Friday, January 31, 2020

Two Docs on David Lynch

Two nights ago I watched a very fine documentary from 2016. David Lynch: The Art Life was right up my alley. An artist's formative years are every bit as interesting to me as the later 'professional' body of work. Perhaps more so as I like the process of discovery: for the artist, and me, the viewer.

Now I'm watching Lynch (2007)....

Fascinating.


Thursday, January 30, 2020

TVO's The Agenda Tonight

The discussion involved toxicity in Canadian politics today, and the issue of the Conservative Party of Canada looking for a new leader. Several name Conservative politicians said they would run in the next leadership race but ended up choosing "stage left".

My summation of the segment after it ended:

Excellent discussion. Conservatism, as we knew it, in Canada is all but dead. The offshoot versions' bindings with the propaganda sheets, and their emphasis on hysteria, is off-putting to many. (Canada's a mess, didn't you know?) "Anybody but (name the Conservative)" is real.


Wednesday, January 29, 2020

From the Super Ego: Number Nine (What a Card)

I’ve seen a few lists regarding ‘best of’ from last year. This helped me look inward, towards this blog. What are the postings that gave me the most pleasure, whether due to a later re-read, which I almost never do, and feedback, either through comments or hit-counts? (All those hits make writing and posting rewarding.)





Film Opticals of Canada Ltd. closed its doors in 2005, but it lives on for me in business card form. During my years there we produced titles and optical effects for films such as The Sweet Hereafter (1997), American Psycho (2000), and Ararat (2002).

I was one of two optical printer/camera operators. Those days! And late nights.

Of course, what "Film Ops" did then we can now do on a computer in our basement. Faster, cheaper, and with a heck of a lot less (potential) stress.

___

The above was originally posted as "Film Opticals of Canada Ltd. Business Card" on June 2.

Tuesday, January 28, 2020

Notes from the NHL: 20 Goals in 1 Game




From January 8, 1986: Edmonton Oilers vs. Toronto Maple Leafs.

See: Goalies with reasonably-sized equipment! They have to work that space between the posts!

See: The Leafs score many goals in one game only to amount to a pointless season! Just like today's "Buds"!


Note: I did not see this game as I had long abandoned watching the NHL. And I was in film school.

Monday, January 27, 2020

A Forever Question: Oats

“Since before your sun burned hot in space and before your race was born, I have awaited a question.”

Sir. Why are there cats, rats, and bats, but no hats?


Sunday, January 26, 2020

Sunday Evening Trivia: The Third Man

This question has stumped even my sports-nut friends. That's how tough it is, even if I never took it as being tough.

For years I've asked this question. Now I don't ask too many people unless they are at the half century mark, at least.

In September of 1972 the Canadians and Soviets battled for international ice hockey supremacy over a period of eight games.

The Canadian team dressed two goalies for each game: Tony Esposito, of the Chicago Blackhawks, and Ken Dryden, of the Montreal Canadiens, were the two big guys.

Another goaltender made the cut, but he was to attend each game in civvies, and needed only if Esposito or Dryden could not dress or were injured and had to leave the game.

His name:


Saturday, January 25, 2020

From the Super Ego - Number Eight (Still Possible)

I’ve seen a few lists regarding ‘best of’ from last year. This helped me look inward, towards this blog. What are the postings that gave me the most pleasure, whether due to a later re-read, which I almost never do, and feedback, either through comments or hit-counts? (All those hits make writing and posting rewarding.)


Last evening I caught a documentary on TV Ontario with the enticing title, The Art of the Possible (1978). Filmmakers followed then Ontario Premier William "Bill" Davis as he prepared to make some big decisions: details in the province's budget, text of the throne speech, and demands to be made during the First Ministers Conference (with special guest stars including then Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau).

My biggest takeaway, which I formulated at about the one-minute mark of the documentary, was the overall balance of civility; even in the "question period" -- make no mistake, it was still fiery.

Mr Davis spoke at my high school when I was a "minor niner" (grade 9 student). I remember his gentlemanly manner and sharp articulation....which last night I compared to our current premier, Doug Ford (a bully and a simpleton).


"My approach has always been to listen to both sides of the discussion, because I discovered very early that once I stated a point of view, then others who held a contrary point of view would be reluctant to express it... you just see the heads go up and down, et cetera. And I've tried to avoid that because I want to get a very frank discussion of the views of my colleagues."

