Star Wars Trumpet Routine

I know this is somewhat sacrilegious, but I thought it was worth the post, if only to cringe at enormity of its uncomfortablenesseseses.

Bullfrog Power & Gord Downie

If I already haven't mentioned it - you should consider switching to Bullfrog Renewable Power. It is simple to switch and it guarentees that the electricity powering your house is coming from renewalble sources. As more consumers switch, more power from windmills and solar will be added to the grid. No nukes and dirty coal!

Check it out and switch here: Bullfrog Power

Last week Sarah and I attended the 2nd annual Bullfrog Bash. It was a charming evening of beer, snacks and chatting about renewable energy. Evan Solomon hosted and near the end of the event he introduced a special musical guest - Gord Downie. Gord sung four solo acoustic songs - 2 songs, which I didn't recognize, I can only assume are works in progress for another Downie or Hip album. He then filled the room with an amazing version of 'Pretend' followed by a mind blowing moment - standing 10 feet from Gord Downie watching him belt out a passionate version of 'Ahead by a Century'. His commentary was amazing and poetic. I am amazed to think that I saw Gord Downie and the Tragically Hip 17 years ago in a field in Carliyse, Ontario thinking it couldn't get any better than this, then last week it did.

This is England - wicked film!

Highly recommended! This film blew me away. Never heard of it and was in Suspect Video with Woods who pointed to it. Gripping.

Hi, howdy, hey

Yo.

Feels like its been ages since I last posted, and the Moon Tower is now 4 years old! I've been busy working on some cabinetry for the upcoming bathroom reno, and some new forays into confectionary world that I'll tell you about at a later date.

On tops o' dat, seen some good flicks and such lately. Here's a quick list of stuff enjoyed:

- Robot Chicken
- Knocked Up
- Hot Fuzz
- Air Guitar Nation

Check you later!

SKATE.

Pretty excited about this game...should be out Monday.
C.

Coming in the air tonight!

The Landlord

Not sure if you've seen this yet...

Another movie reco

Everything's Gone Green - written by Douglas Coupland and starring Vancouver!

Great Movies

Caught a couple of great movies lately. The first is a must rent - Tom Tykwer's "Perfume". Wow this is a twisted film, but amazing. The second is "Ever Since The World Ended". This is a little indie flick that ranks up there with some of the best futurist movies out there.

The Hula Boys

Star in Your Own JibJab! It's Free!

Dads Mad Pad

Culture

Had brunch in this groovy little place last weekend called Grapefruit Moon - they were spinning some fantastic roots rock reggae. Ends up it was all one band - Culture. I am going to find this album "Two Sevens Clash". One Love.

Big Week...

Big week ahead...Ill call you guys next Weekend, once im IN the new place...

C.

1100 Dalhousie Drive
London, ON
N6K 1M7
519-601-3570

Listened to it yet ???

Tell me what you think when you listen to it. I like it ALOT. No big surprise, very solid.

Waters

...might have well been Pink Floyd. Roger Waters and crew put on an absolutely epic two and half hour rock show last night at Darien Lake. Complete with floating Pigs, astronauts and some of the best concert visuals I have ever seen, the concert was entirely immersing. Well worth the travel time and expense. I would do it again.

Highlights included...obviously the entire Dark Side of the Moon, Mother, Shine on You Crazy Diamond Pt.1, Wish You Were Here, Another Brick in the Wall Pt. 2 and the closer of Comfortably Numb.

Michael Franti & Cat Empire

Caught the Michael Franti & Spearhead show on Wednesday. Great show! Lots of energy both on stage and in the crowd. Awesome Sublime cover and amazing medley of songs from Sesame Street.

The opening act was a jam band from Australia called Cat Empire - definitely worth a listen!

Woods - hope you had fun at the Roger Waters' DSOM show.

Early Review

...as mentioned on the weekend, I have an excellent recording of Ben's August 28th new album "Lifeline". Sounds excellent. Echoes of Cat Stevens, with a little Stevie Wonder and hints of Neil Young. Ill post somewhere this week for your listening pleasure.
C.

