Lazyfeed

Just found this great site: http://www.lazyfeed.com/about Are you using it? If you haven't already, try it out! Its simple to use, but very addictive!! As always, let me know what you think.

Changing Tides

The holiday season is here and it seems busier than ever (at least to me, anyway), but even with this mad rush it is important to stop and give back to those less fortunate than you. So, in the spirit of the season, I have decided that it is time to do just that. Please join me in helping to raise money for Plan's "Clean Water" program. I don't have to tell you how important access to clean water is, though I will say that Plan's work is invaluable in pioneering new water programs that enrich community lives around the world. Answer the call. Donate to the cause and, please, spread the word. Thank you.

Donate to: Changing Tides

Plan Canada Inc.

Tomorrow Today by Danny Echo

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As The Snow Falls

Today marked the first snow fall of the season!! We made it through last month as a no-snow-November. This hasn't happened since 1933, they say. Fortunately for me the snow didn't stay because, clearly, I wasn't ready for it.

Unlike, the large, beautiful snowflakes one dreams about (when they don't have to be out and about in it), today's snow was wet, cold and miserable. Adding to this misery was the fact that my boots didn't fit when I tried them on this morning and while rushing out the door, I left my umbrella at home. You can imagine that when I arrived at work I had soaked hair, feet and jacket. (brrr) By the time I left work, however, the snow and flood-pools had mostly gone.

Right now, I am in de-stress mode, warming at home in my trackpants and hoodie, and listening to "Christmas Chants" by Gregorian. Awesome album. (If your into classical Christmas music, this is a must!! I got my copy via. iTunes.)

Twitter Discussion

So, "itsonlymarvin" is my new Twitter username. Sub. me/add me...whatever. You know what to do if you're already on Twitter. If, however, you aren't well you should be.  Seriously, though, if you aren't create an account. Its a lot of fun. :-)

Found this book called "The Little Food Book" by Craig Sams. Join my bookclub (on Twitter) and become healthy and fit. Bring on ur food discussion topics. Lets chat.

all hallows eve

What did you do for All Hallows Eve? This year, I worked from 9AM to 4PM and and then celebrated with my parents and a bottle of Fireball (my new favorite liquor). I was challenged to drink the bottle. Its looking pretty good. Chances are I may do it.

As I said, I worked today and two people actually dressed up for it. I feel bad that I didn't. When I got home I quickly changed into my Leafs jersey and Senators t-shirt. Thinking back, though, I regret not going to work dressed in my hockey garb. Oh well, there's always next year...

Here are some pix of Halloween around my neighborhood.

Halloween '09

More bus stories...

On a wet and rainy day, I thought I had left in time to catch my bus. I was wrong... maybe.

I was walking down the street, (admittedly, talking on my phone), when suddenly the bus went by. Either it was early or I was late. (I still don't know which.) However, it just so happens that my parents don't live too far away, so I detoured and asked if either of them would give me a ride to work (or to at least help me catch up to the bus I missed). My mother begrudgingly agreed. We started on our way when suddenly she saw a bus in the distance. Seeing that the bus was about to stop, I got out of the car and waved her on. Half a second later, I discovered that this particular bus was "not in service".

The driver, however, looked at me and realized that I was stranded and then graciously asked where I was going and if he could give me a lift, so I got on board. He asked if I was going to work (which I was) and if I was going to be late (which I might have been if he hadn't decided to stop for me). Eventually, we caught up to the right bus and I jumped on board as if nothing had gone wrong this morning. I made it to work with time to spare, but I'm still having a hard time figuring out this supposed "time warp". I'm really not sure how I made it to work on time.

Name dropping? Yeah, thats right!

I was thinking about this the other day. There really aren't many people who I idealize and go gaga for, but if I ever got the opportunity I would have to say that I would want to meet Gillian Anderson of The X-Files and a slew of other TV and film. Her drive and determination to do whats right whether that be on film, stage or with any of her various other charity works is very appealing to me. Most notably, she is involved with various organizations in Africa as well as the Neurofibromatosis organization.

Here is a list of people I have met:
Brent Butt (comedian/Corner Gass) - Came into the store.
Chris Bosh (Toronto Raptors) - Came into the store.
Kevin Laliberté (Spanish Guitarist) - dedicated a song to me on my birthday
Amanda Martinez (Jazz Vocalist) - brief encounter in the washroom at The Gate... no, I am not a stalker!!
Elizabeth Sheppard (Jazz Vocalist) - collected two autographs on two cd's (different occasions)
George Stroumboulopoulos (Much Music/The Hour) - said he thought he knew me from somewhere when I attended a taping... maybe in a past life?
Ron MacLean (Hockey Night In Canada) - toured the CBC building in High School and got an autograph before a tapingt.

Who have you met? Who would you like to meet?

Fireflies

Its amazing what you can find late at night when your surfing the interweb. I just found this site called "Project Opus". Check out this track by (Canadian born) Carrie Catherine, called Fireflies. Leave a comment. Let me know what you think of it!!