-- William Davis


The Art of the Possible is available for viewing on TVO's website, here.

Watch for: Then Toronto Sun "Queen's Park" columnist Claire Hoy is interviewed; he almost angrily criticizes Bill Davis and his Progressive Conservatives' out-of-control spending. (A twist in time and space.)

__

The above was posted as "The Art of the Possible" on July 21st.


Film Design: Water Works



Film is design. As I've posted on this blog previously, I design my own stuff: the sketches start as early as when I'm sketching out the story, and, of course, continue on well into production. The design work doesn't sleep.

The above drawings are for a project I've developed that may or may not meet a camera lens. They are details of a greater set: a strange old washroom.

___

The above was first posted on May 9th as "Film Design: Strange Washroom's Fixtures".

Where's Winter? (Here in Toronto, At Least)

Strolling about here in Toronto today made me realize we've not really had a winter yet. I was carrying my coffee minutes ago without my gloves on. However, I was side-armed with my brolly since there is off and on light drizzle.

One day a week ago we had a small snow storm but all was forgotten and forgiven the next morning as I walked along dry sidewalks.

The forecast for the next few days shows above-normal temperatures for this time of year -- as high as 4 degrees.

There is time for more winter. But in a few weeks, early March, we'll likely get a warm spell -- 10 to 15 degrees Celsius; then a dip down to cooler, more seasonal, temperatures.

Then there's that Toronto spring: barely a spring at all. One day you're wearing your winter coat; the next, a spring jacket; the next, no jacket at all.

Hello summer!


Friday, January 24, 2020

From the Super Ego - Number Seven (Zone Limits)

I’ve seen a few lists regarding ‘best of’ from last year. This helped me look inward, towards this blog. What are the postings that gave me the most pleasure, whether due to a later re-read, which I almost never do, and feedback, either through comments or hit-counts? (All those hits make writing and posting rewarding.)


For some, the issue of which is the better television series is of the utmost importance. I like both equally, and, they are actually two different shows once one gets past the anthology format, which both share equally.

The Twilight Zone (1959 - 1964)
More fantasy than science fiction.

The Outer Limits (1963 - 1965)
More science fiction than fantasy.


I have a first-hand story regarding that great and often fought battle.

Years ago I was visiting my neighbour. The food and drink came out, but nobody got drunk. The ensuing discussions were of the type expected at a friendly get together.

It happened. Scott, boyfriend of my neighbour, seemed to have a problem with my holding The Outer Limits in the same esteem I did The Twilight Zone. "Oh, come on, man. The Outer Limits was so bad. There was that episode that was so typical. The one with the robot boxer."

A challenge. I was thrown back into the ring: "That episode was called 'Steel'. It starred Lee Marvin. And it was a Twilight Zone episode."

Passion. The fists flew. Well, he pointed. "You're wrong." And continuing variations on that theme.

I went back to my apartment, and from my bookcase I pulled The Twilight Zone Companion (Marc Scott Zicree). Back to the battlefield.

With the book opened at the proper page, the chapter on "Steel", Scott's jaw dropped. In the manner expected of a soul converted by a well-placed "K.O.", he emitted a feeble, but emotive: "This is a conspiracy."

On such matters, don't argue with Uncle Simon.

No. "Uncle Simon" is a Twilight Zone episode.

___

The above piece was first posted on June 6th as "Twilight Zone vs. Outer Limits".



From the Super Ego - Number Six (Still Not Lost)

I’ve seen a few lists regarding ‘best of’ from last year. This helped me look inward, towards this blog. What are the postings that gave me the most pleasure, whether due to a later re-read, which I almost never do, and feedback, either through comments or hit-counts? (All those hits make writing and posting rewarding.)


Newspapers dispense fakery ("fake news!") and media is an enemy of the people.

But.

The Globe and Mail, Canada's star paper, broke the news of the SNC-Lavalin affair. Justin Trudeau, Canada's prime minister, is embroiled in a scandal that some think will cost him and the Liberals the election in October. It's hard to say right now since that date is a full seven months away. (Important note: Nothing has been proven at this point.)

Back to the real story: "Media", a "leftist" newspaper -- which the Globe clearly is not -- broke the story that many on the right are eating up.

