Monday, November 30, 2009

Bumblefoot Speaks

There aren’t many times where you get to talk to a real genuine person who cares not only his work but the people who he works with and is involved with on a daily basis. Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal is definitely one of those people. I met Ron back in July when he was touring withLita and at that time we talked bout doing an interview. Not only did Ron stick to his word, he couldn’t be more accommodating to do it. We talked about how he got involved with Axland GN’R to his involvement with raising awareness for Multiple Sclerosis. Didn’t Axl sing “We got your disease?” Well, we have your disease right here live in the flesh, an interview with “Bumblefoot!”

Gus: One of the big CD’s that came out late last year was ‘Chinese Democracy.’ It was a huge buzz surrounding the release of the CD. Why did it take the band so long to tour in support of the record?

Ron: There were other possible or potential tours or itineraries in the works that just didn’t happen for whatever reason. This one did though. Why? (laughs) I don’t try to know anything. My philosophy as time goes on is swinging more towards ‘ignorance is bliss.’ The less I know the happier I am. I don’t want to know a damn thing except tell me when to get on stage and play.

Gus: Guns N’ Roses are scheduled to perform in Japan in December. I’m sure your looking forward to it. What can the fans expect when you guys do perform live?

Ron: I can’t give anything away as we are trying to keep it a surprise until we do it. We will be playing a lot of old stuff, newer stuff, a lot of bombs n’ pyro (laughs.) I’m dodging the question – you know, the stuff you see at a big rock show.

Gus: You just wrapped up doing rehearsals and you have a new guitar partner in DJ Ashba. How did your rehearsals go with DJ?

Ron: It went great! He is a damn good guy to be in a band with. He gives a lot of himself and adds a lot of himself to every aspect of it. He gets involved artistically. He’s a damn good guy. I’ve enjoyed getting to know him and playing with him. And working through the insanity of getting the stuff down with him. Now, I’m just really looking forward to getting on stage with him.

Gus: So he is fitting in quite well and fitting in nicely with everybody?

Ron: He’s good to go!

Gus: That’s good to hear. How did you originally get involved with one of the biggest marquee name bands in the world?

Ron: It was about 5 years ago. I got an email from Joe Satriani to tell me he recommended me for the gig (Guns N’ Roses) so if someone did reach out that I knew it wasn’t a joke or something. Very soon after, one of the guys from the band emailed me and we started talking. I started talking to guys working on the album about recording and then spoke to management. Eventually we hit the road and started touring and in between legs of the tour started recording tracks for the album, putting my 2 cents into it. That was it, and here we are.

Gus: Looking back since the release of Chinese Democracy, are you happy with the finished product or would there be something you would change?

Ron: On my behalf, I’m as happy as I possibly can be. Which goes like, I’m happy for a week, and then I start hearing all the things I would like to change. That’s the way I am with all my own albums too. Anything I’m involved with I’m like that. The honeymoon period lasts for about a week, then the little things start to haunt ya (laughs.) It’s always like that but I’ve gotten better at rolling with it and now it doesn’t drive me as crazy. You’ve got to treat it like a moment and that moment was captured, and then move on to the next moment.

Read entire interview here.

Source: BACKSTAGEAXXESS.com

[Via http://rockmosis.wordpress.com]

LADY GAGA HAS TEETH IN MONTREAL

She’s doing it. Lady Gaga kicked off her Monster Ball tour in Montreal Canada, Saturday. As a relatively new artist, Lady Gaga had a little tumble on stage, but after that she was all good.

Here’s Stefani Germanotta doing Teeth. Fun!

~Posted by Horiwood.Com, Hollywood California USA. 11.29.09~

[Via http://horiwood.com]

Friday, November 27, 2009

MasterCard Canada Brings PayPass to BlackBerry Smartphones

In partnership with BMO Bank of Montreal and Research In Motion, MasterCard Canada has announced that it is bringing mobile payments to BlackBerry smartphones through its MasterCard PayPass ‘tap and go’ contactless payment technology. MasterCard is beginning a four-month trial in which participants will use PayPass Mobile Tag-equipped BlackBerry smartphones to make purchases at any of the 8,500 merchant locations in Canada that accept MasterCard PayPass. As announced, the trial is contactless sticker-based and doesn’t appear to include any application integration with the Blackberry handsets.

For the first time, the mobile payment will integrate with the device, with a confirmation email of each transaction sent to the BlackBerry smartphone, including purchase details such as the amount, retailer and date of transaction.

“With this trial, MasterCard continues to lead the industry in bringing secure contactless payment to mobile devices in Canada,” said Scott Lapstra, Vice President, Market Development, MasterCard Canada. “Consumers have embraced mobile applications and we expect this new trial to have a significant impact on the way goods and services are paid for at the point of sale in the future.”

“BMO Bank of Montreal is excited to partner with MasterCard to continue the work of bringing mobile payments to Canadians,” said David Heatherly, Vice President, Payment Products, BMO Bank of Montreal. “This pilot will allow us to evaluate many aspects of the mobile payment experience and is an important step towards mainstream use and acceptance.”

“Interest in mobile commerce continues to grow and the BlackBerry platform is uniquely positioned to provide a secure, robust and reliable foundation for innovative solutions such as the PayPass Mobile Tag,” said Tyler Lessard, Vice President, Global Alliances and Developer Relations at Research In Motion. “BlackBerry products and services have simplified and enhanced a broad range of everyday tasks with a unique mobile experience and we look forward to working with MasterCard and BMO to extend that mobile experience to commerce.”

How it Works

The mobile payments in this trial are made possible through a PayPass Mobile Tag, a self-adhesive device that may be attached to a BlackBerry smartphone to add MasterCard PayPass contactless payment capability. The Mobile Tag contains the same chip and antenna found in a regular PayPass card, with the addition of special material to reduce interference between the Mobile Tag and the phone to which it is attached.

Whether consumers are using a PayPass enabled mobile phone or credit card, they enjoy the same protections from fraud with PayPass as they would with conventional MasterCard payments. PayPass is supported by robust, multi-level security protections including the encryption of PayPass radio frequency transaction transmissions and the multiple security protections of the MasterCard payment system.

[Via http://pinoypay.wordpress.com]

You're Listening to WireTap...

” [Jonathan Goldstein] has been conjuring up a bone-dry, deadpan repertoire of eclectically bizarre, engagingly self-loathing radio. His show, Wiretap, on CBC Radio One, is a weekly half-hour of conversation, storytelling and introspection, culled from equal parts real-world experience and the warp of Goldstein’s imagination.”

-Murray Whyte

I’ve inadvertantly been listening to Wiretap from the very first year it’s been on the air (I listen to NPR in the car a lot). It’s a lovely mix of surreal conversation and excellent thought-provoking storytelling. I highly recommend it. Its dry humor is quite addictive and is incredibly entertaining while in the car or just to listen to whilst lounging about at home. The irreverent themes of the show and some of the funnier moments tend to stay imbedded in the mind, and for that I must thank Mr. Goldstein for all the enjoyment I’ve gotten from his radio show over the years.

For more information on Wiretap, definitely visit his page at CBC Radio online where you can find feeds of the most recent episodes. For more from the previous five seasons, visit the unofficial archive. You won’t regret it.

