Episode #22 of This Is Toronto is now available!!!
The story of Toronto goes back 11,000 years. However, there is no museum dedicated to our city's history. The Toronto Museum Project hopes to change that.
www.thisistorontopodcast.blogspot.com
NEXT EPISODE: Apr. 9, 2010
Friday, March 26, 2010
Friday, March 12, 2010
#VoteTO
Episode #21 of This Is Toronto is now available!!!
This latest edition features #VoteTO, a venue where people can offer ideas for the city and discuss the upcoming Municipal Election.
www.thisistorontopodcast.blogspot.com
NEXT EPISODE: Mar. 26, 2010
This latest edition features #VoteTO, a venue where people can offer ideas for the city and discuss the upcoming Municipal Election.
www.thisistorontopodcast.blogspot.com
NEXT EPISODE: Mar. 26, 2010
Sunday, February 21, 2010
CBC: Telefilm Wants US Stars in Canadian Films
Got a bit of a shock in the last day or so.
Details here: http://www.cbc.ca/arts/film/story/2010/02/20/telefilm-rules-change.html
Personal opinion time.
I've said it elsewhere, so I may as well say it here: Michel Roy committed an act of rudeness and contempt by wanting this rules change at all, never mind saying so publicly. One of the main points of Telefilm Canada - from where this Canadian sits, at least - is to build up and promote the homegrown talent base for a domestic motion picture industry. That talent base includes the actors, and it occurs to me that we've built it up considerable in spite of past mistakes.
Now, Mr. Roy's proposing to set that talent base aside for supporting roles only?
No, thank you, sir. If we're funding made-in-Canada movies, then we want Canadian talent for lead actors.
(Mind you, I'll certainly make allowances for US actors deciding to make permanent, full-time homes here, particularly the ones who find our films more interesting to work on than anything they've done back in the States. I've heard of a few of those hanging around, and am glad of such company!)
Details here: http://www.cbc.ca/arts/film/story/2010/02/20/telefilm-rules-change.html
Personal opinion time.
I've said it elsewhere, so I may as well say it here: Michel Roy committed an act of rudeness and contempt by wanting this rules change at all, never mind saying so publicly. One of the main points of Telefilm Canada - from where this Canadian sits, at least - is to build up and promote the homegrown talent base for a domestic motion picture industry. That talent base includes the actors, and it occurs to me that we've built it up considerable in spite of past mistakes.
Now, Mr. Roy's proposing to set that talent base aside for supporting roles only?
No, thank you, sir. If we're funding made-in-Canada movies, then we want Canadian talent for lead actors.
(Mind you, I'll certainly make allowances for US actors deciding to make permanent, full-time homes here, particularly the ones who find our films more interesting to work on than anything they've done back in the States. I've heard of a few of those hanging around, and am glad of such company!)
Friday, February 12, 2010
Radio Royal York
Episode #19 of This Is Toronto is now available!!!
This latest edition features Radio Royal York, a website and podcast that takes listeners behind the scenes at the Royal York and highlights the hotel's green action plan.
www.thisistorontopodcast.blogspot.com
NEXT EPISODE: Feb. 26, 2010
This latest edition features Radio Royal York, a website and podcast that takes listeners behind the scenes at the Royal York and highlights the hotel's green action plan.
www.thisistorontopodcast.blogspot.com
NEXT EPISODE: Feb. 26, 2010
Tuesday, February 09, 2010
Tuesday, October 06, 2009
Marc Garneau Plus 25 - A Quick Comment
So...I hear his first spaceflight was a quarter-century ago yesterday! At least, according to these sources:
http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2009/10/05/tech-space-garneau-anniversary.html
http://spaceref.ca/missions-and-programs/canadian-space-agency/canada-celebrates-25-year-of-human-presence-in-space.html
You'd think Canada Post would've done at least a commemorative issue, yes?
Apparently not from my quick investigation at the Sparks Street postal office this morning.
http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2009/10/05/tech-space-garneau-anniversary.html
http://spaceref.ca/missions-and-programs/canadian-space-agency/canada-celebrates-25-year-of-human-presence-in-space.html
You'd think Canada Post would've done at least a commemorative issue, yes?
Apparently not from my quick investigation at the Sparks Street postal office this morning.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Only some things change.
