Skate Skiing

As of January 28th i have done a total of 177.8 km at Hardwood Hills. Not too shabby considering the poor winter we have had.

TOOL concert review Toronto, On. Jan.25th

Boring. I think I was surrounded by Tool fanatics that had never been to a concert before. Laser beams, a huge media screen reflecting abstract "TooL' imagery, and going absolutely ape shit. I don't get IT! It was the most boring concert i have ever intended. There was more action at a TSO performance. On the flip-side, the musicianship, quality of sound was outstanding. Bass, lead guitar & drums all Level 4. Tool played the majority of their most popular tracks to the crowds delight. As you probably have already figured out ; i'm not a Tool fanatic but appreciate their unique craft. Try to explain Tool to someone who has never heard them before. You can't do it. Maynard (lead singer) tucks himself at the back of the stage next to the drummer almost in total darkness, deliberately. Thus the imperative focal part of the "typical" stage of any performance is left as no man's land. An avid Tool follower explained this to me. Apparently Maynard is bit of an introvert who rather allow the band the lime light and shield himself from being the focal point. 18,000 plus Tool fans loved it. Myself, i was bored. I remember listening to the pre-concert music being played throughout the ACC and hearing King Crimson "Three of a Perfect Pair" and thinking "wow, there's an old tune i haven't heard in awhile. While typing my last thought it just occurred to me, take Brian Eno and Camel, join them to ensure it is a harder feel and you might explain Tool.

P.A.T. rare moment

First time for me. Last night second quarter in the Cotton Bowl, the extra point conversion was blocked by Kansas State and ran back the entire length of the field. For 2 points. One of life's small "what happens when? questions. Now i know.

Review: J Edgar - give it a 3, no a 4.

Ok, maybe a five. J Edgar directed by one of my favourites Clint Eastwood. I sat in row 27. Albeit J Edgar has been out in the shows for six weeks, there were nine of us in the theater of which i knew five. Just a thought had i taken the time to introduce myself to the other 4, I could have printed I knew everyone in the theatre. I thought the role of Miss Gandy (Naomi Watts) was the best part of the movie. Ok, so maybe J Edgar should get a 6 rating. Essentially, you the viewer, are left to determine, was J Edgar Hoover a suppressed homosexual, authoritarian control freak momma's boy, who enjoyed doing push ups in his office ? Go see the movie - you decide. I enjoy American political history but this portrayal although, accurate, was like waiting for a tardy bus on a rainy day ; not exactly fun. Still Leonard deCappucino's acting was convincing. Co-star Arnie Hammer playing the role of J Edgar's right hand man (so to speak) Clyde Tolson did well until the make up artist messed up with the aging process. My god he looked like a burn victim not a 70 year old man. Still Naomi Watts saved the movie, so I'll give a rating of 7. One last thing, when did a medium pepsi hold 16 gallons.

-23 degrees C [ -9 F ]

Returning to my truck early yesterday morning, my right hand was completely numb. In just 40 minutes of X Country skiing the burning sensation was more than uncomfortable. It was difficult to move my fingers. Only now, fumbling for my keys, I looked around and realize four other cars had arrive at Hardwood Hills. Jack Saskerville [Owner of Hardwood Hills] the only other person i saw at 8 am before i went for my skate, said, "are you dressed warm enough?". To be honest the rest of my body was fine. Just my hands ached. At -23 C don't expect great skate skiing conditions. The snow was that crisp, and the temperatures were that cold that I could here the trees crack. In fact it was so cold that going downhill was a chore. Opening the rear truck door to take my gloves off and tuck my poles & skis away i immediately recalled Jack London's short story "To Build a Fire". My hand hurt. Right now was just -9 F in the story the narrator is subjected to -100 F. In the short 15 seconds it took to remove my ski boots and put on my winter boots i imagined if i was to be isolated in the parking lot without warmth for much longer. Fortunately my truck door opened and within seconds i had nice heat from the Ford 150. To the best of my knowledge in the last ten years i'm fairly certain that one day it hit -33 C. We have had plenty of days in Barrie where it often hits -22 C.