Whizzo World Blog

Stuck behind the couch

2010-01-07T17:28:00.000-05:00

I hate when this happens!

See more funny videos and funny pictures at CollegeHumor.

(No video? Click this link: http://www.collegehumor.com/video:1926857)

2010 New Years' Resolution

2009-12-31T00:55:00.001-05:00

This really happened to me.

My home office PC had an automated backup program running that saved my data to a USB connected external hard drive. I figured everything was A-OK and there was nothing to worry about. In truth, I hadn't been careful enoough in selecting software that reported via email/popup/siren/flashinglights when something went wrong.

The external drive failed and I didn't notice. A couple of months later the local electrical utility company was doing some work about 2 miles from me. A truck backed into a pole holding a transformer... knocking out power in the area... and breaking my main hard drive in my PC. The one I thought was safely copying data to the external drive.

Emails, bookmarks, software, data, music files, photos, work, play, family tree data, contracts, etc, etc -- all gone.

Oops!

$1,500 later I had my data recovered to a new boot drive.

I also learned two things:

Be careful about selecting my backup software
Check to make sure it is running

A couple of months later I read about an online backup solution. Secure, automatic, remote, reliable, simple to set up and affordable. In fact, you can back up 2 GB of data at no cost if you want to try it out. When you need your data it is right there on the Internet. You can even restore using just a browser!

All of my valuable emails, pictures, scanned images & documents, genealogy databases and reports were gone... without warning. And it cost me a bundle of $ and some frayed nerves before I got lucky enoough to get them recovered. I don't want to do it again.

For 2010... promise yourself to visit http://nolimitsuccess.info/mozy.html and when you forget about making backups you can sleep peacefully knowing your computer is looking after things for you. It will be a resolution that is easy to keep!

Happy New Year!

P.S. Did I ever tell you the one about the stolen laptop? I'll save that for next year!

Lighthouse - One Fine Morning LIVE

2009-12-22T22:13:00.000-05:00

This is my all-time favourite Canadian band... they rocked and they swung and they are still awesome today! Check them out "live"...

Now, go and buy their new greatest hits CD/DVD package: 40 Years of Sunny Days...

In the US:

In Canada:

Good cause Oakville ON Silent Auction with online bidding

2009-11-04T00:25:00.002-05:00

An online charity auction has begun at Incarnation Christmas Market Silent Auction and I encourage you to check it out and bid freely on some great stuff.

More donations will be added over the next few days... so please bookmark it and return.

Bidding ends on November 13 at midnight Oakville time for online bidders.

Toro Adventures - Safaris and Tours through Southern Africa

2009-07-30T23:36:00.000-04:00

Toro Adventures - Safaris and Tours through Southern Africa

My friend Johan Marais introduced me to his travel adventure site: Toro Adventures. If you have ever dreamed of an adventure vacation in South Africa, you should visit their site and check out their exciting offers:

- guided or sef driven safaris
- camping or lodges
- day tours
- 4x4 day trips
- cheeta rehabilitation centre
- night out under the stars
- river rafting
- quad biking
- hiking
- game viewing

Give them a visit, and tell them Paul sent you!

New Neil Diamond DVD & TV Special

2009-07-02T12:22:00.003-04:00

A new concert DVD and a TV Special tied to the release... all on August 14 from 8-9 PM on CBS-TV in the US.

Here is the press release...

A NEW NEIL DIAMOND CONCERT SPECIAL, "NEIL DIAMOND - HOT AUGUST NIGHT: NYC," TO BE BROADCAST FRIDAY, AUG. 14 ON THE CBS TELEVISION NETWORK

This Television Event Celebrates the DVD Release of "Hot August Night/NYC: Live From Madison Square Garden"

NEIL DIAMOND - HOT AUGUST NIGHT: NYC, a new concert special featuring highlights from one of Neil Diamond's most memorable recent concerts, will be broadcast Friday, Aug. 14 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.
The special features electrifying performances from Diamond's latest sold-out concerts at Madison Square Garden in New York. Diamond sings several of his classic and beloved Top Ten hits including "America," "Cracklin' Rosie," "I Am...I Said," "Cherry, Cherry" and the world's greatest sing-along song, "Sweet Caroline." In addition, Diamond reflects on a recent visit to his hometown, as he takes the audience on his journey from Brooklyn to Madison Square Garden, in an intimate look at the man behind the music.

