Serenity Now!

Apart from being a great line from Seinfeld, Serenity now seems to be the chant from thousands of science fiction fans across the world.

Serenity is a movie, some say the new Star Wars, where characters and story line overpower special effects. A cross between science fiction, a western, and film noir, Serenity is the popular cult movie that should never have been made. Serenity is based on the story arc of Firefly, a cancelled Fox TV series, which did not even complete a full season. The DVD was released, and was a cult favorite and started quite a few "conversions" as fans call them. A "conversion" is basically someone watching the DVD, and getting hooked after 1 or 2 shows. Funny that the show has more of a following after it died, than when it was alive. Now the reason Serenity should never have been made, is that a major motion picture, as far as I know, has never been based on a cancelled TV show. I guess the plague of reality shows, have killed off a few gems with intellegent writting and characters. Seeings bimbos try to win the heart of a fake loser millionaire in front of millions of viewers is winning over clever storytelling. To be quite honest, I saw one episode on TV (I had heard a little about it) and was not "converted". I couldn't get the western meets sci-fi angle. It took me about two episodes on the DVD to be "converted". Within one week, I had seem the whole series and wanted more.

Firefly season Two is something that all Browncoats (dedicated fans of the show) want. You too can help here. With the way content is going, such as buying TV shows off iTunes, who knows if there is a huge market for independent shows. If Firefly put out episodes that you could pay $1.99 to download, I would do it. So would thousands of others. Now, if I could watch only those few shows that I actually enjoy, I would cancel my satellite! Shows could be offered for free for the pilot - to get you hooked, and then a pay-per-view system would commence. I like it.

So, let's help Firefly get a second season, maybe we will change the history of TV.

Pot Holes - City workers on drugs???

Well...Springs seems to be upon us at last. There are two things that Spring brings us every year, here in Quebec...Potholes & dog poop. Thawing dog poop is pretty low on my list of favorite smells. But, since I drive in Montreal more than I walk, the potholes are my main concern.

Why are they called potholes? According to the Pothole Gazette, potters would take advantage of the ruts that wagons and coach wheels gouged into the roads, during the 5th and 6th century England. They would dig in these ruts to reach clay deposits, a cheaper way to aquire the raw materials for making clay pots, than going to Home Depot. The drivers kwew who did this and referred them to "potholes".

The other theory, of course, is that the city workers stand around these holes in the ground and smoke pot, while discussing new ways to avoid working - AKA loop holes. Pot Holes.

Now we know potholes are a fact of life, here in Quebec, because of the change in temperatures. We used to wonder WHY isn't the city filling them in? According to CBC News, one reason is that they found out that it took 10 city workers 90 hours to fill in 9 potholes. Considering that they make on average $22 per hour. 90 manhours at $22, which is $1,980 or $220 per hole. Taking that amount into consideration, and the amount of potholes in the city of Montreal, they better raise our taxes so we can afford these workers! Now the reason the city workers don't notice the potholes while driving is because they have very cushie jobs, which soften the impact!

The rest of us, spend our disposible income on car parts that fall off our cars in record numbers and Chiropractors.

Solution: Fill up the potholes with the dog poop! Maybe not...traffic is smelly enough as it is. If city workers were paid by commission - by the pot hole, the city would be smooth in no time. Even at a buck a pot hole, some city workers could retire early!

Safe driving!

Fairytale in New York

Had tickets for the Thursday show, but had to give them up, for reasons too long to explain. My buddy Mike was heartbroken. I couldn't bear seeing him miss out on his favorite band, being that he is a big Irish music fan, often playing with The Mahones & The Peelers when they are in town. I picked up some tickets from an online broker and we made our way down to NYC. We checked into our hotel, and started getting into the mood. We went out to pick up the tickets and grab a pint before the show. The opening bands were not performing on Sunday, so we weren't in a hurry. What a cold day in NYC, and luckily, we did not have to wait in line to get in. The crowd was eager, and happy to see this legendary band and frontman, who have not performed in 15 years with all the original members. We met some guys that came from Florida just to see them.