[Via http://writtenimages.wordpress.com]

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Canada full of greenhouse gas going into Copenhagen

Canada is ‘committed’ to reducing its green house gas emissions by 17% from 2005 levels by 2020.

This is seen as the weakest commitment among developed nations. But, given the steady ravaging of the Tar Sand is even this modest target even remotely achievable? Canada’s green house gas emissions per capita are nearly the worst in the west.

From the Conference Board of Canada:

gas.png

[Via http://carsonspost.wordpress.com]

Rum Ball, You Know?

I was talking to a guy friend whose  life is dependent on dessert, about my favourite Rum Ball, & he has no clue what a rum ball is! So I went around asking & to my amazement, there are people in my circle of friends who have never heard of rum ball. Isn’t the two words quite straight forward? Rum. Ball. If you know what’s a chocolate ball, you must know rum ball too,  no?

Rum balls are little gem-like confection, very much like truffles but flavoured with rum. They obviously taste like rum & are sweet. Imagine you’re a chef & how upsetting & wasteful it is to throw away deformed (here meaning not perfect) cakes & brownies. So, these bits & crumbs are mixed into the cookie dough & flavoured with rum. Can also sprinkle some chopped or ground nuts like walnuts, almonds or marzipan (my favourite) before rolling into bite-sized pleasure. Wiki says they are roughly the size of a golf ball but I rarely see this size in Singapore.

The best rum ball I’ve eaten is from this small bakery run by old people. Nice ones. They don’t want to share their secret recipe though I believe I contribute a substantial part of their revenue . But they did tell me it takes them 3 days to make, so here’s a picture of the legend (featured last week on some food show on Channel U). Best rum ball in town $1

Katong Shopping Centre L1

Got kick. I eat this when I’m happy, sad, hungry, need that extra boost for the day or have the extra dollar. Actually, almost everyday, any reason (: It’s a popular Christmas treat in New Zealand, Austria, Australia, Canada & Hungary but my craving for it never stops. It’s moist, smooooth, richly layered & voluptuously decadent. I’m considering making Rummies for Christmas this year (: Friends, you’re in luck. 

[Via http://hazelhearts.wordpress.com]

Monday, November 23, 2009

#musicmonday Artist Feature - HEDLEY

Name: Hedley

Hometown: Vancouver, BC

Label: Universal Music

Download this: Hands Up

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There seems to be an undeniable “X Factor” associated with Hedley that just pushes their originality, uniqueness, and enthusiasm over the edge into quite the stellar package. Time has flown by as it was only over four years ago that Hedley truly came to fruition, and when it comes to the journey they have been on since that time, the boys haven’t looked back and are continuing to make their mark within the music industry. Hedley is back and ready to rock with their newly released album The Show Must Go, which hit the shelves November 17th and has already rocketed up the charts and can be heard all over the radio with hit singles, “Cha-Ching,” and “Don’t Talk to Strangers.”

Named after a small town in British Columbia, Canada, Hedley became the band we know and love today after Jacob Hoggard gained recognition as a solid performer during his rise in TV show Canadian Idol. Hoggard was even picked by many to win the competition but wanted to pursue singing on his terms, true to who he was and what he believed in, unofficially suggesting that fans not vote for him to continue on in the show. Once Jacob was united with Chris Crippin, Tom MacDonald, and Dave Rosin, everything seemed to fall into place for the band to commence establishing themselves as one of Canada’s most popular bands.

To put it lightly, it seems the boys of Hedley are quite eccentric and adventurous, who seem to be the type of guys that anyone would want to befriend, while also having the ability to have an intense and unwavering stage presence to deliver a unique experience for each show. Their songs can be “hard-hitting” in both senses of the word; some of their songs have incredible instrumentals that are hit hard and fast with an upbeat and intense sound, while others are “hard-hitting” with the words and subsequent meanings behind them. There seems to be a lot of emotion put into many of Hedley’s songs, many of which are easily relatable, and no matter how fast-paced the beat is, Hedley has a distinct ability to make listeners feel and believe the truths of their lyrics and bring their songs to life to create new meanings for listeners. With The Show Must Go, Hedley has a fun array of songs with interesting titles including “Sweater Song,” “9 Shades of Red,” and “Cha-Ching,” but equally diverse types of music that provide an acoustic range to the album. From the upbeat and urban “Don’t Talk to Strangers” to the power ballad of “Perfect,” to the fun and bubbly “Hands Up,” The Show Must Go has quite the range within it, but remains true to the distinct sounds of Hedley that most of us know and love.

Hedley’s first two studio albums, self-titled debut Hedley, and follow-up album Famous Last Words, both went multi-platinum and there is no doubt that The Show Must Go will continue on in that tradition. You can grab your copy of The Show Must Go in stores and on iTunes now and be sure to keep a lookout for Hedley to be touring in early 2010 alongside The Stereos and Fefe Dobson and special selected appearances by Faber Drive and Boys Like Girls as well! For more information on Hedley, check out their website: http://www.hedleyonline.com/

[Via http://asapmusicblog.wordpress.com]

Rain featured in Canadian Newspaper

Rain has been getting a lot of attention lately for his upcoming movie, Ninja Assassin, in America. Now it looks like the news has come to Canada! More specifically Toronto, Ontario. In the Entertainment Section of  Toronto Star on November 22, 2009, Rain was featured in the newspaper.

Feature on the front page:

CHANCE OF RAIN

With heavyweights behind his new film Ninja Assassin, Korean superstar is making plans to conquer this hemisphere, too

Here are the pictures I took of the newspaper:

They basically talk about Rain, and his previous stuff he has done in Hollywood and the attention he’s been getting.

Will Ninja Assassin be Korean’s crossover key?

CREDIT SARANGKPOP IF TAKING OUT!

DO NOT HOT LINK

[Via http://sarangkpop.wordpress.com]

Friday, November 20, 2009

18th-19th october: the (eventful) flight

After having been set apart on the evening of the 17th, Elder Ramsbottom arrived nice and early at Heathrow for his flight to Atlanta, where he would change to his flight to Salt Lake City. All did not go to plan, however, as the flight was delayed by 5 hours! Eventually he left sunny old England and was on his way to the MTC.

But Elder Ramsbottom did not intend on waiting until he arrived in Provo to start the work…not that he had much of a choice. On the first flight he had the chance to speak to his neighbour about the gospel (they had no where to run, a rare oppurtunity!), and on the second flight he was asked to give a preisthood blessing to one of the other passengers on his row who was sick.

Finally he arrived in Salt Lake City, most likely exhausted. A very kind family offered to drive him to Provo, and he finally arrived at the Missionary Training Centre… TO BE CONTINUED!!

Canada set to lose out as gas rebounds - The Globe and Mail

Western Canadian natural gas output began to decline long before the recession hit; it peaked in early 2006, and since has dropped 21 per cent. Even before the miserably low prices of this summer forced many producers to shut down uneconomic wells, the industry wasn't bringing enough new gas on stream to replace what was drying up.

 

 

via Canada set to lose out as gas rebounds – The Globe and Mail.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Rachael Flatt : "Kim fantastik bir patenci..."