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riding the bus (part deux)

So, apparently I actually learned from my mistake. At the end of my work shift I now punch out and then run to catch the early bus. Yay me!! I have it down to a science. The irony is that my ride takes 20 mins. in the morning to get to work and an hour in the evening to go home from work and it has nothing to do with "rush hour". I worked it out that, even if I traveled the same way home as I do in the morning, I would still need an hour because I would have to wait 25 mins. for the right bus to get to the stop!! Blah.

Look To The Rainbow

Last night, I went to see Amanda Martinez in concert at Koerner Hall at the Royal Conservatory of Music. Wow! I am so in awe of her. She is a fabulous Latin jazz singer/song-write and is definitely carving out a name for herself in the music scene.

I am fortunate to have a jazz bar in the neighborhood of where I live and even more so to have the privilege of seeing many up and coming jazz artist (Amanda included) there fore free. I have been following her career over the last 3 years as she has spawned two terrific albums entitled "Sola" and "Amor" and look forward to seeing where her career takes her.

photo credit: Marina Dempster http://www.amandamartinez.ca

'Look To The Rainbow' is the last track on her debut album "Sola". It is a song that she, herself has said, she loves to sing. She closed the show with it last night. Arranged by Kevin Laliberté, its a sweet song that deserves its props.

Look To The Rainbow
(B. Lane)

On the day I was born,
Said my father, said he.
I've an an elegant legacy
Waitin' for ye,
'Tis a rhyme for your lips
And a song for your heart,
To sing it whenever
The world falls apart.

Look, look
Look to the rainbow.
Follow it over the hill
And the stream.
Look, look
Look to the rainbow.
Follow the fellow
Who follows a dream.
Follow the fellow,
Follow the fellow,
Follow the fellow
Who follows a dream.

'Twas a sumptuous
To bequeath to a child.
Oh the lure of that song
Kept her feet funnin' wild.
For you never grow old
And you never stand still,
With whippoorwills singin'
Beyond the next hill.

Look, look
Look to the rainbow.
Follow it over the hill
And the stream.
Look, look
Look to the rainbow.
Follow the fellow
Who follows a dream.
Follow the fellow,
Follow the fellow,
Follow the fellow
Who follows a dream.

 Amanda Martinez's Album: Sola
 Look To The Rainbow (direct link)

Whats In A Name? Getting To Know U

"The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy is the most successful book ever to come out of the great publishing companies of Ursa Minor. It is about the size of a paper back book, but looks more like a large pocket calculator, having upon its face over a hundred flat press-buttons and a screen about four inches square, upon which any one of over six million pages can be summoned almost instantly. It comes in a durable plastic cover, upon which the words DON'T PANIC are printed in large, friendly letters."

~ Douglas Adams

What can I say? I am a fan of Arthur Dent and Ford Perfect's travels across the universe.

riding the bus (or not)

I have had to get use to a new hours at work. Today, I left at 5 PM and forgot to check the bus sched. before I walked out. I stood at the stop for a grand total of 5 mins. before then deciding to grab a quick coffee at "Mickey D`s". Obviously, it wasn't quick enough. When I came out, coffee in hand, the bus was already at my stop. In mid-sip of the foul tasting (and smelling) sludge, there was nothing I could do to make it wait. It took off without me and I cursed myself for being so impatient.

The Grand River Dinner Cruise

Well, this vid. is late in being edited... and uploaded. I can't remember exactly when we did the cruise. (I'm thinking August although it could have easily been July!!)... Anyways...

Whenever it was, I took a day off work during the summer to attend a dinner cruise with mum and dad. Although we all had a great time, I have to confess, I felt a little out of sorts... I was most definitely among the very few that didn't feel the need to colour their hair to hide any greys.

I had a great time, though. The food was good. The music was a great mix of old and newish folk songs. And the captain of our boat kept us entertained with his running narrative of Grand River stories. (One that comes to mind is of one little boy who accidentally tried to drawn his father's brand new sports car in the river.)


grand river dinner cruise from dontpanic on Vimeo.

Hey Jude

A message I wrote to the stand up poet Jude Simpson:

Hey Jude.

Just wanted to show some love for your rhymes. Lately, I've been listening to your album (secret rapper) on the way to and from work. It never fails to puts me in a better mood while I'm either waiting for or riding the bus. :-)

I actually got the cd (ages ago, now) via your mother. My mother is Heather who is a long time friend of your mother and Helen. (I think they all trained together???)

Anyway, are there any plans to come to Canada? If not, maybe I'll catch one of your gigs on one of my trips to the UK. I'd love to see you on stage.

Take care,

Kate

Game On.... My Life According to...

