Winter all food, fun and drink marathon begins - Love it live · 1 March 2010 by colin newell
The International Olympic Committee has been really funny about live music at open and closing ceremonies for years.
One of their golden rules (that is impossible to break) is the one on live music at the ceremonies… and unattractive young girls (I reference the Beijing O.C.)
Their thinking is: To avoid mistakes, embarrassment and equipment failure, they run “tape” for the broadcast feed from the event through the studios to the media… and to you in television land.
Some claim that the performance is “live” in the stadium and tape to media (and your television set) – that might be, but I doubt it.
From my observations, the only open microphones at the O.C. and C.C. were during the dialog from Jack Roggue and John Furlong’s cringe inducing interpretation of cereal box French.
Canadian legend Neil Young did not have a microphone on him either – he had an audio prompter in his ear so he could hear his taped performance and follow along.
As did K.D. Lang (whom I have seen live several times…)
When Nelly Furtado and Bryan Adams “played” at the O.C. Brian left his microphone by his side when he started singing – but quickly “corrected” a few bars into the song.
There are many, many music rehearsals for the opening and closing ceremonies – and what you hear at home is a digital recording of one of the “best takes”.
If there is any doubt as to this fact, ask yourself why none of the artists ever make a mistake during their performance.
As a guitar player, singer and piano player of over 25 years, I would like to say that the whole “taped” thing offends me – but it doesn’t.
It is a personal choice that each artist makes – whether to “compromise” or not and how they do it.
For more reading on the subject, check out David Atkins (executive producer of the 2010 ceremonies) on the subject of O.C./C.C. Olympic lip syncing…
Quote of the day: “I think Nickelback’s music incites violence. For instance, when I hear a Nickleback song….I want to kill Nickleback.” -Brian Posehn
The Olympics are over. Do I love Canada more?
Hate to say it.
I do.
The party is over. Now it’s time to pay the caterer.
Comment [4]
Winter Fun Food and Adventure Victoria - Return to the Stage · 27 February 2010 by colin newell
Andrea and I sort of live in Fernwood… inasmuch as we sort of live in Oak Bay…
and Victoria… you might say that we are somewhat itinerant.
Anyway – we first appeared at the door of Stages Small Plates in 2007 – review here .
And we have gone back a couple of times – but tonight we had the pleasure of eating out with our favorite couple – the crazy, sexy cool that is The Engels. Valerie and Mark are the brains behind the Bubby Roses Bakery Cafe machine in Victoria.
There is a reason why Bubby Roses Bakery has more kilowatt buzz per square inch of Cinnamon bun than any other bakery in town – it is because of the Engels and their staff. Honest to God, if the World was going to end in 24 hours, this is where I would send everyone to spend their final moments.
Going out with Valerie and Mark generally involves a couple of glasses of Pinot Noir per person and a whole heck of a lot of great stories – back and forth, back and forth.
Anyway, another advantage of going out with a hungry couple is being able to order just about everything on the menu; Edamame (Japanese twig beans), Mussels, Falafel, Squid, White Fish, and pork belly…
and enjoying every morsel!
Although that was not everything, it was a good cross section.
That and dessert; chocolate pate and a creme brulee…
and a 1/2 gallon of Cafe Fantastico decaf.
Dinner for 4 and lots of wine and great stories… about $180
Winter Fun Food and Adventure Victoria - Am I Canadian · 24 February 2010 by colin newell
The Canadian Winter Olympics are in full swing. All eyes on the ice nation above the 49th parallel.
And although lots of people are making fun of the Canadian experience – as if they know the difference between a Canadian and a… well… someone else.
What exactly is it to be a Canadian?
Beyond the eh jokes… and the I’m so sorry jabs.
Beyond the Stephen Colbert schtick.
Beyond The Simpsons or Family Guy lampooning a Canadian courtesy of a Canadian writer living in L.A.‘s impression of the Canadian experience.