Amerikalı Rachael Flatt, 2009 Skate America serbest program yarışmasında, sezona fırtına gibi giren Yu-Na Kim’i yaklaşık beş puan farkla geçti. Üstelik son spini sayılmadığı için puan alamamasına rağmen. Yalnız burada Kim’in yardımını da unutmamak lâzım. Kim, önceki yarışmaların ve beklentilerin aksine serbest programda kötü bir performans sergiledi ve üçlü flip’te düştü, iki atlayışında da epey bocalayarak puan kaybetti.

2008 Dünya Gençler şampiyonu Flatt, Kim hakkında, “Dünyanın en iyi patencisine karşı yarışmaktan onur duydum. O maalesef iyi bir serbest program sunamadı, ben de iyi günümdeydim. Herkesin iyi ve kötü günleri vardır. Serbest programı böylesine iyi kaymak ve kazanmak çok hoş bir duygu” diyor.

Yu-Na Kim, katıldığı dokuz ISU Grand Prix yarışmasında sadece bir serbest programda geçilmiş ve Mao Asada, 2007-2008 ISU Grand Prix finalinde Kim’i yarım puandan daha az bir farkla geride bırakmıştı. Flatt, ISU Grand Prix’de Kim’i geçen ikinci patenci oldu.

“Kim’e büyük hayranlık duyuyorum. İnanılmaz bir patenci. Çok yenetekli ve bulunduğu yere gelmek için çok çalıştı” diyerek rakibine övgüler yağdırmaktan geri kalmıyor Flatt…

Flatt, Kim’le aynı yarışmaya çıktığında ondan ilham aldığını beliritiyor ve “O beni daha iyi bir patenci olmaya yöneltiyor. Onunla yaptığım ilk antrenmanda biraz korkmuştum ama herkes gibi benimde üzerime düşeni yapmam gerektiğini farkettim. Tesadüfen aynı grupta antrenman yapıyorduk. O, fantastik bir patenci. Ülkesinin  ve hayranlarının böylesine baskısı altındayken bu kadar iyi yarışması inanılmaz bir şey. Kendisini alkışlıyorum” diyor.

2009 ABD ikincisi Flatt, Skate America’da serbest programda kendisinin en iyi serbest puanını elde etti. Bu yarışma, ayrıca kendisine güvenini arttırdı. “Cup of China yarışmasına giderken kendime çok güveniyordum. Ama oradaki performansımdan sonra biraz güvenim azalmıştı. Ama Sakate America’da kendime güvenimi tazeledim” diyor.

Flatt, Skate America’da kısa programda, üçlü flip-üçlü toeloop kombinasyonunda düştü. “Bu aslında teknik açıdan atlayışın başlangıcında basit bir hata ama bazen havaya sıçradığımda gerekli düzeltmeyi yapamadığım oluyor” diyerek açıklıyor hatasını.

Amerikalı patenci, aynı üçlü kombinasyonunu Cup of China’da deneyecekti ama flip’in çıkışından sonra kombinasyonu üçlü flip-ikili toeloop’a çevirdi. “Çin’e gitmeden önce üçlü-üçlü kombinasyonu çalışmıştım, çok da iyi oluyordu ama orada hem antrenmanda hem de yarışmada sıkıntı çıktı. Gelecek yarışmaların hepsinde üçlü-üçlü kombinasyonu yapmayı düşünüyorum ” diyor.

Cup of China yarışmasında layback dönüşünün zorluk derecesi üç olarak değerlendirilen Flatt’in Skate America’da bu dönüşü iki üzerinden değerlendirildi. “Aslında üç olması için ben çaba göstermedim, diyor Flatt, ikili axel’ın iyi olması gerektiğini düşünüyordum. Bu nedenle, birkaç kesirli puandan vazgeçtim. Axel’a giderken derin bir nefes almam gerekiyordu. İyice geriye eğilirsem bu derin nefesi almakta zorlanacaktım…”

Flatt için ikili axel kolay bir atlayış ama spinden sonra dik konuma gelmesi, vücut konumuınu ayarlaması ve atlayışa girerken doğru pozisyona gelmesi için bir-iki saniyeye daha ihtiyacı vardı. “Bazen düzgün bir şey yapmak için fedâkarlık gerekiyor. Çok şükür ki bu durumda bu küçük bir fedâkarlıktı. Çin’deki yarışmada layback spini üç üzerinden değerlendirilecek şekilde yaptım ve öyle de oldu” diye konuşuyor 17 yaşındaki patenci.

Flatt, Cup of China yarışmasında serbest programda üçlü flip-ikili toleoop-ikili rittberger yapmaya niyetlendi ancak flip’ten öbür ayağının üzerine sıçrayarak çıkınca, onu yerine üçlü salchow-ikili toeloop-ikili rittberger yaptı.

Skate America’da Flatt’in serbest programındaki son spini, iki ayrı dönüş olarak kabul edildiği için değerlendirmeye alınmadı. “Spin kombinasyonunda yön değiştirme vardı. İki ayrı bölüm birbirinden meafe olarak uzak olunca böyle değerlendirildi. Bunu ABD Şampiyonası öncesinde düzelteceğiz” diyor genç patenci.

Flatt, son yarışma olan Skate Canada öncesinde sıralamada 22 puanla beşinci durumda bulunuyor. Finale gidip gidemeyecei Skate Canada sonrasında belli olacak.

Flatt, şimdi esasen Ocak ayındaki ABD Şampiyoansını hedfliyor ve Olimpiyatlar konusunds hayale kapılmıyor. “(Olimpiyatlara gidecek) ABD takımına girmek istiyorum ama tabii ki bu garanti değil” diyor… ABD, 2010 Vancouver Kış Olimpiyatlarında Bayanlarda iki patenciyle temsil edilecek.

ABD’nin Del Mar kentinde 21 Temmuz 1992’de doğan Flatt’i Tom Zakrajsek çalıştırıyor, programlarının koreografisini de Lori Nichol hazırlıyor.

Babası onu bir alışveriş merkezine dedesine hediye almak için götürmüş ama hediye almak yerine buz pateni derslerine kaydolarak dönmüşler eve. Flatt, o zamanlar dört yaşındaymış.

12 yaşında kadar ABD Şampiyonalarına Yıldızlar kategorisinde katılan ve bu yarışmalarda şampiyonluklar elde eden Flatt’in Büyükler kategorisinde yarışmaya  başlaması 2007’ye rastlıyor. 2007’de ABD Şampiyonasında beşinci olan Flatt, 2008’de ikinci olarak gümüş madalya kazandı.

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Flatt, Çiftlerde de yarışamalara girmiş bir patenci… Yıldızlarda yarıştığı dönemde Çiftlerde teste giren Flatt, daha sonra Andrew Speroff ile Çiftler yarışmalarına katıldı.

Flatt/Speroff ikilisi, Yıldız Çiftlerde 2003 yılında gümüş, 2004 yılında da altın madalya kazandı.

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Dear Santa

It’s been almost two years since I moved here and just six months since I’ve been in Toronto, but I still miss so many things about Canada. No, putting on snow tires is not one of them. I do miss my friends and family and so many familiar places, experiences and everyday products.

With the holiday season underway, I know I will miss them even more as the holidays draw nearer. People have been asking about what I want for Christmas this year. I’ve given this some thought. I don’t want anything big under the tree this year unless of course,  it’s a visitor! But, in the absence of that, it would mean so much to me to have some little things that I truly miss from my home country. Not because they’re “stuff” that I want to accumulate, but, because there’s a certain familiarity to them, a certain snippet of the Canadian experience that would help me get through the Christmas season being so far away from over forty years of familiar.