But, isn't it "fake news"?....


To give some of my readers some perspective on the newspaper makeup here in Toronto, Canada, here is how our papers stack up:

Globe and Mail (the tops)
Toronto Star (top stuff)
National Post (editorially a bit of a joke, but with a few good columnists)
Toronto Sun (a total joke, bottom of the barrel, and shedding for the printers' scrapheap.)

___

The above was first published as "Not Lost On Lefty Liberals" on March 2nd.


Thursday, January 23, 2020

A Star Trek Without Me - Picard

This morning I stumbled upon a review of the new CBS All Access "Star Trek" series, Star Trek: Picard. As I've stated on this blog before, my usual ritual for a new television Trek is to watch the first two episodes and stop there. ("That's quite enough.")

I read Entertainment Weeky's review, Can Star Trek: Picard recover from its bafflingly bad premiere?, and then and there decided I'm going to take a Starfleet pass on Picard. The piece's reviewer, Darren Franich, reads as fair and thoughtful; and, at times, funny. It's just one review, and normally I don't bother reading film or television reviews, but it effectively convinced me to skip tonight's premiere.

I laughed out loud here:

"It’s possible that [producer Alex] Kurtzman’s response would be a variation of an opinion I’ve seen elsewhere: Well, times are tougher now, so Star Trek should be tougher. As if the late ’60s were all peace and quiet."


Full if late disclosure: I couldn't watch Star Trek: Picard even if I was compelled to, since I don't have the CTV Sci-Fi Channel (here in Canada). After the premiere, ST:P switches over to the Crave streaming service. Perhaps if subspace chatter is strong tomorrow I'll watch episode 2....

Final thought: A show's star actor should never be let into the writers' room.



Wednesday, January 22, 2020

Great Inventions by Great People

I heard today that Donald J. Trump went on a rambling stream-of-conscious speech during a press conference and uttered one of his patented "facts". He thinks "an American" invented the wheel.

Right you are, sir. Invented in Detroit when someone realized one day that there was nothing between the car's underside and the road.

This all reminded me of a rant a few years ago by former SNL'er Victoria Jackson. She accidentally let it slip that she thought "an American" invented the rocket.

That's okay, I thought "a Canadian" invented love making.


A Forever Question: Silence in Passing

“Since before your sun burned hot in space and before your race was born, I have awaited a question.”

Sir. Why do the good die in silence?


Sunday, January 19, 2020

Picard Bodes Not Well

Minutes ago I saw a television advert for the new Star Trek series, Picard. Duelling starships, mere cables apart when firing at one another with high-energy weapons. Grappling hooks too?

Oh, no.

The show from 1801 starts here in Canada on January 23rd. It's a streaming show. And it looks a little slight of budget. Maybe the stories are good. If I can get past the ridiculous battle crap.

Perhaps that hour of my life would be best served by a book.


Saturday, January 18, 2020

Nice Snowfall in Toronto Today

It was minus one degree Celsius, the wind was blowing, the snow was falling. Through this combination of winter weather I walked, soaking it all in.

We've lacked a big snowfall this season. The best part is it happened on a weekend.

CraveTV, right? Why can't I find something I want to watch? Nothing against that Canadian streaming service, but I'm not into television programs, which is the bulk of its library. There are complete classic series like Seinfeld, which I've been chipping away at, and all series' Star Trek, no thanks.

The Toronto Maple Leafs are playing poorly against the Chicago Blackhawks; as though they don't want to be on the ice. Total disinterest. One minute left to play....


Friday, January 17, 2020

Genius Is....

"I'm not convinced that George is this genius filmmaker that he's always been portrayed as being. I see him as a guy who had a neat idea to make a space adventure movie in the spirit of the old Flash Gordon serials. Modernize it a little, make it share a lot of visual elements with World War II, add some mythological elements and call it Star Wars. Then get a whole other bunch of people to make it work somehow . . . He works best when other people take his ideas and work with them. When he writes and directs, it's disastrous."

