr.

"I want to live and breathe, I want to be part of the human race..."

Close to 40 Celsius today with the humidity. It was nice to get my haircut, not that it is every that long, but short is nice for summer. It finally rained around 7, as it tends to do when it is this humid. The rain has helped slightly as it is 32 now with the humidity.
I am still struggling through Snow by Orhan Pumak and was reading it today while having an Iced Green Tea drink, when a girl was staring at me and came up to say that she had just read the book. I often have the same reaction when I see someone reading a book that I have read, so I found it funny. The following is from it.
"It may not happen in the first instant, but within ten minutes of meeting a man, a woman has a clear idea of who he is, or at least who he might be for her, and her heart of hearts has already told her whether or not she's going to fall in love with him. But her head needs time to understand what her heart has decided. If you ask me, there's very little a man can do at this point except wait for time to take its course. If you really love her, all you have to do is tell her all the beautiful things you feel about her: why you love her, why you want to marry her."
It is still Tuesday, so the countdown is below. The top 100 songs out of 1291 (1 less than last week, I guess I will have to search for new music this week). Radiohead 1 and 2, very early songs in their career, perhaps I am trying to return to my youth. 28 clips below should you want to check out any.
jr.

Top 100 Songs Played This Year On My iTunes Player
1. The Bends by Radiohead (4)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=jaA4lXiqClI
2. Creep by Radiohead (5)
3. You Can't Count On Me by Counting Crows (3)
4. Wonderwall by Oasis (13)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=FAPtTS0TYtU
5. Thinking About You by Norah Jones (3)
6. Boy With A Coin by Iron and Wine (2)
7. Say It To Me Now by Glen Hansard (6)
8. Guaranteed by Eddie Vedder (7)
9. The One I Love by David Gray (8)
10. When I Dream Of Michelangelo by Counting Crows (9)
11. Waiting by City and Colour (10)
12. Have You Ever Seen The Rain? by C.C.R. (11)
13. Supernatural Superserious by R.E.M. (16)
14. Empty by Ray LaMontagne (17)
15. One by U2 (12)
16. Always by Neverending White Lights (15)
17. Love Hurts by Incubus (19)
18. Long Road To Ruin by Foo Figthers (14)
19. Cowboys by Counting Crows (21)
20. Blanket Of Ghosts by Dustin Kensrue (26)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=aKLPhhGfRew
21. Hard Sun by Eddie Vedder (20)
22. Falling Slowly by The Frames (25)
23. Sunday Morning Coming Down (Live) by Johnny Cash (22)
24. Hannah by Ray LaMontagne (18)
25. Calling All Friends by Low Stars (24)
26. When You Were Young by The Killers (23)
27. Everybody Knows by Ryan Adams (34)
28. All The Trees Are Hers by Hawksley Workman (30)
29. Oceanside by The Decemberists (27)
30. Southern Girl by Amos Lee (28)
31. Baby I Love Your Way by Bob Marley (46)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=BvtYZCFy7UE
32. A Long December by Counting Crows (42)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=IZJiqiV-gWo
33. Your Heart Is An Empty Room by Death Cab For Cutie (41)
34. Society by Eddie Vedder (29)
35. NYC by Interpol (31)
36. If I Had Eyes by Jack Johnson (32)
37. Gotta Be Somebody's Blues by Jimmy Eat World (39)
38. Everything by Michael Buble (37)
39. Let It Ride by Ryan Adams (33)
40. Where The Streets Have No Name by U2 (35)
41. You Are My Face by Wilco (55)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=1j2k47bXrgs
42. Hard Candy by Counting Crows (49)
43. Impossible Germany by Wilco (58)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=97IT0-EDTtw
44. Lemon Parade by Tonic (54)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=hK--wLV-RlM
45. The Con by Tegan and Sara (36)
46. My List by The Killers (38)
47. No Sugar Tonight/New Mother Nature by The Guess Who (40)
48. Your Song by Elton John (65)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=buzVBu0bR-w
49. O Valencia by The Decemberists (66)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=kVv8BBt_32M
50. The Hardest Part by Coldplay (48)
51. Hospital Beds by Cold War Kids (43)
52. Diamonds On The Inside by Ben Harper (44)
53. Strawberry Fields Forever by The Beatles (56)
54. No One's Gonna Love You by Band Of Horses (69)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=nBDAZ3lVqVk
55. Michelle by The Beatles (45)
56. Some Surprise by The Cake Sale (Lisa Hannigan + Gary Lightbody) (47)
57. 1492 by Counting Crows (57)
58. The Crane Wife 3 by The Decemberists (70)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=R0J1LumnNlI
59. If You're Gonna Leave by Emerson Hart (50)
60. Mind Games by John Lennon (63)
61. Girl In The War by Josh Ritter (51)
62. You're Always Going Too Soon by Matthew Jay (52)
63. Imitation Of Life by R.E.M. (53)
64. Sing by Travis (84)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=G1f2M5G9KG8
65. Please Be Patient With Me by Wilco (59)
66. Los Angeles by Counting Crows (71)
67. Club Thing by Yoav (87)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=v_GbUWnx7Lk
68. Brown Eyed Girl by Van Morrison (60)
69. You Don't Know How It Feels by Tom Petty (61)
70. Off He Goes by Pearl Jam (81)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=WuJlbRRwzhQ
71. The Great Escape by Patrick Watson (62)
72. Only Love Can Break Your Heart by Neil Young (95)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=dEOnocP-A-0
73. Nuclear Daydream by Joseph Arthur (100)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=FvTP6Rsy5Qw
74. Naked As We Came by Iron and Wine (78)
75. A Time To Be So Small by Interpol (77)
76. Anna Molly by Incubus (76)
77. Almost Lover by A Fine Frenzy (75)
78. The Water by Feist (64)
79. Lying Eyes by The Eagles (74)
80. Catapult (Acoustic) by Counting Crows (67)
81. Here Comes The Sun by The Beatles (NR)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=sUS49XSN6Zs
82. Have You Seen Me Lately? (Acoustic) by Counting Crows (NR)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=UrayFUXg6i8
83. Let It Be by The Beatles (68)
84. Antichrist Television Blues by The Arcade Fire (NR)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=olk8feBYHeg
85. Is There A Ghost? by Band Of Horses (NR)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=tLMTtSfYSm8
86. Miller's Angels by Counting Crows (72)
87. Sleep Don't Weep by Damien Rice (73)
88. So Long, So Long by Dashboard Confessional with Adam Duritz (NR)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=ja6m-zgBorU
89. Talk Shows On Mute by Incubus (NR)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Z2hHRqF5zRM
90. You're Beautiful (Acoustic) by Incubus (79)
91. Chase This Light by Jimmy Eat World (NR)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Nf2S-KeRVJ4
92. Kathleen by Josh Ritter (99)
93. Simple Man by Lynyrd Skynyrd (NR)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=sHQ_aTjXObs
94. My Rights Versus Yours by The New Pornographers (94)
95. Million Faces by Paolo Nutini (80)
96. Alright by Pilot Speed (82)
97. All I Need by Radiohead (NR)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=cdrCalO5BDs
98. Only The Lonely by Roy Orbison (NR)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=YFxbIYF6cmw
99. La Ciegena Just Smiled by Ryan Adams (NR)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=XoLAEHJ___0
100. Elevator Love Letter by Stars (83)