Here's something fun from Facebook:

My Life According to: Bruce Springsteen

Using only song names from ONE ARTIST, cleverly answer these questions. Pass it on to 14 people you like and include me. You can't use the band I used. Try not to repeat a song title. It's a lot harder than you think! Repost as "My Life According to (BAND NAME)"

Pick Your Artist:
Bruce Springsteen

Are you a male or female?
Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)

Describe yourself:
Brilliant Disguise

How do you feel:
Lucky Town

Describe where you currently live:
Mary's Place

If you could go anywhere, where would you go:
Jungleland

Your favorite form of transportation:
Born To Run

Your best friends are:
None But The Brave

Your favorite color is:
Blinded By The Light

What's the weather like:
The Promised Land

Favorite time of day:
Spirit In The Night

If your life was a T.V. show, what would it be called:
Living Proof

Your ideal Birthday Present would be:
Tunnel Of Love

What is life to you:
The Rising

Your relationship:
Lonesome Day

Looking for:
For You

Wouldn’t mind:
Countin' On A Miracle

Your fear:
Darkness On The Edge Of Town

What is the best advice you have to give:
From Small Things (Big Things One Day Come)

If you could change your name it would be:
4th Of July, Asbury Park (Sandy)

Thought for the Day:
Lift Me Up

How I would like to die:
Held Up Without A Gun (not really!!)

Soul's present condition:
Hungry Heart

Biggest secret:
Dancing In The Dark

My motto:
Code of Silence

Tag, you're it!! Now its your turn.

Justin

The other day I was watching 16:9. They were airing a segment on Justin Hines who is a Canadian musician/singer-song writer. I had never heard of him before the segment aired, but instantly felt a connection to his music. I found out while watching the interview that it was in part because he was featured in one of the Ontario Travel campaigns.

His upbeat and positive approach to life, along with the fact that he grew up listening to 45's radiates throughout his music in a way that is very refreshing. In watching and listening to him perform, you can tell he loves what he does and wouldn't change it. His disability, therefore, is a non-issue.

A few days later, I just happened to be in HMV and came across his second album (Chasing Silver) which dropped this spring (I believe). It was fate. lol I had to have it. Since then I have been listening to it on my way home from work each night and can't seem to get enough.

The Hills Are Alive

On Thursday evening I went to see the musical stage production of The Sound of Music. Fantastic show. Highly recommend it if you ever get a chance to see it.

In many ways, the show is very much what you would expect The Sound of Music to be, but there were a few surprises in the story arrangement that I am mixed about. I guess you could call me a "purist at heart" which maybe the reason that the changes didn't thrill me all that much. (They truly failed to increase my already interest in the story. I liked the story just the way it was... 'nough said.)

Elicia MacKenzie, however, who was awarded the role of Maria via. the CBC's edition of How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria, did a fabulous job of portraying the role that was first made famous by the great Julie Andrews. As it says in the program, "this marks Elicia's professional debut". During the intermission Mum leaned over to me and said there was one line in the beginning where she thought the slight British accent was forced, but I didn't pick up on it and despite having said that, we both agreed that Canada had picked the right Maria. We loved both her and the kids!!

Tadoussac Pix

The town of Tadoussac is very small and built mainly on the summer tourist industry. We heard that in the winter months the town is virtually deserted because of its -40C temperature. We met a waitress in a cafe who had just spent her first year in the town and said "it was a long and hard winter with not much to do because most businesses closed up shop for the season". These conditions, of course, bring the many transient workers to the town for the summer months.

The Hotel Tadoussac (which is where we stayed) is the oldest and largest hotel in town. It first opened its doors to the European tourists, who wanted a taste of the Canadian wilds, in 1864. Since then it has become famous for its picturesque scenery and fabulous dinning. In 1 of the three restaurants they have an "all-you-can-eat" buffet, which we took full advantage of in both our breakfasts and dinners.

The picture of the painting (above) is of the Tadoussac hotel that was hanging in the lobby entrance. As we were leaving, I suddenly realized that I didn't have a picture of the hotel itself!!

As I've said before, the whale trip itself was fantastic. The boat we were on was called the Dufour. This 3 deck boat could have held a capacity of 500 people during the peak of the season, but since it was early we were only 75 (many of whom were local school children).

Tadoussac & Back

So, a few weeks ago my parents and I took a trip to Tadoussac, Quebec, which is roughly 3 hours outside of Quebec City. Traveling time was enjoyable, but long!! I think in total it was about 8 hours by train and then another 3 hours by car.

'Was the trip worth it?' Yes!! I would definitely do this trip again later on in the summer season.

The motivation behind this 3 day excursion was to go whale watching at the mouth of the St. Lawrence river. To be honest, though, I think we were a little to early to see many of the whales and the different pods that feed there during the summer months, however, we did manage to see a few Fin, Minky and Beluga whales.

We have friends who did this trip a number of years ago one August. They saw many whales even from shore, (which is why I wouldn't mind going back).

Enjoy this vid. recap. I apologize in advance if the whale parts make you nauseous. The footage is not fantastic, but I was having fun with the camera. My disclaimer is that it was very windy (and therefore v. choppy) out on the water.

Boating on Kajama

This is my test footage from the day I went to the Luminato Festival. I didn't get much of the festival itself because I decided to go for cruise instead. Enjoy.