Everyone's Vision

On the Road Again

noreply@blogger.com (Everyones Vision) — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 06:16:00 +0000

Halfway to Orange Beach, AL and the trip is off to a great start. All six passengers have been fed throughout the trip on a healthy supply of wasabi soy nuts, Nibs, peanut M&Ms, rice cakes, and even Tim Tams (supplied by Michelle)!

Besides a few quick stops (including a Burger King), we’ve spent the entire 11 hours on the road. We started in Ontario, picking up Kathleen’s boyfriend, Lee, along the way, made it into Detroit, MI via the bridge. There we stopped for some goods, including a brand new cologne for myself. Then it was through Ohio and into Kentucky.

Tomorrow it’s a 7:30 am start to ensure a quick visit to the Louisville Slugger Museum. After that it will be another 10 hour drive (or more) to the condo.

The People We Meet

noreply@blogger.com (Everyones Vision) — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 04:06:00 +0000

Today you met someone. Today I met someone. Did I meet you? Maybe you met me? Maybe we’ll meet tomorrow, or maybe we won’t.

The reality that isn’t before us, behind us, or between us is also the reality we can choose to deal with constantly. We can choose to accept our happenstance of constant encounters with one another as simply that, or as something more.

Whether in fact these encounters are something more is totally dependent on our actions in the moment. Did you smile at me today? Maybe I smiled back. Maybe you didn’t smile, but I can tell you I definitely did.

The Passenger List

noreply@blogger.com (Everyones Vision) — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 01:03:00 +0000

It’s 11:47pm on Sunday night. I’m sitting on the train that takes me from Downtown Toronto to Whitby and I’m thinking, “How did I end up here?” Now, I’m not thinking this in any literal sense but rather, I’m contemplating the long list of passengers I’ve encountered on the night’s journey.

I’ll start with the fellow I met on the platform. There is me, back against the wall reading The Walrus and he decides to “light up” beside me....in a public space....under an semi-enclosed train platform. I move down a few meters and watch the train arrive in-front of me. Passenger #2 is standing beside me eating McDonald’s in such a loud and obnoxious way that his fries are actually hitting me! First on the shoulder, then on the foot. At this point I was so exhausted and disillusioned I couldn’t even muster the words to exclaim my astonishment when he hurled the empty container underneath the now parked train.

Once on the train matters got worse. Most of the seats were occupied with the attendants of the night’s Nickelback concert which proved to be the most uncolored, disrespectful people to ride a train with. Let me explain.

First I go to sit in a seat only occupied by a woman’s feet. Rather than moving for the additional passengers, her and her husband lay asleep taking extra space. I finally found a spot and soon realized I was adjacent to a women so intoxicated she was first lying on-top of her friends, and then spread across the train floor. Matters got worse as she proceeded to take a picture of her breasts, suggests posting them on Facebook, finally ending the coup-de-finesse by chastising her 8-year-old son for looking up just the same content on YouTube. Then I finally get to end my night by listening to the syncronized cell-phones of two fans blarring obnoxious music over the train.

The Fair

noreply@blogger.com (Everyones Vision) — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 13:40:00 +0000

Last night I indulged in the calamity that is spring fairs. Local hotspots for the misguided and pent-up urges of teenagers, these fairs create an ecocentre unto themselves that is simply enjoyable to observe. Like a sociologist on a profound study of sexuality, frenzy, and inhibition, I dove into the Brooklin Spring Fair like so many before me.

At $5 to enter, I started the night asking, "What exactly am I paying for?" Was it the pointlessness of tractor pulls, the additional cost of rides, the fried food or the massive line to the beer tent that made me question my recent entrance fee? Despite all that I focused on trying to have a good time.

I got the ball rolling with 3 dozen mini-doughnuts. Despite the temporary distraction they would provide, from my petulant neighbors in line and the mass of second hand smoke, those balls of fried dough and sugar became a mass of indigestion quite quickly.

I spent the rest of the night amusing myself with the drunk antics of those around me. From numerous beer-cup towers, to an over-abundance of bleach blonde hair, the escape was delightful.

I left the fair with a frisbee in hand, some doughnuts for breakfast, and a general feeling of over-exhaustion. All-in-all the entire thing seemed a lot like re-living a moment of nostalgia. You have the stomach-aches from the ride, the indignation from observing your immature ways through wiser eyes, and a souvenir to remember it all.

In a year...

noreply@blogger.com (Everyones Vision) — Mon, 04 May 2009 20:48:00 +0000

One year ago I was leaving my home of 4 years to return to Ontario. After completing an undergrad in Business and Philosophy at StFX I was ready to take on the world. I had decided to stray from my foundation in Accounting to pursue my passion, Radio.

