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So I am finally moved into my new digs. A whole lot of boxes are around me, and a good portion of my old life is either in a box, a bag or by the curb. It's also a new experience to live with someone, especially after almost ten years in the wilderness. Things like keeping the toilet seat down are things I need to learn to do. It's a strange new adventure, but it's definitely worth it. I have reached a peak of happiness with another human being I thought would never be possible again. Thank God for she who loves me. She is an angel who has blessed my life.
I almost cannot concentrate enough to write this. The pain is so great I am finding it hard to focus, but I will try my best. I had a friend of mine called Jenni Marshall. She lived in San Diego. We used to talk endlessly back in the day. Her and I worked for the same company. Once she came to town for training, and we spent the night, laughing, sipping wine, and just getting to know one another as good friends do. Nothing ever romantic ever occurred, she was someone special to me. I even got some drawings from her daughter Ashley. Then one day the company laid her off. Times were tough around 2002/03 in the industry, and I feared for my friend, especially as a single mother. She was tough though and always optimistic. She could always smile in any adversity and soon she found work at one of our competitors. And she was doing really well. Long after she stopped working for the company we would email and she would always email me and ask when I would come out to San Diego. I always said I would one day. But I always had some excuse. Usually about being too busy or not enough money. Soon the emails became less and less, and we spoke almost no more. Of course, we still communicated once in awhile through mutual friends, but by early 2005, we had lost touch. Our last email was mine telling her about a great girl I just met (who is now soon to be my wife) and asking her about how she was. She was doing okay, and things were really going well for her. Her last line in that last email was “P.S. When you comin to SD?????” It was so typical of Jenni, and was how she ended most of her emails to me. And it was so typical of me to say I was too busy or it was too expensive.
Anyway, fast forwarding to 2008, I am now traveling for work. Actually, I travel a lot. And I was finally making it out to San Diego. I was excited to finally see the city Jenni had sent all those postcards about. I was actually going to see what it was all about. Then the thought crossed my mind it would be cool to see Jenni. As I began to finalize my itinerary for my trip I spoke with Sonia, in the San Diego office. Sonia and Jenni were friends. If anyone had her latest contact details that I knew, it would be her. She also knew I knew Jenni from back in the day. As I asked about Jenni, Sonia went silent. “ Didn’t you hear? Didn’t anyone tell you?” “No, what?” I asked, really surprised by the comment, wondering if Jenni had come back to the company “Jenni’s dead…” Sonia said drifting off “What? Oh My God” It hit me like a punch in the stomach. I began to tear up as Sonia told me the story. Poor Jenni, at the age of 34, had died from complications while giving birth to her baby daughter just 5 weeks earlier. I couldn’t really take it all in. It was like I just saw her yesterday. I sadden by the news, and could not concentrate for the rest of the day. When I got off the phone, I looked it up and there it was in the obituaries online: “JENNIFER ELIZABETH MARSHALL May 10, 1973-Jan. 5, 2008: Jennifer Elizabeth Marshall, 34, of Chula Vista died Saturday…..” I printed a copy of it and posted it on my cubicle wall. It’s a reminder about why you need to make the most out of every day and never make excuses. It sounds simple enough, but it’s easy to get caught up in things and forget to take the necessary time. I thank her for one last lesson and the reminder to practice it ever day. And as much as time has passed, I know Jenni will be up there smiling when I finally get to San Diego. I just wish I had made it sooner. Rest in peace. I’ll miss you. So the rumours are true! I'm moving. I know hard to believe huh? After 10 years in one place, I'm moving on up to a new, larger place. And not only that, I'm moving sooner than I thought. Hence the free offer of furniture! See the offer at Craigslist! Maybe if don't need a sofa bed or a cabinet you can tell a friend who might!The writers strike is still on as it can be seen in the news if you search. It's actually on the last page of the paper with so many other things right now pushing it from our daily consciousness. I mean Britney Spears takes up at least two pages of coverage, add in some Political primary news, and CNN (and most news outlets) haven't said much about the writers strike in recent weeks. Personally I am tried of it all. I hope they finally get a fair deal and soon. Not because I care if the Oscars happen or not, or if I am stuck watching reruns, but there are the "little" people behind the scenes who are really suffering. The effect will no doubt have an effect on the Canadian film industry, but it's upsetting to know that families are going without because of a couple bucks per DVD. It's time to stop insanity and get a deal done soon....