The NEIL DIAMOND - HOT AUGUST NIGHT: NYC broadcast celebrates the simultaneous DVD release from Sony Music of the complete show recorded during Neil Diamond's historic four-night run at Madison Square Garden. Featuring over two hours of live music and 25 career-spanning hits, the DVD captures the dynamic energy that has epitomized Neil Diamond's live performances for over four decades and includes "Song Sung Blue," "Holly Holy," and the very first live release of "Pretty Amazing Grace" from his most recent #1 album, Home Before Dark. Also included is additional footage of the exclusive bonus feature "Welcome Home Neil," a behind-the-scenes look at Diamond's pilgrimage to his childhood home in Brooklyn. The DVD with bonus CD is available exclusively at all Wal-Mart locations and online at Walmart.com (www.walmart.com) beginning Friday, Aug. 14.
Neil Diamond's eclectic and universally beloved songs - as well as his charismatic and openhearted performances of them - continue to make him an international force both as a record maker and a live entertainer. In an impressive musical career that has spanned nearly five decades, he has released dozens of albums and sold more than 125 million records worldwide, with a remarkable track record of 15 Top Ten albums and 37 Top Ten singles. His songs such as "Sweet Caroline," "I Am...I Said," "Cracklin' Rosie," "America," "Song Sung Blue" and "You Don't Bring Me Flowers," and the rest of his vast catalog of hits, are the reason that this Grammy-winning artist was inducted into the Songwriter's Hall of Fame and received the same organization's prestigious Sammy Cahn Lifetime Achievement Award. Among Diamond's many other notable honors, he has to date received a Golden Globe Award and 12 Grammy nominations and, in February, was named the 2009 MusiCares Person of the Year. His latest release, the critically acclaimed Home Before Dark, his first ever #1 debut, marked one of his most successful worldwide tours ever, solidifying his status as one of the most dynamic performers of our time.

A Meal To Die For

2009-06-18T23:02:00.002-04:00

A classic Bill Geist - CBS Sunday Morning - report on the Heart Attack Grill in Chandler Arizona. You'll gain a pound just watching....

P.S.
Visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbKRSYAuSNg if you can't see the embedded video!

Five Reasons Why Microsoft’s BING Outshines Google – Geeks.com

2009-06-15T11:31:00.000-04:00

Bryan Lambert of Geeks.com reviews the new MS "decision engine" BING

Five Reasons Why Microsoft’s BING Outshines Google – Geeks.com

Letter to Canada's Prime Minister Harper

2009-06-11T19:14:00.002-04:00

This letter was sent anonymously, but it deserves some more attention. By the way, the economics expressed here are probably applicable in your part of the world.

Dear Prime Minister Harper and Team,

Please find below my suggestion for fixing Canada 's economy. Instead of giving billions of tax dollars to banks, cities, provinces and automobile companies that will squander the money on lavish parties and unearned bonuses, please consider implementing the following plan:

There are about 20 million people over 50 in the work force, unemployed or retired. Pay them $1 million each in severance for early retirement with the following stipulations:

They MUST retire.
Twenty million job openings - Unemployment fixed.
They MUST buy a new manufactured in Canada car.
Twenty million cars ordered - Auto Industry fixed.
They MUST either buy a house or pay off their mortgage.
Housing Crisis fixed.
They MUST send their kids to school / college /university.
Crime rate fixed.
They MUST purchase $50 of alcohol / tobacco / gasoline a week.
There's your $20 million back in duties and taxes.

It can't get any easier than that!

Yours sincerly,
A taxpayer with only one pocket

P.S. If more money is needed, have all members of parliament, provincial legislatures, crown corporations, government consultants, city councils, boards of education, healthcare bodies and legal monopolies pay back their falsely claimed expenses and second home allowances.

Behind the Scenes with Bruce Springsteen at the 2009 Superbowl

2009-05-22T23:35:00.003-04:00

This post was written by Patty From Toronto for the E Street Canada mailing list, describing her once-in-a-lifetime adventure volunteering as a member of the stage crew for Bruce Springsteen's Superbowl Half Time performance. Many thanks to Patty for granting her permission to reprint her excellent "Superbowl Journal".

Patty's SuperBowl Journal

Day 1

It’s January 18th and I’ve just arrived at the Tampa airport. I still really can’t believe that I’m here and I’m doing this! I don’t know what to expect and I don’t know any of the other "Half-time Show Stage Crew Volunteers". What I do know is that I’ll be seeing Springsteen at something very different on February 1st: the half-time show at the Super Bowl.

As I leave the airport I hear "Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out" playing on the airport speakers. I grin.

Day 2

First rehearsal for the half-time show stage crew volunteers. I find my way over to Raymond James Stadium and park at the designated lot. I see some other cars and folks in the parking lot and I figure that they’re there for the rehearsal. Uhmmm…. no. They don’t know anything about the rehearsal; they’re only there for the football game. I cross the street and find the sign up tent for the volunteers; a purple wristband is put on my right wrist, and I’m directed to the boxed dinners and asked to find a place on the bleachers. Soon, more and more folks arrive and we start introducing ourselves. Finally, Holly Seiber, one of the coordinators, introduces herself; she welcomes us and turns the microphone over to Marcus – the head stage technician, and "Cap" – the head honcho. We hear about rules: "Safety First!"; we hear about expectations, we hear that we’re going to have to be patient as there’s going to be a lot of "standing around" (I know how to do that!), and we hear about confidentiality: "Anyone caught with a camera is automatically gone". We also hear that all the pieces on the field are part of Bruce Springsteen’s stage and that we’re going to learn how to put it together in less than 5 minutes. Cap said that he wouldn’t want Clarence or Bruce falling off the stage during the Super Bowl performance. A nervous laughter is heard throughout the crowd of 200 volunteers. It’s just what we wanted to hear, that if we screw up, Bruce or Clarence may fall off the stage. Great. Just great.