So today, 1 year from my graduation, it seems natural to do an evaluation of where I am. At this point it is hard to not focus on some of my successes, despite not being a national radio star on CBC. However, I have made progress into a lot of unexpected avenues, and I have to be happy about that.

Since graduating I have landed a challenging and rewarding job teaching people at a popular computer/technology retailer. I am in the middle of both a grant application with the Canada Council for the Arts and a Masters application with Ryerson University, in hopes of making my work on Well Versed a full-time career. I also write for Talent Egg and have been featured multiple times on Brazen Careerist. Now I am working hard on promoting a really interesting book, The Hidden Game.

So, you can see how it would be hard to complain. I stopped trying to force things awhile ago and just decided to do my best with what was presented to me. So far it seems to be working.

Vagina Monologues

noreply@blogger.com (Everyones Vision) — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 15:39:00 +0000

Last night I went to see the Vagina Monologues. This play originally conceived by Eve Ensler re-creates monologues delivered by women of all-ages and backgrounds talking about their vaginas. The play is magically powerful in its honest delivery of not only the diverse meaning of vaginas but also femininity in general.

Lat night, amidst the serious, sad, humorous, powerful accounts I realized something. As I watched this collective of women come together like so many other collectives of women come together around the world to deliver this play, I witnessed pure, honest, and surreal feminine power. Then it hit me, this rarely happens in the real world. Rarely do I see women on the subway collectively joining in praise of themselves and their womanhood. Rarely do I watch women in a club stand-up for the women being discriminated, objectified, or assaulted. Rarely do I see or hear women in the real world telling the world's oppression to "back off."

So, while I watched the magic of the Vagina Monologues take over me, the realization that this power was something only to be left within the play walls crippled me. I saw how positively empowering this performance, no this collection of honest womanhood, could be for all women and personhood. I imagined women standing up for each other, celebrating themselves and their power, taking their rightful place in this world from the multitude of oppressive states.

Every day I hope to wake to this reality, and when it doesn't come I cry a little inside.

Bad Boys

noreply@blogger.com (Everyones Vision) — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 21:55:00 +0000

If you've ever heard of the movie Bad Boys you probably think of Will Smith and Martin Lawrence. That movie was released in 1995, and what you may not know is there is another Bad Boys released in 1983.

The Bad Boys film I am talking about stars a young Sean Penn as Mick O'Brien, a 17 year old youth deviant caught in a world of crime. The movie follows Mick from the path of petty crimes to some serious "mistakes" that land him in a juvenile detention centre.

Director Rick Rosenthal tells a compelling and sophisticated story of misguided youth. From the hierarchy of inmates, to the psychotic motivations of revenge, each character shows a unique combination of youth vigor and innocence with adult fury.

As the story progresses the viewer becomes more intertwined in the politics of inmates and the rehabilitative attempts of the councilors trying to help O'Brien and his fellow convicts.

The adult themes, the exuberance of emotion and life, and the raw violence and rage in this film tell a truly passionate story that leaves viewers shocked and touched.

New Help Finding a Career

noreply@blogger.com (Everyones Vision) — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 01:21:00 +0000

So for the past while I've been writing for Talent Egg's blog, The Career Incubator. Even with my bias I still think you will find that Talent Egg is a great organization. It is designed to be more of a career hub than just a job-listing service.

Besides my simple writing on the site, the entire organization is run by a great group of people. Founder Lauren Friese has got quite the head on her shoulders. You can see this by some of the great articles she writes. In addition, the whole team is adding some amazing insight and advice into the crazy world of finding your ideal career.

In addition, I think every job listed on the site is fantastic and work a look.

I've become quite connected in the career-finding world through Talent Egg. Every day I'm learning new things and meeting new people. One great opportunity I had was to participate in TD Moneylounge's "The Hunt" video series. Each week there is a new episode. I've appeared in each of the two episodes so far. Episode Three, "Options in a Slumping Economy", airs April 8th.

Don't Watch TV Online

noreply@blogger.com (Everyones Vision) — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 23:30:00 +0000

If you live in Canada it is impossible to legally watch many TV shows online. The only major station that offers a decent broadband network is CTV.

If you watch TV shows online, but don't watch them on a network website or a site like Hulu, you are contributing to the demise of television. OK, so I may be exaggerating, but I do have a point to make.

TV shows air to sell ads. Ads pay for the networks. Networks pay the studios for the shows. Studios pay actors, writers, and producers to make TV shows. Advertisers pay the networks to air ads so that people will see those advertisements between shows and buy products. We watch shows for entertainment and subsequently watch ads. Nielsen measures which shows we watch the most and when we watch the most to determine how much a network can charge for ads.

Now, networks put ads online to draw more viewers. Advertisers pay for online ads just like on TV. Writers went on strike to demand a higher pay one time.