And then, it began...from the opener "Streams of Whiskey" to the finale of "Fiesta" (with Spider smashing his head with a beer tray...funny), the boys were in fine form. Shane was amazing, and on cue, except for the unintelligible banter between songs, which was classic. He also had trouble with the set list, introducing a few of the wrong songs...but corrected by fellow band members. The highlight, of course was "Fairytale in New York", a duet sang with Ella (The Banjo player's daughter), complete with Shane dancing in circles with her, and finally snow falling during this magical song.

The songs were great and the view was great...being right up on the guard rails. This was the last show on their 9 show US Tour (4 of them in NYC). Got the T-Shirt and tour poster to remember the event and Mike got the set list. For a good review, see here.

What I find interesting in all of this, and also sad, is that the band needs Shane to make it whole. Shane is such a tragic character, whose liver will probably burn for weeks once he is cremated. He is larger than life, a la Tom Waits, with legendary stories about his drinking and antics. Yet, he is the main character of The Pogues, the brilliant song-writer and singer who made traditional Irish music mainstream, with a punk twist. That is not to say that the other band members are not also talented and great song writers in their own right. I guess in some sort of disfunctional fan point of view, we care about Shane, and hope he lives to play another gig.

Till then, we raise a pint to the best Irish band out there.

Cheers.

The Late Afternoon Show with David Letterman

I was in New York on Monday, and walked in front of the Late Show Theatre. They had a sign out advertising free tickets. We went in, learned that they had a lottery for tickets, and we filled in the forms, sat with one of the employees to review our application (probably checking us out, to make sure we weren't complete nut cases) and were told that we would get a call if we won the tickets. Sure enough, we got the call and were told to present ourselves at 4h30 PM outside the theatre. It was quite a cold windy day, but we finally made it inside and were given the tickets, and asked to return at 6h00 pm and stand in line according to the number that was on our ticket. Very well organized I have to say. We returned and lined up and where ushered into the lobby in a sort of maze of waiting area, similar to an amusement park, or cattle awaiting slaughter. We preferred to think amusement park, although I heard a few moo, when prodded with the electric stick. The speed addicted ushers gave us a pep-talk, getting us to shout, clap, etc. (As close to the Wal-Mart pep talk as legally possible). We were then led into the theatre and the ushers directed us to different sections for our seats. Being at the front of the line, will not guarantee the best seats. We had good seats a couple of rows from the front of the stage at the right (in front of Dave). Others behind us, got the isle seats, which is where you might get in on some games with Dave. A comedian then came, gave us some rules and joked around and got us into the mood. They next introduced the band, one by one, and they played two songs while we clapped away, again to get us into the mood. If you attend, bring a sweater, because the studio is a little chilly, and be prepared to clap till your hands hurt! Dave next came out and spoke to us and joked around for a few minutes. He took the time to ask a question from someone in the audience. The question asked was: What is your childs favorite story book? She was a teacher from Florida, and he answered her, but during the course of the show, kept coming back to the question, which impressed me with Dave's unscripted skills.

The show we attended will air tonight Wednesday March 22nd 2006. Guests included funny guy David Spade and writter Sarah Vowell (I have her book: Take the Cannoli) along with musical guests Teddy Geiger. David was funny, and had great stories. Sarah (who also does the voice of Violet in The Incredibles) was better, since she talked about an event that we were just at the night before. Better watch if you want to find out what it is. The band was so-so. Good, tight, but uninspiring.

Before we knew it, the show was over and we left, satisfied, and best of all...it was free. The only thing I wonder about is why did they leave time for commercials since it was pre-taped???

Next time you are in New York, drop on by between 10h30 and 12h30 (not sure which days) and try to get tickets. You won't regret it.

St-Vicious Day

While some celebrate St-Valentines in February, others celebrate St-Vicious Day.

Now, I don't celebrate Valentines day, based on its origins, which can be researched here. What about St-Vicious Day though? What is it?

Celebrated February 2nd, on the death of legendary punk icon - Sid Vicious (John Simon Ritchie). Basically, some regard Sid as a Saint and gather to remember this tragic kid and his life, and death. Growing up with a punk influence, I always thought of Sid as the poster boy of the punk scene. Now, older and wiser (I hope), I have changed my mind.