Beyond The Guess Who belting out American Woman.
Beyond William Shatner.
Beyond Tom Brokaw trying to explain Canada to an unwilling nation south of the 49th parallel.
Beyond Bryan Adams and Nelly Furtado miming and syncing into switched off microphones at the 2010 Olympiad open ceremonies…
What distinct thing defines the Canadian being? A few ideas…
Stopping to talk to an elderly gentleman wandering the sidewalk – who seems lost and returning 12 minutes later to find that he has been in a no-injuries car accident and making sure he is OK.
Waiting for the police car.
Running into a lovely Olympian from a few years gone by and flirtatiously asking her how often she is recognized…
“As often as I smile…” she quips.
Canadian.
Slowing down the car to yield to a full size deer that seems to be having difficulty crossing a slippery urban street.
Running into the governor of California and after simply raising an eyebrow and smiling getting a Austrian accented “Thanks for not making a big deal…”
Canadian.
Being beneath the radar is Canadian. Being above the radar is Canadian.
Being in a room full of people taking a collective sigh that legend Gordon Lightfoot is alive and well is, well, ever so Canadian.
That we don’t actually have a Canadian Idol is really Canadian. Figure it out.
Not really being able to explain the Canadian essence…
Canadian
Winter Fun Food and Adventure Victoria - hug a stranger day · 23 February 2010 by colin newell
Today is Hug a stranger day.
Who knew?
Go on. Do it.
You need it.
You know you do.
My friend and creative partner, Bob Harris, appears at the 1:12 mark.
Winter Fun Food and Adventure Victoria - know your pets · 22 February 2010 by colin newell
Fuji digital cameras have introduced the FinePix F80EXR 12 Megapixel camera…
With pet recognition…
Seriously.
For those times when you are sitting in the cabin with your loved one and your equivalent of mans best friend.
And you turn to your significant other and say…
“Honey, does that look like our dog snuffles to you?”
“Gee. Honey. I am not sure…”
“Lemme grab the Fuji FinePix F80EXR!”
The F80EXR features Pet Detection which detects the faces of up to 10 dogs or cats and automatically focuses on them.
Seeing that this process is notoriously difficult (to capture an expressive portrait of an active animal with a compact camera) why leave it up to your eyes!
Pet Detection allows the camera to shoot automatically as soon as it detects your pet’s face in the frame. The FinePix F80EXR also allows you to search for pictures of cats or dogs in playback mode.
Good thing.
Because I have never trusted my cat.
Winter Fun Food and Adventure Victoria - Pecha Kucha Night · 22 February 2010 by colin newell
Got invited to speak at Victoria’s first Pecha Kucha night in Victoria.
A pass for now – but going on Thursday night to check it out.
I hope you will too.
Want to know what Pecha Kucha is? Click here
Want a great tutorial?: How about here
Or a funny and engaging example? – go here
Anyone with any artistic bent can do this. I can do this… once I screw in the courage module that is… Next time. Maybe in May. Come see me.
Click on above photo for the zoomie-zoom view
Winter all food, fun and drink marathon continues - My World · 21 February 2010 by colin newell
In the last month or so, I have been working to launch the PCJmedia.com website and audio stream series…
With Keith Perron of Taipei, Taiwan… you know, the country Taiwan.
I remind folks of that because I like the reaction I get when I say Taiwan…
holding breath
The Country
Because this admittance usually results in a firestorm of death threats and verbal abuse from folks in Mainland China.
Keith Perron, who used to live in Montreal and Vancouver – and worked on a variety of radio programs and stations (Radio Canada International and a Chinese station in Vancouver…) must have a pretty thick skin. Because he gets regular bouts of crap and abuse from the hard-core in China about this Taiwan issue.
