Cars....not a huge neccesity but a good thing to have for travelling quite a distance.
My first car was a 1991 Navy Blue Honda Civic, which I so appropriately named Beastly, after the little furball from Care Bears due to the fact when you started up the car, it sounded like Beastlys' laugh.
That car caused me trouble and cost me lots of dollars for upkeep. Time went on and that car had died and was finally out of my life.
Now I have a newer car, a 2003 Hyundai Accent I bought from my uncle, and it has been great, until now. Just recently coming off a bad (in my mind) radio show this past Thursday night at school, I walk to the parking lot, get in my car, start it up, put it in reverse and then.....it starts coasting forward. After letting out a few loud profanities, I called my dad to come help me out. We were able to get the car out of the spot but not much further. As of writing this blog my car is still at the garage as I'm waiting to hear officially what went on it.
I was able to get out for a walk today, loaded up the mp3 player and took off, and I got to say I probably would not have done that had my car been working.
We all get caught up in things, taking stuff for granted. It happens, we're human.
I was able to remember though that on the right day, with the right mood, a walk can be perfect when you find that right song to compiment the other factors. I was taken away. I felt seperated from all the rest of the world. A really awesome zen-like moment.
The only thing that kept it from being perfect was finding a secluded lake to sit by, that would have been bad ass.
I will keep in mind that when I finally do get my car back, that my feet do not require gas, nor costly maintenance, and that the perfect get away is just a walk away.
Recommended walking songs by me are:
Hard Road - Sam Roberts
Downtown and Where am I Going - Matt Mays
Nothing More to Say - Joel Plaskett Emergency
Next Year - Foo Fighters
Anything by Elliott Smith
Just a thought ;)
Until next time, Keep it rockin.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Monday, October 26, 2009
Black, White and Shades of Grey
I'm not feeling myself lately..don't know how to explain it but that's for another time, all I can say is I've been losing focus and I've got to screw off with it and get back on track.
We watched a documentary in Yvonnes class called The Falling Man. It's about a picture that was taken during 9/11 of a man falling from one of the twin towers after jumping to his inevitable death.
The photo was the subject of a lot of debate over whether it should have been printed or not, and even today the debates continue (believe me). Some people believe that someone making the choice to choose to jump off a building, on their way to ending their life should not be exposed, which I understand why people think that.
Others believe that the picture is showing people that that event was not all just heroism, as most of the pictures after that day would showcase. Reality is not always sunshine and lollipops and thats a belief I have, as Eric Matthews told younger brother Cory on an old episode of Boy Meets World (one of the best shows ever) "Little Bro, life's tough, get a helmet."
I think people need to know that there is hard times in bad situations, and that its not always how we overcome it because some people don't have that choice, and the choice the man in the picture as well as several others were faced with that day was to either burn to death or jump. I can't tell you what I would choose because that's not exactly choosing soup or salad, even with that choice I have a hard time sometimes.
But that picture showed the harsh reality of the day for people who were unable to escape the twin towers, and I hope people can understand that, even if they are against the picture being published.
I remember when the Tsunami hit on the other side of the world, I forget exactly where and that does make me feel like a bad person. But the Daily News (How I miss you and your comics section) published a photo of a persons hand, and this person was lying underneath debris, dead. Now at first I was shocked they would show that on the front page, but my dad pointed out to me that this is a way to help us overlook the celebrities who are all over the media outlets talking about it, and to see what it is exactly they are talking about. Since then that is how I began looking at things, although not everything needs to be published but when we get caught up in other aspects of life, sometimes we need a reminder that we are in better situations and for those who aren't, we should take the time to acknowledge them and hopefully learn about ourselves through it.
I was sick the day we watched this special last year, and I'm glad I was able to see it this year cause it was a documentary I would recommend everyone watch and possibly learn something about themselves.
Until next time, Keep it rockin
We watched a documentary in Yvonnes class called The Falling Man. It's about a picture that was taken during 9/11 of a man falling from one of the twin towers after jumping to his inevitable death.