Sid had no other talent other than causing a scene, which could be argued to be a talent in itself! Often during the Sex Pistols shows, his bass was either turned off, or the sound lowered. My view of Sid was influenced by the movie Sid & Nancy in which Gary Oldman brilliantly plays the part of Sid. The tragic story of love, heroin and its downfall, finally ending with Sid charged with the murder of his girlfriend Nancy Spungen, found stabbed in room 100 of the Chelsea Hotel. Sid died of a heroin overdose while on bail February 2nd, 1979. You might see little punk kids wearing a black band around their arm during this time of the year in remembrance of Sid.

I don't celebrate the life of Sid. Reading Rotten: No Irish-No Blacks-No Dogs by John Lydon gave me a different view of Sid, one I believe more than his larger than life legend. Sid was a follower. He was violent (the whole broken glass issue at the 100 Club Show). He was chosen for the band, not on talent, but because of his look. All this, I can accept. That's the spirit of punk. Just do it, may be coined by Nike, but the Punks are the ones that just did it. It is his downward drug addiction that I can't celebrate. Live fast, die young was my motto for a time, but I got smart, I got out. What I find tragic is kids following a hero that ultimately will lead them downward. Don't get me wrong, I love the Pistols for what they did to music, and even fashion for that matter. They built on the Ramones, and helped shape and influence great music today. But the cliche rock and roll lifestyle is not one to be followed or celebrated. Celebrate life, celebrate great music, great bands.

Life is short, and it would be a shame to lose some creative souls to addiction.

Rock on!

Stinky Pizza Lady

Scored some free movie tickets to the premiere of Inside Man, starring Denzel Washington, Clive Owen & Jodie Foster which is directed by Spike Lee.Of course I got there late, so all six of us, sat at odd locations, including the front row (which should come with a voucher for a free neck massage after the screening, to recover).

It's funny, but I haven't been to the movies in quite a while. First of all, no really awesome movies have come out that deserved my attention. Also the whole movie experience is not all it's cracked up to be. Apart from not sitting together, having to share a movie with complete strangers (some stranger than others) has lost most of its appeal. Take for instance the neighbor of my buddy, who decided to bring some stinky pizza to stuff her face during the movie. Why not bring your BBQ in and really treat yourself to a little fillet mignon. Well, considering popcorn hovers around $20 for a box that can be used after to hold everything in your small apartment (Ikea, because with the price of the popcorn, you can't afford anything else) when you move in July.

What is the option? Home theatre is the real threat here. For a little over $1,200 you can buy a really good projector such as the InFocus Screenplay 4805 (Read the reviews of this and many others here.). At the latest CompTia, I spoke to BenQ about the availability of their PE5120 and was told that a new version is coming soon that will surpass it, and the InFocus. Once you have picked your projector, you simply hook up your DVD player or computer to it and watch movies on your wall (A screen is recommended, but not mandatory). You get the best seat in the house, you can bring your own popcorn and you can have refreshments in sizes that are not designed for a herd of cattle. Since DVDs are around $30, or previously viewed at Blockbuster are from $5 - $16.99, it's cheaper to buy it than spend all that money to sit next to pizza lady.

We now get to the sensitive subject of finding movies on the net that are still in theatres. Whatever your view on this is, it just goes to show that there is a war between the big movie and music companies over content. Did you know it is illegal to backup a DVD you own? I have kids, and backing up their DVDs is crucial, since I want them to survive! I want to be able to watch a movie I bought on a number of devices, such as an iPod, my Palm, or my laptop. Even TV shows can easily be found on the net, or purchased on iTunes. For the few brave shows that have put their shows available as a download, their ratings for TV shot up!

The world is changing, and content is changing. Old school corporations have lost touch with their clients. We no longer buy CDs, we buy MP3s. I want to be able to choose which shows I want to have archived on a recorder and download them off the net and cancel my Satellite bill. I am willing to pay at least as much as my satellite bill for this.

All this to say that habits are changing. Sure I will go to a few more free premieres of movies and hope that I can sit with my wife, and not break my neck, but I prefer to watch content in the comfort of my own little theatre.

The revolution is starting! We want our content and we want it NOW!

Microsoft confirms rumors about Origami

A new portable media device that allows users to listen to music, play video games, browse the internet and jot hand-written notes is the initial vision of a product in development by Microsoft and its partners, the software giant confirmed.

Check out this site for more March 2nd!
http://www.origamiproject.com/

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