I guess it's not news by now, but Heath Ledger has been found dead at 28 in an apartment in Soho, NY. It's a pity. Hopefully his soul is now at rest. A little tribute, the video below from a movie where most American's discovered him: "10 things I hate about you". You will be missed Heath. God speed.
Another great tribute It's hard not to smile for a NY Giants fan to not smile at the news: "Tom Brady may have an actual reason to be on the injury report for Super Bowl XLII. Tom Brady's right foot was under wraps yesterday in New York, but he promises he'll be in full uniform for the Super Bowl. Tom Brady's right foot was under wraps yesterday in New York, but he promises he'll be in full uniform for the Super Bowl. The quarterback, who has played in 126 straight games despite being a staple of the injury ledger because of his right shoulder, was photographed in New York City yesterday with what appeared to be a walking boot on his right foot." See the video here
I was looking waiting and hoping for the new year to see U23D at Imax in Montreal, but alas, it seems, we will have to wait until February, while our cousins in Toronto get a chance to see the film. In case you don't know much about U23D, here is the skinny: The film is from footage captured during the South American leg of U2's Vertigo Tour. The film will premiere Jan. 18 at Utah's Sundance Film Festival, and then will hit theaters in select cities Jan. 23, but unfortunately Montreal will not be one of the first. The eventual goal is for the film to be shown "in many of the 1,200-plus theaters around the world equipped with digital 3D projection systems, and will also be seen in IMAX 3D cinemas, which are located in 38 countries,". And from what I understand, Montreal being one of them, in February. ***UPDATE: U23D will be at Theaters in Montreal April 23rd***
"U23D" features the band performing a set that includes hits such as “Pride,” “New Year's Day,” “Sunday Bloody Sunday,” “Streets,” "Vertigo”, “It’s A Beautiful Day,” “Sometimes You Can’t Make It On Your Own,” “Miss Sarajevo,” and “With You or Without You.” More info here The widget below can also take you on a journey: It's coming up to the new year....I have some exciting things coming soon. In the mean time Happy New Years! Please don't drink and drive :)
Sorry I haven't written in a while. I have been engrossed in a new book I am writing. Stay tuned for the details....
In the meantime, merry xmas to all :) ![]() Evel Knievel died Friday of natural causes. Who would have thunk it, after all the crazy stunt he made, and close calls he had. According to the AP, Evel Knievel, had a rough couple of years. "He had been in failing health for years, suffering from diabetes and pulmonary fibrosis, an incurable condition that scarred his lungs. He had undergone a liver transplant in 1999 after nearly dying of hepatitis C, likely contracted through a blood transfusion after one of his many spills. He also suffered two strokes in recent years." Read more about Evel Knievel by AP writer Mitch Stacy here. Below is a tribute to the man and the legend that was the quintessential daredevil. RIP in peace Evel Knievel. Thanks for entertaining us all with amazing real life stunts without the help of tricks, illusions or special effects. I have gotten some mail asking me where Gelareh Darabi from Global's This Morning Live has gone...Simple enough, Tracey Mckee came back from maternity leave and Gelareh Darabi's stint on Montreal TV ended without fanfare. I really liked her on the show. Noforwarding address has been left, sorry to say, but I'm sure she'll land on her feet soon enough. If anyone knows, or hears about her next project, just post a comment below! **** According to The Surburban Gelareh Darabi has headed back to Vancouver. What she will do as of yet, is unknown. We wish her luck! Wow. The title of the post is something I would never have thought I'd write. Terry DiMonte is a Montreal institution, and now the fans of Calgary Q107 will find out why. You can read all the details in this morning's Montreal Gazette. Basically, though, Terry DiMonte has been a voice of morning English radio at one time or another on each of the major flagship stations in Montreal with his side-kick Ted Bird. He was on CJAD 800, Mix96, and his latest stint was on CHOM 97.7. Terry's last day is this Friday. The show starts at 5:30 AM. I know I will be listening. On Monday, Rob Kemp will take his place. As most readers of this blog know, I am a news junkie and I also have a special spot for radio. But, I also must be honest. I have never really been a fan of the CHOM format, but Terry and Ted in the morning was a staple. It was something I could always turn to on the dial in the morning to make the day a little easier