We are put into teams and are instructed to get to know our team members and to get a feel for our piece of equipment. I am placed on one of the "Jib" teams. What’s a Jib? I guess I’ll soon find out. More introductions, and our team leader, Michael, tells us a little bit about the Jib. It’s a long camera pole that has a screen on one end and a rotating camera on the other. It will be one of the cameras used for the show and an experienced camera operator will be controlling it. It will be our team’s job to push this Jib out onto the football field for the half time show. Okay. But, where’s the Jib? Well, it seems that our Jib will not be available until next week, so in the meantime, we’re going to pretend carting out this Jib according to a specific route. Okay again. We practice a couple of times on the field, and then Cap calls us all to order around where he’s standing on one of the stage pieces. He talks about stage directions and where the various members of the band will be standing. He points to Nils’ spot and says that Patti will be standing there. I shout out that Patti stands on the on the other side of the stage. A laugh goes up and Cap acknowledges his error. He then talks about the "talent" and that we, the stage crew, are in show business. We can’t stand around and gawk as we’ve got a job to do and that we’re going to need all of our concentration to get everything in place on the field in less than 5 minutes. "Forget about Bruce", Cap tells us, "he’s just another guy". In my head, I begged to differ.

A few more instructions, and the group is released for the evening. Walking towards the parking lot, one volunteer said that she’d heard a few folks as "Who’s Clarence?". Well. Obviously not everyone was there for Springsteen and the band.

Day 4

Second rehearsal this evening. Tonight’s choice of wristband colour is turquoise. It’s only 53 degrees outside and one of the volunteers is wearing her fur coat. We practice with our equipment some more – my team continues to ‘pretend’ to have a Jib to roll out – and Cap lets us know that Bruce and the band will be rehearsing next Tuesday and Wednesday over at "that" tent (pointing to a tent situated behind our practice field) by the field where the Super Bowl will be played. Many of us could be seen smiling and grinning, and more ‘Bruce conversation’ amongst the various teams occurs. Tonight, Cap tells us a story about a mule, a plow and keeping an eye on the prize. Our ‘prize’ is getting the stage safely on the field and correctly in place in less than 5 minutes. Cap then asks for a volunteer that isexactly 5’ 10 1/2'" tall. Cap doesn’t say why someone of that exact height is needed, but a fellow does come
forward. He’s asked to climb the front piece of the stage and to stand there – some measurements have to take place from where Bruce will be standing at his mic to where the back video operator will be. Bruce’s stage designer has requested exact measurements. Puzzle solved – Bruce is exactly 5’ 10 ½" tall. A few of us ask our Bruce fill-in if we could have a ‘bum shot’. No dice.

Before leaving for the evening, a small group of us are centered out to attend two more rehearsals. Fifty of us have been chosen to be part of the pre and post game shows as well. Very cool! We’re going to be bringing out the stage for the presentation of the Lombardi trophy to the winning team, and we’ll be right on the field during all the celebrations. Very, very cool! I said that of course I’d do it.

Day 5

Third rehearsal this evening and tonight’s wristband colour is orangy-red. The halftime stage crew volunteers were given an opportunity to walk right across Bruce’s stage and to stand at his mic. There was a great deal of laughter and posing at the mic. In our minds, just for a second, each one of us was Bruce Springsteen. Cap’s story tonight was about an infiltration by the Americans into North Vietnam during the Nixon presidency. The moral was that we must look out for those around us. I’m starting to figure out that Cap has a story for every occasion and is also very good at telling stories. We were all also told tonight that a higher level of security was now in place and FBI agents were situated around the whole Raymond James Stadium complex. Eeeks!

The stage crew was introduced to "JK" – she’s in charge of the 2,000 screaming "fans" (also volunteers) that are going to come running onto the field as the performance begins. There are questions about these fans running in front of the stage crew volunteers during Bruce’s performance. The questions are answered as we are placed in various spots along the front of the stage. I don’t have to worry because as a Jib person, I’m right there anyways. Wahooo!!!!

On a personal note, the various team members are starting to gel. Names are remembered, stories are shared and e-mail addresses are starting to be exchanged. I even met another Canadian: Paul from Toronto.

Day 6

First day of pre and post game rehearsals. Our wristband colour is lime green. Twenty of us were placed to work with the ‘spaceship’. This is where the players and coaches come to accept the Lombardi trophy, give speeches, etc. We have to bring this ‘spaceship’ – really, it’s in the shape of a football – onto the field and position it directly on top of the NFL insignia that is exactly at centre field. Greater security also abounds as we now have to have any bags checked before entering the compound.

