...

...been kind of productive recently. I got involved with this production company in town called Signal Films. Doing a bit of volunteer work and participating in a little film festival a couple of weekends ago. Did a workshop in Directing Actors for the Screen. Had a lot of fun and met a lot of cool people. Doing a Digital Art Workshop at the moment, playing around with Photoshop and Final Cut Pro and really enjoying myself. With those two programs alone, a whole new world has been opened up. The possibilities of what you could complete by yourself is staggering. I've been thinking a lot, looking at the environment around me in a different way. Brainstorming, thinking up ideas, makes me giddy like a child...
...I think things are finally on the move now. Plans are afoot and the wheels are starting to turn. We're leaving the wilderness,metaphorically speaking, just in time for spring. Its been a long winter...
...watched Irreversible for the first time since I saw the premier at the Toronto Film Festival in 2001, in the now, tragically, gone but never ever forgotten Uptown 1 cinema. It really is a staggering film. A brutal, unflinching, emotionally draining masterpiece, and a tour de force of technical filmmaking. Not for all tastes but definately worth the effort. Gaspar Noe is an astonishing filmmaker.
...I went to see scottish indie-rockers Idlewild perform Saturday. A decent concert is a rare thing in this town and they were fantastic. Even better than I expected. It's been a longtime since I saw a good old fashioned indie-rock show. Too long...
...and finally I caught a random episode of The Wire the other night. I go on about that show a lot on here but it really is the most satisfying television show I have ever seen. Every moment is the honest truth. And anybody interested in storytelling or television or life should sit down and watch it...
...oh and I'm really digging the new Massive Attack record Helgioland. Its incredible.

A little clarity.

Man, rereading some of the posts I've put on here makes me feel decidedly self-conscious. I think some times a lot of what I'm saying here comes out sounding contrived and cliched. Which is exactly the opposite of what I want.
      I need to clarify a couple of things. While I do believe our civilisation is in decline, I believe the world we live in is an amazing and beautiful place. I don't want to come off here as being too cynical, it doesn't do anyone any good and it's something I'm really trying to improve on.I hate cynicism. And even more,I hate preaching.The world has enough preaching cynics as it is. So if I do it, slap me.
     Also I don't want to compare this blog to art at all, in any shape or form. Not great art or bad art or anything. Let's face it. This is a blog. Nothing more glamorous than that. One of a million on the world wide web. This is simply a place for me to talk. To put ideas and other silly things like that.
     So hopefully, with a little more care and practice I can improve the language and make this sound a little less heavy handed.
     On the plus side, Canada performed wonderfully at the Winter Olympics in Vancouver, culminating in a truly great moment last night when the Canadian Mens Hockey Team beat Team USA 3-2 in overtime to win Canada's fourteenth gold medal. The winning goal, assisted by Jerome Iginla and scored by Sydney Crosby will be remembered with the all-time great Canadian hockey moments.
     I would also like to congratulate the Canadian Women's Hockey Team on their gold medal, and for embodying everything that makes ice hockey great. Their skill on the ice and especially, their sportsmanship, are unparalleled.
     Oh, and St Kev, you are a champion.