"Lord take me home, to the peaceful valley, down the winding river, to your city, your soul..."

http://youtube.com/watch?v=w4iUAniWHsM
Peaceful Valley by Ryan Adams and The Cardinals.
Warm today, a little too warm. Though the wind did come up late in the day. I spent the late afternoon and early evening visiting my grandparents. Tomorrow is my Grandma's birthday, so I took over a card and a cake for dessert. It was a peaceful afternoon as we set out in their backyard, which is very impressively kept up by them. I find it very tranquil and easy to relax in. The meal was fried chicken strips, potato and egg salad, along with an Oriental garden salad and the black forest cake for dessert.
Earlier in the day, I ran into a friend I hadn't seen in a couple months, it was nice to see her. It is so easy to lose track of people, even those you consider friends.
Rugby or porn, hmm. In New Zealand they got porn instead of rugby. It is a good thing the ruby match itself didn't turn into a porn. For my eyes, at least.
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/080706/koddities/oddity_rugby_new_zealand_porn
"Don't it always seem to go that you don't know what you got till it's gone..."
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Z8rjGB3lR7s
Mr. Jones and Big Yellow Taxi by Counting Crows (O2 Wireless Festival Hyde Park, London, UK July 6, 2008)
"It's a lifetime commitment, recovering the satellites..."
http://youtube.com/watch?v=5XdSYmycaXA
Recovering The Satellites and (almost all of) Perfect Blue Buildings by Counting Crows (Chorzow, Poland June 26, 2008)
Well that is enough for a Monday evening while the breeze cools me after a warm July day, above me a quarter moon looks like it is waiting for something to jump over it and before me solar charged outdoor lights are flashing, from green to blue to red to purple to yellow.
It is not 4:30 am on Tuesday but somewhere, something is perfect.
jr.