I agree with the above in whole and in parts. George Lucas has been elevated by many Star Wars fans as being the great being. The human being is humble, often repeating the down-to-Earth line: "People, it's just a movie." Indeed it is....they are. But this is not to take anything away from Lucas, and contrary to what impression Red Letter Media's Mike Stoklasa might convey in the above quote, the Star Wars creator slaved at his writing desk for thousands of hours over a few years to come up with the universe for his "Flash Gordon-like space movie". He had advice and feedback over his push to come up with a story, the story, but it was good old creativity's hallmarks: blood, sweat, and tears. (And in Lucas' case, a lot of self-inflicted hair snipping.)

Distillation is part of creativity.

The first Star Wars movie, Star Wars, no "A New Hope" crap, was the result of a creative mind; not to forget a hard-working writing hand of limitless stamina. Many other creative minds added layers of essential brilliance: Taylor, McQuarrie, Dykstra, Mollo, Williams, and many more. (The film's opening title crawl was 'translated' by filmmaker Brian De Palma and film critic Jay Cocks from Lucas' unwieldy and rambling original.) Let's not forget the talented cast. Not to be forgotten on the casting note: Lucas spent hundreds of hours picking his cast, taking the care to see how they played off one another. (He had taken the same approach with American Graffiti. Also to remarkable effect.)

Filmmaking is a collaborative art. Of which Star Wars is a wall-poster illustration.

As for the bit: "When he writes and directs, it's disastrous." Watch THX-1138, American Graffiti, and, of course, Star Wars. So much for that theory. When it comes to speaking of the "prequel films", of which I will not speak in the conventional sense, Stoklasa is bang on with an explosive force to match the destruction of the Death Star.

___

The above was first posted on August 29, 2018, as "Mike Stoklasa on George Lucas and Star Wars".


Thursday, January 16, 2020

A List of CV Things: Again



So you, the reader, know what it is you're getting into when you come here, I thought it was time I post my latest CV. And here it is, in "dust jacket bio" point form:

hospital photographer (public relations, general, haematology, surgery)
hospital A/V tech (live streaming, teleconferencing)
brewery worker (Molson Brewery: line and maintenance)
factory/warehouse worker
lighting cameraman (short film, music video, video production)
television studio camera operator
designer (feature film, television commercial, short film, web-series, exhibit)
optical camera operator (feature film, television film, television series)
set construction & prop building (feature film, TV commercial, independent production)
writer (print, short film, video production)
consultant (television commercial, 'process' screen, historical aviation screenplay)
researcher (film/television history, aviation, Soviet space program, general history, etc.)
producer / director (independent film & video production)
film programmer (Toronto Public Library)
* manager (self-storage; video duplication)
projectionist (film, digital; T.I.F.F.)
film festival technical director (R.P.F.F.)
instructor (film & video production; L.I.F.T.)
video tech (duplication, film-to-tape transfer)
web design
archivist (film/television)
baseball umpire (Ontario Baseball Association)
* ice hockey player - forward & goaltender (B.B.M.H.A.)
ice hockey coach - Bantam (Knights of Columbus)
football (soccer) player (B.B.M.S.A.)
siding installer & general construction
* sales agent / customer service

Wednesday, January 15, 2020

Next Stop, Rod Serling's The Twilight Zone

For some reason the old television fantasy series The Twilight Zone has been getting some attention online recently.

I'm seeing polls such as: "What is your favourite episode?" (Mine: "Walking Distance")

Produced and broadcast between 1959 and 1965, the anthology series was a moderate ratings success in its first run. When TZ hit syndication more people discovered what would later be evaluated as one of television's greatest and most memorable drama programs.

"What episode can you watch over and over again?" (Me: "Five Characters in Search of An Exit")

If you’re not familiar with the original version of The Zone, it’s well worth checking out.

Start with: “The Invaders” and “Nightmare at 20,000 Feet”


Tuesday, January 14, 2020

A Favourite Funny Quote

'What quote made you laugh out loud when you first heard it?'

You challenge me:

"Dean [Martin] would eat hay if you dipped it in gin."

Pat Buttram I learned of, like many of my generation, through the television sitcom Green Acres (1965 - 1971). Whenever I watched that half-hour series in my youth, I looked forward to seeing and hearing "Mr Haney".


Monday, January 13, 2020

A Forever Question: Knowledge is Power, Right?

“Since before your sun burned hot in space and before your race was born, I have awaited a question.”

Sir. Why do people who don't read present themselves as most knowledgeable?