Today's society is an ever changing and evolving one to say the least. Technology has improved to the level where a lazy person can have an affair without leaving the comfort of their recliner. Simply click, chat, and tell lies..about how good you look and how tall you are, and how single (although your wife doesn't know that) you are--just looking for love with the help of the kind folks that allow you to pay for your cable, house phone, and Internet on the same bill. Oh... the uses for technology.
Here we live in a time where putting a man on the moon has been replaced by now we can can buy a seat on the shuttle. And to think that just forty years ago a Black woman was arrested for refusing to give up her seat on a bus. Can I get a...whoa technology! Human beings have come so far that if your co-worker whom occupy the cubicle next to you is talking too loud and disturbing your "office time net surfing," all you have to do is...send them an e-mail. Think about it...your grandparents couldn't do that. Not unless you're related to the Jetsons.
Man oh man. Who needs to worry about staying home by the phone waiting for your beloved to call? You have a phone in your purse, on your hip and even in your ear. If that's not enough and you don't want to hear his voice--send him a text message. And who said folks don't read anymore?
How about this one? People are now afforded the great opportunity to call a company and have a lifeless voice prompt them to push multiple numbers until another soul less voice says, "I'm sorry your call can not be completed at this time..." Oh... the wonders of technology. It's so good that cloning isn't a thing of science fiction, it's real, very real. Anyone looking to find themselves? Give it a few years, you might just run into yourself as you race for the space shuttle that will drop you off on Mars so you can watch the NBA's newest franchise. You haven't lived until you've seen a three foot green dude dunk a ball.
But, with all the changes in the world and the many new gadgets coming out almost daily, there's one thing that won't ever change. People still want, need and strongly desire to be loved and appreciated. So put down the remote, the interactive video game, the cell phone that does everything but your hair and go to your wife, husband, mother, father or whomever you may care for and remind them that no matter the changes in this world and the distance that they create...tell them how much you love and appreciate them.
Here we live in a time where putting a man on the moon has been replaced by now we can can buy a seat on the shuttle. And to think that just forty years ago a Black woman was arrested for refusing to give up her seat on a bus. Can I get a...whoa technology! Human beings have come so far that if your co-worker whom occupy the cubicle next to you is talking too loud and disturbing your "office time net surfing," all you have to do is...send them an e-mail. Think about it...your grandparents couldn't do that. Not unless you're related to the Jetsons.
Man oh man. Who needs to worry about staying home by the phone waiting for your beloved to call? You have a phone in your purse, on your hip and even in your ear. If that's not enough and you don't want to hear his voice--send him a text message. And who said folks don't read anymore?
How about this one? People are now afforded the great opportunity to call a company and have a lifeless voice prompt them to push multiple numbers until another soul less voice says, "I'm sorry your call can not be completed at this time..." Oh... the wonders of technology. It's so good that cloning isn't a thing of science fiction, it's real, very real. Anyone looking to find themselves? Give it a few years, you might just run into yourself as you race for the space shuttle that will drop you off on Mars so you can watch the NBA's newest franchise. You haven't lived until you've seen a three foot green dude dunk a ball.
But, with all the changes in the world and the many new gadgets coming out almost daily, there's one thing that won't ever change. People still want, need and strongly desire to be loved and appreciated. So put down the remote, the interactive video game, the cell phone that does everything but your hair and go to your wife, husband, mother, father or whomever you may care for and remind them that no matter the changes in this world and the distance that they create...tell them how much you love and appreciate them.
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
Transit, Ages, the City and the Future - A Happy Ending
Sometimes, the song lyrics are proven wrong in a happy way: you not only get what you want, but it's also exactly what you need.
Case in point? This morning at Ottawa City Hall.
The age limit on qualifying for student-rate bus passes is dead. To the last man and woman on city council, they repealed that ill-considered age limit of 27 in the name of economics and equity.
Last week, the Ottawa Transit Committee took the recommendation of the Pedestrian and Transit Committee to drop that age limit into the dumpster and ran with it. Unanimously. Given how the eight members of that committee tend to get on as a rule, you can guess how deeply the responses from the public at that committee hearing got to them.
At the full-council hearing, the Transit Committee's recommendation was put forth by committee chair Alex Cullen. There was some brief debate and comments by several councillors about assorted aspects of the topic before "ayes and nays" were called for.
In the end, council was as unanimous as the transit committee. Cullen had warned the people in the gallery last week that they had eight on the council in hand, and needed ten more to get the rule overturned. I suspect the students and their allies took that advice to heart.
Happy ending.