Oh, father of the four winds, fill my sails, across the sea of years..."

Kashmir by Led Zeppelin.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=tTaOvzZKRxA
I spent much of the afternoon and early evening at sunfest again. I happened to come upon a friend, his wife and their young child, which was nice and we walked together for awhile. After they left, I found my way to where the music was playing. The first band I heard was called Ragleela (http://www.sunfest.on.ca/artists/20-.php) and they were great, their sound was very Middle Eastern with elements of psychedelia. It was tradition India and Pakistan music that I imagined was the type that had an influence on Led Zeppelin. Therefore the link above to their song Kashmir, a very unique part of India and a beautiful valley. Kashmir has its own colourful history (http://www.jammu-kashmir.com/basicfacts/basics.html).
"Walking in the park just the other day, baby, what do you, what do you think I saw? Crowds of people sitting on the grass with flowers in their hair........"
Misty Mountain Hop by Led Zeppelin.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Hy0MLU5asxs
The next band to take the Centre Stage was called Le Vent Du Nord (http://www.sunfest.on.ca/artists/16-.php) and the crowd really enjoyed them. Performing their French, Irish, Native Canadian influenced music, with a very Celtic flavour, they had the crowd dancing jigs, joining hands and dancing around in one big group. It was really impressive to watch the crowd get into their music. When they were singing I had no idea what they were saying, I should really learn to speak French, it is a part of my country's uniqueness. But even if I didn't know what they were saying, the music had a feel to it. The crowd that formed for them was big and might have approached 1,000. The park was busier today than it was yesterday and it was warmer today than it was yesterday. I can feel the burn on my face and the back of my neck. It is sunfest after all and could possibly have been their most successful so far. It is among my favourite things to experience each year.
It is the diversity of this festival that always reminds me of my own diversity. The things that make me unique, the things that make this city unique and the things that make this country diverse. Music can unite us, for a few hours and for a few hours, we are all one.
jr.

"Let's do some living after we die......"

Wild Horses by The Rolling Stones.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=7hpAX8Q-MaM
I spent the afternoon at Sunfest ( http://www.sunfest.on.ca/) here in Victoria Park. It was a nearly perfect day, the weather was in the mid-twenties, the sky was perfectly clear and blue. This was until a few green balloons being given out to children escaped from their tiny fingers, though it made for a nice sight. The park was very busy and there seemed to be no shortage of vendors selling their goods and food. I bought a beaded necklace and bracelet, there was no shortage of them to choose from. The best part of Sunfest, aside from the scenery, is the music. I stopped and listened to a band from the Dominican Republic called Puerto Plata (http://www.sunfest.on.ca/artists/9-.php), they had people of every age dancing to their music. It was so pleasing to see so many people having fun listening and dancing to music, without having to pay anything for it.
"There's gold in them hills, so don't lose heart, give the day a chance to start..."
Gold In Them Hills by Ron Sexsmith with Chris Martin.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=DncGOPzkAns
Below is today's poem, I didn't write anything yesterday but was easily inspired today for a variety of reasons.
She Danced With Her Father Like A Princess
Vendors crammed Victoria Park
Selling their creations and imitations
The sky was completely clear and blue
Before a few green balloons floated up
Their strings escaping from small fingers
A warm July sun turned trees into Gods
From under one I listened to the band
A sextet representing The Dominican Republic
They easily had the multi-age crowd dancing
Many with their feet bare on the green grass
I noticed her right away like always
There is a palpable attraction to her
Tall and slender, happy and lovely
Curly hair and cute mannerisms
The quietness of knowing she is beautiful
Without the vanity many today exhibit
Classic and wholesome like the music
For the length of an hour it played on
Partners paired and others sashayed
She danced with her father like a princess
Before the last song ended and I left
This poem unwinding itself in my mind
Another moment observed and not lived
Now the sun begins its daily descent
Dark orange against pale blue
A cool breeze blows on my summer skin
The day was better than most lately
Becca’s goodnight kiss warms my heart
There is a lot waiting beyond the horizon
But for now this will have to do
An incomplete description of perfection.
07/05/08
I should have had a camera with me today but my memory is often its own camera. Though you can never really see until you see for yourself. I can only point you in the right direction.
john.