Sunday, January 12, 2020

Some Strange Force Re-Awakened Me

I’ve seen a few lists regarding ‘best of’ from last year. This helped me look inward, towards this blog. What are the postings that gave me the most pleasure, whether due to a later re-read, which I almost never do, and feedback, either through comments or hit-counts? (All those hits make writing and posting rewarding.)


From February 27th....

Some Strange Force Awakened Me

On Sunday I mentioned here about making my way through Star Wars: The Force Awakens -- at that point to the 77 minute mark. I kept my mouth shut at the time, but the reality is I had a bad feeling about it.

Last night I pushed my way right through to 127 minutes. My cut out happened when I heard a baton waving over the end credits.

What a load of rubbish. With a lame villain and a skiff-full of flat characters. (A trash compactor?) I knew they were Star Wars characters because their cute little outfits said so.

By the way, the actress who played Rey had a bad habit of glancing at the camera lens.

Han Solo gets offed. That I did not know. I got the feeling it was done to shock the audience rather than with any regard or plan for the greater franchise story arc.

Guys. It's a lightsaber, not a hand phaser.

In my previous piece I noted that TFA feels like an "elaborate fan film". A friend told me afterward that he thought my point was a good one. Seeing the (off) balance of the flick last night convinced me my friend is right.

I'm now done with Star Wars. I was done with it during a DVD's opening crawl of 1999's Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, but I slipped a little bit. However, the franchise will continue on without my interest. My advice: Get an intellectual director in there. The fanboy (sounds like) baggage has to go.

"If we can destroy the oscillator, it might destabilize the core and cripple the weapon." Oh, please, show me how!


(Forgot to mention: Many Sarcasticans died to bring us that review.)


Saturday, January 11, 2020

Rachel Carson on Man's Lost Conquest

"We still talk in terms of conquest. We still haven't become mature enough to think of ourselves as only a tiny part of a vast and incredible universe. Man's attitude toward nature is today critically important simply because we have now acquired a fateful power to alter and destroy nature. But man is a part of nature, and his war against nature is inevitably a war against himself."

A cosmic truth.


Rachel Carson on Wonders and Realities

"The more clearly we can focus our attention on the wonders and realities of the universe about us, the less taste we shall have for destruction."

Wonders and realities are rare Earth elements, unfortunately.


The New England Patriots and What?

Minutes ago I learned that the NFL's super team, the New England Patriots, were eliminated from this season's playoffs. The Boston Globe online had a headline asking what Patriot fans will do this year. ("What?")

That team fought many battles, and victory was often rewarded with the Super Bowl.

If this were England, star quarterback Tom Brady could be given a knighthood.

"Sir Thomas Brady of Foxborough."


Rachel Carson on the Cycle of Life

“Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts. There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature -- the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter.”

We must respect the goddess.


Friday, January 10, 2020

Rachel Carson on Industrial Domination

“It is also an era dominated by industry, in which the right to make a dollar at whatever cost is seldom challenged.”

The above was written today, right?


Thursday, January 9, 2020

A Tall Tale of Constabulary and Confectionery

Recently I read something about someone having a funny run-in with the police. My own favourite story is from the mid-nineties.

I boarded an elevator in a downtown Toronto apartment tower to visit a friend. Being the conscientious person that I am, I made sure I carried coffee and donuts (or similar sugary treats). After pushing the appropriate floor number button I realized I was not alone: Lined up against one side of the car were three Toronto police officers. They were about my height, tall, with the more senior officer in the middle. He looked at me and said: "You know it's not safe bringing that into an elevator with cops aboard."

I laughed.


Wednesday, January 8, 2020

From the Super Ego - Number Five (Still Shakin')

I’ve seen a few lists regarding ‘best of’ from last year. This helped me look inward, towards this blog. What are the postings that gave me the most pleasure, whether due to a later re-read, which I almost never do, and feedback, either through comments or hit-counts? (All those hits make writing and posting rewarding.)


From January 8th....

Artwork: Shakin' Life's "Stuff"


Monday, January 6, 2020

A Forever Question: A Charged Answer

“Since before your sun burned hot in space and before your race was born, I have awaited a question."

Sir. Why can't one taste electricity?


From the Super Ego - Number Four (They Won!)