Case in point? This morning at Ottawa City Hall.
The age limit on qualifying for student-rate bus passes is dead. To the last man and woman on city council, they repealed that ill-considered age limit of 27 in the name of economics and equity.
Last week, the Ottawa Transit Committee took the recommendation of the Pedestrian and Transit Committee to drop that age limit into the dumpster and ran with it. Unanimously. Given how the eight members of that committee tend to get on as a rule, you can guess how deeply the responses from the public at that committee hearing got to them.
At the full-council hearing, the Transit Committee's recommendation was put forth by committee chair Alex Cullen. There was some brief debate and comments by several councillors about assorted aspects of the topic before "ayes and nays" were called for.
In the end, council was as unanimous as the transit committee. Cullen had warned the people in the gallery last week that they had eight on the council in hand, and needed ten more to get the rule overturned. I suspect the students and their allies took that advice to heart.
Happy ending.
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
Transit, Ages, the City and the Future
Seems a generic title, and it is. I grant you that right now. But there’s a point to the mundanity which we’ll get to right now: I spent this particular morning at Ottawa City Hall, watching the presentations to and deliberations of the city’s Transit Planning Committee.
At issue this particular morning was the matter of a new policy begun this budgetary year at OC Transpo with the result being that if you want a student-priced bus pass, you’d better be age 27 or under or you might as well forget it.
Yes, I know: students don’t always start post-secondary education at 18, and they don’t always finish with a degree or diploma or certificate in hand before they hit 27.
Well, there were fifteen presentations from assorted interest groups and individual citizens at this meeting on that particular subject. To the last man and woman, with their own specific concerns in play, they all had variants of the same reply to this policy: you forget it. We can’t afford this. The city can’t afford this. The country and the planet cannot afford this.
For assorted reasons - budgetary for the individual students and their families, legal and budgetary(for different reasons) for the city, environmental(and possibly other aspects as well) for the nation and planet - they were all of them absolutely right to say this to City Hall in my eyes.
To their credit, with some caveats to varying degrees, the city transit committee agreed with that logic and they’ll be passing along that recommendation to the full city council. Which is where the crunch comes in. The transit committee is made up presently of eight of some thirty-plus councillors from across the city. The student pass recommendation needs at least another ten councillors onside, preferably from the core, suburban and rural wards.
Yes, there are at least these three factions in play within the full council. It’s a legacy of the shotgun marriage of a merger of cities, towns and a couple of villages that the Ontario legislature pushed through back in the days of Mike Harris and his “Common Sense Revolution”. As a result of that, we have what we now call the City of Ottawa. More on that era of the province’s history has been said by smarter people than myself, so I’m not going into that digression right this moment.
Back on point: the idea that an age-based rule on who qualifies as a student, rather than the definition being rooted in whether or not you’re taking classes full-time, strikes me as nonsensical on its face. I’ve been to community college twice so far, and may yet do so for a third, “hat trick” diploma. In both instances, I attended classes alongside fellow students who would be characterized as “mature” to varying degrees. Certainly, several in each of those two batches of fellow students were over 27.
How many would the disqualification for student pricing on bus passes have made the difference between affording their studies or ploughing onward in some other, possibly more desperate direction for their lives? I heard a figure of somewhere between $200 to $500 over an entire year being bandied about at a couple of points. One month’s groceries or car insurance premiums, it was said.
Another aspect of grabbing one form of cost savings at the expense of some nastier bills being payable down the road: it was mentioned in one of the presentations that the mayor of Saskatoon recently said that making bus passes more affordable for their local student population made a considerable dent in their annual road and highway maintenance expenses.
And as for pollution issues...well, let’s leave that to your imaginations. They’re certainly at least as well informed as my own on the subject by now. Asthma incidence, global climate derangement and so on?
Right.
It was suggested that other cities across Canada are doing this kind of age-based definition of “student” for public transit purposes. If we’re the National Capital here - last we checked, Ottawa still holds that title - then it falls to us as a city to set a better example than everyone else on the map. If we fail in that, then we’d better call the PMO and ask for that referendum on transferring the title and its responsibilities, privileges and landmarks.
Over to you.
 |
| From Photos |
At issue this particular morning was the matter of a new policy begun this budgetary year at OC Transpo with the result being that if you want a student-priced bus pass, you’d better be age 27 or under or you might as well forget it.
 |
| From Photos |
Yes, I know: students don’t always start post-secondary education at 18, and they don’t always finish with a degree or diploma or certificate in hand before they hit 27.