The photo was the subject of a lot of debate over whether it should have been printed or not, and even today the debates continue (believe me). Some people believe that someone making the choice to choose to jump off a building, on their way to ending their life should not be exposed, which I understand why people think that.
Others believe that the picture is showing people that that event was not all just heroism, as most of the pictures after that day would showcase. Reality is not always sunshine and lollipops and thats a belief I have, as Eric Matthews told younger brother Cory on an old episode of Boy Meets World (one of the best shows ever) "Little Bro, life's tough, get a helmet."
I think people need to know that there is hard times in bad situations, and that its not always how we overcome it because some people don't have that choice, and the choice the man in the picture as well as several others were faced with that day was to either burn to death or jump. I can't tell you what I would choose because that's not exactly choosing soup or salad, even with that choice I have a hard time sometimes.
But that picture showed the harsh reality of the day for people who were unable to escape the twin towers, and I hope people can understand that, even if they are against the picture being published.
I remember when the Tsunami hit on the other side of the world, I forget exactly where and that does make me feel like a bad person. But the Daily News (How I miss you and your comics section) published a photo of a persons hand, and this person was lying underneath debris, dead. Now at first I was shocked they would show that on the front page, but my dad pointed out to me that this is a way to help us overlook the celebrities who are all over the media outlets talking about it, and to see what it is exactly they are talking about. Since then that is how I began looking at things, although not everything needs to be published but when we get caught up in other aspects of life, sometimes we need a reminder that we are in better situations and for those who aren't, we should take the time to acknowledge them and hopefully learn about ourselves through it.
I was sick the day we watched this special last year, and I'm glad I was able to see it this year cause it was a documentary I would recommend everyone watch and possibly learn something about themselves.
Until next time, Keep it rockin
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
This has been an exhausting week, especially mentally.
I do miss being able to go out trick or treating, however a couple of years ago when I opened the door there were two men in their 70's trick or treating, which caught me off guard. But all the power to them, as long as their motives were right and they just had a sweet tooth for sugar, although I could just imagine them trying to chew taffy or something and their teeth falling out.
While mom and dad are just pining to watch their Christmas Specials, I am all set to watch the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown, and Ernest Scared Stupid. It doesn't get more festive than Peanuts and Jim Varney.
Either way my plans for Halloween will either involve a bunch of movies and staying home, which to me is the equivalent of getting free tickets to Wrestlemania and giving them away to go watch the Ballet, or hopefully I will come across a good Halloween Party, and make the most of one of my favorite nights of the year.
As far as a costume goes, Alf is my top choice, but will I make it happen? If so I promise pictures galore.
Friday, October 16, 2009
As much as I've tried to prevent sickness, it seems this time it was just too much for me, The Cold has caught up to me. The Cold is not just an illness, but a villain in my day to day life. However I read in a magazine 5 tips to help fight off the cold or the flu, and I think I shall share them with you because I am in a generous mood1. Get Vaccinated - Something I have yet to do
2. Purell - Use constantly, obviously I have not used it enough
3. Two Teaspoons of Honey - Apparently Honey has more of an antimicrobial effect than the key drug in cough supressants, so if you feel something coming on, grab a spoon and some honey and down it.
4. Sleep - Score as much shut-eye as you can, but don't over do it because even on a good day you'll wake up feeling crappy after an overstretched sleep
5. Nasal Spray - Not just for when you're stuffed up, but if you've been somewheres that could be "overly germy" when you leave, use some nasal spray to help clean the germs you may have picked up. Purell for the Schnoz.
I hope those help you fight off any sickness this cold and flu season, and I have a feeling it is going to be a brutal season, the same goes for my beloved Maple Leafs.
With the strike seeming to be happening I am losing faith in the Government. I don't know all the details on it or anything but they seem to be keeping away from it at all costs.
I understand its a damned if you do, damned if you don't situation, and that no matter what party was in power this could happen, but as a student at the NSCC, it makes me feel like I'm not worth a damn to the Government, and that they're not for the people.
These Teachers and Educators are what I like to refer to as the "Real Deal".