Anyway. My job over at PCJmedia.com is:
- associate producer
- voice over talent
- writer for North American features
- web and technical guru
One of the shows that we are doing at PCJmedia.com is Happy Station – a show
that was on the air for a very long time – the longest running variety show on Shortwave radio – and now its back. There are others coming. Check it out if you have a free hour to hear some interesting radio. Lots of ways to tune in: Live stream on the homepage or click on archives for some recent shows.
Some of the folks recently interviewed: Dick Van Patten, Eydie Gorme and Steve Lawrence… and so on.
Check it out. And thanks!
Winter all food, fun and drink marathon begins - Olympics full swing · 20 February 2010 by colin newell
Just in case someone thinks that I am rolled up in the corner like a cobra or glowering like a vulture as the Canadian sports Olympiad rolls out in all its glorious redness…
I can honestly say that I am enjoying the sports and athletes in colorful HD.
Nothing like the detail in pairs skating. Or the ‘nothing to the imagination’ of sliding events like luge , skeleton , and bobsled .
Don’t get me wrong. Like our participation in Afghanistan. I question the mission but I support the troops without a hiccup.
The Olympics is a 2 week plus party – and Vancouver – Whistler residents and visitors appear to be enjoying themselves. Awesome. Right there with you.
The protesters are well behaved, peaceful, getting their message across – and the lug nut Black Bloc are keeping out of the way, utterly discredited as the bone-headed thugs they are.
When it is all over, you will probably not hear another negative word about the subject – it’s done like dinner. Time to move on. Back to actual real life stuff.
So. Thanks for your patience loyal reader Jeanie. You have the patience of a…
well. You fill in the blanks.
Comment [2]
Mentor and friend remembered - John Bryant - safe journey · 9 February 2010 by colin newell
Standing in front of the mirror last night as I prepared for bed, I had the feeling that some bad news was headed my way.
I have felt this way before and I can never outrun the feeling. It has to run its course and arrive like an unwelcome piece of mail.
I have been gently instructed not to make this about me.
But it is. And it is about you. And you.
One of my mentors and brothers in one of my circles (telecom, amateur radio, media) did not finish his day today.
John Bryant, of Orcas Island and Oklahoma, in his 7th decade on Earth… fell from a ladder and died. Doing what he loved the most – playing outside with his radio antennas.
I was informed, via the telephone, from another inconsolable friend who was even closer to John.
The odd thing for me was – I have been walking around all day somewhat zoned out by this feeling. And waiting for the shock wave to arrive. And it did.
John Bryant was a born leader. A son of an actual explorer. In a time when explorers were and are the stuff of legends. A bright mind and organizer, John had the ability to build consensus and wring fresh ideas from the most jaded among us.
To quote my dear friend, Walter, who really summed it up…
“I expected another 20 years with John…”
My condolences to John, his lovely wife and all who knew him.
I pray his journey was peaceful and swift – and that his radio reception is half as good there as it was here.
Listen here for our radio interview today… Flash thingie below – if you cannot see that, click here for the mp3.
Comment [1]
Winter all food, fun and drink marathon begins - muffins updated · 8 February 2010 by colin newell
I make my own muffins. Partially because I like to know what I am eating – and I have a hard time paying $2 for a muffin that contains stuff that I am not interested in… or may be allergic to. Lately I have been using Goat’s milk or Almond milk or a blend of the two.
Here is my recipe for Colin`s Kitchen Sink Muffins – they are healthy, rich in nutrients, low in fat, not quite vegan and if you are looking for daily regularity, they are as predictable as sunrise and reliable as gravity. Enjoy.
2 Cups Whole Wheat flour – 2 Cups All-purpose Flour
1 cup Each; rolled oats, corn meal and (oat or wheat) bran
1.5 Cups dark brown sugar (can be reduced to taste)
1 Tbsp Baking Soda and 1 Tbsp Magic Baking Powder
1/2 Tsp Kosher or Sea Salt
2 Tsp Organic Saigon Cinnamon
(Optional extra spices); 1.5 Tsp Allspice, 1.5 Tsp fresh ground nutmeg
3/4 Cup unsweetened Apple Sauce
1/4 Cup Canola Oil
3 Eggs
1 Tbsp Vanilla
2 Cups Buttermilk OR 2 Cups Lactose-reduced 2% Milk OR 2 Cups Soy milk OR 2 Cups Almond milk OR 2 Cups Goat’s milk
Add Wet to Dry Mix – Do not over-mix.