Well, there were fifteen presentations from assorted interest groups and individual citizens at this meeting on that particular subject. To the last man and woman, with their own specific concerns in play, they all had variants of the same reply to this policy: you forget it. We can’t afford this. The city can’t afford this. The country and the planet cannot afford this.
For assorted reasons - budgetary for the individual students and their families, legal and budgetary(for different reasons) for the city, environmental(and possibly other aspects as well) for the nation and planet - they were all of them absolutely right to say this to City Hall in my eyes.
To their credit, with some caveats to varying degrees, the city transit committee agreed with that logic and they’ll be passing along that recommendation to the full city council. Which is where the crunch comes in. The transit committee is made up presently of eight of some thirty-plus councillors from across the city. The student pass recommendation needs at least another ten councillors onside, preferably from the core, suburban and rural wards.
 |
| From Photos |
Yes, there are at least these three factions in play within the full council. It’s a legacy of the shotgun marriage of a merger of cities, towns and a couple of villages that the Ontario legislature pushed through back in the days of Mike Harris and his “Common Sense Revolution”. As a result of that, we have what we now call the City of Ottawa. More on that era of the province’s history has been said by smarter people than myself, so I’m not going into that digression right this moment.
Back on point: the idea that an age-based rule on who qualifies as a student, rather than the definition being rooted in whether or not you’re taking classes full-time, strikes me as nonsensical on its face. I’ve been to community college twice so far, and may yet do so for a third, “hat trick” diploma. In both instances, I attended classes alongside fellow students who would be characterized as “mature” to varying degrees. Certainly, several in each of those two batches of fellow students were over 27.
How many would the disqualification for student pricing on bus passes have made the difference between affording their studies or ploughing onward in some other, possibly more desperate direction for their lives? I heard a figure of somewhere between $200 to $500 over an entire year being bandied about at a couple of points. One month’s groceries or car insurance premiums, it was said.
Another aspect of grabbing one form of cost savings at the expense of some nastier bills being payable down the road: it was mentioned in one of the presentations that the mayor of Saskatoon recently said that making bus passes more affordable for their local student population made a considerable dent in their annual road and highway maintenance expenses.
And as for pollution issues...well, let’s leave that to your imaginations. They’re certainly at least as well informed as my own on the subject by now. Asthma incidence, global climate derangement and so on?
Right.
It was suggested that other cities across Canada are doing this kind of age-based definition of “student” for public transit purposes. If we’re the National Capital here - last we checked, Ottawa still holds that title - then it falls to us as a city to set a better example than everyone else on the map. If we fail in that, then we’d better call the PMO and ask for that referendum on transferring the title and its responsibilities, privileges and landmarks.
Over to you.
Sunday, August 09, 2009
Peacekeepers Day
Did you know that today was Peacekeepers Day?
I'm sorry I got there just as the ceremonies were ending.
What photos I was able to take in this link.
I'm sorry I got there just as the ceremonies were ending.
What photos I was able to take in this link.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Local Podcast Presents 3-part Series on The Spirit of Radio
This Is Toronto, an audio podcast dedicated to Toronto's arts and culture community, is proud to present a three-part series on CFNY - The Spirit of Radio.
During the 1980s, CFNY (now known as 102.1 The Edge) was one of the most popular stations in North America. It prided itself on playing music that could not be heard anywhere else. CFNY was one of the first commercial stations in Canada to play songs from the punk and New Wave movement. The station was also responsible for the creation of the CASBY awards.
This three-part series will take a look back on CFNY and the impact it made on Toronto's airwaves. It features an interview with two CFNY legends: Don Berns and David Marsden. Part one of the series will be released on Friday, July 31 and can be downloaded from This Is Toronto's website: www.thisistorontopodcast.blogspot.com.
The Spirit of Radio schedule
Part one - July 31
Part two - Aug. 14
Part three - Aug. 28
About This Is Toronto
This Is Toronto is an audio podcast that shines a spotlight on the people, places and events that give life to this great city. This Is Toronto does not focus on the "big-ticket" names and occasions. Instead, the program features items that enrich Toronto's cultural atmosphere. New episodes are published on Fridays, once every two weeks. All episodes are about 10-12 minutes in length. This Is Toronto is hosted by Eric Rosenhek.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Open Discussion: Fate and Destiny.
