tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78082411647680437472024-03-13T08:37:01.749-07:00So Far So Goodthenazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05679327617153806435noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7808241164768043747.post-49270123241508720512018-03-24T05:10:00.001-07:002018-03-24T05:10:24.520-07:00Where have I been?First, who am I? <br />
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Well, writer, storyteller, former comic and little-known Canadian film star... and Canada's foremost Operatic Mute ... that's enough for now.<br />
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Needless to say (which is a terrible phrase because I am saying it), somehow I have neglected to blog for around eight years. <br />
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Was this an oversight for the one person who actually read and commented on the ten blogs I created then? .Yes... but in my defence I got busy and... I forgot that I was blogging.<br />
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I apologize because in those ensuing years blogging has become a "thing" like pilates - although less strenuous.<br />
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This morning when I went on line to check important things like whose birthday I missed (yes I still visit Facebook and play Candy Crush), I received the note that "years ago you wrote this..."<br />
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Aside: Another reason that I enjoy my FB visits is to find out what I have done on that day in the past - and to discover the anniversary of a friendship that I no longer care about ... you might notice I get sidetracked... moving on...<br />
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So back in 2010 I was blogging - mostly because of a course I was taking in "travel writing" which has been less than a lucrative alternative career... so far.<br />
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And then I stopped - okay I have an excuse - I contributed to an on-line "paper" The Windsor Square on FB and please look up some of the fine articles there - and I had some jobs like writing the Canadian Screen Awards and touring a one-man show - and stuff.<br />
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But now that I am focusing on storytelling - and so far in 2018 my income from that and other work had equaled the number of intelligent comments from a world leader living below the 49th parallel - to spell it out for you - zero.<br />
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So I am back to blogging.<br />
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For anyone who has taken the time to read this thanks... and if I can figure out how to check if anyone has... I let you know.<br />
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To quote my college days student council motto "dare to struggle, dare to win". And to add a realistic observation from years out in the real world... "win some, lost most".<br />
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<br />thenazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05679327617153806435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7808241164768043747.post-44492489530791952222010-04-10T07:23:00.000-07:002010-04-10T07:36:38.096-07:00I saw Old PeopleThe bumpf on Atom Egoyan's latest film, "Chloe" is that is is an erotic thriller. A fatal attraction sort of a movie (if you saw that you knew that everything was not going to work out for at least one character).<br /><br />So I decided to attend a Friday matinee (being self-employed or for that matter self unemployed I can do that). When I came into the theatre there were three rows of old people - I mean white hair (not grey) seniors.<br /><br />It was publicized well in advance that this was erotic thriller that would iclude some female action so - were these audience members confused and in the wrong theatre? Were they waiting for How to Train Your Dragon - I thought not as none of them were wearing 3-D glasses.<br /><br />After the series of commericals and trailers, the film began... and within maybe 30 seconds there were some breasts (lovely ones indeed, thank you Amanda Seyfried)....<br /><br />And then as the movie rolled along there was male with female, female with female, more female and female...<br /><br />I tore myself away from the screen to watch the reaction from the senior section - there was none. <br /><br />The film was gripping, but a little slow for me, predictable with some good acting. Tornto played a wonderful supporting role but I had one question. They showed this amazing arch area and I could not figure out where it is in the city (please respond if you know).<br /><br />The film ended and most of the older audience stayed throught the whole credits. <br /><br />I wondered what the discussion would be around the dinner table at the home that night and who might be trying out some new movies after cookies and milk.thenazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05679327617153806435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7808241164768043747.post-80640969477117131402010-04-08T17:51:00.000-07:002010-04-08T18:00:29.823-07:00Fall from GraceI gave in.<br /><br />After one day of keeping away from the lure of my I Pod, I succumed due to a very boring street card ride. My poison, the highly addictive Tri Towers solitare card game.<br /><br />And the perfect tune to accompany the exercise in futility - An America in Paris<br /><br />I moved on to the finger flicking exercise of Paper Toss spending my time trying to get crumpled up paper into the basement garbage can - and not being able to break my record of four consecutive baskets.<br /><br />As the bus approached my stop I finished the trip with Icy Escort. attempting to help mam Penguin (or Papa - I don't want to be overly sexist) gather her/his brood while jumping up to eat goodies.