Dear Santa,

While I know I can’t go to Canada this Christmas and I know that I can’t bring my family and friends here, if it’s at all possible, I’d really appreciate one or two of the following little things that I miss so much that you just can’t seem to get here in Oz:

  • Crystal light individual drink packets – all flavours
  • Hersey SKOR bars
  • Kraft Dinner
  • Tim Horton’s coffee
  • Greens plus capsules
  • Real Maple Syrup
  • Clamato Juice
  • Montreal Steak Spice
  • Thrills gum
  • BBQ Fritos
  • Playtex super non deodorant tampons with plastic applicators
  • Kotex lightdays hourglass shaped non-deodorant pantyliners
  • Kraft caramels
  • Bits and Bites
  • Body Shop brazil nut soap and body butter
  • Smirnoff cosmopolitan mix
  • Red licorice
  • Green relish
  • Lubriderm sensitive skin body lotion
  • LCBO Food and Drink magazine
  • Toronto Life magazine
  • Any dollar store item with a Canadian maple leaf on it

Monday, November 16, 2009

Toronto-Niágara

06/08/09 (Día espléndido)

Supuestamente nos tienen que llamar a la habitación a las 6:30h, pero no lo hacen. Empezamos a pensar quién es la gafe de las dos… ¿quizá las dos? De todas formas, ya estamos despiertas y nos ponemos en marcha. Ana Mari ya se duchó ayer por la noche y yo lo hago ahora.

A las 7h. estamos desayunando y a las 8h. metidas en el autocar. Entre una cosa y la otra, aquí la menda, me he ido a pasear por los alrededores. Encuentro la casa de un individuo, justo al lado del hotel, que me atrae: es un periodista un tanto radical, por lo que he podido leer. Un poco más allá, un colegio al más puro estilo inglés. Me doy cuenta de que esta zona (Ontario) es absolutamente inglesa.


Hoy hemos conocido al resto de miembros del grupo… reducido para lo que es usual, según nos dice la guía: somos 19 en total y una guía, Miriam, de Honduras, de donde emigró hace 20 años por no poder soportar los continuos robos a su comercio y otras “lindeces” de su país.

Un autocar grande para 20 personas ¡Bien! Hacemos primero un recorrido por la ciudad y paramos en el nuevo Ayuntamiento. Comento a Ana Mari que un brasileño me parece un tanto… memo y no hace más que preguntas estúpidas y evidentes a la guía (me huelo que va a ser un problema, tengo un olfato para éstos…)

No me gusta la arquitectura de la ciudad: es extraña, no sigue un patrón claro y es poco coherente. Sigo pensando lo mismo que ayer; es decir, que es sucia en el sentido de poco cuidado por los edificios antiguos. Digamos que es el querer aparentar modernidad con edificios de cristal, altos…, pero descuidar la arquitectura antigua, que no es más que la raíz de una ciudad, los orígenes…

Recorremos el Ayuntamiento, con un exterior espectacular (por la arquitectura del edificio en sí, el parque que lo rodea y las estatuas diseminadas aquí y allá, entre las que destaca la de Sir Winston Churchill ), y un interior con demostraciones de estética muy turística: árbol con hojas relucientes con los nombres de todos los alcaldes; cuadro hecho con clavos de cómo fue evolucionando la ciudad desde el centro hacia afuera…


Me fijo en el exterior, donde destacan más edificios de cristal, altísimos, y una torre de una iglesia que… síiiiii me doy cuenta de que se refleja perfectamente en el edificio contiguo justo en el ángulo donde le da el sol, así que decido hacer una foto menos guiri y  más artística. Hago varias por si acaso, que me fio poco de mi nivel “artístico” en eso de la fotografía.


Vamos al Parlamento, absolutamente inglés: escultura de la reina Victoria… foto de la reina Isabel… Visita por el interior. Descubro unos libros de poemas de una tal Mazo de la Roche que atrae a mi hermana por ser el nombre de la empresa en la que trabaja y a mí porque me parece una poetisa absolutamente vanguardista por lo que puedo leer.


De ahí pasamos a la torre CN, que de hecho debíamos “ver” sólo de pasada, pero Miriam nos dice que tenemos tiempo de subir, si queremos (previo pago de 23 $ canadienses). Todos decimos que sí menos el brasileño antes mencionado,, que salta con que eso no estaba estipulado y que vamos a perder tiempo (¡ahora mismo le hubiera dado una hostia!). Miriam mira si no hay mucha cola y dice que nos da tiempo. Pedro (el brasileño que no se llama así sino que lo ha bautizado uno del grupo porque le recuerda a su cuñado que es “idiota” dice) se cabrea. Subimos todos menos el brasileño y otras dos brasileñas que parece que viajen solas.

¡Por dios! ¡Que padezco vértigo! ¡¡¿Qué hace una chica como yo en una torre tan alta y un ascensor de cristal?!! Pues ahí estoy… 553 metros de altura… subimos hasta los 490, creo, en 58 segundos. No miro… me pongo de espaldas al exterior hasta que se para. Llego… miro desde arriba: se ve Toronto completamente y también llega la vista a EEUU. Hay un cristalito por el que se ve “el fondo”… le digo a Ana Mari que haga ella la foto que a mí me encuentran amorrada al cristal del pánico.

Vamos ya camino de las cataratas del Niágara. Miriam nos hace una oferta de 5 comidas en hoteles o restaurantes por 80$ canadienses cada una… Aceptamo todos menos los brasileños (empiezo a pensar que son raritos los de esa nacionalidad, o que nos ha tocado cargar con tres raritos).

Llegamos a las cataratas: cola, pero van rápido. Voy a entrar en un barco (otro pánico personal) que, según dicen, se queda debajo de las cataratas. Antes de entrar en él nos ofrecen unos impermeables azules a cada uno. Que quede claro que entré “acojonadilla” pensando que me iba a entrar la angustia… Como Miriam se quedó fuera, Ana Mari y yo nos encargamos de mantener el grupo junto. En el barco se podía ir arriba o abajo. Decidimos quedarnos abajo… más recogidos, al menos.

Al zarpar el barco, se pasa primero por una catarata más pequeña: es la americana (curiosamente, allí, los impermeables los dan amarillos). Nos dirigimos a la “auténtica”, la canadiense, la de Niágara y… era cierto, el barco se queda un rato donde rompe. Es espectacular estar ahí abajo… impresiona; pero no sé porqué me las imaginaba mucho más espectaculares.

Al salir del barco, quedamos todos en el paseo con Miriam, donde está el autocar. De ahí nos íbamos a comer a una torre parecida a la CN, aunque sin tanta altura y cuyo restaurante da vueltas lentamente, casi de forma imperceptible. Se había reservado la comida a las 3, faltaban 15 minutos y “Pedrito” no aparecía. No había comentado nada a Miriam de si quería contratar la comida o no, aparte de que le iba a decir  dónde nos encontraríamos luego.

Salimos Miriam y yo en su búsqueda, cada una por un lado. Miriam, antes, nos comenta que al salir del ascensor del barco, ha visto a los 3. Él le ha comentado que iba al baño y ni siquiera le atiende a lo que le dice. Ellas le han comentado que comían por su cuenta. Por dos veces vamos a buscarlo. En la segunda, Miriam lo encuentra sentado en un bar con las otras. Sin decir nada a nadie decide no ir a comer con el resto. (Tengo un olfato para los memitos…).

