Are you one of those people who talk back to the television? One of those people who always have thoughts (weird or otherwise) pop into your head when you're watching an interview or something on television? Well, I am. And without fail, every time I watch The Hour, there are things that pique my interest that I either talk back to the show (because you know, he can hear me through the television...) or I wish I had the opportunity to discuss some of the ideas and thoughts presented on the show with others. There's one downfall, either no one I know has watched the show, or they don't pay attention to the news and wouldn't have a clue what I'm talking about.
Well, that's all about to change. Talking to Barbara and Steph last week, I mentioned that it would be interesting to post random thoughts inspired by the show so that we could start a discussion here on the blog about the topics the show covered. They liked the idea... so here I am.
Tonight's show brought up a lot of different topics for me...
1) Disgraced pediatric pathologist Dr. Charles Smith apologized through a statement read by his lawyer. Because you know, apologies read by someone else always ring with sincerity. This whole case infuriates me. This pathologist's work sent people to prison for crimes they didn't commit... and for crimes that never happened. How does an apology on paper fix that? Can anything fix that? The whole situation blows my mind. I can't write anything else because all I can do is shake my head... how does something like this resolve itself? How does something like this happen in the first place?
2) Record stores going the way of the Dodo: The last Canadian player in the music store business, MusicWorld, announced they are shuttering the business because they can't compete. Sir Richard Branson said that he thinks there will be no record stores in 10 years. And it's all to do with the shift in how we get our music (legal or otherwise). When was the last time you bought a CD or even set foot in a music store? I know the way I buy music has changed over the past few years, particularly since getting my iPod. The last time I bought a CD was 3 weeks ago... Feist's album (it's awesome... pick it up). The thought of not physically holding music in my hand kind of makes me sad... I love album art.
3) Celebrities going to Africa: I know this raises a lot of ire with some people I talk to. They see it as the celebrity exploiting the situation to make themselves look good. Branson seems to see a benefit to it, by raising awareness and money for the needs of the people of Africa. Good thing? Bad thing? I don't know. I can see both sides of the coin. I'm sure there are some celebs that go merely to raise their profile, but I also think that many go because they see something they can use their notoriety for good. And those that do try and make a difference, good for them. We need more people to step up and do what they can to make a difference in the world.
4) What does risk mean to you? To some, it's riding a motorcycle. To others, it's trying to get a car to go over 1000 miles per hour. To others, risk is not so out there, it's choosing to wear a red dress instead of the regular black one. Are you a risk taker? Do you step up and put yourself out there, like Steve Fossett who put his life on the line and achieve 125 world records after the age of 55? Or does risk mean taking a different route to work or trying something new? I think I walk the middle.
5) Alan Alda said he doesn't talk politics in public, but then made the following statement as the one political thing he will say: "Why won't they listen to each other?". He was referring to those in government who are supposed to be in charge and trying to make a difference for the people they govern, but are seemingly embroiled in a petty partisan battle that involves putting each other down instead of trying to get something done. I'm pretty sure he was talking about the American government, but it certainly rings true in our own federal government. I don't know about you, but I haven't figured out how I'm supposed to take a political party seriously, if all they do is attack each other, instead of doing what they are supposed to. I don't care if you (the political party) thinks that the other person is a big poopy head, just learn to get along for the sake of the group. Isn't that what we're taught in kindergarten, you may not like someone but you have to learn to get along for the sake of the greater good?
And on an unrelated, yet related note... I found an article online today from The Muse, Memorial University's paper. It's from the Geminis, but it's a good read. Though if you are not a fan of the F-word, be warned, it's used a couple of times. Shocking. I know.
Enjoy!
Well, that's all about to change. Talking to Barbara and Steph last week, I mentioned that it would be interesting to post random thoughts inspired by the show so that we could start a discussion here on the blog about the topics the show covered. They liked the idea... so here I am.
Tonight's show brought up a lot of different topics for me...
1) Disgraced pediatric pathologist Dr. Charles Smith apologized through a statement read by his lawyer. Because you know, apologies read by someone else always ring with sincerity. This whole case infuriates me. This pathologist's work sent people to prison for crimes they didn't commit... and for crimes that never happened. How does an apology on paper fix that? Can anything fix that? The whole situation blows my mind. I can't write anything else because all I can do is shake my head... how does something like this resolve itself? How does something like this happen in the first place?