One of the volunteers comes up to me and asks me if I’m ‘the Canadian’ who had seen Bruce so many times. I said yes that I was Canadian, but there were other fellow countrypersons who’d seen Bruce way more than I had.

Day 8

Fourth rehearsal for the halftime show stage crew volunteers. Tonight’s wristband colour is yellow and Cap’s story is about learning how to play a banjo: "slow is steady and steady is fast". We even had a demonstration of banjo playing. Of course, it all has to do with getting the stage onto the field safely, properly, and under 5 minutes. Our team still doesn’t have their Jib, so we continue to ‘pretend’. We’re starting to get a lot of ribbing from other team members and are, jokingly, accused of being slackers.

Tonight we had a number of treats:
· We were taken right into the actual field of Raymond James Stadium to rehearse (we were, under no circumstances, to walk on the sidelines where the Steelers and the Cardinals’ insignias were painted onto the grass. We couldn’t take any grass either – if caught, goodbye!)
· The producer of the Super Bowl, Don Krisher – he did the Pre-Inauguration concert in Washington DC as well – spoke to us
· Bruce Rogers, who did the stage design for Springsteen, was there too. He was asked about the process and how involved the ‘real’ Bruce was. It was funny as he tried to prevaricate, saying that they all worked as a team, etc, etc. But, you could tell that he wanted to spit out that Springsteen was totally involved in every step of the way.
· A second story from Cap: this time about Sir Paul McCartney and how he told Cap that he was so very nervous about his halftime performance.
· We got to see the lights being tested in the stadium
· We got to see the testing of the screens, situated at the back of the stage, going up and being turned on and off. "10th Avenue Freeze-out" kept scrolling across the stage
· Hearing from all parties concerned that Bruce was so very excited about the Super Bowl halftime show and that he’d been told of all the rehearsals going on and how 200 dedicated folks were giving up two weeks of their time (and money) to participate in all of this. A great cheer went up amongst all of us!

Day 10

Rehearsal number 5. Lemon yellow wristbands tonight, and more turkey, ham and vegetarian sandwiches. And cookies and potato chips. I arrived at the practice field earlier tonight since this was going to be the first day that Bruce and the band were going to be rehearsing, and they may not have left for the day. Upon arrival at the field, and very close to a gated off practice tent, I could hear the strains of "Glory Days". And then some silence, and then….10th Avenue with the glorious horns, followed by BTR, WOAD, and Glory Days once again. And then they played all four songs again. Bruce and the band had started at 2:00 pm that day and continued to rehearse until about 6:15 pm that evening. They were not so much rehearsing the songs, but more so the timing of the songs. Bruce had only 12 minutes and he had to get the show done in 12 minutes.

No Jib for us yet; but, we continued to ‘pretend practice’ and Michael, our Jib leader, had cardboard signs with the word ‘JIB’ spray painted across each made for us. Lots of laughter and hilarity with this. Tonight we got to see the pyrotechnics that were going to go off behind the stage during the actual halftime show. Also tonight, some of the instruments – Max’s drums, Charlie’s organ, Roy’s piano – were on the correct stage pieces and the instrument technicians, including Kevin Buell, were also there to rehearse with us. We were told that the techs were a bit skeptical about our ability to get the work done in less than 5 minutes.

Tonight there was also some tension and Cap asked all of us to do an attitude check. As we were rehearsing getting to the stage, once our stage pieces were locked in place, one of the crew volunteers was pushed over and she fell. She was injured and Cap was not happy. Not at all. He was very direct and very upset with us. Disappointed in us. He reminded us of our jobs – to put a stage together for a TV performance. Although he knew that many of us were there primarily for Springsteen, he said that being a fan was not our primary job. We were to forget about Bruce being Bruce, he’s just another "talent" and he’ll do his "Bruce-ing" and we were to do our stage "crew-ing". I did realize the severity of the situation, as someone could have gotten very badly injured; but, in my head, I once again begged to differ: Bruce is not just another talent.

The stage crew also heard this evening that a 20 year camera vetran of the Super Bowl was caught taping Bruce’s rehearsal that afternoon. He was promptly escorted off the property and his credentials were taken away. Fired, just like that. We were warned about this.

Day 11

Second to last rehearsal; tomorrow is dress rehearsal day with Bruce, the E-Street band, and the other 2,000 "screaming fans"!!! Tonight’s wristband is once again turquoise. I came down to the venue early again and sat outside listening to Bruce and the band rehearse and play the same four songs over and over again. You could faintly hear discussions; but not enough to make clear what exactly was being discussed. I’m starting to develop an aversion to turkey and ham sandwiches.

Tonight we practiced putting the stage together and taking it apart in the necessary time frames. We did this three times, and of course, still no jib. Tomorrow, we were promised, tomorrow. Cap did apologize to us for his outburst last night but he was very concerned about everyone’s safety. He reminded us of Marcus’ main rule "Safety First". We were also reminded to bring picture ID with us from now on as security was going to be turned up many notches and we would need our ID in order to enter the Raymond James Stadium. No picture ID, no entrance. Can you imagine forgetting your ID and not being allowed into the stadium for rehearsal – particularly if Springsteen was your main reason for volunteering to be halftime show stage crew?