to wake up to. I am not so sure how it will feel on next Monday. It will also have a personal impact for me, as it will for others who have had their life touched by Terry DiMonte. My Terry DiMonte moment came without his knowledge back when I was a confused 17 year-old trying to figure out the world. There I was in High School, and Terry DiMonte came to a career fair. He came to speak about careers in the media. I listened so carefully to every word he said. He was a radio god to most teenagers on the hottest station in the city. I can almost remember his speech word for word. He laid it out straight with no sugar coating. A career in media he said" can mean caribou reports from the great North. You have to make sure you have a passion for this type of job". He also reminded us that "Montreal had limited space for English speaking talent" (and back then it was even less)"and it was super competitive". My dreams were dashed a bit, because it was not the glamour and easy career teenagers think most things are. But then again, I was also a stubborn sonofabitch.I graduated that year with a clear vision that Journalism/broadcasting would be hard, but something I wanted to try. The next year I attended John Abbott College (where Terry and Steve Anthony had also gone) and immediately got involved in student media. I joined the student paper, and starting hanging out at the radio station CSKY. I got to meet many people who now dot the media landscape in Canada including "Magic" Merv Williams, Shawn Berry, Mike Desouza, Chris Zanti, among others. Into my last year of CEGEP, I applied to university and with my portfolio and experience easily got into the 2nd year at Carleton Journalism. I was older and wiser now, and Terry's words were still in my ears. It was one thing to mess around while doing a Liberal Arts degree in student media, and a whole different ball game to "major" in broadcasting. It was a step that with a huge self-doubt, no encouragement and possibly some bad advice I decided to forgo the challenge. Fear got the better of me for the first time in my life. So instead of me being on radio or in newsprint, in the fall, I attended McGill. It was one of those moments in life that was pivotal and forever-life changing. Had I taken the path to Ottawa 11 years ago, I would be somewhere completely different. Without giving away what happened next in my life, which isn't so much important as to only say I never went onto a career in media. And the choice I made back then is the direct result of the life I have now. Do I regret it? I'd lie if I said I didn't. There are some nights the questions come fast and furious: What would have happened had I gone away to Carleton? What if I had let my stubbornness ignore those around me telling me I was crazy? And let me be honest and straight. My media college buddies were always very supportive. It was a thought we would be a band of merry brothers for many years to come. I was the only one to opt out and choose a safer path.There are many times I wish I could go back and see what would have happened. But then again, I have a pretty good life right now. Now seeing Terry DiMonte leave brings back all these memories. It's a jolt of sorts. It reminds me of what I had once saw as my dream career. And now Terry also has a different impact on my life. Reading the paper and his comments : "My regret is that I couldn't ride into the sunset in my home town." The man is not afraid of change. He does not settle. I think it happens in life as you get older, to get stuck in a routine and just think "that's how it is". Terry is my hero for not doing that. It's really what I think it takes to be super successful. Taking big chances and big risks lead to big rewards (or colossal failure), but you know where you stand. Most of us, take what we get, and are happy and grab onto it for dear life. Sort of like a squirrel finding an acorn in the winter. I'm quite happy where I am now. This decision by Terry, though, reminds me I am doing the right things in my personal and professional life. Keep the status quo a moving target. Okay, now that I have gotten that out of my system, Terry, I want to thank you for the 23 years of great Radio you have brought to this city. I want to thank you for the great help you have provided to charities, to people in need, for volunteering your time, for speaking at schools (wink) and for being as genuine on the radio as you are in person. Best of luck in Calgary. We'll miss you. *** Bonus Material** Q&A with Terry DiMonte from CHOM's Website. What's the coolest thing about living in Montreal? When you have friends visit Montreal for the first time, what's the one thing you insist they see/do? The first thing I do is give them a personalized driving