Add from 2 to 4 cups of the fruit of your choice – I use finely chopped mango, or apple, or fresh figs, or anything in the way of frozen fruit medleys – the sky is the limit.
Put equal amounts in pre-greased or pre-Pammed pans – I use a pro-Ice Cream scoop for quantity management.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes in a 375 degree oven – check for degree of done with a toothpick. Poke the muffins. If the picks come out clean, you are good to go. Let cool in pans for about 10 minutes and then air dry on cooling grid. Makes about 20 freezer ready muffins.
Comment [5]
Two strikes into a red flag moment - troubles with twitter · 7 February 2010 by colin newell
The problem with words is… like baseballs and rocks, they almost always travel further than you expect.
One of the saddest moments of my life was when I was 4 or 5 and while playing in the front yard… I picked up a suitably sized pebble and hurled it…
…bouncing it off my mother’s forehead.
And protest in pain she did. I felt like a bag of crap.
That was in the sixties.
Now in her 80’s she seems fine. Fingers crossed.
She’s okay. But what about me?
I seem to be still throwing rocks. Which means I have a bit of a bullying streak.
Don’t like it much.
While mucking with Twitter the last few days, I made 2 discoveries.
1.) When you want to bug someone about something (particularly on Twitter – or any other media for that matter) – you can do it quite effectively when you know you have their attention… and
2.) No matter who is out there, great and small… everyone can be tuned into your comments… even if you are directing them to William Shatner or someone else.
And no, I did not bully Bill.
What I did do was make some comments, in a very weak form of jest, against one of my favorite radio personalities. And he called me on it. Sent me a message.
And that rock on my mom’s head came back in crystal clear memory.
My dear wife, whom I love more than life itself, advised…
“For the love of Pete, leave celebrity name deleted alone… what’s wrong with you?” “And you are on twitter probation…”
Two strikes.
She has me scrubbing Jeffries tubes and checking plasma conduit.
The next infraction: Her finger is on the warp core jettison switch.
I am a bully. Working on a cure.
Keeping my hands away from rocks.
2010 Olympic Rant #45 · 3 February 2010 by colin newell
Everything from strollers to flying sports disks, umbrellas, laser pointers and flags from non-participating countries are banned from Olympic venues, Vancouver 2010 officials announced this week.
Flags from non-participating countries? Huh? Why?
Spectators should arrive two hours before city events, three hours before mountain events, and four hours before the open and closing ceremonies, Olympic officials said.
I am not arriving at all… so I am plenty good.
RCMP Sgt. Mike Cote, a spokesman for the Vancouver 2010 Integrated Security Unit, said security measures will escalate if there are threats made against the Games
Check out my threat: Indifference.
He added peaceful and law-abiding protesters have nothing to fear from the security cameras.
VANOC and the IOC have nothing to fear but my loathing.
“Peaceful protest is not against the law,” he said. “If we do have an issue, it’s when the line is crossed, when the laws of this country … are broken. Other than that, we’re not concerned about protests if they’re kept legal.”
They actually mean… the laws of the IOC.
Other stuff banned…
• Food and drinks
of course… so you can be forced to eat McDonalds and drink Coca Cola
• Water balloon launchers
glad they have this on the list – now I can sleep at night…
• Leaflets, pamphlets, non-approved publications and promotional material
you mean, like t-shirts that say Screw the 2010 freak show already!
• Animals
assist dogs?
• Banners containing religious, political, provocative or obscene content and or visible branding and trademarks of sponsor and non-sponsor companies
So I cannot wear my Rancilio ball cap?