They have lived their courses and lessons. When they step into the classroom and teach, they're not looking for ideas and stuff from a book, they are taking information and life experiences and using that to help us learn and to know what to expect in the real world.
I'm sorry but University Professors, I do respect, but from what I have heard from friends of mine, they don't get involved on that personal level like NSCC Teachers do.
To me in Universities it's about someone standing in the front of a classroom with 500 students, just writing down stuff and telling people to write a paper on what they talked about. They don't worry if someone misses a class, hell they probably don't notice.
NSCC is so much different. When I can talk to Yvonne about something, she listens, cares, and treats me with respect and as a person that is not below her.
Same goes for Dave and Steve. I've never seen three individuals more willing to go out of their way to help students. And for the reasons of giving a damn and living what they teach? I think the Government needs to step in, help out and give a damn about those who give a damn about me.
That's my two cents, until next time, Keep it rockin'.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Stepping into the Octagon..I mean Studio
I cannot help but always take situations in life and compare them to TV Shows or other things a lot of the time.
I guarantee you've done the same thing at least once. For the most part there's always at least one moment, every day I can take and compare to a moment in The Simpsons.
My latest comparison though may sound off, but once I explain, maybe you'll think "ooooh, this lad isn't completely messed in the head...just yet."
It came to me after my radio show Tuesday night. I tried doing phoners...FINALLY! And I must say the experience went better than I thought it would thanks to the guidance of Scott George. It's now something I will be doing on a regular basis on Tuesday nights.
Anyways, aside from the phoners, I felt the show was lackluster in my performance. I stumbled on words, and did not feel "in my groove". It was bugging me because I love doing shows, it's so much fun, but I continued to grow with frustration over not giving 110%.
As I was driving home from school after I had finished, I thought to myself, "That really sucked, what was wrong with me?" and soon after reminded myself that there's nothing I can do to change how it went, and that tomorrow was another day with another show (which went better...I felt anyways. More on this in a bit.)
I could not help but think that "you know what? Even Forrest Griffin has lost fights here and there, but he can still be considered one of the greats going today in the UFC." Yes, I went there, I compared my performance in radio, to a UFC fighters performance in the Octagon.
I had "lost my fight" Tuesday night, but I was gonna look past it, and learn from it to win the next one.
Today went smooth, I felt calm and ready to take it on again.
To relate it to a UFC fight, I would say I won the fight today, but by judges decision, I didn't have that dominating performance, not yet anyways, and that's the goal now.
A win may be a win, but it's how you get it is what matters.
The next time I step into that studio, I'm going for the knockout
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
People to Blame
So we're well underway into the school year, and I must say, having to come back was definitely the best thing for me.
As we talk about subjects that we did last year, I find things making more sense to me, don't know why but who cares, as long as it does.
I feel confident and I am ready to take on the world.
In December we have a two week internship for the first two weeks. I have completed mine last year at Big Dog 100.9, which I must say was absolutely incredible.
This year I may try and get out to New Glasgow at CKEC. It'd be great cause the smaller stations are the places to go if you want to do more, and I'd get to see my old classmate James Lawrence, who is now doing production there, and I believe that that is just the start of things to come Mr. Lawrences' way, helluva producer, helluva guy.
Being in radio was always what I wanted to do, kind of.
As a kid I used to set up my old tape player and would record myself talking, whether it was commentating on baseball, or favorite shows, there was always something I wanted to talk about. However, I never really thought about what I was doing and why I was doing it, since as most kids don't, I never analyzed much, and just did it for the fun of it.
If only I had those tapes now, I would imagine there's a much better product on those tapes than the tapes of my radio shows from my first year at NSCC ;)
With whatever it is we want to do, we usually do have influences and I am no exception to that rule and these are a few of my Radio influences :
Dr. Johnny Fever
My sister got me into WKRP In Cincinatti, and this guy was really the first guy ever I think I looked at as "Cool" and how could you not? Youtube an episode or something, you'll know where I'm coming from.