tour of the city. Must see spots are: up Ste. Catherine, through Old Montreal, along St. Laurent, the Westmount lookout and on to Cosmos in NDG! Favorite Hobby/Pastime? One song that's the anthem to your life? Favorite band and songs growing up? Coolest moment of your radio career so far? If they made a movie about you, what actor would you like to play you? Famous person (living or dead) you'd most like to have dinner with? What's your #1 pet peeve? Whom do you admire the most? Dog or Cats? Wow! It seems this writers strike in Hollywood is getting serious. It's being reported, that NBC has fired all the production people on their hit show “The Office” and Jay Leno’s people may be next on the chopping block. There is also talk of layoffs at other major networks as well over this writers strike. In case you had missed it, here is the "Coles Notes" version (as they say): The Writers Guild of America's (WGA) contract with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers expired Nov. 1, and one of the key issues in negotiations is new media, over how much in residuals should be paid for downloads and whether writers should be compensated when their content is streamed on the Internet. From their perspective, producers today fought back in full page ads telling the public that writers were already paid for new media and a new plan was on the table before the strike. Personally, I think this is really starting to get ugly. Families, movie actors, tv actors and even Broadway actors are joining the strike. In 1988, the last time the WGA went on strike, it lasted 22 weeks and cost the industry 500 millions dollars. There is no doubt in my mind this will be longer and more costly. There is much more at stake this time around.I have been doing lots of reflecting and traveling at the same time. Turning thirty didn't really hit me until now. When you stop moving thoughts actually have a time to catch up. I don't feel old, but at the same time I can't believe how much time has passed. Sadly, there is so much more I had hoped to do by now, and I feel like I am so far away. As you know, if you've read my blog, I am working on a book of poems. Honestly the production has been on hold for a while. I guess it was a lack of inspiration. It's also hard to be inspired, at least for me, when you're "fat and happy" (as the saying goes). I am working on ways to push myself into inspiration, and by once again practicing my writing everyday. Music by far is my greatest inspiration, and listening to music moves me to write. Sometimes I get stalled in daydreams wishing I could play the guitar and turn my poems into songs. It saddens to know I am at a moment in life where I could learn to play guitar, but it will be much harder now that I am older. I once played the guitar, long ago, but I gave it up. Unlike my sister, I had no talent to make music easily, but that does not mean there is not music within me. I am searching for a way to get it out. We'll see what comes out soon. Don't worry, though, whatever is created, I'll be sure to share it with you first :)
Once in a while live television has a gem or two. In the video below, Criss Angel challenges a psychic to a challenge. He refuses.
It's a tough time watching the Habs. The game isn't even past 2 minutes and a goal is scored. I am not a band-wagoner, but it looks like a long season ahead full of painful games.... There are so many things arm chair coaches can say, but for certain, something major needs to happen. We aren't scoring, we're not getting the lucky bounces, we're taking bad penalties and we're not putting away the games when we have the lead. I can only hope this is a slow start. I still believe in the team and that they can squeak into the playoffs, but right now it's looking ugly.....
I don't know if you heard the news. It seems the " This Morning Live" crew won't be smiling much longer. As of April, their show will be canceled according to reports (At least that's what I heard on CJAD late yesterday). That's right. No more Gelareh Darabi or Richard Dagenais in the morning on Global. No more weather from Al Dubois or Lesley Robinson. Cereal won't taste the same! I just can't believe it. What will I watch now to get started in the morning? Canada AM sucks, and CNN doesn't have any local news. Crap. A seven year habit now comes to an end easily. I guess I better enjoy things as long as I can! More info about the layoffs here.So I cannot tella lie. I am happy hockey is back. I am also glad no matter where I am, I can catch hockey audio on the radio. But I cannot lie, my hope for the Habs this season is great. I think they can go all the way with some luck, and I hope they do, but a little prayer never hurts. This is the inspiration for the below poster.