The greatest joy that I receive in writing this blog is the feedback from the readers. Lately people have written to me about fate and destiny. So I thought it would be good to open up some dialogue about the two words.
Do you believe in fate and/or destiny? Would it surprise you to know that the two words share similar definitions? They both are defined as an event (or course of events) that will happen in the future. I'm certain that at some time you may have heard someone say that something or another was fate, and that something or another was destiny. Sometimes the words are used interchangeably and at other times they are used as if they have separate meanings. How do you view the two words?
Let's explore a scenario and you give this some thought: If a person walks in front of an approaching car as he or she walks against the light and is struck down by the car...is it fate? Was it their destiny to be hit by that car on that street at that appointed time or was it simply their own carelessness that led to he or she being hit? In other words...their own fault. Or was it simply a case of, "that was inevitable?" Talk about the mysteries of life.
Ponder that and let me know what you think. I look forward to hearing from you.
Do you believe in fate and/or destiny? Would it surprise you to know that the two words share similar definitions? They both are defined as an event (or course of events) that will happen in the future. I'm certain that at some time you may have heard someone say that something or another was fate, and that something or another was destiny. Sometimes the words are used interchangeably and at other times they are used as if they have separate meanings. How do you view the two words?
Let's explore a scenario and you give this some thought: If a person walks in front of an approaching car as he or she walks against the light and is struck down by the car...is it fate? Was it their destiny to be hit by that car on that street at that appointed time or was it simply their own carelessness that led to he or she being hit? In other words...their own fault. Or was it simply a case of, "that was inevitable?" Talk about the mysteries of life.
Ponder that and let me know what you think. I look forward to hearing from you.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Just for fun...
The National Film Board's celebrating its 70th Anniversary as best they can this year. That celebration includes an outdoor display in front of the Conference Centre. And it includes a still shot from my all-time personal favourite short cartoon produced by any outfit on the planet: "The Cat Came Back".
Monday, July 06, 2009
VIA Rail: One Passenger's Fantasy Map
I had some ideas on what the route map for VIA Rail ought to look like ten years from now. Granted that in several respects - costing out the details surely being among them - it is indeed a fantasy. Nonetheless, the choices made sense to me as I drew them up.
So, for your amusement at the publicbroadcasting.ca blog...
Opinions, anyone?
So, for your amusement at the publicbroadcasting.ca blog...
Opinions, anyone?
Monday, June 15, 2009
Update and words of encouragement.
I want to take this time to thank all you that read this blog (again, because I don't take that for granted) as well as all of you that have e-mailed me and requested an update on my recently released debut novel, "Choices." Sales have exceeded my expectations and the response to say the least has been humbling. Just this Monday 1 June 2009, I was interviewed on 1540 WNWR a radio talk show out of Philadelphia hosted by Janet Powell-Dailey. And the feedback from that show has been tremendous as well.
I sincerely hope that the words contained in this blog from its conception to now can encourage the discouraged, inspire the uninspired, give hope to the hopeless, and an awakening to a slumbered dreamer. Remember...a dream is still a dream, a goal is still a goal and aspiration is still aspiration even if it hasn't come to fruition as of yet. All it takes is pulling it out of the dark, hidden place where that dream, goal or aspiration is waiting to become more than a seed, it wants to become the fruit that feeds a nation.
So my friends, if you have a dream, a goal, or aspirations; please let my words of encouragement speak to the part of the body that has ears to hear. DON'T ALLOW AGE, GENDER, WELL-MEANING FAMILY OR FRIENDS, LOCATION, EDUCATION OR LACK THEREOF, OR ANYTHING ELSE, stop you from fulfilling your GOD-GIVEN PURPOSE.Remember the story of the three men that were given talents and how each handled theirs. Who knows, sitting in front of their computer screen right now could very well be the next great undiscovered artist, or maybe the person that really discovers the cure for cancer. But until you start to live that dream, go after that goal or aspire to do what you really want to do in life, your talent will lay dormant and never have the chance to blossom.
As the old saying goes, "Nothing beats a failure but a try." I tried and no matter what happens after this, no one nor anything can take away the fact that I fulfilled a life-long dream and achieved a goal and became what I've aspired to become...a writer with a published book.You can do it too. One day I want to receive an e-mail from one of you reading this that stepped out on faith and awakened the dream, surpassed the goal and you are aspiring to inspire others with your accomplishments. We all have a story to tell. Be your own biographer. I'm waiting to read it.