If we stop watching TV shows on TV or online then we also stop watching the ads that the advertisers want us to watch. The networks don't boast high ratings for the shows we like. The advertisers stop paying as much for the ads. The studios stop making our show.

So, if you like a show you should do the decency to watch it on TV or watch it on a network or studio website (legally) and avoid a possible cancelation. Decent TV shows need our support. Just look at what happened to Arrested Development.

LOST

noreply@blogger.com (Everyones Vision) — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 02:18:00 +0000

It seems most people are in a frenzy about ABC's LOST, at least most people around me. As the frenzy continues and Season 5 unravels, more and more people are commenting and adding their post-episode thoughts. Tonight we saw the most recent episode and I've decided to make my thoughts public (without spoilers).

First, I will say that the entire Season 5 is moving at a slower pace than expected. I think the move to condensed seasons by the Bad Robot team was a good move. However, Season 4 saw a refreshed and re-paced approach to LOST. Now, I think the writers got ahead of themselves like a marathon runner who sprints to the front in the first third of the race. LOST has slowed down, lost pace, and moving back in the pack. The question now is, "Has LOST lost its steam?"

I don't think this is true, and I think this last episode is proof. Sure with the use of flashbacks focused on one particular character we all saw a lament to the format of seasons past. However, with consequential events and reactions to said events being intertwined in all persons concerned brings back the glory that has made the LOST series so popular. Like many of the great episodes in the past I am only left asking, "What happened!?" and, "Doesn't this change everything?"

Rock Plaza Central still Rocks

noreply@blogger.com (Everyones Vision) — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 20:47:00 +0000

Rock Plaza Central is one of the greatest bands today. Why? They are spirited, unique, engaging, entertaining, and pack a punch of nostalgia. Okay, so the last point is a unique and personal point for myself and the key people who have loved this band for awhile. But this love from their fans is just more proof of how amazing these Toronto rockers are.

I first met RPC in January 2008 at Zaphods in Ottawa, ON. Since then I have seen them thrice more. Once opening for Dan Bejar from Destroyer, and the other opening for Jason Collett. Every single time I have seen RPC it has been a memorable, amazing, beautiful night (hence the current nostalgia). They are always changing and always playing meaningful music.

From the folk-rock ballads to the sci-fi inspired theme of "Are We Not Horses?", RPC continues to amaze. Maybe it is because lead singer Chris Eaton has an intriguing mind, which translates well to his two Science Fiction novels. Maybe it is the plethora of instruments, from violin to mandolin, that weave their way up and down in frenzied or eerily calm crescendos. Whatever it may be that makes this band magic, they warm my heart every day. Look for their upcoming album.

"Chick Flick" is not a film genre!

noreply@blogger.com (Everyones Vision) — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 21:50:00 +0000

So I've surveyed multiple people using the term "chick flick" for certain types of movies. The utilization of varying terms to refer to and classify films is nothing new to me. More-so, I understand both the need and legitimacy of such a classification.

For example, the term "film noir" is a term developed in the 1940s for a new and emerging genre. Film noir is now an excellent topic of film study, much like the Civil War to Historians.

However, unlike film noir, "chick flick" is not a legitimate genre. This, of course, begs the question: "What makes a film genre?" A film genre is used to refer to a group of films with similar characteristics. The term used is used to refer solely to those characteristics. There is a fundamental flaw with the term"chick flick" because while it may be understood that it refers to the films contained within the romantic comedy genre, "chick flick" literally is referring to the audience of the film.

I have two issues with this logic. One, by the definition of "film genre" chick flick could only refer to a film with an all female cast. However, since the only film of this type is The Women and therefore there is no reason for a new genre. Two, if romantic comedies are referred to as "chick flicks" then it insinuates the films are to be enjoyed by women and not men. By the logic of people using "chick flick" action movies should be called, "bro shows", or movies featuring a predominately Black cast should be called "black flicks". I believe all of these references, including "chick flick" are insulting.

The choice is yours, but I have not nor will not use "chick flick" to incorrectly or insultingly refer to any movie.

Synecdoche, New York

noreply@blogger.com (Everyones Vision) — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 02:26:00 +0000

Charlie Kauffman's directorial debut is a mesmerizing, beautiful insight into the human psyche. "I get it now, there are no extras. Everyone has their own story," utters Phillip Seymore Hoffman's character, Caden Cottard.

The film starts by focusing on Caden's sad and dramatic life, eventually finding its way in to a much larger story. The viewer is hurtled along through a platitude of characters that all contribute to the sometimes overwhelming life of Caden. From Catherine Keener's consistently critical and narcissistic Adele Lack, we see the source of Caden's self-loathing and sadness. To the dependent and approval-seeking Claire Keen, played by Michelle Williams, we see more confident side of Caden. Both the atmosphere of a world that seems to be filled with sadness and paranoia, and the people that are constantly searching for something more allow for a more introspective movie than many viewers have seen in years.