![]() Good luck Habs! My brain has been racing. I've been mostly trying to figure out how to fit in hundreds of things I want to do in the limited time I have. I just never feel like I have enough time to write or read. I am always on the go....Actually, I don't even have time to finish this post. I've got to go...
Have you seen the ad below? I'm sure you have!
Maybe you're like me and have the lyrics stuck in the head... One Two Three Four Tell me that you love me more Sleepless long nights That is what my youth was for Old teenage hopes are alive at your door Left you with nothing but they want some more Oh, you're changing your heart Oh, You know who you are Sweetheart bitterheart now I can tell you apart Cosy and cold, put the horse before the cart Those teenage hopes who have tears in their eyes Too scared to own up to one little lie Oh, you're changing your heart Oh, you know who you are One, two, three, four, five, six, nine, or ten Money can't buy you back the love that you had then One, two, three, four, five, six, nine, or ten Money can't buy you back the love that you had then Oh, you're changing your heart Oh, you know who you are Oh, you're changing your heart Oh, you know who you are Oh, who you are For the teenage boys They're breaking your heart For the teenage boys They're breaking your heart Well by now, don't you think it's time to know who sang it? It's a gal called Feist, see her original music video before Apple made her a star below! After my quick Apple iPod Touch review yesterday, there is good news to Apple Fans in Canada! Future Shop Canada is now taking pre-orders on the Apple iPod Touch. According to their website, they have 144 remaining so far (on the 8GB, and 148 on the 16GB). Estimated release date is October 4, 2007. Price is 329.99 for Apple iPod Touch 8 GB, and $449 for Apple iPod Touch 16GB.Best Buy Canada also has there Apple iPod Touch pre-order page up. Apple 8GB iPod Touch As of this moment they only have 99 remaining Price is 329.99 Apple 16GB iPod Touch As of this moment they only have 50 remaining Price is 449.99 Looks for now like it will be same price all over Canada.... Happy Shopping! As I write there are boxes of Apple iPod touch’s on their way to a Best Buy or Future Shop near you. And now that the dust has finally settled from the announcements last night (from Steve Job’s and the Apple team), it’s time to really examine this newest offering from Apple. No hype just the facts. I should preface by saying I do not use Apple products, but if ever I was , the Apple iPod touch is the one the one that tempts me most. I don't personally have any issue with Apple. Actually, I learnt how to use computers with one back in the 1980's. I was a computer nerd at computer camp. And it was the Apple II all the way. In my personal life, however, my first choice even in 1986 was a Commodore 64. Anyway, back to the Apple iPod touch. I have used many wifi enabled MP3 type devices, so I come with some experiences and knowledge of what to look for. I base this on my use of the Archos 604 Wifi and a Dell Axim. First off, the complaint about lack of hard disk space by many about the Apple iPod Touch is misdirected. Sure it's only available in 8GB or 16GB versions, but that is to be expected. Steve Jobs did not say it, because it was assumed , I guess that people would realize that the Apple iPod touch is a flash based device, not like the "new" (old) iPod Classic. The simple fact is this,t he reason the iPod Touch “only” goes up to 16 gigs. The largest flash memory (and is not yet commercially available at this time) is only 32 gigs. Apple could not fit an actual hard drive in the iPod touch, so until the flash technology catches up, there is no point in groaning about it.Parts of me is excited, as well, that the iPod touch is not being limited to the United States like the iPhone. I cannot lie, this left me with a bit of jealously. I love those type of tech gadgets and would have loved to see one in action. And it's also highly unlikely that any player in the Canadian Cellular industry (including Rogers) will allow the iPhone here. Atleast not until they do something about the cost of wirless access. A similar plan of 50$/month our American friends have from AT&T via Apple would be 200/months here. In short, don't bet the farm on iPhone coming to Canada anytime soon. Thank