At the end of the evening, it was a very excited and somewhat nervous group of halftime show stage volunteers that left the venue. Tomorrow we were going to not only see Bruce, but also rehearse with him and the band. "Mind blowing" just doesn’t describe it.

Day 12

Dress rehearsal day with Bruce Springsteen and the E-Street Band! It’s pouring rain, it’s cold and damp, but that doesn’t deter anyone’s spirits. At check-in, we were given rain ponchos, asked to see ID, and were wrist-banded with official bands saying ‘Halftime Rehearsal’. The bands are those thick plastic ones, yellow in colour.

And, finally, finally our Jib is here! Since our group is going to be the first coming out of the tunnel, we had a wonderful vantage point in seeing Bruce and the band come into the bowels of the stadium in their little golf carts. The signal was given and out we all came, all show business. We had less than 5 minutes to get that stage out onto the tarp and in the pouring rain and situated properly. All the instruments were now on the stage pieces as well. Kevin Buell was keeping an eagle eye on Bruce’s guitars. Done! We did it. The stage is in its place, the jibs are in their places and we’re all waiting in anticipation. Then out came the ‘screaming fans’, reminded to stand behind us. Looking a bit goofy, but so very cute, in his red cap – made him look like one of the seven dwarfs! – and wearing a great big grin, Bruce and the mighty E-Street Band and all the horns bounded up onto the stage. They refused umbrellas even though it was pouring rain. They just kept grinning and Bruce kept giggling. He was having belt troubles – a la Seeger Sessions Band – again. A bit of adjusting and more giggles. What an unbelievable, totally indescribable moment! I started giggling too. And then there he was in front of his mic: "Hello Volunteers!". He said that he thought it never rained in Florida; he thanked us for all of our hard work and dedication to the cause (or something like that), then he counted off….1,2,3,4….. Tenth Avenue Freeze-out! A stronghold on the mic stand, and the backwards arc…..but he couldn’t quite get himself back up. It took a few tries and more laughter! Bruce was grinning ear to ear. And the rest of the band was laughing right along with him, particularly Steve. Then into BTR, then WOAD, and then the revised version of Glory Days – with a referee and all! All I can keep repeating is ‘unbelievable’. The first time through the whole program was done, finished. We had to take the jibs off the field, the stage pieces off the field and back into the tunnel. Then we did it all over again. So did Bruce and the band. And then the final dress rehearsal: this time with only the 200 halftime stage crew volunteers. No offense to the 2,000 screaming fans; but, this was so incredibly cool for those of us that had been working damn hard for almost two weeks. We had to wait a while, though, to see if the rain let up and for Bruce and the band to get into clothes and make-up, just like it was going to be for Super Bowl Sunday. This final dress rehearsal was going to be recorded and videotaped ‘just in case’. Even the jibs had emergency backup equipment on them.

From the moment Bruce and the band came on stage for this final dress rehearsal, you could feel this was going to be a bit different: less hilarity, more structure, more serious. Bruce checked Roy’s piano, he had a couple of quick conferences with band members, he patted Clarence on the back, he gave Patti a big hug. Then into position: that wonderful silhouette of Bruce and Clarence standing back to back. Their instruments held out in front of them like the powerful weapons that they are. Seeing this for the first time gave me a punch in the solar plexus; it was that powerful. I watched Bruce draw all his resources into himself, waiting for the announcer to introduce the Bridgestone Halftime Show. Showtime: introduction, songs, the slide across the stage in the rain, and the referee, who fell down while warning Bruce and Steve that "Bosstime" was over. Bruce and Steve were laughing so hard they had a great deal of difficulty finishing
Glory Days. They had us laughing right along with them! Then, then, then…it was all over. Finished. Bruce said he was off to Disneyland; off the stage and into his golf cart he went. The next time we see him is Sunday, the big day.

I can’t quite describe my emotions at the end of this evening. I was in a bit of a fog trying to remember everything and to hold every moment close to me. Me – rehearsing with Mr. Bruce Springsteen and the E-Street Band (as our schedule labeled them). Me. Oh, wow!

Day 13

A gorgeous day outside, not even a hint of yesterday’s rain. Today is when we rehearse the pre-game show and the post-game show portions. We didn’t get a different wristband today; we used our same wristbands as yesterday and we had to show them – just like going into the Pit at a show – to all the security as we passed by them. Those of us at rehearsal couldn’t stop babbling about yesterday. We kept tripping over our words, trying to re-capture everything. We saw the boxes with all the paper confetti and we asked Kevin Buell, who happened to be there, if the choir that Bruce uses for WOAD is the same choir as the Pre-Inauguration Concert. It was. We also found out that Roy’s piano and Charlie’s organ were badly damaged in the rain yesterday, and new instruments were being flown in from New York City. Even some side stage speakers were wrecked and had to be replaced. Bruce would not hear of canceling the rehearsal yesterday.