Llegamos justo a la 15h., quizá unos minutos más; ya nos tienen las mesas preparadas. Es un self-service realmente bueno. Hago fotos desde ahí arriba de las cataratas, alrededores de Niágara y del estado  de NY, que se ve perfectamente.

Después de comer, bajamos al paseo: sigo haciendo fotos y me doy cuenta de un inmenso arco iris que abarca las cataratas. Preciosas fotos.

De ahí nos dirigimos a Niagara on the lake, pueblecito al lado de las cataratas. Todo el camino verde, con flores, perfectamente cuidado el paisaje (eso sí se les ha de reconocer…  a los de Ontario, al menos).

Volvemos a Toronto. Ana Mari vio ayer, en una tienda, Banana Republic, un jersey que le gustó y decidió no comprarse… hasta hoy que ha estado dando la paliza con que tenía que llegar a tiempo para comprárselo… ¡Halaaaaaaa, a correrrrrrr! He de indicar que esa tienda no existe en España. Bien, salimos corriendo a la avenida y no tienen su talla. Pide las direcciones de las tiendas en Ottawa y Montreal… ¡y todo eso por una chaqueta de punto!

Volvemos al hotel y nos apetece algo para cenar, tipo ligerito. Pedimos un croisán con atún y queso, y un café con leche; visto lo visto, teníamos que haber entrado otra vez al Starbuck que, empiezo a deducir que va a ser el único lugar donde se pueda tomar café en condiciones. Como inciso diré que cuando se sienta uno en una mesa, no tiene solamente un vaso, sino un mug que llenan de café “aguachirla” (agua manchada9, y al lado capsulitas de leche para paliar el mal trago, supongo; de hecho, es la única forma de poder beber ese café (absolutamente americano, vamos)

Esta vez me ducho por la noche porque me quiero lavar la cabeza y secármela; no me apetece hacerlo de buena mañana. Preparamos las maletas. Mañana salimos hacia Ottawa tempranito.

Cool Cruise - Part 5: Saint John, New Brunswick, Where the River Flows Both Ways

As our ship eased into Saint John Harbor, I thought, that quaint little scene is what I expected to see in coastal Canada in the fall. 

Saint John Harbor, Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada

There were actually some pretty autumn leaves.  I was looking forward to getting off the cold cruise ship – the 105, 509  ton Carnival Triumph has no heating system, which I learned after I got on the ship – and getting on a warm bus to tour Saint John.  The bus was warm, but we got out a few times and the high that day in October was around 42 degrees and it was drizzling.

The high tides there are the big tourist attraction.  The tides on the Bay of Fundy are among the highest in the world. The power of those tides is graphically demonstrated at the Reversing Rapid Falls.  The flow of the river reverses for a  few miles when the tides change.  It was really cold and wet when our bus stopped there, but shutter bugs like me hopped off to get a few shots. We didn’t  tarry, though.

Reversal Falls Rapids on the Saint John River which feeds the Bay of Fundy, home of some of the highest tides in the world. That's an Irving family paper mill in the background.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All in all, Saint John is pretty small, a little more than 120,000 people in the metropolitan area.  That’s the second largest in New Brunswick. The city, with a little more than 68,000, is the largest.   It is the 6th largest port in Canada.   And it is the home of the late industrialist K.C. Irving, whose company is the largest single landholder in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Maine.   His company uses a lot of timber for its paper mills. His  three sons now operate the business, valued at between $7 – 9 billion.

As we say farewell to Saint John, we get ready to say hello to Halifax, Nova Scotia, a very different place.

Friday, November 13, 2009

Apologies for light blogging - events, dear boy . . .

We had an amazing event on “Dealing with Debt” yesterday: speakers from Canada, Ireland, Sweden, Australia and even the UK giving their various views.  I could not possibly summarise it all here and now: maybe at some future juncture, maybe not at all.  See below for the speakers: as well as them, there was a strong informed crowd, including people from across the spectrum, journalists and civil servants.

A couple of spotty observations:

  • In terms of winning the political debate, you have to treat everyone equally.  Every department, every region has to feel it is getting some pain.  David Herle, who for my money was the best speaker from a very strong crowd, made the point that they had to scrap subsidies for farmers across their vast country to win support.   In which case why are people promising to ring-fence the NHS? It will make it harder going after other areas
  • Most of the countries discussed were smaller, economically, than the UK, and had less to gain from fiscal support.  In particular, the Irish examples tell us almost nothing about the wisdom of fiscal consolidation here.  Their stimulus leaks abroad, and merely hits their borrowing rates.  For the UK, it is not so sure
  • Related to the first point, if one group seem to be favoured (bankers anyone?) then the chances of widespread consensus are very damaged.
  • When I (twice) challenged on the subject of the economic implications of fiscal cuts (see Slash and Grow? – which Chris Cook very generously and probably inaccurately credited with bringing a volte face in Conservative economic policy), the right-of-centres so challenged (Andrew Tyrie, dry and excellent, Nick Bosanquet, similar though looking continuously mischievous) always answered that we are going to have trouble selling our debt.  This seems to me a very speculative argument: why the UK in particular?  But Andrew Tyrie made a very telling point about how easy QE had made debt-sales this year.   I look forward to learning more about what he thinks on that subject – Sally Keeble MP too.
  • David Walker had an interesting and slightly dismaying point to make about centralism/localism and fiscal consolidation: you probably need central control to force through tough fiscal policies.  I notice that he has been consistent on this point (2002 article):  “Local communities, especially those where Labour used to draw its support, tend to lack resources. Some are reactionary and others are incompetent . . . Communities may be energetic and progressive; they may also be sluggish and mean . . . If you value inequality, localism is a fine doctrine to hold.”

I hate to give support to such a pessimistic vision, but yesterday the FT reported this on the success of a particular localist policy:

A £100m programme to screen young people for infection by chlamydia has not been good value for money, the National Audit Office said yesterday. In a blow to advocates of greater localism, the public spending watchdog found that the latitude given to individual primary care trusts involved in the programme, launched in 2002, had led to duplication and inefficiency.

—————————————————-

These were the speakers.

  • Gemma Tetlow, Senior Research Economist, IFS
  • Sally Keeble MP, member of Treasury Select Committee (tbc)
  • Andrew Tyrie MP, former special advisor to Chancellors Lawson and Major, member of Treasury Select Committee
  • Lord Newby of Rothwell, Liberal Democrat Treasury spokesman
  • David Herle, political advisor to finance minister and prime minister Paul Martin, on the politics of the Canadian cuts of the 1990s.
  • Warwick Lightfoot, economist, former special advisor to Norman Lamont (tbc)
  • Julian McCrae, Research Fellow, Institute for Government, and former member of the Prime Minister’s Strategy Unit (tbc)
  • Professor Colm McCarthy, economist and commentator, on how Ireland is dealing with the collapse in its tax base.
  • Christopher Cook, economics leader writer, Financial Times
  • Chris Sanger, Head of Tax Policy, Ernst and Young
  • Pär Nuder, Swedish finance minister from 2004 to 2006, on how Sweden cut public spending by 17 per cent of GDP since 1993.
  • Dr Chris Aulich, academic and commentator on Australia’s public sector, on John Howard’s privatisations and public services reforms which reduced the size of the state to 33 per cent of GDP.
  • Professor Nick Bosanquet, Professor of Health Policy, Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College and Consultant Director, Reform
  • David Walker, communications director, Audit Commission, formerly the Guardian

Today, we have Sharon Bowles MEP, fearsomely bright and now influential in chairing the EU’s Economi and Monetary Affairs committee.  Her background in patent law gives her a relentlessly forensic and legally-aware mind, ideal for the work of that committee.  I’m chairing the event at Bloomberg, asking how the EU will fit in with the G20 agenda.  So that’s why the blogging is light.  Anyway, who’s reading?  mostly people from the Sceptical Doctor blog, anyway, I suspect.

