Wednesday, September 29, 2004

It’s Always Better On Holiday

It has been a busy last few weeks, but things have now calmed down sufficiently to allow me to catch up with a few things, including a neglected H&MS.

Steve and Rachel were back in Scotland for the second time back in late August. We rented a car (affectionately named Franz) for a quick Highland adventure through Glen Coe (up Devil’s Staircase again!), along the banks of Loch Ness (no glimpses of Nessie but the exhibition was surprisingly not tacky) and into Inverness. Altogether a thoroughly enjoyable trip due to the weather, cider and most importantly the company.


Castle Urquhart on the banks of Loch Ness

Ryan B. has gone the route of dating someone based in Scotland as well, thus giving me the opportunity to meet up with him and his girlfriend for a few drinks in Edinburgh which was good fun.

Condolences to Drew – but hopefully this will lead to better things for you. I’ve seen redundancies first hand myself a few times, and again recently. My boss, a real nice bloke and a pleasure to work with, was unexpectedly and harshly sacked last week. I only had the chance to speak with him briefly before he had to leave the premises. To see the legit hurt and shock on his face really rattled me. I know they say “it’s just business”, but sometimes people forget it also involves real people with real lives and emotions.

Congratulations to Lisa and Randy who tied the knot recently in Toronto. I’ve known Lisa since I was something like three years old, and got to know Randy as he was our unofficial fourth roommate back in the Yonge and Finch days. They’re a great couple, and I wish them all the best!

Congratulations also to Mike for running some seriously impressive races, especially that half-marathon. You’ve got me well inspired to keep up my training!

Monday, September 06, 2004

“Hear my voice in your head/And think of me kindly”

I’ve been a Smiths/Morrissey fan now for many years, so to finally see the Mozzer live was an incredibly exciting experience. The atmosphere of anticipation before the show began, complete with punters football-chanting his name, indicated that I wasn’t the only die-hard in the crowd. The show itself lived up to the hype and then some, from the opener (Smiths classic “How Soon Is Now” – which I NEVER thought I’d hear live) through classic and recent solo tracks such as “First of the Gang To Die” and “Everyday Is Like Sunday” through to the finale of (another Smiths classic) “There is a Light That Never Goes Out”. The man (and his music) has aged remarkably well, and the between song wit and theatrical mannerisms were all in top form. For those keeping score at home, you can find the set-list here.



First The Pixies, then Morrissey. And now I’ve got my hands on a pair of tix for a solo show from guitarist Robin Guthrie (ex-Cocteau Twins). What can I say - it’s been a good concert year!