Bill and Marty from KBBL
If you've never watched an episode of The Simpsons, you're probably living a very sheltered life, and hey I can respect that, but then that means you've never heard of the stereotypical radio stylings of Bill and Marty. These guys know what making radio fun is all about, although cartoon characters they are, anyone in radio can learn from these two.
Kevin and Bean KROQ in LA
This is what you call a RADIO SHOW! I believe its a show that has the music as secondary and everything that they do is primary. The ensemble of people is grand and all hilarious, with celebrity impressionists, amazing guests and of course awesome music, this is my all time favorite morning show, even though I have to stream it in the afternoon, that doesn't take away from enjoying the Kevin and Bean Show on KROQ.
Fearless Fred on 102.1 The Edge in Toronto
Since first year in the RTA program I have heard a lot about this fellow RTA Alumni. Fred Kennedy is a prime example of busting your ass off if you want something bad enough. This guy has worked in some of the smallest markets, dealt with a lot of things he hasn't been thrilled with and is now workign the Drive slot on Canada's biggest Rock Station, The Edge. I listen to him whenever I get the chance and have had a chance to talk with him a couple of times and he is so down to earth and hilarious, maybe one day I'll be working with him...hah here's hoping.
Dave Bannerman, Radio Broadcasting God
This guy has been a main influence on many people in the Radio Industry for the main reason, he was their instructor, and is currently mine. This guy has done and seen it all in the Radio Industry and I swear with each passing year his love for it only grows. Just one conversation with the man and you can tell this is his true passion in life, and he is more than glad to help out anyone who needs it (believe me, I know)
When I'm owning the airwaves and manipulating the minds of listeners everywhere, this is the man to blame, Thank you DB
Those are some of my main Radio Influences, some reasons why when I step into that Studio at School I want to have a show that's gonna blow all previous ones out of the water.
Hell's Kitchen is on.....damn that show makes me hungry, I think I'm gonna make a Pecan Crusted Salmon, with a Mushroom Rizotto....ah hell, I'm going with a PB and J.
Until next time, keep it rockin ;)
As we talk about subjects that we did last year, I find things making more sense to me, don't know why but who cares, as long as it does.
I feel confident and I am ready to take on the world.
In December we have a two week internship for the first two weeks. I have completed mine last year at Big Dog 100.9, which I must say was absolutely incredible.
This year I may try and get out to New Glasgow at CKEC. It'd be great cause the smaller stations are the places to go if you want to do more, and I'd get to see my old classmate James Lawrence, who is now doing production there, and I believe that that is just the start of things to come Mr. Lawrences' way, helluva producer, helluva guy.
Being in radio was always what I wanted to do, kind of.
As a kid I used to set up my old tape player and would record myself talking, whether it was commentating on baseball, or favorite shows, there was always something I wanted to talk about. However, I never really thought about what I was doing and why I was doing it, since as most kids don't, I never analyzed much, and just did it for the fun of it.
If only I had those tapes now, I would imagine there's a much better product on those tapes than the tapes of my radio shows from my first year at NSCC ;)
With whatever it is we want to do, we usually do have influences and I am no exception to that rule and these are a few of my Radio influences :
Dr. Johnny FeverMy sister got me into WKRP In Cincinatti, and this guy was really the first guy ever I think I looked at as "Cool" and how could you not? Youtube an episode or something, you'll know where I'm coming from.
Bill and Marty from KBBL
If you've never watched an episode of The Simpsons, you're probably living a very sheltered life, and hey I can respect that, but then that means you've never heard of the stereotypical radio stylings of Bill and Marty. These guys know what making radio fun is all about, although cartoon characters they are, anyone in radio can learn from these two.
Kevin and Bean KROQ in LA
This is what you call a RADIO SHOW! I believe its a show that has the music as secondary and everything that they do is primary. The ensemble of people is grand and all hilarious, with celebrity impressionists, amazing guests and of course awesome music, this is my all time favorite morning show, even though I have to stream it in the afternoon, that doesn't take away from enjoying the Kevin and Bean Show on KROQ.