Vancouver

Vancouver is the perfect place to write about seeing as how the 2010 Olympics are just around the corner! Approximately seven million tickets are sold to spectators coming from all around the world to watch the games.. and this year they’ll all be traveling to Canada starting February 12th.

Vancouver is hosting the 2010 Olympics from February 12th to the 28th. In order to find information regarding traveling to Canada click here. Of course the town will be bustling with excitement over the course of the time and because of the Olympics there are olympic-related events events which can be found here.

Although, Vancouver was always a great spot to travel to, even when they aren’t hosting one of the greatest events world-wide. One of the more popular activities for the adventurous traveler is the Capilano Suspension Bridge. It’s a bridge 250 feet about the Capilano River that brings you into the heart of the forest for spectacular views.

For a list of more of Vancouver’s must-see attractions, you can check it out here

 

 

(pictures found at infohostels.com and destination360.com)

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Online Gambling Laws in Canada

Today, almost every form of gambling is legal throughout Canada. Online gambling, however, is a trickier situation. The Canadian government does not give out licenses for companies to operate internet casinos, so all “Canadian” gambling sites are actually hosted elsewhere. There are no specific laws that prohibit Canadians from playing at online gambling sites hosted in other countries, so strictly speaking, it’s not illegal. But however the current laws are interpreted, many Canadians gamble online, and there are plenty of internet gambling sites that accept Canadian players and even the Canadian Dollar. Read more…

Saeman Bros. SUP'n Across America: Canada Farmlands to Annapolis MD: Blog #5

Hey Guys,

We left Montana in search of more rapids and lakes to SUP and we ended up meeting up and staying with our friends from Govan, Saskatchewan. It took us about 14 hours to drive from the buffalo ranch to the beautiful farmlands of Canada with only a few paddles in the shallow rivers to keep us amused. While we we were up there, most people were very surprised about what we were doing on our road trip and thought we were crazy…(which isn’t all wrong). Most of the people we were with had never seen SUPing before, so T.J. and I hopped in our board shorts in 30 degree weather with snow on the ground and put our boards in the agricultural dugout and paddled around. Most everyone was speechless but pretty amazed at how easily we glided through the water. We said our goodbyes to all of our friends (Bob, Noreen, Jim, Jared, Rocket, Danita, and Ryan) and started our journey to the east coast. After 2 days of driving, we stopped off in Annapolis, Maryland to say hi to Gene and John from Backyard Boats. They were kind enough to show us there store and all their products and ended up taking us on a very fun and historic paddle through the river and around the famed “Ego Alley.” Everyone was walking around the harbor asking us lots of questions and stopping to take pictures with us. It was good to see this part of the country with the leaves changing colors and seeing the different water sports in the harbor but we were ready to get to the outer banks and have a chance at some waves. So, we hopped in the car for another 5 hours and ended up on the outer banks that night…….

Saskatchewan Farmhouse

Welcome to Alberta, Canada

Then welcome to Saskatchewan, Canada

TJ and Bob Walker in front of the dugout

Showing the Canadians how-to-SUP

Looks like the Snow Geese have good numbers this year

Canadian Dugout

Rocket, Bob, and Jared: Looking at us like we are crazy!

Bryce: 3 Monsters deep

Hobie SUP'n in Madison, Wisconsin

The drive through a long, rainy country

SUP'n in Old America

Bryce and John (Backyard Boats) in the harbor

Bryce heading into "Ego Alley"

Board Cam on the East Coast

Thanks Backyard Boats!


Monday, November 9, 2009

The Tragically Hip announce European Tour

It’s been over seven years since this Canadian group has played in Europe.  And this announcement of gigs has four stops on the British Isles.

11/23/09 Effenaar: Eindhoven, NL
11/25/09 Oosterpoort: Groningen, Holland
11/26/09 Tivoli: Utrecht, Holland
11/27/09 Paradiso: Amsterdam, Holland
11/29/09 Ancienne Belgique: Brussels, Belgium
11/30/09 Forum: London, GB
12/02/09 Academy 3: Manchester, GB
12/03/09 The Garage: Glasgow, GB
12/04/09 The Village: Dublin, IE

The Tragically Hip on stage in Hamilton, Ontario

I had the pleasure of seeing The Hip live at Massey Hall in Toronto, Canada back in 2000. 

They are an amazing band on stage with some killer roots-rock tunes and unique lyrics.  They also actively encourage bootlegging.

The Tragically Hip, is Gordie Downie (vocals), Bobby Baker (guitar), Paul Langlois (guitar), Gord Sinclair (bass) and Johnny Fay (drums).

The band released its debut, self-titled album in the late 80s but it wasn’t until their second release Up to Here that they started receiving critical acclaim. The album included staple Hip tunes like “New Orleans is Sinking” and “Blow at High Dough”.

The band was embraced by their fellow Canucks for its steady rock riffs and ballads that predominantly featured Canadian themed lyrics – “Bobcaygeon”, “38 Years Old” and “Forty Mission Cap” to name a few.

Its 1993 release, Fully Completely, awarded them some US crossover attention, mainly in bordering states like Michigan and New York. The band started touring across the Midwest of America and secured a spotlight on popular comedy sketch programme, Saturday Night Live, in 1995.

Its sixth album, Phantom Power, produced hits in the form of “Fireworks” and “Poets” and the Hip were booked for Woodstock 1999. The band also performed at the Salt Lake City Winter Olympic games in 2002.

Over the course of their nearly two decade long recording career, The Tragically Hip has built up an impressive array of accomplishments despite not having blatant, mainstream success. On the other hand, it’s reported that the band has never really sought that international attention.

While the band sells out arenas in their native Canada, other tours in America or Europe consist of smaller, intimate venues. Some of the accolades awarded to The Hip by the Canadian market include a star of the Canadian Walk of Fame, numerous Juno awards and an induction to the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.

Cold Day, Warm Hearts

It was a chilly Saturday Morning but not too bad considering it is November after all. I was worried about the effects of cold weather… red and runny noses, off color skin tones… as I walked through O’Dell Park looking for the requested fall colors that are hard to come by this time of year. All worries melted away after meeting Lauren and Matt! I was instantly warmed by their genuine love for each other and I absolutely loved the way the laughed together. And I mean LAUGHED! The kind of laugh that brings a smile to anyone who is near enough to listen.

It was a pleasure to spend a little time with them in a “mini” engagement session. The time may have been short but the photos are beautiful! As are the people in them.