I sincerely hope that the words contained in this blog from its conception to now can encourage the discouraged, inspire the uninspired, give hope to the hopeless, and an awakening to a slumbered dreamer. Remember...a dream is still a dream, a goal is still a goal and aspiration is still aspiration even if it hasn't come to fruition as of yet. All it takes is pulling it out of the dark, hidden place where that dream, goal or aspiration is waiting to become more than a seed, it wants to become the fruit that feeds a nation.
So my friends, if you have a dream, a goal, or aspirations; please let my words of encouragement speak to the part of the body that has ears to hear. DON'T ALLOW AGE, GENDER, WELL-MEANING FAMILY OR FRIENDS, LOCATION, EDUCATION OR LACK THEREOF, OR ANYTHING ELSE, stop you from fulfilling your GOD-GIVEN PURPOSE.Remember the story of the three men that were given talents and how each handled theirs. Who knows, sitting in front of their computer screen right now could very well be the next great undiscovered artist, or maybe the person that really discovers the cure for cancer. But until you start to live that dream, go after that goal or aspire to do what you really want to do in life, your talent will lay dormant and never have the chance to blossom.
As the old saying goes, "Nothing beats a failure but a try." I tried and no matter what happens after this, no one nor anything can take away the fact that I fulfilled a life-long dream and achieved a goal and became what I've aspired to become...a writer with a published book.You can do it too. One day I want to receive an e-mail from one of you reading this that stepped out on faith and awakened the dream, surpassed the goal and you are aspiring to inspire others with your accomplishments. We all have a story to tell. Be your own biographer. I'm waiting to read it.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Trudeau Stories: An Open Letter to the Author-Performer
Brooke,
I went to see your show at the National Arts Centre tonight while it was in town as part of the Magnetic North Festival. Wanted very much to stick around for the Q & A session afterwards, but misunderstood what time it was by the time the show itself ended. Thus, my hasty - and stupidly premature - retreat from the room and the Centre. I could rationalize it by way of my side trip into the nearest Running Room for yet another pair of socks, but that just smells...like socks.
Wet socks.
So. Your show. A piece of your life, as you lived it and remembered it. A piece of the life of someone else dearer to many people than some would care to admit, or in some instances, care to tolerate admissions from others. A man who became a friend to you.
A piece of both lives that you cared and worked to share with us.
I won't speak to the technical details of the craft. Others better suited to that have already done this, I'm sure, and some of the people who read this aside from you and I will no doubt link to it in their replies in due course.
For myself, I'll stick to the response of the heart. I laughed straight into asthma attacks, a peril I'll gladly keep facing if it keeps me sane to do so. I teared up more than once, including right at the start with that photo. If you apologize for those moments, ever, I will not forgive you. Not on this side of the grave, anyway.
I think you found the best use I've heard of a Vince Guaraldi Trio recording outside of the Charlie Brown specials to date.
You made me wish I'd been able to count Pierre Trudeau as a friend of my own.
For that, I thank you.
You've reminded us of why, as is said by others, "he haunts us still" and why that haunting can and should be a blessing.
For that also, thank you.
Be well. Prosper if you can.
Note to everyone else reading this: If you're wondering what I'm talking about, take a gander over here.
This was originally posted on my own weblog, On the DEWLine.
I went to see your show at the National Arts Centre tonight while it was in town as part of the Magnetic North Festival. Wanted very much to stick around for the Q & A session afterwards, but misunderstood what time it was by the time the show itself ended. Thus, my hasty - and stupidly premature - retreat from the room and the Centre. I could rationalize it by way of my side trip into the nearest Running Room for yet another pair of socks, but that just smells...like socks.
Wet socks.
So. Your show. A piece of your life, as you lived it and remembered it. A piece of the life of someone else dearer to many people than some would care to admit, or in some instances, care to tolerate admissions from others. A man who became a friend to you.
A piece of both lives that you cared and worked to share with us.
I won't speak to the technical details of the craft. Others better suited to that have already done this, I'm sure, and some of the people who read this aside from you and I will no doubt link to it in their replies in due course.
For myself, I'll stick to the response of the heart. I laughed straight into asthma attacks, a peril I'll gladly keep facing if it keeps me sane to do so. I teared up more than once, including right at the start with that photo. If you apologize for those moments, ever, I will not forgive you. Not on this side of the grave, anyway.