I’ve seen a few lists regarding ‘best of’ from last year. This helped me look inward, towards this blog. What are the postings that gave me the most pleasure, whether due to a later re-read, which I almost never do, and feedback, either through comments or hit-counts? (All those hits make writing and posting rewarding.)


From February 14th....

It May Be the Dreariest of Team Sports (To Me)

Basketball.

While not "basketball tall" I've long been asked if I've played that display which some call a sport. In elementary school, phys ed involved tossing the odd game of nonsense. My sportsbrain, what there is of it, has no interest in dribbling and dunking. Admittedly this may be attributable to my inability to walk and bounce a ball. As any basketball fan or player can tell you, ya kinda gotta be able to do both simultaneously if you wanna play, never mind excel, on the court.

Speaking of "court".

For some of us, watching that sport is perhaps best summed-up by paraphrasing U.S. Justice Frank H. Easterbrook:

"Many things—beating with a rubber truncheon, water torture, electric shock, basketball game broadcasts, incessant noise, reruns of Space: 1999—may cause agony as they occur... "

The joke is a Canadian invented basketball.

The Toronto Raptors basketball team has a strong following in this city.

What the heck: Go Raptors!


Sunday, January 5, 2020

From the Super Ego - Number Three (How Did I Do?)

I’ve seen a few lists regarding ‘best of’ from last year. This helped me look inward, towards this blog. What are the postings that gave me the most pleasure, whether due to a later re-read, which I almost never do, and feedback, either through comments or hit-counts? (All those hits make writing and posting rewarding.)


From January 11th....

My Three Predictions for 2019

After reading and hearing predictions for 2019, it's time I make my own.

I'll keep them Canada-based. (That precludes any "Trump" talk.)

* The Toronto Maple Leafs will get eliminated in the second round of the NHL playoffs.
* The Toronto Sun will close its doors.
* Justin Trudeau and his Liberals will retain power -- this time a minority win.
* The CBC will cancel Schitt's Creek. (That's a wish, not a prediction.)


From the Super Ego - Number Two

I’ve seen a few lists regarding ‘best of’ from last year. This helped me look inward, towards this blog. What are the postings that gave me the most pleasure, whether due to a later re-read, which I almost never do, and feedback, either through comments or hit-counts? (All those hits make writing and posting rewarding.)


From January 4th....

Vader Was a Known Surname Before Darth



Above, the Ballantine's Illustrated History of World War II book, "Spitfire". Authored by John Vader, the book fell into my lap in or around the year 1973. At the time I no doubt thought that "Vader" had an interesting ring to it. (It sounded mean. "Viper." "Adder.")

When Star Wars came along in 1977, a gentleman by the name of Darth Vader hit the marketplace.

Darth piloted a TIE fighter; John flew a "Spit".

From the Super Ego - Number One

I’ve seen a few lists regarding ‘best of’ from last year. This helped me look inward, towards this blog. What are the postings that gave me the most pleasure, whether due to a later re-read, which I almost never do, and feedback, either through comments or hit-counts? (All those hits make writing and posting rewarding.)

The first re-post to buff my ego? Of course it must be about the Toronto Maple Leafs.


From May 8th....

Forth-One to What?....

Minutes ago I joined TVO's public affairs program The Agenda in progress....

Host Steve Paikin had a few guests at the table. The subject seemed to be about children in sports. Paikin turned to the lady sitting to his right and said something like this: "There was a case last October where a Cambridge hockey team made up of a bunch of eight-year-olds played a team from another town and won the game by a score of forty-one to nothing."

A look of concern passed back and forth between the woman and the host.

I thought: "What? How is that possible? Were they playing the Leafs?"


Saturday, January 4, 2020

Your Favourite Book Read of 2019....

Today someone asked: "What was the best book you read in 2019."

Most immediately I came up with two titles, for obvious reasons.

Favourite fiction book:
The Vinyl Detective: The Run-Out Groove
by Andrew Cartmel

Favourite non-fiction book:
The Reality Bubble
by Ziya Tong


"Run-Out" I reviewed in September, here.

"Bubble" I'll review soon.





Friday, January 3, 2020

Dwight D. Eisenhower on War

"I hate war as only a soldier who has lived it can, only as one who has seen its brutality, its futility, its stupidity."

As a soldier knows....


"Ike" Eisenhower on the Cost of the Military Machine

"Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired, signifies in the final sense a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and are not clothed."