Weekend is coming!

col-war
Originally uploaded by Slippy McGavin

Look at that photo. 12 years ago, fellas!

Acura for Sale

Just when you thought the posting frenzy was over, here's one more! For the low low price of $29,900, you can be the proud owner of a beautiful 2005 Acura TL. I don't have to tell you about all of the fantastic features of this vehicle, as I know you are all such fans of this stunning example of engineering prowess.

Priced to move!

Provincial Politics

Ok. Its been a while since I've really posted on the MoonTower, and I rarely go beyond things that make me laugh or items I find interesting, but we've recently begun to receive the Globe and Mail, and I've been reading more than just comic books. So here are my thoughts on the recent actions of our provincial government and the layers upon layers of rhetoric that are served up daily.

While it may be old news already, Premier McGuinty offered up $17.5B on June 15th for the GTA corridor (Toronto to Hamilton), which was 2/3 of the total amount promised, with the expectation that the federal government would chip in the other 1/3. The problem is that this offer of funds by the provincial government is CONDITIONAL - if the federal government decides not to chip in their 1/3, the provincial government does not have to put out a penny. And it is more than likely that the feds will say no, since they were not consulted in the original decision. So this is an obvious empty promise that the provincial government can blame on the feds when the money doesn't arrive.

The other one that irks me is the latest news that McGuinty is promising to close coal plants by 2014. First of all, didn't he promise to close them already by 2007 when he was elected in 2003? And 2014 is a long way off. Even if the Liberals get voted back into government in October, that mandate will only last until 2011, so these long-term promises are quite disconcerting. Even the climate plan laid out is suspect with its dates ranging out to 2050. Unfortunately, this is a problem with our system, in that elections and "changes of the guard" often result in new priorities, mostly more short-term "buzz of the day" issues, or more debate on same-sex marriages. Yeah, like that's our biggest issue.

And don't even get me started on health care, education, or the Provincial Offences Act. The Harris government put us into such a hole as to make the 407ETR deal look like roses compared to the other blunders.

Young @ Heart #2

Well, hopefully you checked out the other video first, but here's another from my newest favourite band!!!


I Wanna Be Sedated - The Ramones

Young at Heart Choir

Hey,

Check out this video, but you may not want to do it at work, since it will probably make you cry. Seriously.


Fix You - Coldplay

Tick Inspection Warning

I hate it when people forward bogus warnings, and I have even done it myself a couple times unintentionally... but this one is real, and it's important. So please send this warning to everyone on your e-mail list.

If someone comes to your front door saying they are checking for ticks due to the warm weather and asks you to take your clothes off and dance around with your arms up, DO NOT DO IT!! THIS IS A SCAM!! They only want to see you naked.

I wish I'd gotten this yesterday. I feel so stupid.

A Swarm of Angels - the trailer

Click To Play

I have been involved in this experimental project for a while now. I joined in the first hundred people, now we are reaching 1000! Here is the goal:

We are gathering 50,000 people in a giant new media experiment to be part of an exclusive community which funds and helps make this film. We want people to freely download, share and remix the feature film and all original media made for this project and have embraced the flexible digital-age copyright of Creative Commons toward this end.

So far the community has developed script outlines, numerous reference pieces, a few posters and this trailer. The next phase of development will freeze membership and allow the community to focus.

More here: A Swarm of Angels: Remixing Cinema

Listen to Music Loud.

Gents - I could not abandon the Moontower. Despite the addictive qualities of Facebook, it's not nearly as COOL as the Moontower. Just wanted to CHECK-IN. My new reality in London continues to unfold. I am now looking to buy a condo or townhouse...shooting for August 1st. More details to follow.

We still have to get together in London/Komoka this summer.

C.