I think you found the best use I've heard of a Vince Guaraldi Trio recording outside of the Charlie Brown specials to date.
You made me wish I'd been able to count Pierre Trudeau as a friend of my own.
For that, I thank you.
You've reminded us of why, as is said by others, "he haunts us still" and why that haunting can and should be a blessing.
For that also, thank you.
Be well. Prosper if you can.
Note to everyone else reading this: If you're wondering what I'm talking about, take a gander over here.
This was originally posted on my own weblog, On the DEWLine.
Thursday, June 04, 2009
New Toronto-themed Podcast Debuts June 5th
Toronto's arts and culture community has a new voice: This Is Toronto, an audio podcast that shines a spotlight on the people, places and events that give life to this great city. This Is Toronto will not focus on the "big-ticket" names and occasions. Instead, the program will feature items that enrich Toronto’s cultural atmosphere.
This Is Toronto will premiere on Friday, June 5, 2009. Episodes will be available off the program's website: www.thisistorontopodcast.blogspot.com. New episodes are published on Fridays, once every two weeks. All episodes will be about 10-12 minutes in length.
This Is Toronto is hosted and produced by Eric Rosenhek. Eric is a freelance journalist and has written for several publications. He's also a former host and producer with CKCU 93.1 FM in Ottawa. An avid podcaster, Eric has produced two other podcasts: The Audio Circus (2006-2008) and FutuRéale Radio (2008-2009).
This Is Toronto will premiere on Friday, June 5, 2009. Episodes will be available off the program's website: www.thisistorontopodcast.blogspot.com. New episodes are published on Fridays, once every two weeks. All episodes will be about 10-12 minutes in length.
This Is Toronto is hosted and produced by Eric Rosenhek. Eric is a freelance journalist and has written for several publications. He's also a former host and producer with CKCU 93.1 FM in Ottawa. An avid podcaster, Eric has produced two other podcasts: The Audio Circus (2006-2008) and FutuRéale Radio (2008-2009).
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Do you know "why?"
A husband of many years walked into the kitchen and noticed that his wife was making corn bread in a frying pan. He asked her why did she make corn bread that way. She responded because her mother did it that way. Curious he went to his mother-in-law and asked why did she make corn bread in a frying pan. She responded because here mother did it that way. Even more curious he went in search of the grandmother and asked her why she made corn bread in a frying pan and she responded, "Because we didn't have an oven."
Isn't kind of amusing that we can watch others do things and without even fully understanding why, we may repeat those same habits, beliefs or ideas in our own lives. We simply do it, because that's how it was always done. We don't question the "why" or even if it makes good sense in some cases. If it was good enough for them, then... But, was it really good enough for them, or did they also fall into the mindset of, "Repeated Generational Behavior."
In the above anecdote, the "why" belonged to the grandmother. She had a good reason for doing what she did and a clear understanding of why she did it. Through observation, the daughter and the mother repeated the behavior without questioning the validity of the behavior. From one watching the other, over time that behavior became one that was repeated from one generation to the next.
Now it would be great if all repeated behavioral patterns were as simple and tasty as corn bread. However in most cases it's not. Many of us go through life repeating behavior that we don't truly understand. You too may be making corn bread in a frying pan. Not that it's anything wrong with doing so, however would it be a bad thing to take the time to find out "why?" Not all behavioral patterns were meant to be nor should they be repeated.
Doesn't it make sense to know why you take the time and energy to do something other than to simply go through life doing things just because someone else did it that way?
Isn't kind of amusing that we can watch others do things and without even fully understanding why, we may repeat those same habits, beliefs or ideas in our own lives. We simply do it, because that's how it was always done. We don't question the "why" or even if it makes good sense in some cases. If it was good enough for them, then... But, was it really good enough for them, or did they also fall into the mindset of, "Repeated Generational Behavior."
In the above anecdote, the "why" belonged to the grandmother. She had a good reason for doing what she did and a clear understanding of why she did it. Through observation, the daughter and the mother repeated the behavior without questioning the validity of the behavior. From one watching the other, over time that behavior became one that was repeated from one generation to the next.
Now it would be great if all repeated behavioral patterns were as simple and tasty as corn bread. However in most cases it's not. Many of us go through life repeating behavior that we don't truly understand. You too may be making corn bread in a frying pan. Not that it's anything wrong with doing so, however would it be a bad thing to take the time to find out "why?" Not all behavioral patterns were meant to be nor should they be repeated.