Despite some of the more cynical undertones, Synecdoche plays like a more inviting David Lynch movie. It is the thematic focus on life, death, and love that helps the viewer gravitate to the often emotionally frightening life of almost everyone in this movie. Caden, a stage director, is always exploring humanity and meddling in the lives of his fictional characters on stage, much the same as director and writer Charlie Kauffman meddles with the characters in this story. Kauffman meddles beautifully and creates a rich tapestry of feeling, emotion, and entertainment that I found impossible to ignore.

However, this film is not for everyone. The lengthy development of a massive artistic project by Caden may loose the interest of the less insightful viewer. While this project provides the catalyst for discovery on both Caden and the viewer's front, the less introspective person may just be bored by this process. This film is a great challenge for any viewer, and I found that refreshing and engaging. However, if you prefer to let your mind absently wander, this is not the film for you.

Financial Analysts Cover Their Assets

noreply@blogger.com (Everyones Vision) — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 22:06:00 +0000

If you listened to The Current on CBC Radio today you heard Anna Maria Tremonti interview Joel Lovell, financial analyst for GQ Magazine. Now, I could go on about the merits of any financial analysis that appears in a magazine featuring scantly clad women on the cover, but I won't (besides that obvious jab).

The issue I have is more with economists all over the globe, and less with Mr. Lovell specifically. I first had an issue with economists when I met the cold-heart and shred pessimism of Milton Friedman.

"Underlying most arguments against the free market is a lack of belief in freedom itself."

This type of indifferent pragmatism has left the world in a situation where they are now turning on the words of economists. Instead, people and companies are turning to politicians for bailouts, stimulus packages, and bailouts. What economists previously called the problem, we call the solution.

What annoys me now is that these analysts are going on the radio and telling listeners there was no way they could predict the downward spiral we now face. Mr. Lovell compared this inability to that of a Doctor being unable to predict a future diagnosis of cancer. True. However, that same Doctor does not tell you to smoke cigarettes, lay out in the sun without sunscreen, and then tell you they had no way to predict your cellular disease.

A Night in London

noreply@blogger.com (Everyones Vision) — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 07:13:00 +0000

Almost any time that I have free I go to London to visit Michelle. London has become, in certain ways, my sanctuary. Here, it is a different life. I have the university, Western, and I have a different set of friends. It takes me to a different world. It causes me to reflect. I find that when I go back to Whitby I am renewed with a new focus and new direction. These kind of breaks are good.

Sometimes I reflect on what it is like to have two different homes. I spend about the same time between both. There are benefits, but there are also disadvantages. Sometimes there is a Jekyll and Hyde effect. Almost everyday I long for more consistency and solidarity, especially in my living

arrangements. I didn't want to go on a long reflection about my constantly wavering emotions and their cause, but I also didn't want to deny the truth its moment.

The past few days in London have been slower and more subdued than previous trips. It has been enjoyable and relaxing. Tonight I visited a bar and took a cool picture.

Now I am watching Rachel Getting Married and thinking about how I can have all this beauty in life, if only I try. Sometimes I am terrified to try.

The War of the Cupcakes

noreply@blogger.com (Everyones Vision) — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 05:50:00 +0000

So if you read my Valentine's Day post I went on about Michelle getting me a dozen cupcakes. I didn't go on too much about how good these cupcakes were, but they were. Those cupcakes, it seems, have spurred a new desert phenomenon. Or, at least in my mind.

Over the past week Michelle and I became a little cupcake obsessed. Now, any dessert obsession for me isn't going to turn into a frenzy where they next day I wake up covered in devil's cake and icing congealed in strange places. A dessert obsession for me is more like a constant

nagging satisfied by a small slice, piece, or taste.

Oddly enough it seems like other people in London, ON were succumbing to this cranial occupation of cupcake thoughts. As more people talked about

cupcakes Michelle and I deci

ded to visit the two other giants in London's tri-fecta of cupcake bliss.

Place 1: Hey Cupcake

This is the first place I visited. It sparked my love of cupcakes and has a special place in my heart.

Pros:

Thick, full-flavored icing (especially the peanut butter icing).
A diverse range of flavors that each have their own unique taste.
Filling in the cake, something I've never seen that adds an delicious surprise.

Cons:

The "cake" base is more thick than fluffy.
A lack of flavor that is overshadowed by the impact of the icing.

Place 2: Sweet Cakes

I stumbled upon this place in London's Covenant Market and was instantly dazzled by

the height of these well-frosted cupcakes.