<br /><br />Help me!thenazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05679327617153806435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7808241164768043747.post-6875822278903576332010-04-07T10:55:00.000-07:002010-04-07T11:02:33.453-07:00I Pod free for one dayIt has only been about three weeks that I joined the I pod generation and it had become common practice to put the ear buds in as soon as I got to whatever mode of public transit I was taking.<br /><br />I even admit to downloading Glee (the first album, not the second) so I could sing along with the cast.<br /><br />However for some reason when I went down the escalator to get the subway this morning, i did not take out the ear jacks. Instead I listened to the sound around. And when the train came I did the Jumble, without tuning out my fellow voyagers.<br /><br />And was that was done, instead of playing solitaire or trying to score baskets with the crumpled paper i'd flick with my forefinger, I just sat and watched and listened.<br /><br />On leaving the subway and returning to the street, there were birds chirping and cars honking and people begging - things I have missed while in my little world I listened to Burton Cummings "Taking Care of Business".<br /><br />I am sorry to say that I doubt it will lastthenazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05679327617153806435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7808241164768043747.post-40614039571088947272010-04-03T06:24:00.001-07:002010-04-03T06:34:58.924-07:00getting validationSo I started this blog because of an assignment for a on-line travel writing course that I am taking and whne it began three facebook friends immediately signed on (after a little coercion and offering prizes-the draw will be made midnigth of May 1). Those numbers have since swelled to four who have signed up.<br /><br />Are there others of you who have not signed on and just cruised by this site? Is this a site? I really have no idea how this works except I write and perhaps someone reads.<br /><br />I performed stand-up for many years (and improvisation) and with an audience of course the feedback was immediate - usually good. How can you not love a Jewish Eskimo performer doing Innuit stchick?<br /><br />But this exercise is like playing in a vaccuum so I am not sure who (if anyone) is reading this - or caring.<br /><br />But just in case - good news - my "teacher" just commented on my first major travel piece and his observation was (among other things) that I should write a blog. It pays to be edjudicated by highly-trained professionals.<br /><br />Other students commented quite favourably on the piece (one thought I put too many parenthesis in my work - imagine that).<br /><br />So my next entry will be my semi-highly acclaimed "One Night Stand in Vegas" - followed by my teacher's comments.<br /><br />This will give you time to spread the word about its appearance. Please!thenazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05679327617153806435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7808241164768043747.post-5752011677890308972010-04-01T01:19:00.000-07:002010-04-01T01:32:51.892-07:00April 1Oh for the good old days when this date meant something... usually a chance to put marbles in my uncle Sid's bed (favoruite uncle who lived with us for about six years). One night my brother Joel and I went a little too far so he came into our room andlifted the matress off the bed so we were sleep vertically against the wall (mom was not too happy)<br /><br />I never really pulled off any big scam although I did try to get married on April 1 but my ex-wife was not pleased with the notion and we settled on April 2 - oh so many years and $72,000 ago (but I am not still bitter).<br /><br />But to add a note of historical perspective to this "holiday" (researched for Canada AM and I still have the mug from my appearance), April 1 was originally New Year (I can't remeber exactly when - my appearance and research was gone a LONG time ago).<br /><br />Some peole would pull prnaks like putting fish down other people's backs (there was not Comedy Network in those days). And they were of course considered April Fools.<br /><br />One last thing, remind me not to start blogging at 4:32 in the morning... it's just not working. I apologize for taking up your timethenazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05679327617153806435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7808241164768043747.post-63207932236643204142010-03-30T06:29:00.000-07:002010-03-30T06:44:12.538-07:00Now I PodJust a month ago I got the I-Pod. And I have noticed my world has changed.<br /><br />Actually a few years ago, the fine people at the TD Bank offered an I Pod as an incentive to move my money. I did. But it was a strange little machine with very little space to store my Guess Who album - which I listened to during my hip resurfacing surgery.<br /><br />Anyone wanting more detail on that proceduce can request it as a blog entry - and I will document the month torture which included cellulitis, shingles and a return of my gout...<br /><br />My first I Pod was wonderful during the procedure until it stopped and I spent the last hour of the replacement bantering with the team doctoring my hip - thank goodness for the drug twilight...<br /><br />When planning began for the trip to the Red Mountain Spa in Utah, the acquisition of a I Pod became an important element. And because West Jet decided to retool its inflight entertainment equipment it became an essential necessity.<br /><br />Since my return I have had my little I pod (3G) accompany me on transit trips and noticed really for the first time, how many people are into their own little world while commuting.<br /><br />My usual public transit trip practice included reading the paper, doing the Jumble and crossword people watching and chivalrius behavoir. And yes I had noticed a lot of ear buds and ear phones. But since unconnected myself from the sounds of the city, I realized how cut off everyone is when they travel.<br /><br />I now understand why so many people jostle or bump into me while transfering from subway to subway because now I am one of those culprits as well.