Woods - vectorized

I was experimenting with some online vector convertors. 

Favicon

Check out the Moontotwer's new favicon! The tiny image in the address bar before the URL.

Thievery Corporation

Heading out to see Thievery Corporation on their Radio Retaliation tour tomorrow night at the Kool Haus. Pretty jazzed!

*UPDATE*

One word to describe the show...AMAZING!

Relentless7

A good read...good sound.
C.

BEN HARPER AND RELENTLESS7 WHITE LIES FOR DARK TIMES


In a hostile sea of disposable, throwaway singles, BEN HARPER AND RELENTLESS7 have made a true album. White Lies For Dark Times is a timeless rock record, with a cohesive collection of music that is as raw, unrelenting and thunderous, as it is arrestingly haunting and emotional.

On the raucous opening track, “Number With No Name,” Harper bellows “the very thing that drives you -- can drive you insane” over an infectious guitar line and a deftly serious groove that both thumps and propels the listener. The band then brings the listener full circle in the closing track “Faithfully Remain,” as Harper sings, “the truth just wastes away in all we can’t explain, but I faithfully remain.” The beauty of these lyrics works as a breathtaking release which balances out the anthemic urgency of songs such as “Shimmer and Shine” and “Up To You Now,” both of which are surely soon to be familiar staples at radio.

This is American rock, the way it is supposed to sound and feel.

In what may possibly be the greatest “how the band formed” story ever, Harper met guitarist Jason Mozersky in the late nineties, when the lead singer of Mozersky’s then band, WAN SANTO CONDO was working as a van driver shuttling bands back and forth to the venue for a Texas promoter. (The three members of the 7 all hail from Texas) The part time driver, part time musician took a risk that all artists must take at some point in their lives in order to succeed. He asked the then captive Ben Harper, “Can I play you my demo?” Harper obliged, and in his own words “was blown away,” and helped the band secure a record deal and release the self-titled Wan Santo Condo / Everloving Records, 2004. The band broke up after one record, but what survived was a lasting friendship between Harper and Mozersky.

In 2005, Harper began recording sessions that would become a double record entitled Both Sides of the Gun (2006, Virgin Records). He invited his now long time friend Mozersky to lay down some guitar work on a track. Upon invitation to continue recording the next day, Jason arrived with at the studio with longtime friends, drummer Jordan Richardson and bassist Jesse Ingalls from the acclaimed Los Angeles based indie rock band OLIVER FUTURE. The session would spawn not only the song “Serve Your Soul” but the framework for Relentless7.

In the summer of 2008, the chance arrived for these four uniquely talented members to reunite in the studio and dig deeper into the chemistry that was born during the Both Sides of the Gun sessions. It was soon apparent that their instincts were correct as the record quickly began to take shape. The songs from White Lies For Dark Times sound off with both the vast musical depth and experience of Harper, while commanding the pure urgency and intensity of an unknown band fighting for it’s life.

This is clear in the song “Fly One Time” with the lyric “I’m caught in between what I can’t leave behind, and what I may never find” where BEN HARPER AND RELENTLESS7 capture universal emotion while the song pulsates into a bass, drum and electric guitar anthem that would captivate any arena and crush any small club.
In November 2008, the band debuted their new material on the Vote For Change Tour, where they also breathed new life into the Queen/David Bowie classic “Under Pressure,” which has since become a staple of their live set. They ended the year cutting their teeth with a series of small club shows from famed venues such as Spaceland and The Mint in Los Angeles, to The Mercury Lounge and Kenny’s Castaway in NYC. The band is scheduled to tour extensively across the world in 2009.

BEN HARPER AND RELENTLESS7 intelligently has one foot in Harper’s past while every other limb and appendage reach towards the future. Any preconceptions or misconceptions in regards to a “Ben Harper sound” must now be adjusted, or thrown out all together. With BEN HARPER AND RELENTLESS7, the story of modern rock music is now being rewritten.

More Funneeeee!

A couple of funny films to check out...

Foot Fist Way

Apparently a favourite film of Will Ferrell's. Cringy like The Office, silly like Semi-Pro.