goodness for the Apple iPod Touch. Okay so now with some praise comes the questions/concerns/points to consider: 1- Why is there no stylus? I see that Steve Jobs is able to type on the Apple iPod Touch, but let's be honest, unless you have small fingers, typos are sure to be abound. Trust me, you'll need one. 2- Wifi is nice but... I have Wifi devices and know lots of other users You know what the biggest issue most people have with Wifi. It's not usually connectivity. It's not being able to play file types. Think about this. If you wanted to watch the keynote address from yesterday on the Apple iPod Touch could you? What about streaming audio from you favourite online radio station to follow the NY Giants or Boston Red Sox? Peple complain the Apple iPod Touch has no games, but if it can read flash files, you can play a thousand different games. 3- Do you really want your credit card in a phone? I assume if you wish to access the new Apple iPod Touch Wifi itunes store you need to load your credit card. Is that something you really want on your phone. What if your kids decide to download a whole bunch of stuff, or it's stolen? What about downloading music from other "non-iTunes" sources? Can you escape the Apple shpere? 4-Still no radio? Okay so there might not be a streaming audio the way you want, but what about at least a radio? Sometimes you might not have wifi, but you still want the news, sports or weather. You're out of luck. 5- Price cuts You knew this was coming. Good on Apple for now pricing the Apple iPhone the right way. Too bad it wasn't done at the start. You could see on Steve Jobs face it hurt to give that price reduction, but it will hurt Apple even more. Just look at the beating the stock took since the announcements: People, don't like finding out they paid $200 to much, or for that matter an oboslete product (RIP iPhone 4GB). The Apple iPod Touch is 299.00 USD for 8GB and 399.00 for 16GB. Do you want to buy one only to see it get knocked down by $100 in a month. If cool and being first is your game, go for it, but most people won't. I think it's left a bad taste for everyone to see such "discounts". No one wants to be seen as overpaying in a culture crazy about the best deals. Nevertheless, I must commend Steve Jobs in realizing this quickly by offering 100$ in store credit to early iPhone users in an open letter late today. Most companies don't care about their customers. A take it or leave it approach of arrogance is not Apple's style. The question, is it too late for the general population who might not hear about this program?Conclusion: So here's what I suggest. Go to an Apple Store. You can find them at their website here: www.apple.com and play with the Apple iPod touch. Ask yourself: Does it meet your needs? Do you need a stylus or even care that you cannot listen to streaming audio? Personally I do. This is what I would use it for. Nevertheless, from what I saw, the Apple iPod touch has a lot going for it. Steve Jobs has shown he takes care of his customers, even when they do a price reduction. If you have the money I would think it's worth it. Just look at comparable devices. For example look at the Samsung 4GB MP3 Player With Bluetooth (YP-T9BAB). Best Buy lists this at $189.00 CAD. I have one. It's great. Now imagine double the space and add wifi, it's a steal at 329 CAD... In this case Apple iPod touch is a super deal. It would also, I think, also make a great stocking stuffer for the techie in your life. Personally, I'm going to wait for generation 2, and see if some of my wish list comes true :) Happy listening! It's a sad day. The owner of Montreal's Comedy Nest, Ernie Butler has passed away at age 58, after a brief battle with stomach cancer. Ernie leaves behind his lovely wife Marie and three children. He will be sadly missed by one and all. Not only for the laughs and great comedy (including his radio show on CJAD), but all the great community work he did. "Comedy for a Cause" was a great venue for organizations to bring laughs and raise money (and thankfully continue). Ernie's support and care in getting involved will sadly be missed. The comedy club is closed this week for mourning. But, in accordance with Ernie's wishes, shows will resume next week. Thanks again for the laughs Ernie, we'll miss you. |
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