Friday, November 6, 2009

Philharmonic Society, Montreal, 1847

Montreal Weekly Pilot

24 December 1847

Philharmonic Society-  There is certainly no want of musical talent in Montreal, and to cultivate and render attractive that talent requires only the determined action and personal influence of a few of our leading amateurs.  We had the pleasure, during the last winter, to be present at one or two private musical soirees given by one of our accomplished military officers, who is well known for his attachment and devotion to the divine art, and particularly for his successful efforts in the department of choral music.  We were highly gratified at the exhibition we then witnessed, both in the vocal and instrumental efforts, and with the execution and taste of the various performers.

Can it be possible, we would ask, in a city like Montreal, blessed with the advantages of wealth, rich in refinement, and distinguished for its love of the fine arts, that there does not exist at the present a single musical association, fostered by public patronage, and in which professional merit can be adequately compensated for its labours and acquirements?  There is scarcely a town or city in England, or even in the United States, without its Philharmonic Society, its musical Fund Hall, and its Gentleman’s Glee club.

It would really seem that the selfish representatives of ancient Adam desire to banish all recollections of that celestial refinement which in the divine harmony of paradise, once charmed the ear of their great prototype, and have found higher gratifications in the rude sports of the chase, the field games of athletic exercise, and that skilful dexterity which figures on the indurated bosom of a frozen river.  Thistle clubs, curling clubs, cricket clubs, trotting clubs, Masonic lodges, and IOOF’s, and other associations, furnish abundant matter for the enjoyments of the Lords of the land.  What resources of rational entertainment, however, have they provided for the gentler sex, who are necessarily excluded from such assemblies, and whose susceptible are more readily opened to the refined cultivation of taste and feeling?  The body it is true may occasionally be made to throw off its natural tendency to supineness and immobility in a ball room; but the mind in its wonderful predominance over matter, seeks for purer sources of happiness in those pleasurable emotions inspired by the sublime and the beautiful.

It can hardly be doubted that if a few influential gentlemen of Montreal were to propose a meeting for the purpose of establishing a Philharmonic Society, it could be easily accomplished.  Our enterprising fellow citizen MJ Hays, Esq., could doubtless be induced to make arrangements in his splendid establishment, now being completed, for a spacious and appropriate Music Hall: the price of membership could readily be fixed; officers chosen, and our accomplished amateurs could soon be embodied in a “Corps Musicale;” and we should have more agreeable “overtures” than those offered by our good friends Compain and Dolly- at least in the early part of the evenings.

If the accomplished officer of whom we have already spoken will proposed the matter to a few of his friends, we shall soon have a meeting, and at least be able to “sound” the public feeling, and endeavour to raise it to “concert pitch.”

Today's Moron: Steven Rheault-Kihara

As all you smart-type people know, the first rule of international diplomacy is this: Always have a tuxedo close at hand for last-minute gala receptions. I know this from watching spy movies.

The second rule is this: If you’re going to bad-mouth your boss on Facebook, don’t leave your account set to “Public.” I know this because it just happened.

Steven Rheault-Kihara is the guy who broke the second rule. Canada’s public relations attache to Thailand, who works out of the Canadian Embassy in Bangkok, was just outed as a serial bad-mouther when, for some reason, his Facebook Wall stopped being For Your Eyes Only.

Readers around the world got a look inside Rheault-Kihara’s private life in a big way, reading as he lambasted the Thai government — not something you want to do when you’re a PR guy in their country — and described his need to party. This wasn’t confined to his friends. Everybody could read it. And when they did, they found things like this:

  • On his boss, Prime Minister Stephen Harper: “As much as I think he’s a terrible leader, I thought that Stephen Harper gave a good show last night.” (Harper had just performed on an Ottawa stage with Yo-Yo Ma.)
  • On Harper and his then-rival, the leader of the Liberal Party: “If you put a gun to my head and forced me to choose between (Stephen) Harper or (Stephane) Dion as PM, my answer is simple: Pull the trigger, please.” (Canada was facing the possibility of a snap election.
  • On the media: “Quoting from an audit report is the laziest form of journalism, but then again, no-one ever accused Greg Weston of being a journalist.” (He’s wrong; everyone knows this crap I do is the laziest form of journalism. Sheesh.)

When are people going to learn how to control their online presence? This kind of thing happens to people all the time, but rarely with this level of political WTFness. There has been no word from Harper’s people as to what he thinks of all this, but our PM does not suffer fools gladly; I suspect Rheault-Kihara might be looking for work tomorrow. Well, at least he has a tux.

Rheault-Kihara has yet to acknowledge what has happened, and I expect there will be something along the lines of “My Facebook represents my private life, not my public life, yada yada yada.” That doesn’t wash here. If you want privacy, if you want to be able to express your opinions about politics and politicians, fine. Don’t go into public service. And if you do, keep your trap shut. This is a lesson he has learned far too late.

In related news, I just sent my C.V. to the Canadian Embassy in Thailand.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Invent The Future

BC Hydro Power Smart’s Invent the Future is an idea contest. Ideas for conserving energy. Ideas for producing sustainable energy. Ideas for a sustainable product or even adopting a sustainable lifestyle change.

I’ve decided to keep my video really simple and hope to give its viewers a great idea of how we can conserve energy in an outstanding way. Please visit the contest page and don’t hesitate to vote even if it’s not my entry. Thank you.

Taiwan offer Free Tourist Tours for Transiting Travellers

Stop over’s and transit time in Airports can often be one of the major pitfalls of International travel.

 

Picture this: You have just been on an 11 hour flight and you now have to wait 6 hours in a sterile, cold, unfriendly and busy International Airport Terminal. You are then faced with another 12 hours or so of flying time before you touch down wearily at your destination. Transit is not all that terrible when you are on your way to a country and your fun filled holiday, but it’s a whole other story on the way back. You are dreaming of your own bed but the wait continues to drag on, will you ever see your beloved pillow again?

 

Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport is combating this problem with the Transit Tourist program. The Taiwan Tourism Bureau offers FREE half day tours from the Airport on either the cultural route or the City route. This allows travellers to get out for 4-5 hours and enjoy the sites of Taiwan. This is especially good in an airport such as Taiwan Toayuan as it really is a big, sterile, quiet and lonely airport.

 

I was lucky enough to arrive at 6.30am on February 12th 2007, so with what felt like a hangover and 12 hours until my flight left, I was not looking forward to the day. Luckily I bumped into some other weary travellers and we all headed to the tourism desk which we had been notified about on the plane. There were 6 of us there and we quickly formed a bond and chose to do a cultural tour of the city in the morning, this meant that we could get back to the Airport by lunchtime and then travel all together by shuttle to the central Taipei. This way we got the best of both tours.

 

I was so thankful to have something to do for the day and to have met such a unique and interesting bunch of people to spend the time with. A Greek/ Aussie guy named Zoran, A Canadian girl living in Oz named Sarah (Nugs), A Japanese/ Australian whose name evades me and Tony and Nick from Newcastle. We clicked right away and spent the journey to the temple and ancient city chatting about our trips to date.

 

The cultural tour was definitely worth braving the wet and foggy morning for. The ancient city was fascinating with intricately designed buildings containing little businesses that had been running for many years. We really got a great peek into the Taiwanese culture. The guide was brilliant as well. He was knowledgeable, animated and very open to questions. We had 3 hours to stroll around the old city, temple, morning market and small art museum. I was so fascinated by the culture and really was disappointed now that I only had a short day here. Taiwan is onto something with there little taste tester tourist trips. Marketing 101 – free samples!