Ben on the power of the sweatband

Ben on The Hour (with Strombo)

Michael Franti Show

Just picked up a couple tickets to go to the Michael Franti & Spearhead show! Wed July 11 at the Kool Haus. Could be a cool night, although a Wednesday, if you guys wanna come down, there are still tickets at Ticketmaster.

And here is a little something interesting - Michael Franti interviewing Jack Johnson

Um, huh?

This is too whacked to even describe. Play on, friends.

Game

NERDZ.

Whats the word(s) nerd(s)? Are you guys making the trek to London in May or what ??? Talk to me here, don't make me go against my vice principals and rain a shit storm down on both of you !!!
Git r done !

I'm Baaaaack.

Thanks for letting me back into the club guys. Despite my recent in-activity, I was jonesing to get my access back ! No big news from London-town these days.
B, as I am sure can appreciate, I am HIGHLY addicted to Guitar Hero. SOOOOO much fun. I suck at it, but does it ever feel good to rock it out !!! I should be posting some pics of me in action soon.

What you guys sayin for a possible London gathering the first weekend of May ? May 4-6 ? Lets do it !!!

300 & Fast Food Nation

Now that I am back from my trip, I am back in the sweetspot of my couch watching DVDs! But last night I saw '300' on the big screen. Amazing visuals. Enough blood splatter for a lifetime! Another reco is for 'Fast Food Nation' from Linklater! Sobering.

I missed Toronto

Check out this video that was posted on the excellent T.O. blog - The Torontoist.

The Dangers of Bilingualism

A word to the wise - NSFW!

Back Home Again

We made it home safe and sound! We had a whirlwind of an experience!

I posted a couple of sketches from Amsterdam here.

Greetings from Amsterdam!

Ahhhhhhh - That's betta!

Had a great St. Patty's Day wandering the streets of Delhi. Had dinner in the Muslim area at a great BBQ place which is several generations old. Strangely, Sarah and I had eaten there before!

Happy belated b-day Woods!

Already looking forward to getting together for a celebration!

Birthday Boyz

Yo. That time of year again, when Wooderson and Dubby add another year to their lives. Happy birthday, fellas! Woods, the ides, and Dubs, the irish.

And yes, that is birthday cake and sausages.

Greetings from India II

Sarah and I have made it all the way to the south west coast of India to the
coastal city of Calicut. We spent some time inland in the city of
Mysore.

In Calicut, we stayed in an amazing hotel called the Beach Hotel overlooking the sea. The establishment has been in operation since 1890! Our room has 30' ceilings,
hardwood floor, stained glassed windows and our own covered veranda where we
ate breakfast this morning.

Last night we slept on a houseboat crawling the backwaters of Kerela eating crab brought to us by local fishermen right from the traps!

We are hoping to hook up with one of Prashant's friend in a few days in the
hills and stay near the coffee plantations.

Greetings from India!

Arrived in India a few days ago...

Had a great visit in Varnasi on the bank on the Ganges with Prashant. Very strange and interesting place. Suffered a bout of the "Delhi Belly". Spent much of today watching movies in our hotel room. We are now in the south in Bangalore. We are off to Mysore tomorrow.

Check ya later.

Off to India

We're off to India tomorrow. I'll catch up with you fellas in a few weeks. Looking forward to a spring time get together!

Artwork

What do you think of the painting here? It is by an artist by the name of Connie Geerts, who resides in Calgary, Alberta.

New Sketchbook

I am posting sketches from my new sketchbook.

Check it!

Snow Day!

Well, Burlington got a dump o' snow yesterday and today. Still coming, in fact. So the Slippy family is having a snow day! With school cancelled all-round, we're spending the day shoveling, watching episodes of Scooby-Doo, and eating Valentine's Day chocolate.

Happy Valentine's Day, by the way! Let the lovin' flow.

Another must see - Farce of the Penguins!

Caught this one last night. Fun-eeee! We laughed and laughed. But a word to the wise - in the extra features Bob Saget warns viewers that this movie is designed to be watched in an altered state!

Oh did I mention that Sammy J is the narrator! No mother-f*#ckin' snakes on this mother f#*ckin plane!