Day 14

Game Day! Show Day! With a great deal of anticipation and excitement, I drove over to the University of Tampa where all the volunteers were congregating. Our wristbands today were stamped with ‘Halftime Show/February 1, 2009’. Those of us doing the post-game show (change of plans for the pre-game show) were also given a bright green paper wristband. There was lunch: turkey/ham/vegetarian sandwiches, cookies and potato chips – what else? - as well as plenty of water. Who could eat? I was too nervous. Would I be able to see? Would I be able to hear? I sat with all my other volunteers and there were many, many photo ops. Today, I kept my Blackberry with me; I was determined to take some pictures.

Soon it was time to head over to the Stadium and to our specific equipment. We were transported by special buses to the Stadium, we went through an amazing amount of security, and then we were escorted to our special areas in the tunnels of the stadium. We got into our particular teams and stood by our equipment. Since the jibs were the first out, we were right at the mouth of one of the tunnels so we could see what was happening on the field. Touchdown, Steelers, right as the second half came to a close. That was awesome to see from my vantage point. Then, the countdown and….Go! Onto the field we went. All of us scurrying and intent on doing the best job not only for the Super Bowl but also for Bruce. Since our jib was the first in place, my team mates and I could move toward the stage first as well. I got a prime spot right between Clarence and Nils. A loud roar was heard. We knew that Bruce and the band had entered the building. Then onto the stage they all came and took their positions; that wonderful iconic pose: Bruce and Clarence back to back. Brothers – in –arms. "Ladies and gentlemen, the Bridgestone halftime show presents….." Wow! What a feeling! And in twelve minutes, thirty seconds, the heart stopping, pants dropping, booty shaking, love making, history making, legendary Bruce Springsteen and his mighty E-Street Band knocked the socks off everyone. He packed a concert-full of energy and emotions into twelve minutes and thirty seconds: he was on top of Roy’s piano, he had the horns, he did his backward arc, he asked if we were alive, he had a bit of an introduction, he slid across the stage, he threw his guitar, he twirled his guitar around his body, he giggled, he laughed…….what more could anyone ask for? And then it was over. Finished. The crowd kept cheering and roaring as the network went to commercials. We had to get back to our jobs and get the equipment off the field. I couldn’t quite believe it was over.

For two weeks we all rehearsed for this moment: some of us because it was the Super Bowl, some of us because it was going to be the Steelers or the Cardinals, and some of us because it was going to be Bruce Springsteen and the E-Street Band in a very historic performance. Now what? Well, for me and forty-nine others, back to the tent and more sandwiches, and the wait for the post-game show and celebrations. Another unbelievable experience: there I was mingling with Pittsburgh Steelers, picking confetti off the field, taking pictures of players celebrating, and getting a championship t-shirt.

All in all, an experience of a lifetime.

Day 15

Tampa Airport. Return the rental car, haul the luggage and take the shuttle to the airport proper. As I enter the airport building, I hear the opening chords to Glory Days. Really.

Patty From Toronto

Lemon Squeezer

2009-03-22T00:22:00.001-04:00

In Ottawa, a local bar was so sure its bartender was the strongest man
around that it offered a standing $1000 bet. The bartender would
squeeze a lemon until all the juice ran into a glass and hand the
lemon to a patron. Anyone who could squeeze one more drop of juice
out would win the money.

Many people had tried over time (lumberjacks, truck drivers, miners
etc.) but nobody could do it. Then one day this scrawny little man
came into the bar, wearing thick glasses and a polyester suit, and
said in a tiny squeaky voice, "I'd like to try the bet."

After the laughter had died down, the bartender said okay, grabbed a
lemon, and squeezed away. Then he handed the wrinkled remains of the
rind to the little man. But the crowd's laughter turned to total
silence as the man clenched his fist around the lemon and six drops
fell into the glass.

As the crowd cheered, the bartender paid the $1000.00 and asked the
little man, "What do you do for a living? Are you a lumberjack, a
weight-lifter, or what?"

"Nope" , the man replied, "I work for Revenue Canada."

Watchmen Widget

2009-03-04T08:06:00.001-05:00

Does Tiger Woods' PGA Tour Return Signal a Dark Day?

2009-02-25T06:50:00.004-05:00

The next time you hear the great Leslie Gore singing her hit Sunshine, Lollipops & Roses won't be on your Oldies radio station. Check out Nike's weather forecast celebrating Tiger Woods' return to the PGA tour today.

Rats... YouTube censored the video. I guess no one likes to give free advertising!

View on the Nike site (for a while anyway)... just click on "The Good Life" TV spot
http://www.nike.com/nikegolf/index.htm

The latest Whizzo web project

2009-01-26T01:11:00.003-05:00

It is finally here... at 2 PM today the 2009 Ontario Women's Curling Championship - the Scotties Tournament of Hearts - begins at the Oakville Curling Club.