Chris Rock's Kill The Messenger

Hilarious. Chris Rock rocks.

Three Deeeee!

Unusual for me, but I went to see movies in the theatre twice this past weekend. Mainly because the films I went to see were in super duper 3D.

Coraline

Great stop motion film by the director of A Nightmare Before Christmas. Not really for the young kids, had some spooky moments. But a little disappointed with the 3D. The film didn't take advantage of being in 3D. If you go, see it in 2D and save the extra bucks for popcorn. 

IMAX Under the Sea 3D

Imax and 3D - always a great combo. Amazing underwater photography brought to life in 3D. My god, at one point you are face to face with a giant cod floating in the middle of the theatre. Only 40 minutes long and the 3D made me feel a little dizzy, but it was pretty cool.

Check out this Bacon

Check out this bacon. NSFW

Housekeeping

What happened to the D&C pic? The Vader pic is really funny, but...

Slip, is there an opportunity to but a header banner on this template? If so, let me know the specs and I can whip one up.

What's Spinning in yer iPod?

Since we like to blog on music, I thought I would throw out an idea - a post per month by one of us (we can rotate) talking about what's getting play on our iPod (or iPhone for Woods). Here's mine:

Coldplay - Viva la Vida
Damn, I like Coldplay. Have for a while, and I am gonna just come out and say it. I know some say they are cliche and stuff, but they throw down some great melodies. And Joe Satriani should rethink his lawsuit.

Jason Mraz - We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things
I think I like Mraz's stuff more than Matt Costa - it seems to have more variation song to song.

Incredibad - Lonely Island songs from SNL
I nearly pee myself listening to this stuff. Faves include Ras Trent ("Are you there, Jah? It's me, Ras Trent"), Dick in a Box, Space Olympics, and Incredibad. Good for a break on a long commute.

Blind Pilot
Ok - likely a new band for you both. Very acoustic sound, and a great overall groove. These guys toured on bicycle across the US last year, gear and all... I think they were on Carson Daly yesterday, too.


I've also put the iPod on shuffle, and twigged on JT (gotta love him), some Kanye West (the new album - 808s - is a bag full of repetitive crap), and the new Thievery Corporation (Radio Retaliation).

Natty

Just came across this musician. First heard his voice on Nintin Sawhney's "Days of Fire" track. More here:

Natty - official site

The Waterkeepers

We went to see a talk at the Centre for Social Innovation last week. Mark Mattson and Gord Downie talked about The Lake Ontario Waterkeepers ongoing fight to keep Lake Ontario safe for swimming, drinking and fishing, particularly an area near Kingston and The Tragically Hip's Bath House Studio from the actions of LaFarge Cement company and inaction of our government.

It was inspiring to hear about this fight and cause. Mark gave us the details of the legalities and proceeding of the case and Gord reflected on his involvement and played a few acoustic tunes.

For more info check out:

Lake Ontario Waterkeepers

Playing for Change

I like this. Grandpa Elliot friggin' rocks on the mouth harp.

New (temporary) Template

As per Dubby's insistance to adjust the template, I've updated it so that the mouse cursor should not mysteriously disappear. I said Good Day.

By the way, we are only on pace to hit half the number of posts of our best year (2006). What up with that? Time to spread some more eggs and cheese, that's what I say. Woods, you want some salsa with those eggs?

Flight of the Conchords

OMG - Have you seen Flight of the Conchords? Season 1 was hilarious. I saw the first episode of Season 2 and was left feeling a little flat. That all changed with the second episode when Jermaine decides to becomes a bo ho. Hilarious.

PS - can the Blogger template be reset in pursuit of a glitch free blog? 

Slumdog!

Had a chance to catch Slumdog Millionaire this past weekend with Woods and Robyn. Great flick - deserves the Acadaemy Award nomination. Interesting way of revealing the narrative of a boy's life story through the questions he answers on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire. 

Oops! I forgot...

Further to Wood's Christmas declaration of matching sweater-ness, I meant to post this before the holiday, but just found the image now. This is my Xbox 360 "avatar" suited up for the holidays with the moustache I only wish I could have. Cheers!