Children of Men

OMG! I saw Children of Men last night. Stellar! I enjoyed this movie from the first moment until the stark end credits. This film visualizes a dystopic future with such realism it gives me the willies! I am not even going to talk about Michael Cain's performance until you see it!

We've been Google-fied

So I converted the blog over to Google. You have to have a gmail account, but that is free and easy enough to obtain. Other than that and a few interface changes, there aren't many differences. You can now "label" posts, which I suspect categorizes them.

So now that we have moved over the admin side of it, do you think its time for a face lift?

Elk Lake Serenade

This is another great find that I picked up on a whim from the library.

Hayden! Remember him. I saw him at the Grad Lounge in Middlesex College waaaay back! Well now I can stop playing his latest record - Elk Lake Sernade. Really mellow, but with some stunning moments.

New "Google" Version of Blogger

I know Slip brought this up before, but I am beginning to notice the old squeeze. I just had to sign up for a universal Yahoo account to continue to access my Flickr account without interuption. I am assuming we will see the same notice in a few months from Blogger, that if we don't switch, then too bad - no access for you.

Thoughts?

Oh. My. God.

Alright, this website is probably not new to you, but I just checked out some vids here, and nearly peed my pants. Really.

Adult Swim.

For Dubby

Dude. Thought you would get a kick outta these...

Slip goes High Def

Well, after numerous battles with Bell ExpressVu, it came down to my contract anniversary date for them to put up. Yes, the only time they were willing to negotiate was when I called on the exact date that my contract with them expired, and I told them to cancel the contract. Once it was out there, Bell decided to deal.

So, the Slip family will be watching true HDTV on Thursday evening, or maybe just recording it to the 2-tuner PVR that is coming, too. I'll never miss an episode of Oprah or Dr. Phil again. What's that, Rachel Ray? You'd like me to watch you too? Sure thing, sweetie. I might even make room for some, "As the World Turns".

PS. I hope you know I was joking in the above paragraph. Dr. Phil will never see airtime on the PVR while I draw breath.

Walk Alone vs. Upside Down

Ok. Take a listen to Jack Johnson's Walk Alone, and then listen to Upside Down from the Curious George soundtrack.

So? Which do you like better?

Guy Flicks

Watched a couple of true guy flicks lately. The first, recommended by my local movie store clerk, was "Running Scared". Not bad, a few plot holes that can be forgiven for the action. But even better is the film, "Crank". Check it before you wreck it.

Frets on Fire

Well, you weren't too sure what this whole, "Guitar Hero" thing was all about, so here is a clone game that plays similarly. Imagine this game with a whole lot more graphics, and recognizable songs, and a plastic axe to wail on!

There are OSX and Windows versions at this link:

http://louhi.kempele.fi/~skyostil/uv/fretsonfire/

Cure for Nightmares: Guitar Hero II

Oh man. I am SOO going to be rockin' out in March 2007 when this bad boy game comes to the XBox360!

I AM IRONMAN! Seriously, yo. I've played this (with my little guy) in the store on a PS2, and it was whack!

Enough smacktalk. Can't wait for this game to land - it is a "must have" for me!

Update: Sample tracks include:

• "Woman" - Wolfmother
• "War Pigs" - Black Sabbath
• "Sweet Child O' Mine" - Guns N' Roses
• "Killing in the Name" - Rage Against the Machine
• "You Really Got Me" - Van Halen
• "YYZ" - Rush
• "Free Bird" - Lynyrd Skynyrd
• "Rock and Roll Hoochie Koo" - Rick Derringer

Nightmares...

After my second straight night of Nightmares...I am going to take a night off Gears of War tommorow night...

Happy New Year!

Hope you guys had a great holiday season!
I am hoping to try and get back to some sort of normalicy when it comes to my diet. Kind of feel like this guy here!

PS This is the work of artist Ron Mueck. His show is coming to The National Gallery in Ottawa this spring! Can't wait!