rest well, penny.

 Still around. 2013 seems to be rushing by faster than previous years. It's February already? The days are going much faster it seems, which means trying to fit in more work with less hours. Be it as it may, I'm able to  sit down now and play catch up. On this site, on e-mails. On notes to friends. On eating. It's a wonderful feeling when you're able to enjoy a meal instead of gobbling it all down within minutes so you can cross off a few more items on the To Do list.

I woke up this morning learning about the passing of the Penny. I know it has saved me a bunch of times from breaking a bill. It's been a good, useful  friend. I hope you rest well, little buddy.  Trust you too were humming that Beatles tune, too today.

All together now,

"Penny Lane...."

rest well, koch

When I first heard the news about Ed Koch passing away, I wasn't going to post it. I didn't even know him. I later found out he was the colorful, outspoken New York Mayor for the later part of the 70s and most of the 80s. I then heard that filmmaker Neil Barsky released a new documentary about Koch today. "It's an insane, surreal day", Barsky told Time.

Checked the trailer. The Documentary looks good. Maybe I will watch it and learn about the late Mayor I didn't know anything about this morning.

Rest Well, Sir. Hope to get to know you better, soon.

well played, sun. well played.

rip conrad bain

a second in time.

don't blame the djs

Growing up listening to Top40 radio, I was privileged enough to hear some of the greatest bits on CFTR, CHUM, and other local outlets. Our pal, Tom Rivers, did the legendary Call of the Day. Jesse and Gene joked with listeners on Q, 'TR and AM640.  These are some of the examples how I feel in love with The Theater of the Mind. I would look forward to these skits on the radio to make me laugh. To Entertain Me. The tunes were a backdrop. It were these bits that made me listen.

Prank calls' on radio have been around for as long as I can remember. Pulling pranks on folks have been something that's been apart of  the appeal of radio. 

Who can forget Mike Coopers April Fools Day classic back in the 70s that got everyone thinking the jock was shot on air? 

When 2Day FM presenters, Mel Greig and Michael Christian, called King Edward VII's Hospital to see if they could find out the latest on a pregnant Kate Middleton, they were doing the same thing that Rivers, Jesse and Gene and many other DJs have been doing for eons. They were trying to have fun with a topical issue using an overdone radio sketch. Using bad voices mimicking The Queen and Prince Charles, they got more information that they really wanted. Or called for. Like with most DJs who do such bits, they thought they'd be hung up on thus having the joke on them. However it didn't work out that way. And it would later end in tragedy. 

But Don't Blame the DJs. 

They were doing their job. They pulled off a brilliant piece of parody radio. They never thought that it would end like this. 

It's natural for humans to want to point fingers We have to look at the masses over obsession with The Royals. We have to look at the protocol that the hospital obviously never set in place in regards to phone calls like these when a Royal visits. Most importantly, we have to look at Mental Health issues some face and how it can also harm innocent bystanders. 

Let's carry on with heavy hearts and think of the real issues. Let's not make this unfortunate circumstance end    laughter on the radio. 

ford is out!

Breaking News: Toronto Mayor, Rob Ford has been found guilty of Conflict of Interest and has been ordered to vacate his seat.

read the news today...

Newsweek has folded its pages for the final time. It broke this week that the magazine staple for the past 60 years will be focusing solely on digital space. The last print edition in the U.S. will be the December issue. On New Years Eve, in fact. While Newsweek was always a good read before getting your teeth pulled or that dreadful needle, it also played a huge part in my traveling. Whether it was on a plane or a train or an automobiles, the magazine was better company that Steve Martin and John Candy with Thanksgiving dinner getting cold in the backseat. Thank you for the pages full of good memories, Newsweek. You'll be missed.

rip henry hill

The basis behind my favorite Mob movie, Henry Hill was a Goodfella. Might just watch the movie for the millionth time tonight in his honor. Here's a documentary I found on the Tube about his colorful life.

obama's road.

Like the playoffs of any sport, I don't really follow anything of the American presidential race till the nitty-gritty. It's coming up soon. Here's a brand new short documentary of Obamaa's reign as the State's top dog.

kony 2012

rip kodak

Thanks for the memories had. The moments captured.
Full story here.

the homless voice.

Backintheday, when I went downtown a lot and spoke to strangers, and when homeless people were actually homeless and not scamming rich people living down the street in a lush condo, I used to give some of my time speaking to the people on the corner. Threw them some change. Bought them a burger. Pop. Got to know them. Know their story. I always had a soft spot for the kids and the old folk. Especially at this time of year. I know it might be cliche if you grew up in the 90s and had the bombardment of various sitcoms where they spent the holidays feeding the needy, but I always thought I should've given back more. Did my time there and helped serve the grub to the good folks of our city. But I didn't. Remained up north in my nice house. Surrounded by gifts and family love. Be it as it may, this video I found on the Vimeo tonight, pulled a heart string. Maybe I'll make it a point to gather the folks and find a shelter in Michigan to do our part. Oh yeah. Spending the Holidays in The States. More on that later. For now, watch and be thankful..


RICO from Jeremy Snell on Vimeo.

what's going on...

Suicide and Bullyism has been two topics that have hit me directly in the past couple of years. This video really hit home. Watch and please share...

occupy barcelona..

I know. I'm tired of the whole Occupy thing, too. But I thought I would post this one up because it was just a well done video and showcases another voice. Keep fighting the good fight, Barcelona...
Occupied Barcelona: The Spanish Election Rejection from brandon jourdan on Vimeo.

one percent

The great Maya Angelou speaks about what the world would be like if one percent of the population became complaint free.

suzuki speaks.

One of the better Occupy videos I've seen, the Great David Suzuki speaks the truth during Occupy Montreal.

be true to the fight..

I totally support the Occupy Toronto demonstrations that are going on currently in the city. I agree with their stand and believe as long as they continue to fight in solidarity, it'll be a good fight. However, when I see some of the walkers wearing big brand name clothing and drinking that big corporation's coffee, is when I second think some people's intentions. If you're really against The Man in this one, prove it by boycotting who are you're fighting against. You don't bring a steak to a pro-veggie rally and think the others will whip out the knife with you. Be true to what you're fighting for. Be true to what you believe. Be true to your soul.

debt ceiling

I woke up hungry. I fell asleep by 10pm. I knew this would happen. Always does. Went downstairs and grabbed the leftover chicken sandwich we got at dinner. Went back up stairs and now doing some light reading. On the Debt Ceiling. I feel intransigent. So do my problems. And my worries. And my wallet However, speaking of the wallet. I do feel kinda rich. Richer than Him, especially. Amazing.

proud pavement pounder

I'm a proud pavement pounder. Thankfully, with this new ID coming out, I have a license to do so. Thank you Big Guy up there. Now i have an ID that will work at the dirty movie place No more being denied due to the ` No Health Cards Accepted' rule..