Manteca - Monday Night at the Mensa Disco [review]

It was the second time after hearing "Seeing Things" on Jazz FM 91.1 Toronto, that I decided purchase "Monday Night at the Mensa Disco" just released (2013). This nine piece jazz, heavy on the percussion is fresh and captivating. They're Canadian. Play loud. It's punchy, tight and you'll automatically without knowing it start bobbing to the beat. Driving down the 400 other vehicles will think you have o.d. on your protein shake & mega-vitamins, but in fact you're grooving to Mantecca. A definite must have in your library.

http://www.manteca-music.com/coordinates.html

http://www.manteca-music.com/coordinates.html

Cannonball Adderley

The Definitive Cannonball Adderley recorded October 20,1966, Hollywood. Snappy and a jazz cd you can listen to again and again. Sack o Woes is unique & beautiful, my favourtie by far. Cannonball was born in 1928 in Tampa, and past away in 1975.

review Attica Blues by Archie Shepp

Recorded January 24-26, 1972 at A&R Recording New York City, by Impulse. I was expecting something much different. Of the ten tracks, there is one (track 6)  I can actual say, i could listen to again.
It took me a total of 3 minutes and 47 seconds to skip forward from track to track to get to the end to summarize, "what a piece of shit". Sorry Archie. Some of your other creations are quite good.
But's its crap. Sounds like it was recording in a tin barn by an airport and all the instruments have been tuned for months. As I'm typing this I'm feeling overly harsh. Tell ya what Archie Shepp, I'm going to listen to "Attica Blues" again. Be fair.
I'll be back with a final assessment. Meanwhile sit tight for the inticipated review of Attica Blues by Archie Shepp.
Ok, so I listen to Attica Blues again. Marginally better. Even though Mr. Shepp has written all the pieces there is an army of friends & guest musicians who play on this disc. Therefore probably recorded in a hurray over three days. Track 1 has a jazz fusion feel to it that could have been used as background soundtrack in Eastwood's "Dirty Harry".

Rob Ford Holiday Kiosk (look Ford it).

Cellophane Rob Ford Gift baskets. If American Apparel can sell a $ 14.99 Rob Ford "Nixon-posisng"t-shirt , I'm confident with the right rental space in the right Mall, twinkle lights, sampling of course, I could sell $ 80,000 maybe more. Inspired by Zoe McKnight, who wrote an article in the Toronto Star on November 13th, about various local restaurants cashing in on the "Rob Ford Crack Burger". If you have some creative package ideas, I'd like to hear from you.
Is it sad? You know the answer. Wasn't that long ago Charlie Sheen exploited his pinnacle moments.

Our local Barrie Triathlon Club is struggling for volunteers to run & create an engaging dynamic upcoming season. I'm thinking about reaching out to Mr. Ford to see if he would have an interest in being our 2014 President. Hey Race Directors hold a Rob Ford Marathon Race.

I have often argued in today's environment there are occasions whereby bad publicity can strangely be good for sales. Not the route you want to take, but if it pumps up cash flow, what the hell.
Imagine, walking through your favourite upscale Toronto Mall over the next five weeks and you have a few gifts you still need to buy. Lordy Lifton, thundering Jesus! What do your weary eyes behold? Rob Ford X-mas Gift Baskets for a price you can't say no. Other ideas ; The Rob Ford little doll Crack House, complete with dealer , users, and arresting officers figurines ; Rob Ford china set ; Rob Ford travelling mug ; Rob Ford City Hall Board Game, roll the dice and move Rob Ford around council taking shots at the other 42 councillors. Rob Ford lipbalm. The ideas go on.
Its has been a long time since Toronto has received global attention. You know, when you watching Anderson Cooper report on the devastation in the Philippines and AC devotes a full ten minutes of air time to Rob Ford Mayor of Toronto, you made it.
Last thought does Rob Ford have a Santa Clause float?

Big Ten Football

Experiencing Big Ten Football is a must for anyone. The clean vibrating experience is exhilarating. Fans are friendly and positive. An environment that truly lift your spirits if you had a rough week.
I love football, played football therefore my enjoyment level is through the roof. If you are a causal follower of any football whether it be CFL, Arena League, your local high school, Canadian University, NFL, take in a game, you'll be glad you did. Pictures are from October 20, 2013 Indiana vs. Michigan.

Football Weekend with the Daughter

Having a blast. Sunday morning in a Comfort Suites in Canton, Mi. Getting ready to see the Lions & the Bengals play at Ford Field. Yesterday in front of 109,500 people we saw a high scoring game 63-47 Wolverines over the University of Indiana. More to come later. Have to give the laptop back to my darling daughter so she can finish her assignments.

I Ran to Quebec & Back

The Ottawa Army Run into Gatineau and back was a valour success. Charlie finished beating his goal and I recorded my personal best for a half marathon race with a time of 1:30:55.

Over 10,000 runners participated in the half marathon and more in the 5k race. The race started with a Howitzer being fired as our official gun start. My understanding this is the 8th year this race has run. Looking to do a Half Marathon Race in the late September, I highly recommend this race event. Relatively flat with enormous crowds, fan support both in Ottawa and Gatineau.