Justin Hines

An artist that I really like is Justin Hines. If you have never heard of him, here's a little bit of info on him. He is a Canadian singer-songwriter born in Newmarket, Ontario. He was born with a rare genetic disease called Larsen's Syndrome.
Because of this, he is confined to a wheelchair.
His interest in music started at an early age. Justin's first taste of success came at the age of 14 when he won a national contest against hundreds of others, and his first performance was in front of 17,000 people at a Toronto Raptors game. He has since released 3 albums, including a Christmas album, and his most recent, Chasing Silver was released in 2009. He has also founded the Justin Hines Foundation, which helps people with disabilities. Here's one of the songs from his most recent album "Chasing Silver", Courage (Come Out to Play). I hope you enjoy it.

Yabba Dabba Doo!!

Today is the 50th Anniversary of The Flintstones(!!). Yes, really!! It was originally an adult cartoon (not that kind), which evolved into a children's show. Many people feel that the show was just a thinly veiled, animated version of The Honeymooners. In any case, I always got a big kick out of the show and their use of stone-age technology. An elephant dishwasher, a bird as a record player etc. I've included here probably the most politically incorrect cartoon clip ever and also one of my favourite musical moments.Here's to 50 more years of Flintstones!!

My Little Girl is 6 months old today!!

Hiram Bullock (September 11, 1955 – July 25, 2008)

Two years ago today, we lost a fantastic guitar player and musician, Hiram Bullock. While you may not recognize his name, you have heard his playing. He was born in Osaka, Japan to African American parents who were serving in the US Military.
Hiram Bullock studied at the University of Miami music college, meeting guitarist Pat Metheny, and bass-players Jaco Pastorius and Will Lee. He paid his way at university by playing nightclub gigs in Florida, before moving to New York. He became best known for playing with David Letterman's band on TV, and touring and recording with David Sanborn. As well, his playing can be heard on Steely Dan's Gaucho (1980), Paul Simon's One Trick Pony (1980), Sting's Nothing Like the Sun (1987) (solo on the cover of Jimi Hendrix's Little Wing) and Billy Joel's The Stranger (1977).
In 2007 Bullock was diagnosed with throat cancer, but responded well to treatment and began touring again. However, longer-term problems related to substance abuse culminated in his death on July 25, 2008. He was honored by David Letterman on his show. Here are two great videos of him. Enjoy. RIP Hiram, hope you're jamming with Stevie...

Live Aid at 25

Today is the 25th anniversary of Live Aid. Can you believe it? It doesn't seem that long ago. What a faboulous concert it was. It was a once in a lifetime event, and I don't think anyone could pull it off in this day and age. Do you remember that Phil Collins played at both locations, London and Philadelphia? It wouldn't be possible now, because he travelled on the Concorde, which is now out of service. Live Aid certainly raised awareness of famine in Africa, and set the stage for later multi-superstar concerts such as Amnesty International. Here are a few of my favourite performances from the show.

Beware of the Beige Corolla

Man, I hate these things!! Whenever I see someone driving one of these cars, I try and avoid them. It always seems they are driving too slow, hogging the left on the highway, or the person is driving like an idiot. There is something about these cars, that make people lose all common sense. These cars have to be the most boring things on the planet. Maybe it's boring, un-interesting people who are driving them. I don't understand what it is about these machines that turns anyone who drives them into brain-dead zombies. I wish all these cars could be gathered up and put into the crusher, it would make the world a better place to live.

Sometimes You Gotta Say....WTF??!!

Grr....after having a couple of rough days with a 7 year old with attitude, sometimes you have to find things to make you laugh. Our friend Heather showed this to me. So, when things get rough, and too much to bear keep this phrase in mind.