I've designed and implemented the event website at http://www.oakvillecurlingclub.com/hearts and I'll be there daily to provide live end-by-end scoring updates for fans that can't make it to Oakville. There's also photos, newsletters and a blog.

Check out the great curling at the club this week... or at least visit the site and follow along while the Ontario participant in the Canadian Championship is decided.

--
.../Paul

Poem: Christ Climbed Down

2008-12-03T19:02:00.003-05:00

One of my favourite Christmas holiday poems was written by Lawrence Ferlinghetti in the 1950s in San Francisco. I have had it available since 1997 on my web site at http://whizzo.ca/paul/ccd.html but I thought it deserved a reposting after 11 years.

CHRIST CLIMBED DOWN

Christ climbed down
from His bare Tree
this year
and ran away to where
there were no rootless Christmas trees
hung with candycanes and breakable stars

Christ climbed down
from His bare Tree
this year
and ran away to where
there were no gilded Christmas trees
and no tinsel Christmas trees
and no tinfoil Christmas trees
and no pink plastic Christmas trees
and no gold Christmas trees
and no black Christmas trees
and no powderblue Christmas trees
hung with electric candles
and encircled by tin electric trains
and clever cornball relatives

Christ climbed down
from His bare Tree
this year
and ran away to where
no intrepid Bible salesmen
covered the territory
in two-tone cadillacs
and where no Sears Roebuck creches
complete with plastic babe in manger
arrived by parcel post
the babe by special delivery
and where no televised Wise Men
praised the Lord Calvert Whiskey

Christ climbed down
from His bare Tree
this year
and ran away to where
no fat handshaking stranger
in a red flannel suit
and a fake white beard
went around passing himself off
as some sort of North Pole saint
crossing the desert to Bethlehem
Pennsylvania
in a Volkswagen sled
drawn by rollicking Adirondack reindeer
and German names
and bearing sacks of Humble Gifts
from Saks Fifth Avenue
for everybody's imagined Christ child

Christ climbed down
from His bare Tree
this year
and ran away to where
no Bing Crosby carollers
groaned of a tight Christmas
and where no Radio City angels
iceskated wingless
thru a winter wonderland
into a jinglebell heaven
daily at 8:30
with Midnight Mass matinees

Christ climbed down
from His bare Tree
this year
and softly stole away into
some anonymous Mary's womb again
where in the darkest night
of everybody's anonymous soul
He awaits again
an unimaginable
and impossibly
Immaculate Reconception
the very craziest of
Second Comings

Merry Christmas from Whizzo

2008-12-03T18:58:00.003-05:00

I have started posting articles on the history and traditions surrounding Christmas. I may add some topical gift reviews as well.

You can find the new page at http://christmas.whizzo.ca or click on Christmas History & Stories.

Enjoy!

Neil Diamond Picks His Gems

2008-10-24T21:18:00.002-04:00

From the Miami Herald: http://www.miamiherald.com/entertainment/people/story/739220.html

Neil Diamond Picks His Gems by Howard Cohen

Even when superstar acts avoided the region in the '70s and '80s before we scored a number of world-class venues, Neil Diamond's tours seldom missed Miami-Dade or Broward. On the heels of his first No. 1 album, the critically hailed Home Before Dark, Diamond performs Oct. 26 at Bank Atlantic Center.

Plus, he has to come to South Florida. His mom, Rose Diamond, lives here and is often in the house soaking up all that Neil love.

''Unfortunately, Dad passed away. But both of my parents were big supporters and it was nice to have them at my show,'' Diamond, 67, said in a phone interview. "Now, my mom, it's great to have her there. She doesn't watch me. She's facing the audience and seeing how they are responding. She never watches me.''

Besides being a home for your mom, what does South Florida mean to you?

"I've been playing Miami and South Florida and Florida, as a whole, for years. Since the beginning of my touring, my first professional dates were in Florida. I played Tampa and St. Petersburg and Clearwater was my first professional paid date. I love Florida. The people have been great to me. It's a beautiful state. I'm looking forward to bringing my tour there.''

Do any Miami hot spots stand out for you? Any must-visits?

"Not really. I'm down there to sing and we focus in on that. Occasionally, I have the chance to travel around and spend days off. But we're moving fast on this tour so we will do the shows and that's the focus.''

Can we count on Mom watching us, watching you at the BankAtlantic Center?

"No. Mom will be in California at that time.''

--
Join Beautiful Noise - The Neil Diamond Internet Mailing List

Tulsa World: Songwriter still going strong

2008-10-23T15:30:00.001-04:00

Tulsa World: Songwriter still going strong

Review of Neil Diamond's October 21 concert in Tulsa.

"Neil Diamond is completely resigned to one point in his more than 40 years of performing: Women love him."

Join Beautiful Noise - The Neil Diamond Internet Mailing List

Diamond gets ready to reconnect with S. Florida fans | MiamiHerald.com

2008-10-23T15:25:00.001-04:00

Diamond gets ready to reconnect with S. Florida fans MiamiHerald.com

Great article in anticipation of Diamond's show in Miami on October 26th.