• Flags of non-participating countries
yea whatever.
75% of Vancouver residents agree with me.
2010 Olympic Rant #44 5-Ring Circus Countdown Widget added · 1 February 2010 by colin newell
Billion dollar security budget. Check
10,000 cops, soldiers and twitchy fingered rent-a-cops. Check
900 Video cameras watching everything. Check
Road closures and traffic interruptions that would confuse a homing pigeon. Check
Thousands of peaceful protesters prepared to make a point. Check
Thousands more frustrated and angry British Columbians. Check
Count down the charade with me.
If anyone is listening, in particular 2010 protesters: I urge everyone to be as peaceful as possible.
The last thing we want is any nonsense or violence from protesters that could possibly justify the billion-dollar security boondoggle.
Be advised: The RCMP will be seeding crowds with their own Agent_provocateurs – to incite trouble and ultimately attempt to justify the obscene expenditure on the 2010 circus security blanket. Watch for them. RCMP Agent provocateurs stand out in the crowd like thin-ties and padded shoulders at a bikers convention.
Keep it peaceful folks – that is an order.
Experienced a wave of revulsion and disgust today… So I switched off the 2010 Olympic Game countdown widget gadget
Sometimes holding your nose is simply not good enough.
Fun recipe series chapter one - my Pecan Caramel baked corn candy · 31 January 2010 by colin newell
I made this on a random whim last night – and I guess all whim’s are unplanned… some not so much.
24 Cups of popped corn (1 cup of your favorite kernels)
1 Cup Butter (margarine for the faint of heart)
2 Cups Brown Sugar – the darker the better – I use Demerara)
1/2 Cup Corn Syrup
1 Teaspoon Salt
1 Tablespoon Vanilla
1 Cup Whole Pecans
Preheat Oven to 250 degrees (F) – In your largest pot melt butter, stir in brown sugar, corn syrup and salt.
Bring to boil stirring constantly. Boil for 5 minutes more without stirring.
Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla. Then pecans.
Pour in all the popcorn. Stir and stir (with a wooden spoon) til all the popcorn is coated with the sugar-nut mixture.
Put all of this mix onto your largest cookie sheet or roasting pan.
Put it in the oven for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
Store in airtight plastic or tin container.
Great with tea, or coffee or single malt scotch.
Insulin not included.
Comment [2]
2010 Olympic Rant #43 5-Ring Circus Security Blanket Bingo · 30 January 2010 by colin newell
With over 15,000 highly-trained security personnel, backed by a lethal arsenal of military hardware, Vancouver is about to be wrapped in a billion-dollar security blanket for the Winter Olympics.
The threat? Frustrated and fed up Vancouver residents and British Columbians in general who are fed to the teeth with the 5-ring go for gold farce… soon to begin.
To counter potential threats from terrorism, crime and violent protests at the February 12-28 Games, 15,500 highly paid police, military and private security guards have descended like rabid bats on our fair West Coast city.
A spokesperson for the Integrated Security Unit (ISU) offered… “We are continually monitoring and examining all potential threats and risks. We don’t elaborate on what information we receive.”
“We are planning to a medium threat level, and we can ramp that up or down. The games right now are at a low level.”
No kidding. Because apart from city dwellers and the odd flag waving protester there is no threat. None.
Vancouver, situated between a delta, the US border, rivers, ocean and mountains, security plans call for navy divers, air force helicopters to transport SWAT teams quickly, surveillance cameras, police dogs, snowmobiles and even fighter jets — which the North American Aerospace Defense Command has said will use “lethal force” if necessary.
Cool. Lethal force. Comforting.
The ISU’s official task is to protect Olympic athletes and officials, VIPs, nine competition venues and 18 other locations including the athletes’ village and media centers.
Nothing about protecting the rest of us from imaginary threats.
That is the job of local cops – at least the ones that have not been sucked into ISU duty leaving 98% of the Province largely unprotected.
Fuck.