Pros:

Tall icing that has more decoration that a kids birthday party.
Creative flavours that model a fine chocolatier.
A light, fluffy cake base.

Cons:

These cupcakes are pricier than they call for.
The cake has a starchy after-taste from excess flour.
The excessive icing and small cake base are ill-proportioned.

Place 3: Razzle Dazzle Cupcakes

I was recommended to this place with good reason.

Pros:

With pistachio and lemon raspberry there are some of the most exotic flavors.
Great proportion between icing and cake.
A light fluffy cake with a good flavour.

Cons:

The flavour isn't a striking as it should be and is on the bland side.
The icing is over-sugared, causing a granular texture that falls flat.

For more on cupcakes, check out this blog.

After the Oscars

noreply@blogger.com (Everyones Vision) — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 03:12:00 +0000

I was extremely pleased with the 1 hour of the Oscars that I saw on Sunday night. Unfortunately I had to miss the beginning due to a prior engagement. Non only was I pleased with the winners but I was also pleased with the new format conceived by producers Laurence Mark and Bill Condon. The event was intimate, engaging, and relevant. I was happy to see all but one of my predictions come true. However, I do feel that Slumdog and The Reader are two of the best films I've seen in awhile, so for Kate Winslet to win was a real treat.

My Oscar Predictions

noreply@blogger.com (Everyones Vision) — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 17:36:00 +0000

Okay, so I have a bitter/sweet relationship with the Oscars. In the past I have had little faith in the celebrated awards show that is ridden with inner politics. There have been disappointing years, like when Crash won Best Picture. There have been great years, like when the Cohen Brothers won their first award for directing No Country for Old Men.

It is sad to see so few films nominated this year, but it is amazing to see such great films nominated. Out of the 80% that I have seen, I have loved them all. Despite my love, I, as always, feel very strongly about who I think should win and who shouldn't. Here are my thoughts:

Best Picture

Who should win: Slumdog Millionaire. I thought all the hype for this film was possibly just frivolous. Then I saw the movie. I could go on forever about the both political, romantic, and charismatic themes that make this multifaceted movie a hit.
Who shoudn't win: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. This film, while excellent, didn't carry enough of a message. It was delightful and heartwarming, but could have said something more and didn't.
Who will win: Slumdog Millionaire

Male Actor in a Lead Role

Who should win: Mickey Rourke. He did an amazing job in The Wrestler and helped make the film the power-house it is. Dominating the screen-time the responsibility for the emotional drive of this film fell on Rourke's shoulders.
Who shouldn't win: None. Each of these actors did a great job.
Who will win: Sean Penn - Milk

Female Actor in a Lead Role

Who should win: Meryl Streep. Performing the challenging role of this strong female in Doubt is something only Meryl Streep could do.
Who shouldn't win: Anne Hathaway. She did a formidable job at playing the post-suicidal, post-drug addict dealing with a family's constant judgement in Rachel Getting Married. However, while this was an impressive performance from what we've seen before, the performance was more brooding and less contemplative than deserving an award.
Who will win: Meryl Streep - Doubt.

Male Actor in a Supporting Role

Who should win: Heath Ledger. Not only did Heath go beyond anyone's expectations, he made the Joker more real and in-depth than what we could have asked for in The Dark Knight.
Who shouldn't win: Robert Downey Jr. I can only think his nomination if more of a joke than Tropic Thunder.
Who will win: Heath Ledger - The Dark Knight.

Female Actor in a Supporting Role

I can't respond but I didn't want anyone to think I forgot this category.

Animated Feature Film

Who should/will win: WALL-E. There isn't enough I can say about this film. An amazing feet that has heart and a truly motivating message.

I could say my thoughts for the other categories, but the cumbersome debate on their technicality would probably come across as verbose and protracted. Look for my remarks after Sunday night.

A Valentine's Day to Remember

noreply@blogger.com (Everyones Vision) — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 01:26:00 +0000

Okay, so I will try to keep the sap to a minimum for everyone concerned. Let it be known that even though I love romance I still have my own issues with Valentine's Day too. I figure, if I am going to celebrate the holiday with loved ones I shouldn't embellish or exaggerate my feelings and sentiments in any way. My logic is, any gesture of love on Valentine's Day should be a gesture I am willing to make on any other day of the year. So, with that said, here is my amazing recount of Valentine's Day.

After a long day of work I headed to my girlfriend Michelle's house for some hors d'oeuvres and mocktails with her Mom, Dad, little sister and little sis' boyfriend. Everyone was looking great in their dressy/casual attire. I was greeted by Michelle dressed in a beautiful crimson dress adorned with little flowers around the bottom. I greeted Michelle with her own bo

uquet of flowers. However, I sprung for an non-traditional bouquet of Gerber Daisies. I also gave Michelle a bamboo mobile with hand-painted wooden hearts (I painted the hearts). I have a picture of the flowers along with the amazing cupcakes that Michelle gave me.