Generation Kill

"The Wackness" was definitely dope. Now I am on to "Generation Kill". Think "Band of Brothers" in Iraq with high production values. Some good stuff with interesting socio-political undertones. Stay frosty and listen to Godfather.

The Wackness

Another film reco - The Wackness. As the poster says...

NYC. Summer 1994. The Girls Were Fly. The Music Was Dope. And Luke Was Trying To Deal.

Ben Kingsley as a psychiatrist turned dope dealer. Enough said.

Merry Christmas Moon Tower...

Merry Christmas Gents'
Hope the holiday treats you well...
Colin (and Robyn)

A few too many...

Had my 2nd annual Xmas office party last night. Way too many bottles of St. Peter's English Ale washing down way too many raw oysters! The blizzard is not helping my hang over. 

No evil - heard, seen or said

Found this funny Moontower related image...

A Santa Message...

This is pretty cool - you can do a personalized message from Santa. Thought Ethan might like it!

http://portablenorthpole.sympatico.msn.ca/home

Matisyahu Tonight!

Going to see Matisyahu tonight at the Phoenix! K'naan is opening. Should be a great show.

*UPDATE*

So the show was amazing. K-naan was inspirational, but didn't have the intensity or energy of Matisyahu. From his intense glares and wild spinning, the show was thumping. The pacing was a little weird - some long slow interludes. But the highlight was his beatbox - it blew me away. He definitely did "Chop 'em down"! Unfortunately no "Message in a Bottle" cover though

Jizz in my Pants

Ok. If you've seen the SNL short, "Dick in a Box", this next one is easily going to make you

JIZZ IN YOUR PANTS.

Are you watching 30 Rock!?

Jack Donaghy is unbelievable.

I was so hesitant about this show at first but now I can't get enough - too funny! Mind blasting.

Moontower - tech glitch?

I am having trouble with the Moontower. I am using Safari and when I mouse over any of the posts, my cursor disappears and only becomes visible when I am over a link. This has been happening for a while (happens both using Tiger and Leopard). Anyone else having this problem?

Funniest TV Shows EVER!!!

I stumbled across these shows on the internets...

Summer Heights High & We Can Be Heroes - these Aussie shows star comedian Chris Lilley who plays all the main roles. He is amazing! These shows rank up there with Ricky Gervais' The Office.

 

Pineapple Express to Nowhere

So, started watching the Pineapple Express movie last night, and I had to turn it off. What a pile of crap, and I pride myself as being up with stoner humour. Anyone else see it?

Catchin' Up

Dudes. Glad to see the MoonTower taking a few hits again.

Life is good for the Slippy clan - and we just joined the WiiFit ranks since K got one for her birthday. I don't do a very good tree, and I think I hurt my neck in a half moon on the first day. But I did manage to rock my WiiFit age at 30, even though my BMI puts me in the "overweight" or "tubby" category. Do they really have to adjust your Mii to simulate your waist size?

Dubby, I was thinking about your career, and I found this excellent video, which made me think that maybe you should try directing music vids? Woods looks kinda like the guy on the motorcycle...

Hey - thought I would throw up a frivolous post. See if we can get the Moontower pumping again.

This one is a movie review - Rocknrolla!

Guy Ritchie does it again. Not the amazing gun fight scenes of LSTSB, and nothing can really beat Brad Pitt in Snatch, but a great bit role for Jeremy Piven (have you been watching Entourage S05!!??) Worth checking out this film on the big screen!

Komoka-bound!

Holy shit. Profanity fully intended. I can't believe how long its been since I posted here, let alone how long its been since ANYONE posted here! MoonTower is 5 years old!

Anyways, looking forward to the get-together this weekend. Komoka, here we come!

MyFAST

Loving my new car!
So Fun. Love to drive again!
Woods.

Dubwii!

I can't believe it, but I am the proud owner of a game console! Picked up a Wii yesterday. Sarah and I started jonesin' for it a couple days ago, then in one of the best impulse buys of my life we drove to a Best Buy and picked it up. Now we are gunnin' for a Wii Fit!

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!