Trillions of dollars not for the people.


The Donald's Understanding of History

With a U.S. drone strike killing Iranian general Qassem Suleimani in Baghdad there's talk of "World War III". There is a hashtag to that effect. While that fear may be a little too much, one never knows.

President Donald Trump ordered the drone attack. Someone should ask Mr Trump how World War I started.

It would be interesting to hear how he would answer that question.

"Archie Duke and Sarah Devo?"

You are right sir. Very good.


Thursday, January 2, 2020

Angry Candy Aftertaste Goodness

One of my favourite writers is Harlan Ellison. For a guy who can at times come across as misanthropic in his various not-unfounded rants, he has a distinct humanist tract which comes through most clearly in his writing.

Right now I'm going through his 1988 short story collection, Angry Candy. I first read this book many years ago, not long after it hit the market. A story I remembered clearly is "Laugh Track". The premise is a man who now works in television had an aunt whose voice lives forever in television laugh track tracks. Her distinctive "lelluva laugh", one that "could pucker your lips", had been recorded originally in the 1950s when she was a member of a live studio audience. It developed a life all its own as it was repeatedly dubbed down over the years and decades over dumbed down television fare; as in very unfunny, classically not funny at all!, sitcoms. The kind used to pry your brain away from any intellectual ambition and to make it live like a Jelly Roll projectile that will peak as decoration on a cinder block wall.

Out of a kernel that may on the surface seem like something best left as chicken scratch on an old chalkboard, Ellison spins poignancy. There is an urgency to live, to feel, and not to resist fate. He knows life in the same way that Woody Allen does: It's a load of crap but a survivable load made survivable by laughing. Like an unfunny sitcom.

Harlan Ellison could write about a late bill payment and make it funny, surreal, and something to think about. Now for the next story:

___

The above first appeared as "Going Through Angry Candy" on April 6, 2017.


Toronto Tea Leafs Are Evergreen

We writers must keep our ears to the ground in search of a story. Sitting in a coffee shop is one way to do our work; to mind one's business, but not feel like an eavesdropper should fellow patrons talk of cultural issues at an audible level.

Recently two older gents sat at the table beside me and debated the chances of the Toronto Maple Leafs making this year's NHL (National Hockey League) playoffs.

Gent 1: "They have a real chance of getting somewhere this year."

Gent 2: "Really? We've been hearing this for years."

Gent 1: "Yeah, but they have Auston Matthews."

Gent 2: "Yes, I know, but we've heard this kind of story many times before; for a long time."


"Gent 2" is right. Over the years there has been a Darryl Sittler, Rick Vaive, Curtis Joseph, Wendel Clark, and more. Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner are just the latest stooges who will take the Toronto Maple Leafs to a place nowhere....

(I use the word "stooges" in the Toronto Maple Leafs Masterplan context. I'm sure they are nice people; and they are/were fine hockey players, of course. Most forgotten is the fact one must have a good team, not just two or three good players. Sports history is littered with Leafs-type teams -- they are nothing special in that regard.)

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The above piece was first published as "Leafs Talk in a Toronto Coffee Shop" on April 2, 2017.


How We Perceive

Two summers ago I witnessed one of those little events that puts one's perspective in perspective.

As I stood at an intersection here in downtown Toronto, waiting for the signal lights to change so I could cross the street, a young man stepped to my right. The amber light fired up and just to my right a small pile of paperback books crashed to the ground, were thrown to the ground with some force. The guy, now I could see that he was a robust and good-looking young buck, dashed off into the intersection and said emphatically with a touch of discernible self pity: "I hate life!"

His sling-shot of a dash concerned me but I then noticed that the automobile traffic had rolled to a stop. Then I started thinking. I found it interesting how we judge people, and their mental states, by how they look. It makes more sense to us for some reason that a man or woman who is suffering from "mental illness" must somehow look the part. Someone who's obviously "down and out" ticks the first check box. Really?

Young people who hit the street do so for a multitude of possible reasons. While mental illness could be a reason, often it's the check box denoting "Unfortunate Event". The young man in my story looked as though he would be right at home in a loving home, and on weekends, armed with his trendy up-combed hair, could be hitting the music acts in downtown Toronto.

I hope he's okay....

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The above first appeared as "The Books Drop" on March 29, 2017.