Doesn't it make sense to know why you take the time and energy to do something other than to simply go through life doing things just because someone else did it that way?
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Disclaimer
I apologize that the excerpt placed on this site came out with errors. In reviewing the post those symbols were not visible until after I published the piece. In my haste to share, I obviously made a mistake.
Excerpt from recently released debut novel: Choices
The following is an excerpt from my recently released debut novel, "Choices" available at fine bookstores and on my website, www.wgranvillebrown.com
Prologue
The meeting took place in an out-of-the-way nondescript motel so deep in no-man’s land, the ancient woman who checked them in quickly forgot doing so.
“Are you kidding me? Why are we meeting in a dump like this?”
“A place is more than its appearance.”
“Well this place appears to be a dump.”
“You have always failed to appreciate the beauty of what I’ve created.”
“Ha ha. Let’s not forget you also created the flip side where I prosper.”
“There once was a man who threw a gold coin into the air with the intention of allowing the side it landed on determine his fate.”
“What in the…”
“Patience my son.”
Immediately a sense of peace and light filled the dim, dingy lit room.
“My fault, please continue.”
“Momentarily he was distracted and took his eyes off the descending gold coin. It bounced off his outstretched palm and rolled through a crack in the floor, lost forever.”
“So what happened?”
“I don’t know. Someone changed the channel.”
“Oh so you got jokes. And people think you don’t have a sense of humor.”
“Laughter is medicine for the soul, my son.”
“Yes it is. Where I reside we laugh often at how easy our job has become. In days gone by it was a little more difficult to get someone to denounce you; now let them miss the last digit on a lottery ticket after they prayed for a winner and bam. I have a new convert.”
“You have always underestimated the faith of my children.”
“With all due respect, I think you overestimate the faith of your children.”
“An argument for another time. I see you have been quite busy lately.”
“We all have our cross to bear. No pun intended.”
“No offense taken, my son. Now have you considered my faithful servants?”
“Ah, yes the young married couple in Philadelphia. I’ve been keeping track of them for some time, especially since the husband has stopped attending church regularly. I feel that they are ripe for the picking though you have blessed them greatly. However, as I am notorious for saying, remove your hedge of protection from them and they will surely curse you.”
“Behold all they have in is your power. Only do not touch them.”
“Including their relationship?”
“Yes.”
“Why am I dealing with them as one?”
“Because what I have put together let no man divide.”
“Consider it done. I will prove to you that the faith you have in your people is far greater than the faith they have in you.”
“Are you kidding me? Why are we meeting in a dump like this?”
“A place is more than its appearance.”
“Well this place appears to be a dump.”
“You have always failed to appreciate the beauty of what I’ve created.”
“Ha ha. Let’s not forget you also created the flip side where I prosper.”
“There once was a man who threw a gold coin into the air with the intention of allowing the side it landed on determine his fate.”
“What in the…”
“Patience my son.”
Immediately a sense of peace and light filled the dim, dingy lit room.
“My fault, please continue.”
“Momentarily he was distracted and took his eyes off the descending gold coin. It bounced off his outstretched palm and rolled through a crack in the floor, lost forever.”
“So what happened?”
“I don’t know. Someone changed the channel.”
“Oh so you got jokes. And people think you don’t have a sense of humor.”
“Laughter is medicine for the soul, my son.”
“Yes it is. Where I reside we laugh often at how easy our job has become. In days gone by it was a little more difficult to get someone to denounce you; now let them miss the last digit on a lottery ticket after they prayed for a winner and bam. I have a new convert.”
“You have always underestimated the faith of my children.”
“With all due respect, I think you overestimate the faith of your children.”
“An argument for another time. I see you have been quite busy lately.”
“We all have our cross to bear. No pun intended.”
“No offense taken, my son. Now have you considered my faithful servants?”
“Ah, yes the young married couple in Philadelphia. I’ve been keeping track of them for some time, especially since the husband has stopped attending church regularly. I feel that they are ripe for the picking though you have blessed them greatly. However, as I am notorious for saying, remove your hedge of protection from them and they will surely curse you.”
“Behold all they have in is your power. Only do not touch them.”
“Including their relationship?”
“Yes.”
“Why am I dealing with them as one?”
“Because what I have put together let no man divide.”
“Consider it done. I will prove to you that the faith you have in your people is far greater than the faith they have in you.”
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