With one son finished at University and the other starting at College back to school routine has changed drastically. No one has asked for a ride anywhere. I guess when I told him to make sure he knew how he was getting back and forth to the Doon Campus he was listening. It makes me wonder what else he’s heard he me say.
I heard this morning that Cher has signed to be the new “Catwoman” in the next Batman movie, which was to be called “The Caped Crusader.” Cher is 62…How old is that in cat years? Odds are she won’t be doing her own stunts, and a catsuit is overdressed for her. That said. People will be curious. How about bringing back some other aging villains for subsequent Bat-pics.
Ed McMahon with his patented “Johnny Chuckle” could be the Joker-In-A-Walker.
Roseanne Barr could be herself.
Mr. T could be himself.
and William Shatner could do whatever he wants.
I watch too much TV. This I know. I watch TV while reading a book. And then, along comes the Bejing Olympics. Now I REALLY watch too much TV. But there is a better way. My favorite TV series is over now and I never watched one episode live. It’s called “The Wire” and it’s a police drama based out of Baltimore. My son bought me season one for Christmas because “it looked gritty.” Between Christmas and last week, I have now watched all five seasons on DVD. And, I’ll watch them again. Best way this side of TIVO to keep tabs on my new buddies McNulty, Omar and Bubbles.
I took some time off and went back to Saskatchewan for a family reunion. My wife’s family. They should give seminars on how to get along. Seven siblings, their kids and in some cases, their kids kids. Not a nasty word was spoken. All generations behaving like a family. Everyone pitching in to help with meals, rides, whatever. I am impressed. Usually I can disrupt a group like that but they are a focused bunch. Good people. I miss them already.
It’s time for a vist. I hit the road tomorrow (still cheaper than flying) to see friends and family in Saskatchewan. Between Mike Farwell and Susan C.S. you’re in good hands. I’ll be back before hockey season.
Jeff Allan is away this week. I hosted his show monday. Waterloo Mayor Brenda Halloran was in on tuesday. Peter Chandler sat in yesterday. Cambridge Mayor Doug Craig is in today and tomorrow, Conservative Leader John Tory will be here. They all jumped at the chance. Here’s what they didn’t know. Next monday, Jeff does my show. Tuesday he runs the City of Waterloo…wednesday he’ll look after your investments at Cannacord Capital…thursday he tries to keep Cambridge together and friday he tries to get elected. Next time, they’ll read the fine print.
I don’t golf often. (or well) But I do enjoy the conversation and laughs that tend to follow my style of play. Yesterday, I spent a great afternoon at Whistlebear with three of my best friends. When I got home and was recounting the days one-liners and three-putts to my wife she pointed out that of the foursome, I was the only one not yet retired from fulltime work. Perhaps that will explain the state of my game.
Back in 1967 the Monkees were huge. I remember the TV Show and some of the inane popish tunes that got stuck in your head. Today, you are more likely to hear one of their songs in an elevator. What made me chuckle this morning was a story that said on this date in ‘67 the Monkees headlined in New York City to throngs of adoring fans. The opening act that night was the Jimi Hendrix Experience. Talk about audience whiplash! The Who once opened for Hermans Hermits and I was in attendance at the CNE years ago when the Beach Boys opened for Chicago. Halfway through another horn section solo, the fans started chanting for the Beach Boys again. At The Centre in the Square, my wife and I watched Vince Gill open for the Judds. Just more proof it’s not where you start, but where you finish.
I was greeted at work today by two e-mails from friends who know me too well. Both were expressing sorrow at “my loss.” It was on this day in 1981 that Harry Chapin died in a car crash on Long Island. He was 38. He was also (and still is) the guy who’s story songs transport me. I know I’m not alone. The first time I saw him in concert was during college when we piled into a friends AMC Pacer and drove to Ottawa from Belleville. I couldn’t understand why so many other people were there. His songs are that personal. Most casual radio listeners will know titles like “Taxi” and “Cat’s In The Cradle”, but until you get inside the characters in epics like “Better Place To Me” (still my favorite) or “Mr. Tanner” you won’t understand. I still listen to the music of Harry Chapin almost daily. I also listen to the music of his daugher Jen Chapin, who is also gifted but not the same. The thing that makes me sad, is thinking about all the stories and places I didn’t get to go because of that tragic crash. When I get home, I will listen to “Sunday Morning Sunshine.” It reminds me of my wife, and always makes me smile.
I don’t review fiction. It’s too subjective. That’s the party line. That’s what I tell book publishers and unknown authors who are eager for publicity. That’s what I told Patrick Hughes. His book (The Valiant Unheroic) would not get a mention on the show. He sent me a copy anyway looking for my thoughts. I am an avid reader. When it arrived, my first thought was “450 pages!” This better get my attention fast. It did.
The story centers on Eric Verrity, a young man who cannot be injured. The games people play with him and his life jump off the page. From his foster brother to his shrink, everyone has a “use” for Erics’ gift, but not so much Eric. I won’t give much away, suffice to see I was glued to it and enjoyed every word. Some of which are now underlined in yellow. (I do that).
For my money, it was the highlight of the summer reading season. After I put it down, I picked up my 7th book in the last four weeks and started on it. But I can’t shake one line.
“Every gift is not be a blessing.” The story of Eric Verrity is. Well done Patrick Hughes and send me another.