me against the world

It’s the late afternoon of Christmas Day 2006.

I’m trying not to take a nap. I really don’t know why though.

My brother gave me season four of 24 for Christmas. I am just halfway through season one. I have been told to try my hardest to catch up and watch all five seasons before season six starts on January 14, 2007. It’s not going to happen.

As with Lost, every episode leaves me clutching to the edge of my seat, my heart thumping, blood pressure rising, waiting to see what will happen next.

In order to live, I can’t really watch many episodes in one day. I might just pop a vein.

This is the first Christmas Day in my 21 years (that I can recall) that the weather has been good enough for me to wrap up warmly and go for a bike ride.

So I did just that. But, I forgot all about the fact that I would be riding at high speed with cold wind rushing into my face and down my shirt. I returned home with a rather large head rush.

Thank God for tea.

Also for the first time in my 21 years, I beat my brother at chess today. It was all because he made a fluke mistake and I wouldn’t let him reverse his move. Ha.

The Godfather of Soul passed away this morning. As far as my memory serves me, he was going to be touring in Canada in the next few weeks.

His songs really did make me “feel good” (despite the fact that I don’t got you).

(Please forgive my cheesiness…)

Meanwhile, Ethiopia vs. Somalia is taking off. Oh boy…

Anyway, I hope everyone is having a wonderful Christmas. If you are anywhere far east of our time zone, then I shall restate that statement just for you: I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas.

Keep safe everyone.

And you asked me what I want this year
And I’ll try to make this kind and clear
Just a chance that maybe
We’ll find better days

‘Cause I don’t need boxes wrapped in strings
Designer love and empty things
Just a chance that maybe
We’ll find better days

So take these words
And sing out loud
‘Cause tonight’s the night
The world begins again

I need someplace simple where we could live
And something only you could give
And that’s faith and trust and peace while we’re
Alive

And the one poor child who saved this world
There’s 10 million more who probably could
If we all just stopped and said a prayer for them

I wish everyone was loved tonight
And somehow stop this endless fight
Just a chance that maybe we’ll
Find better days

- “Better Days” by John Rzeznik
- Song performed by the Goo Goo Dolls.

On Wednesday night I saw Imogen Heap perform at Massey Hall in Toronto.

I was blown away.

Her two opening acts, Levi Weaver and Kid Beyond were outstanding. They then joined Imogen on stage for a few songs, along with two other musicians, and together they rocked the house.

If you haven’t heard about any of these three artists, let me explain something first. All three artists perform by sampling. They use a sampler and record beats, melodies, harmonies, and various sounds live, then replay those sounds on a loop while they record other sequences and start to layer each sound on top of the other. The end result is a musical composition that was recorded live and features various instruments and sounds that were all performed by that one person.

So, for example, Imogen will sing a line of lyrics and record it. Then while that sequence is played on a loop, she sings it once again but at a different pitch, and then once more again, and she becomes her own chorus singing in harmony.

In all honesty, the only way you can understand is if you see it for yourself. This video was recorded by someone at her performance on Tuesday in Montreal. It isn’t the best, but you can see Kid Beyond beatboxing, and Imogen layering a few sounds - look for when she layers her vocals near the end.

What I loved about Imogen, beyond her talent, was the personality that she conveyed. She handled all the technical difficulties with grace and bits of British humour. Her random mumbling actually came across as charming but that may have to do with myself being a mumbler at times.

Best of all, at certain points she danced and skipped across the stage barefoot, spinning around in her lovely dress, and having the time of her life while she sang. That was just wonderful to witness and brought a huge smile to my face.

Makes me want to go skipping around now myself!

We saw John Mayer again yesterday for free at Yonge and Dundas Square - thanks to Best Buy. It was wonderful to see and hear the man and his band rock it out in an outdoor concert. It was a different atmosphere but they did very well and I left completely satisfied and impressed :)

I was disturbed by the mass marketing scheme Best Buy was doing and refused to take part (though I guess I should be thankful because they gave me a free concert). They handed out flags, t-shirts, and coupons. People were like rabid animals racing for the free stuff and it really bothered me.

I sat on the floor for as long as I could because of my ankle and a few songs into the concert I came to the conclusion that the slight pain I was feeling was worth it. I was happy to have recorded some songs onto my phone but not so happy to find that my camera is malfunctioning. I can no longer record videos… I’ve already sent off an e-mail to Canon for some help.

Thanks Sarah and Em for the fun day .

This is mainly for Emily and Sarah, but any and all of you can feel free to join us…

JM + Toronto + Outdoor Concert + Free

See here.

We could also go see Beyonce, but I predict too many screechy girls. However, if someone does want to go… I’d be interested ;)

Oh. And anyone really interested in being up front, and/or meeting one or the other… see this pdf file.

On Monday, August 21st, Sarah and I went to see John Mayer at the Mod Club in Toronto.

It was a small and intimate show with a crowd of about 600 people (fan club members only) and it was brilliant. Somehow I had forgotten how amazing it is to watch and hear that man play his music. He makes love to his guitar, shakes you to the core with his vocals and his guitar riffs, and you are left standing there in awe. His band is just as talented and together they make some amazing music.

Every time he puts out an album I mention how it’s like he writes and sings the soundtrack of my life. Each and every song reminds me of some moment in time, some experience, some person, some emotion – just something that has passed through my life. Standing in that audience, in fourth row, I heard some classic songs as well as some new ones from his upcoming release. I couldn’t stop the shivers running down my spine as I realized with absolute certainty that once again it is true: the man is singing my life with his words.

And from what I have heard of the new album, just as I am moving on in life, maturing, and seeing things in a different light, so is he. And his music is definitely growing along with him. I love it.

What a wonderful show put on by a group of very talented performers. Kudos to a crowd that was just chill, and there for what matters the most: the music. I have some great pictures and a ton of amazing videos. Check back here for links to the videos soon.