The cupcakes were ordered from Hey Cupcake in London, ON. The dozen included PB&J, Carrot, Red Velvet, Maple, S'mores, and Orange Chocolate. These cupcakes are sinfully delicious and amazing. Luckily, Andrew received his own, so he didn't feel to jealous.

After the cupcakes Michelle's parents left for dinner. The rest of us chowed down on mozzarella sticks and puffed pastries. With the 8:30 dinner reservation I was very happy to have the time to digest.

By the time we left for dinner I was definitely hungry again and ready for the upcoming three-course meal. Pickles & Olives Bistro was cozy, warm, elegant and romantic. Upon entrance I instantly new it would be the perfect way to end the night. Michelle and I both started with salads to awaken our appetites. She drank wine while I had amazing vanilla tea. After, our

delightful servant brought me my plate of heart shaped pastas, stuffed with cheese, soaking in alfredo sauce and the best sun-dried tomatoes I have ever tasted. Michelle was equally impressed with her salmon wellington stuffed with crab.

Dessert was almost as decadent as the cupcakes I received. Michelle had a vanilla mouse crepe and I had a triple chocolate tiger cake. Each of us took our time with the dinner and with each other. We sat in the warm, tiny bistro and enjoyed the food. The night seemed to move in slow motion and it was exactly what I wanted for Valentine's Day.

A Close (yet painful) Shave

noreply@blogger.com (Everyones Vision) — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 01:23:00 +0000

So for the first time I tried shaving with a double-edge razor. The double-edge (or safety) razor looks like something you would see used in the 1930s, and it is.

You may ask why I have decided to move backwards in time for my grooming regime and not forwards. Well, I was as forward as you could get and it wasn't working. I've been shaving with some named-like-an-airplane battery powered 5-blade, precision-blade waste-of-money razor for far to long. It wasn't the "best a man can get".

I had heard a lot of people talking about both the quality and economy of using a double-edge razor. I have seen those stand-alone razor blades sitting in the drug store cabinet and always wondered why they cost so much less but contained so much potential. My wondering would not be abided, as I could never find a razor to hold the blades themselves.

That's when I turned to the Internet. Ah, the great provider. The all-knowing Internet. Mysterious in origin yet satisfying in existence. I searched for double-edge razors in Canada and found Fendrihan.com. This great re-seller of many a shave product showed me the way. I checked out their line-up, read a few articles about the benefits of double-edge shaving, and away I purchased.

It only took two days for my razor and sample pack of 20 blades to arrive! I was so excited that I went to shave right away. My first experience resulted in what you truly would expect of a double-edge shave virgin - slow, uncoordinated movements, with some blood afterwards. Like a scared child I went to my dad for advice. He told me to hold the blade perpendicular to my face and shave with, not against the hairs. I have learned for next time.

It's Been Awhile but I'm Still Alive

noreply@blogger.com (Everyones Vision) — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 00:01:00 +0000

Hello to anyone that is still out there. It's been six months, so I would surmise that many more than before are "out there". Sure, we may have changed places, dispositions, and even states (depending on if you believe in Reincarnation). I myself am still myself but have been up to quite a lot.

First, I have started writing Everyone's Vision again. I've done this because my passion for blogging has been reignited. I feel that a personal blog evokes a certain honesty that only online journaling can provide.

Second, I am starting to write for both Talent Egg and Informed Vote. I think Talent Egg is a great resource for finding that great career. Informed Vote is great for getting your brain involved in Canadian politics.

Third, I am on the hunt for a career in radio and I need some more online presence. Already I have launched Well Versed - a Poetry Podcast. I am looking for new material. I am looking for jobs and contacts and I wanted to write about it all.

So, instead of starting an entirely new blog I just decided to relaunch an existing one. Welcome back me!

Nostalgia in other places

noreply@blogger.com (Everyones Vision) — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 08:09:00 +0000

It's weird how we can feel nostalgic about TV shows. Everyone remembers how it was such a big deal when Seinfeld went off the air. Sometimes even commercials thrust their way deep into our psyche and evoke the deepest of emotions. What makes us feel such personal feelings about something so impersonal.

Television broadcasts shows, amongst other things, designed to keep thousands of viewers watching to sell advertisements. And, while they do entertain and delight, they would not exist if it wasn't for the money networks receive for ad time. Yet we seem to personalize TV to extreme ends.