Join Beautiful Noise - The Neil Diamond Internet Mailing List

Neil Diamond to receive major industry award | News | NME.COM

2008-10-23T15:16:00.001-04:00

Neil Diamond to receive major industry award
Veteran singer will be honoured in LA
Oct 22, 2008

Neil Diamond will receive the 2009 MusiCares Person of the Year Award at a ceremony and concert that is set to take place in Los Angeles during Grammy week.

The veteran singer, whose most recent album 'Home Before Dark' hit Number One on the US chart in May, is being recognised for "his exceptional artistic achievements as well as his philanthropic work," according to a statement issued by the Recording Academy.

Most recently, Diamond donated all the proceeds from sales of his merchandise at three concerts to hurricane relief efforts in Texas.

The fundraising event will take place February 6. Proceeds will go MusiCares, a music-industry charity that ensures that music people have a place to turn to in times of financial, medical and personal need.

Join Beautiful Noise - The Neil Diamond Internet Mailing List

Elton John - Cornflakes & Classics updates

2008-10-01T16:28:00.004-04:00

The Cornflakes & Classics web site, featuring the musical history of Elton John, has been updated for recent and upcoming shows. Including three scheduled already for 2009! Check out the 2008 Elton John page for all the information.

Also updated:

Two People Magazine articles from the August 18 1975 and January 16 1978 issues. Many thanks to Elizabeth for these treasures.

A review from John of an early Red Piano Show.

Speedymjb's recap of the historic Captain Fantastic show from Madison Square Gardens.

An entry for a 1969 Tina Charles single with backing vocals by Elton John. I'm looking for a release date for this single. Thanks to David Burrows for this information.

Also from David, the addition of Rod Stewart's Gasoline Alley album (Elton sings uncredited backing vocals on Rod's cover of Country Comfort) and a timeline correction for Elton's piano session for The Hollies I Can't Tell The Bottom From The Top single. I had the session a month after the release date. Now I need the correct session date! Both these events are on the 1970 Elton John page.

From frequent contributor Steven Betts, two ads from the summer of 2007 UK concerts on the 2007 Elton John page. Here's a sneak peek:

A great concert poster from Paul Canvin from Elton's Halloween concerts in Boston on the 1970 Elton John page.

And don't forget the great new deluxe remastered versions of the Elton John and Tumbleweed Connection albums... two CDs including dozens of bonus tracks. Read the details on the 2008 Elton John page.

As always, please send your album and concert reviews, articles, comments, corrections and new stuff to me. I'm always looking to expand Cornflakes & Classics!

--
.../Paul

Looking for information about a Carpenters picture

2008-09-28T22:19:00.003-04:00

My friend Jon is looking for information about this photograph. The subject is Karen and Richard Carpenter on an unknown date at an unknown location. Any tips or leads would be appreciated. Just post a comment right here.

Thanks!

When the student is ready the teacher appears

2008-09-07T19:55:00.003-04:00

I have been fortunate enough to have been working with an exceptional money mentoring team. They are sharing and teaching unique information and cutting edge techniques for personal financial growth and stability. Best of all, they have already had success using the same methodology -- this isn't just theory.

If this type of practical learning and team masterminding is of interest to you, there is a project coming up in the near future. Send me your contact information if you want to learn more.

News from out there -- beyond the environment

2008-06-04T10:44:00.002-04:00

Now here is a man that has solved the world's garbage problems. Just tow it out beyond the environment!

He must have been listening to that old Bobby Darin song:
Somewhere beyond the sea
somewhere waiting for me
my lover stands on golden sands
and watches the ships that go sailing

Just be careful that the front doesn't fall off before you get there.

--
.../Paul

The E Street Accordion is Silent Tonight

2008-04-17T23:36:00.003-04:00

Terrible news tonight... Danny Federici of the E Street Band passed away on April 17 in New York City. He lost his three year battle with melanoma. Born on January 23 1950, Danny has played with Bruce Springsteen for over 40 years. His contributions on organ, glockenspiel and accordion were always tasteful and never overwhelming.

God Bless You, Danny. Thank you for the great music.

Danny Fedrici onstage with Bruce Springsteen, March 20 2008

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Behind the Scenes with Bruce Springsteen at the 2009 Superbowl

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The latest Whizzo web project

Poem: Christ Climbed Down

CHRIST CLIMBED DOWN

Merry Christmas from Whizzo

Neil Diamond Picks His Gems

Tulsa World: Songwriter still going strong

Diamond gets ready to reconnect with S. Florida fans | MiamiHerald.com

Neil Diamond to receive major industry award | News | NME.COM

Elton John - Cornflakes & Classics updates

Looking for information about a Carpenters picture

When the student is ready the teacher appears

News from out there -- beyond the environment

The E Street Accordion is Silent Tonight

Lighthouse - One Fine Morning LIVE