 

After shopping, seeing the sights and being stunned by some of the Taiwanese customs- including having a live fish on hooks at your stall to show just how fresh your produce is, we boarded the bus and headed back to the airport. Our now tight knit group then jumped on the city shuttle to head to the famous Taipei 101! How lucky are we to have such a fun filled day with only 10 hours to spare!

 

We arrived at the incredible Taipei 101 and decided lunch was probably the best option first and as the tallest tower in the world also doubles as a shopping centre, we were able to find a rather large food court to satisfy our appetites. Choosing lunch was interesting….. and finding almost an entire chicken in Sarahs soup was an experience, but overall the food was delicious and the choice unfathomable. Great Asian flavours and at wonderfully low prices.

 

We decided to walk through the many levels of shops that we could never afford to purchase things from and amused ourselves with the many gadgets and products on offer. It was then time for the tallest tower in the world, Taipei 101! Once you reach the top you are greeted with both indoor and outdoor viewing decks which offer amazing views over what appears to be the entire island that is the tiny Taiwan. There was also a museum inside containing strange and unusual coloured lights – we didn’t know the purpose of it but it was fun to explore. Photos were in abundance and many oohs and ahs were spoken. It’s definitely a sight to be seen and one to cross off the old traveller list.

 

We got back to the airport around 8pm as we were all rather tired from our Big Day Out. Happy to realise once we had checked in that we had most certainly made the right decision in having a day out as the Airport was so quiet , sterile and un-welcoming.

 

Of all the airports to have to spend the day in- Taiwan’s International Airport is the best. What a great idea to help tourists on their long journeys and to entice them back to this beautiful and interesting country. If you have the option, choose Taiwan as your international stop-over, all you need is a day to have a fantastic taste of Taiwan!

 

You can take advantage of the Free Half-Day Tour for Transit Passengers offered by the Tourism Bureau. The Presidential Office Building, the Taipei 101 Mall, and several other places of interest are included in the tour. You may register at the Arrival Lobby Tourist Service Center.

 

Terminal I: Morning tour: bus leaves at 7:45 a.m. and returns to the airport before 1 p.m.* Afternoon tour: bus leaves at 1:45 p.m. and returns to the airport before 6:30 p.m.*

 

Terminal II: Morning tour: bus leaves at 7:30 a.m. and returns to the airport before 1 p.m.* Afternoon tour: bus leaves at 1:30 p.m. and returns to the airport before 6:30 p.m.* *Actual return time to terminal may vary according to traffic conditions.

 

For information at the airport go to: http://www.taoyuanairport.gov.tw/english/about/item_e_e.jsp?itemid=6

 

For information on Travel in Taiwan visit the Tourism Bureau website: http://eng.taiwan.net.tw/m1.aspx?sNo=0000236

 

Monday, November 2, 2009

Toronto x Jay-Z x Drake

So on Saturday, I went to the Jay-Z concert at the Air Canada Centre. And I forgot the camera in the car. Fail.

Anyways..

In the middle of the performance, Jay-Z brought out October’s Toronto’s Very own, Drake, to perform his song “Successful”. Everybody saw it coming, but it turned out way more epic than expected.

Jay doesn’t play the hypeman role for just anybody.

Shouts to Kardinal who Jay-Z pointed out was somewhere in the crowd at the end of his show (I thought it was funny, at least)

ALSO, here’s the Official video for Empire State Of Mind. Looks like Hov’s got another one. Shouts to World Star Hip Hop!

*another thing to note is that Lil Mama is noticeably absent from the official video..

‘THAT PEDOPHILE THING’

Hung-over like a mongrel three-legged dog with no tail – I stumbled into ‘Crazy Kim’ English language school wondering what I had committed myself to the night before.

I’d been drinking at ‘Crazy Kim Bar’ in Nha Trang, a coastal holiday town in Vietnam. Now, 7 hours later I was the official beginner’s English teacher. Walking into the classroom the 30 plus students – aged between five and 50 years old were just as surprised to see me, as I was nervous and unsure what to do.

The regular Vietnamese teacher then handed me a thick book and said .. ‘just work from the text, write the exercises on the blackboard – don’t worry, they can’t understand you. It’s a beginner’s class .. they don’t understand English’. So, I was on safe ground!

The free English language school was established by a tough, confident woman with a flirtatious smile named Kimmy Le. Aka: ‘Crazy Kim’. Ever the businesswoman, attempting to teach the class how to read an English menu .. she yelled: ‘Make sure you teach them about the Government and restaurant taxes!’

Her story is one of survival, passion and smarts.

As a teenager she and her older brother fled Communist Vietnam onboard a wooden boat packed with fellow escapees. After three months at sea – the Le’s found dry land, refugee status and safety in Holland. A University education led to meeting a boy, a short marriage in Canada and a new passport.

It was past mid-night .. we sat chatting at the Bar when Kim said: ‘… I did it because of that pedophile thing!!!’. It didn’t need explaining.

Now in possession of a Canadian passport and no longer married Kim returned to Vietnam and started teaching Information Technology at the Nha Trang University. What caught her attention were the children living on the beach – selling what they could, sometimes themselves in order to get enough money to buy food.

According to Kim – her lunch times were spent at the beach, warning boys and girls about the men who gave them money for sex. It was one woman’s personal war on pedophiles. 

She soon quit teaching – and brought a rundown bar around the corner from a ‘woman holding a baby who was desperate to sell’, according to Crazy Kim – ‘She wanted four million dong .. I talked her down to 2 and a half million dong’  .. so began her career as bar owner and anti-pedophile campaigner. 

English classes were taught to the street kids inside the bar. ‘I slept on the pool table for a month and had a shower installed in the toilet’ .. Kim remembers: ‘.. I started playing music and the place became packed’. Outgrowing her beginnings – the now Crazy Kim Bar has a dance floor, three bars, a garden area and two classrooms.

“Hands off the kids” is her motto – as she rides around Nha Trang on her pink motorbike nicknamed the ‘PEDOPHILE BUSTER’.

But, I’m quickly reminded it’s still Vietnam and the old ways still exist. A police officer came in demanding to see the staff list. One new staff member wasn’t on the list – a fine, it was then decided the music was too loud and the lights too low. The police officer demanded $100 US – a sort of on the spot fine to clear up the breaches.

By now the dozen female Dutch students in Vietnam to experience the culture decided with the European dance hits no longer playing, it was time to go and so followed the five Aussies blokes who had been gazing the girls. With the western dollars gone home, Crazy Kim stood her ground and refused to pay. The police officer left empty handed, we stayed and drank, no music and with the lights a little brighter.

The lights shone on a trophy wall of sorts at the entrance to the Crazy Kim Bar. Photographs and headshots of the children Kim had saved, the people who had helped and a brief outline of Crazy Kim’s story.

‘People want me to write a book and make a movie about my life’ she said. I asked what she would do with the money and without hesitation Crazy Kim answered: ‘.. I’d build a new English school for the kids’.

If Crazy Kim is willing to accept a hung-over mongrel three legged dog with no tail .. she’ll have no shortage finding teachers.