Fearless Fred on 102.1 The Edge in Toronto
Since first year in the RTA program I have heard a lot about this fellow RTA Alumni. Fred Kennedy is a prime example of busting your ass off if you want something bad enough. This guy has worked in some of the smallest markets, dealt with a lot of things he hasn't been thrilled with and is now workign the Drive slot on Canada's biggest Rock Station, The Edge. I listen to him whenever I get the chance and have had a chance to talk with him a couple of times and he is so down to earth and hilarious, maybe one day I'll be working with him...hah here's hoping.
Dave Bannerman, Radio Broadcasting God
This guy has been a main influence on many people in the Radio Industry for the main reason, he was their instructor, and is currently mine. This guy has done and seen it all in the Radio Industry and I swear with each passing year his love for it only grows. Just one conversation with the man and you can tell this is his true passion in life, and he is more than glad to help out anyone who needs it (believe me, I know)
When I'm owning the airwaves and manipulating the minds of listeners everywhere, this is the man to blame, Thank you DB
Those are some of my main Radio Influences, some reasons why when I step into that Studio at School I want to have a show that's gonna blow all previous ones out of the water.
Hell's Kitchen is on.....damn that show makes me hungry, I think I'm gonna make a Pecan Crusted Salmon, with a Mushroom Rizotto....ah hell, I'm going with a PB and J.
Until next time, keep it rockin ;)
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Diversity
Life has been getting pretty hectic again for me, and I don't even go full time to school, but I'm keeping on top like a champ and enjoying every minute of it.
We've been talking about diversity in our Communications class, and we were asked to watch a News Cast and take note of all the diverse people throughout it.
Unfortunately I was only able to catch, a repeat of the CBC News at 6 due to scheduling conflicts, okay it was work, but saying scheduling conflicts kind of makes me sound like a celebrity, doesn't it?
But as I'm watching its not until 9 minutes into the broadcast that I see the first non-white person, and that person is CBC Reporter Darrel Kyte.
Now I can't say that they didn't have much diversity in first when they could have, except maybe the first story about over crowding at the hospital, but the shots they had for that was a room of white doctors and nurses, and interviewed a white Doctor.
In a story about a new Turbine, they have a shot of NS Power workers, and in the back there is a black male...hardly a stand out though.
All in all it was not a very diverse broadcast, and it's a little disappointing, just because to me, I feel that being in Canada, diversity was something we really took pride in. I know one News Cast isn't saying that we're not a diverse society north of the border, but hopefully a news cast like this won't be the trend.
On a side note, I'm still getting used to the new CBC News without Jim Nunn.
Tom Murphy is a hell of a journalist and I respect the hell out of him. He just needs to get a little more, how you say, loosey goosey ;) (hmmm, reminds me of someone else I know...wait a minute, that's me)
Final Thoughts - Good News Cast, Needs to be more diverse though.
We've been talking about diversity in our Communications class, and we were asked to watch a News Cast and take note of all the diverse people throughout it.
Unfortunately I was only able to catch, a repeat of the CBC News at 6 due to scheduling conflicts, okay it was work, but saying scheduling conflicts kind of makes me sound like a celebrity, doesn't it?
But as I'm watching its not until 9 minutes into the broadcast that I see the first non-white person, and that person is CBC Reporter Darrel Kyte.
Now I can't say that they didn't have much diversity in first when they could have, except maybe the first story about over crowding at the hospital, but the shots they had for that was a room of white doctors and nurses, and interviewed a white Doctor.
In a story about a new Turbine, they have a shot of NS Power workers, and in the back there is a black male...hardly a stand out though.
All in all it was not a very diverse broadcast, and it's a little disappointing, just because to me, I feel that being in Canada, diversity was something we really took pride in. I know one News Cast isn't saying that we're not a diverse society north of the border, but hopefully a news cast like this won't be the trend.
On a side note, I'm still getting used to the new CBC News without Jim Nunn.
Tom Murphy is a hell of a journalist and I respect the hell out of him. He just needs to get a little more, how you say, loosey goosey ;) (hmmm, reminds me of someone else I know...wait a minute, that's me)
Final Thoughts - Good News Cast, Needs to be more diverse though.
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