This past weekend marked the final hurrah at the hallowed "Big Apple" - downtown haven for a bunch of Ryerson students and their peers for the better part of five years. It was a festive occasion, as dozens of people came out to bid this fine venue adieu.
On behalf of everyone who's enjoyed the hospitality at the Big Apple, I'd like to give a huge shout-out to the stellar hosts Kearnesy, Thrasher, Joey and Woodsy. Thanks for the great times y'all. My eardrums and liver are worse off for spending so much time there, but it couldn't have been funner.
I like a lot of country music, but only in small doses. Sometimes the "twang" makes my skin crawl and ears bleed. But I appreciate most of the classics, having been exposed to some of the greats - like Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, and Waylon Jennings - by my old man pretty early on. One of their female counterparts recently put out a new disc, and as un-country as it is, it's the country music I can definitely dig.
Loretta Lynn's new album, Van Lear Rose, is like a country cake with rock n' roll icing. Best known for her blue-collar anthem of the early 1970s, "Coal Miner's Daughter", Lynn was one of the more popular mainstream stars of her day. This time around, she's got today's mainstream rock n' roll darling, Jack White, on board. He produced and played on this disc, and his rock influences are so obvious yet fitting: raw guitars and an audibly trademark low production. Something the purists no doubt hate, but something a casual listener like myself can enjoy.
However, although White's work on this album is apparent, it doesn't inundate Lynn's genuine Nashville delivery. Lyrically, I can't relate to any of it. But as a genuine mish-mash of old and new musical stylings, I can definitely appreciate it.
If you're on the download, check out the tracks "Van Lear Rose", "Portland Oregon", and "Have Mercy".
Everybody loves the underdog. Unless they’re a part of the dominating force, some people tend to be empathetic towards the little guy. In this year’s edition of the Stanley Cup playoffs, an entire nation has rallied behind the Calgary Flames - the little train that could.
Calgary’s run to the finals has been nothing short of impressive. Knocking off three division leaders in a row, the Flames have achieved far and beyond what any of the so-called experts predicted. It’s a Cinderella story in the making - but like Anaheim last year and Carolina the year before, there’ll be no happy ending.
Don’t get me wrong - I’m pulling for the Flames all the way. One of their forces is a half-Ojibwe/half white dude from the rez just like me (Chris Simon). But let’s be realistic - Tampa Bay is just too good. Fast, tight defence, stellar young talent. They’re shaping up to be the next powerhouse in the NHL. The glory days of the Red Wings, Devils, and Avalanche are over. It’s time to pass the torch - you’re too old, no more rocking for you. All the Flames have going for them are luck and perhaps the best fan base in the league. But last time I checked “GO FLAMES GO” echoing at 150 decibels through a saddle-shaped arena doesn’t win you the Stanley Cup.
And in the political arena, quasi-radical platforms don’t win elections. With a federal election slated for June 28, lots of people on both sides of the political spectrum are banking on big change in the administration. The federal Liberals still can’t seem to cover up that black eye called the sponsorship scandal. You can bet that both the Conservatives and the NDP will beat that horse far beyond its expiration. But the reality in Canada is that moderate politics rule. The status quo is far too precious a thing for Canadians, who are comfortable with their view on top of the fence, thank you very much.
But the air in Ottawa isn’t exactly stale, now that Jean Chretien’s reign of terror is over. Paul Martin has some pretty good programs on the table, and his efforts to refresh Aboriginal policies could be well-received in Native communities. However, Paul Martin is fat. I don’t trust fat politicians.
I’ve been an ardent NDP supporter since reaching voting age. Because of the stain on the Liberals’ cred, many of my partisan comrades are predicting big things for the left. In the federal playoffs, the NDP are the Calgary Flames - lovable underdogs, but the Cinderella story just won’t come into fruition here either. The Conservatives have a much better chance at stealing seats given the fiscal irresponsibility of the ruling gongers in the last term. There’s a new powerhouse in the NHL, but in the House of Commons expect the same old same old for years to come. But supporters can take comfort in the fact the NDP will make a much better showing than in the past, thanks to the charisma of Jumpin’ Jack Flash Layton.
Looks like the glass slipper don’t fit. You’re not Cinderella; you’re one of the ugly sisters.
My predictions: the Lightning in 5, and a Liberal minority government at the end of June.
Well, now that my site is complete I'd like to thank you all again for checking it out. It's pretty exciting to have my own little corner of cyberspace and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
As for the "waublog", I'll give you a little preamble. This will serve primarily as my blog, but I'll also use it to post editorials/observations on whatever piques my interest that particular day. You may agree with what I say, and you may not, which is why you can post responses! Right arm!
You're probably thinking "why the hell should I care what this dude has to say?" Well those of you who know me well are aware that I am very opinionated on various issues, and like I said in my previous post, this is my own little digital soapbox so I plan on taking full advantage of that. So stay tuned...I'll post them as often as I can.
Anyway, I hope this message finds you all in good health and spirits. If you have any ideas, suggestions, or any other opinions, please post them here or e-mail me at waub@waub.ca.
This entire project would not be possible without the resourceful and talented Chris "Chunk" Jakins. He designed and is hosting the whole thing - I merely give him the content and he lays everything down. Check out the rest of his work at www.sodiumpump.com.
Thanks a lot Chunk - you kick ass mang!