Last week I was tense at the thought of "Twitch" loosing "So You Think You Can Dance". But that was a reality show with real people and real outcomes. What about the last episode of Friends. Where in that shows 10 years of time on air did it go from being 6 actors doing their job to 6 people I had come to know. Rachel, Ross, Joey and the rest aren't even real. Sure, Seinfeld is based on co-creators Jerry and Larry David, but the people on screen aren't real (or at least what I'm seeing). So why do I care so much?

I wonder what it specifically is that shows like these have tapped into. But even more, I wonder what deep-rooted memories they latch themselves onto so tightly, that when these characters go off the air my emotions go southward ever so noticeably.

A lot to tell from Alabama

noreply@blogger.com (Everyones Vision) — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 16:46:00 +0000

I thought I would post earlier about my trip down South, but time has flown. I'm on the last full day of being at the Condo in Alabama and rather than playing in the waves, sun-tanning at the pool, I'm on my laptop posting. Now, I am doing all this from the 7th floor porch, listening to the waves.
Quickly, I can tell you about my trip.

Saturday
Basically the day consisted of swimming. Colin, Christina, and Cole (my cousins) and Brooke (my step cousin) went swimming in the ocean for awhile. Colin and I were throwing Christina around into the rolling waves. Finally we convinced Cole to let us throw him in the pool. We threw Cole so hard he rolled sideways into the Ocean, swallowed some salt water, and puked some pink bile into the ocean.
The day just continued relatively the same way.

Sunday
After waking up and doing the whole swimming thing everyone ate dinner and chilled out. Earlier in the day we were given some Ben & Jerry's ice cream by a family who were checking out from their condo. That day at lunch Christina, Brooke, and I, in a moment of weakness, almost ate some of the ice cream. However, after I decided it would be unfair, we all agreed to leave the ice cream until after dinner. At some point while Colin and I were in the other condo, everyone else ate the ice cream. Well, Colin and I felt that this injustice had to be rectified - especially after I showed such moral fortitude during lunch. So, we demanded (or rather nicely asked) for money to go buy ice cream at the late night ice cream parlour. My Uncle David, and Colin's dad, gave us the money. My parents lent the vehicle, and my Uncle Derek tried to get a free pint of ice cream (as if he hadn't had enough already). Well, we got money from him and some from Brooke to pick up some more ice cream for everyone.
Colin and I finally set out on our adventure. We headed up one road and then the other. Driving for what felt too long on the second road Colin decided to call the shop. The only response he got was "you've gone the wrong way" from, as Colin describes, a deep, raspy, thick, southern drawl. So, I decided to turn around and stop at a gas station. Once again, we faced adversity to receiving good directions. Quickly encountering a stoner attendant, who could only respond "....shit" to our questions, Colin and I knew we were doomed. Finally another patron of the gas bar told us to keep going down the road the way we were coming before we turned around for another 3 miles. So, we turned the car around and kept driving. Soon after I noticed zero increases in the number of stores, and felt a baron road meant we had been dooped again. So, I decided to call the ice cream parlour, but disguise my voice to sound like I was a local. I hoped that doing so would gain me some sentiments of camaraderie and thus would result in proper directions.
Lo and behold it did! Colin and I found the parlour, ordered a tone of ice cream, and returned home champions.
We felt so good from our triumph we decided to go on a late night beach walk. The mission we gave ourselves was to scout out the pool facilities of other condos along the beach. The entire strip is lined with awesome looking condos, and we wanted to see how our little Romar Towers compared. Well, based on the first condo we visited our pool was dismal. You see, we have a small, peanut shaped pool. This place had a huge infinity pool outside. Inside, there was an even bigger pool, a jacuzzi, a steam room, sauna, and work out centre. We continued up the beach and saw many other places. Nothing, however, quite compared to the first condo. Also, there were people hanging out on the beach and Colin and I later decided to shine a light on them from the balcony at our condo.
Monday
So, after visiting the condo with the infinity pool the night before, Colin and I decided to return to the pool. With Christina in tow, we decided to fully utilize all the facilities available to us at someone else's condo. So, we go into the pool, then the jacuzzi, and finally the steam room. The steam room freaked all of us out for a few reasons. When we got in there the place looked like a gas chamber. The steam dispenser made a horrible booming sound that scarred me when it went off every 5 minutes. The other things that was scary was how you couldn't see the other people in the room. Colin would go on the other side of the room and then jump out and scare me.
Finally we went back to the infinity pool and tried to get rid of the crabs that had crawled into the pool. After awhile a security guard came out and told us we couldn't be swimming after 10. Then he dropped the "wristband" bomb. He told us we were supposed to have wristbands. After throwing him a cock-and-bull story, which included him asking us what room we were in and who's name it was under, Colin got us out of there by asking for "help" to bring up "the chairs we left at the beach".