<br /><br />Maybe I will stop the practise of I poding in the subway and on buses although I will miss listening to Taking Care of Business each day.thenazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05679327617153806435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7808241164768043747.post-88306117405340543572010-03-26T19:38:00.000-07:002010-03-26T20:05:50.068-07:00the Fantastic FourthOkay I will stop counting the blogier and get on to blogging...but thanks you to the latest member of the followers...<br /><br />Spent an hour with an old friend who I have known two-thirds of my life (please do not try to calculate that number) Steve Witkin (two of you know him quite well)<br /><br />He got our rendez-vous at the coffee shop/bakery a little early and was seated when I crossed to meet him and accidently unplugged the computer of two York Univerity students (female) sitting at the table across from him.<br /><br />The witty banter and repartee continued with him - and then me - commenting on our age differences. (Yes one was quite attractive). Once replugged we let them get with to their business of talking about a project they were working on as we caught up and compared aches and pains. But the theme kept returning to youth and age (and the attractive woman which even he remarked on).<br /><br />Two days ago I met with a noted tv/film producer who I did some work for (which never saw the light of the screen) on the soon-to-be-released film Gunless. I impressed him enough with my work and/or work ethic to get a sit down (and glass of wine) to pitch some ideas.<br /><br />Unfortunately what he (and others) are looking for are stories that relate to the YOUTH market - even though his youthfulness is long gone. He didn't want to make movies for grannies anymore so I put my ideas back in the folder and finished my wine.<br /><br />So here I sit and - yes I admit it - I must be middle age because I don't see me living past 107. <br /><br />And I really don't want that numerical figure of age put on my body (and mind).<br /><br />Because there is an age bias. <br /><br />I was lucky that pretty early in life I was allowed to do a lot of things (like gopher for tv shows, while I was in high school) and trust me I don't want to hold on to jobs to the exclusion of the next generation.<br /><br />I just want to be able to challenge for any opportunity on an even keel with the young folk and not be disqualified because some of the hair is turning gray (at least it is all still there). Maybe that is why it is illegal to ask you age in a job interview.<br /><br />I am only as old as I feel - and now that my hip has been resurfaced, both eyes have become cataract free and my prostate has been nuked, I don't feel a day over 39 (thank you Jack Benny) except those days I feel like I need an afternoon nap (most of the days).<br /><br />But I am still game for anything (except skydiving or bungee jumping or going on roller coasters that go upside down... or...thenazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05679327617153806435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7808241164768043747.post-64137106993198633852010-03-25T17:13:00.000-07:002010-03-25T17:18:37.693-07:00How many posts is too manyFirst thanks to those friends who have trippled the number of blogiers. It is humbling to think that the numbers could have gronw after just one pleading message.<br /><br />Question - how many blogs does one blog in any given day? The Tweet generation seems to tell the world almost everything - and I was a Twiterer for a while but felt guilty because i was not updating enough - and the use of all those abbreviations can drive u crazy lol...<br /><br />So I will make this short and hope one of the myriads of readers will respond and let me know what they think is a good number - and I will try to fulfill my obligation.<br /><br />Also many of the spelling mistakes I make are just that - and not typos - although I do throw in a few of those for good measure.thenazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05679327617153806435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7808241164768043747.post-51192780483875798452010-03-25T08:42:00.000-07:002010-03-25T11:35:31.694-07:00The day afterA big thank you to the one person who has followed my blog. So far she is the only who is eligible for the gift that I mentioned in blog one.... whatever that will be...<br /><br />I don't know what I was expecting - maybe a few more readers but so far I have quality not quatity when it comes to readership....<br /><br />Coming up very soon the "blog" that I just submitted to my teacher for the travel writing assignment of the on-line course I am taking - I know all of you (or at least the one of you) can't wait - right?<br /><br />In the next little while I will try to figure out how I can widen my "fan base" and get other people to log on to my blog - but do not worry I am not saving the good stuff for that time (not saying that this here is "the good stuff" - it will get better).thenazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05679327617153806435noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7808241164768043747.post-45004692347808651602010-03-24T18:40:00.000-07:002010-03-24T18:50:24.488-07:00New in TownAs part of an "assignment" for a travel writing course that I am taking, I have to learn all about blogging and I felt that there would be no better way to do that than to actually blog - or get the Dummies Guide to Blogging. This will be cheaper.<br /><br />Many years ago I was a freelance writer for a part of the Canadian Magazine in the Toronto Star called "Cityspan" and wrote articles ranging from a guide to the Best Hospital Cafeterias in Toronto (you want you visitors to eat well) to reviews of various churches based on their sermons (some people believed I would rot in hell for those).<br /><br />So as you see, I am a trained professional - or was.<br /><br />I took up twittering for a while - then stopped - but found out that every few weeks people would sign up to read my short bursts of excitement - unfortunately I didn't have many - so I hope that no one expects much from this blog.<br /><br />And so far I have fulfilled that mandate.thenazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05679327617153806435noreply@blogger.com1