Tuesday
I woke up early on Tuesday for what felt like the longest day at the condo. Colin and I were staying up late every night, so getting up at 7:30 am for a golf game was difficult. I headed out to the Pensicola Navy Base with my dad, my grandfather, and my uncle. The first 9 holes were really rough, but after some sound advice from my grandfather, the back 9 went much better.
Afterwards we made plans to meet everyone in a famous Florida eatery called MacGuire's. The entire place has $1 bills stapled to the roof and walls. Each bill is signed, and some are in plaques because famous people like John McCain and Nascar drivers have signed them. The entire place has over $750,000 hanging on their walls!
After the early dinner my Aunt Karen and her children, Conner, Ashyln, Cole, and Ava, all headed back home to Mobile, AL. The rest of us all went to the local dive-bar, The Flora-Bama for some drinks and music. Brooke, Christina, Colin and I were getting restless so we wanted to go see a movie. However, before departing my Aunts, Uncles, Parents, and Grandparents I had to chat it up with my Aunt Joanne and have a dance with my Aunt Denise.

Wednesday
Wednesday I woke up to a beach and ocean filled with seaweed due to the storm the night before. I would have loved to swim in the giant waves with Colin, however the seaweed was too much for us. Instead, we just went to the pool, read books, and tanned. I actually got really dark from the sun.

The day was pretty uneventful after my Aunt Joanne, Uncle David left. That night we had a quiet dinner and I watched Step Up with Christina, Colin, Pat, my Mom, Brooke, and my aunt Denise. The only really funny part of the movie was when Colin snuck a piece of fudge and ate it in front of everyone without anyone noticing. I had to look away or my laughing would have given him up.

Thursday

Thursday was the last day at the condo and I decided to make the most of it. I got up early and decided not to go golfing with my Grandparents and father. Instead I hung out with Colin and Christina by the pool and tried to tan. The sun wasn't that great and Colin was reluctant to go swimming in the ocean. Eventually Christina and I convinced him to come out and swim in the big waves. Colin and I made a stipulation that Christina could not complain about jellyfish or sharks. Interestingly, while I was diving into the waves a jellyfish stung me both in the eye, and up inside my bathing suit. I flipped Colin over the waves like a high-jumper at the olympics and we threw Christina into a few. We spent hours playing in the waves and it was loads of fun.

After the day of swimming everyone went to dinner at this famous crab restaurant. The place was packed and seemed like the place to be. Inside there were two fish tanks, one with a Nemo and Dore fish (from Finding Nemo) and the other had two eels.

The dinner was great and all the parents and Grandparents drank a decent amount. My Aunt Denise and Mom got pretty toasted, which was sweet. The nice thing about my mom getting a little tipsy was that we didn't need to convince her at all to take the cousins out for ice cream. Upon returning home I watched Coach Carter with Brooke and Pat. The next morning I woke up really early to say goodbye to Colin, Christina, my Aunt-Denise and Uncle-David.

The entire trip was amazing and I will miss all my family. It was hard saying goodbye and I took every second of the two day drive to reminisce about what a great family I have.

I'm in the Gulf of Mexico

noreply@blogger.com (Everyones Vision) — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 21:10:00 +0000

On Thursday I left early and towards the US border. At around 8pm I arrived at a Cracker Barrel restaurant in Kentucky and had breakfast for dinner. Then, after a few more hours of driving myself and my parents stop in Nashville, TN to rest for the night. The next morning, and amazing continental breakfast, and 8 hours of driving later and we're pulling into my Grandparents condo in Orange Beach, AL. The condo is right on the Gulf of Mexico and is currently filled with 6 of my cousins, 2 aunts, 2 uncles and has resulted in renting a second condo.

On my first day I was almost immediately in the water. Despite warnings of sharks I was swimming for a few hours and then eating a very late dinner. Michelle called me and we talked for a few hours. I got to hear about her iPhone and feel even more anxious for the arrival of my iPhone.

Now I am writing this post after my second day. I began Day 2 with a long jog with my 15 year old cousin. Afterwards I swam in the pool and then the beach. I filmed my cousin Colin fishing for a bit and then swam with him. The best part of swimming today was when Colin and I threw our 8 year old cousin into a big wave and he puked in the ocean. I couldn't stop laughing as his pink bile floated in the ocean.

3 Months and counting

noreply@blogger.com (Everyones Vision) — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 21:04:00 +0000

So I haven't written anything on this page since the first day of my Convocation weekend. Basically my life has consisted of looking for work post-graduation. I am still with my girlfriend Michelle and have been hanging out with her a lot. I'm working on launching a website for my radio show Well Versed. I've been taking some photos and brainstorming for future photography ideas. Basically there has been a lot going on. I'm sorry to have left it all of this blog, but now I am back and writing.