2) Record stores going the way of the Dodo: The last Canadian player in the music store business, MusicWorld, announced they are shuttering the business because they can't compete. Sir Richard Branson said that he thinks there will be no record stores in 10 years. And it's all to do with the shift in how we get our music (legal or otherwise). When was the last time you bought a CD or even set foot in a music store? I know the way I buy music has changed over the past few years, particularly since getting my iPod. The last time I bought a CD was 3 weeks ago... Feist's album (it's awesome... pick it up). The thought of not physically holding music in my hand kind of makes me sad... I love album art.
3) Celebrities going to Africa: I know this raises a lot of ire with some people I talk to. They see it as the celebrity exploiting the situation to make themselves look good. Branson seems to see a benefit to it, by raising awareness and money for the needs of the people of Africa. Good thing? Bad thing? I don't know. I can see both sides of the coin. I'm sure there are some celebs that go merely to raise their profile, but I also think that many go because they see something they can use their notoriety for good. And those that do try and make a difference, good for them. We need more people to step up and do what they can to make a difference in the world.
4) What does risk mean to you? To some, it's riding a motorcycle. To others, it's trying to get a car to go over 1000 miles per hour. To others, risk is not so out there, it's choosing to wear a red dress instead of the regular black one. Are you a risk taker? Do you step up and put yourself out there, like Steve Fossett who put his life on the line and achieve 125 world records after the age of 55? Or does risk mean taking a different route to work or trying something new? I think I walk the middle.
5) Alan Alda said he doesn't talk politics in public, but then made the following statement as the one political thing he will say: "Why won't they listen to each other?". He was referring to those in government who are supposed to be in charge and trying to make a difference for the people they govern, but are seemingly embroiled in a petty partisan battle that involves putting each other down instead of trying to get something done. I'm pretty sure he was talking about the American government, but it certainly rings true in our own federal government. I don't know about you, but I haven't figured out how I'm supposed to take a political party seriously, if all they do is attack each other, instead of doing what they are supposed to. I don't care if you (the political party) thinks that the other person is a big poopy head, just learn to get along for the sake of the group. Isn't that what we're taught in kindergarten, you may not like someone but you have to learn to get along for the sake of the greater good?
And on an unrelated, yet related note... I found an article online today from The Muse, Memorial University's paper. It's from the Geminis, but it's a good read. Though if you are not a fan of the F-word, be warned, it's used a couple of times. Shocking. I know.
Enjoy!
11 comments:
One of my favourite things to do is wander around my local CD/DVD store and check out what's new, what's on sale etc. I, on average, buy at least 4 CDs every month. I happen to like having the CD in its original form and being able to play it/load it where I want to. That makes me sad that possibly in the future I won't be able to do that anymore.
I talked out loud at the show yesterday when George told the story about holding back tears when watching a Sean Penn movie. "Just let go and cry George!", I say. There's no use holding back feelings inside, as the human being is a delightful emotional creature. And we all know what happens when authentic, real feelings are held back...physical ailments, emotional stress, regrets, etc.
I want to talk about the Allan Alda interview. George struck interview gold by engaging Allan Alda in a political discussion. It was a beautiful thing to watch.
In this interview there were more than a few really funny and poignant moments and I think I will be watching that one again. Thank you Mich G for starting the conversation.
I was so impressed with the Alan Alda interview that I had to watch it again this morning at work when the Vancouver feed played it at 5PST (8EST)... it was an incredibly eloquent interview. As I wrote, I found the statement "why don't they listen to each other" to be incredibly poignant and telling... and very true. I am also impressed by his philosophy of doing what he does best rather than just talking (whether it be politics or something else). I also liked that he named the date he almost died, his new birthday.
3> Celebrities going to Africa -
Modern savvy TV watchers, internet browsers and media mavens can smell a phoney a mile away!
My take? If celebs have a genuine interest in a cause and want to help out - all the power to them.
But if they are simply looking to become more famous because they are aligned with something we care about - well, we know. It's obvious. And it just discredits how the public feels about the celeb.
I wrote a mag article for Unlimited about a similar topic (Redwashing) that is on the newsstands now - you might be interested:
http://www.unlimitedmagazine.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=65&ed=7&cat=14
Cheers
Arnica Rowan
Excellent article, Arnica!
Extremely well written, intriguing points to ponder, humorous and well researched.
It was teachers like yourself, that stood out in my memories of high school.
Mich,
Good post. I liked the Alan Alda interview as well - never a MASH fan but I've seen many of his films. He seems genuinely passionate about living life with integrity which I respect.
The demise of the record store makes me sad to the core. Friends own a great indie shop that I pray survives. Not as concerned about chain stores. Kids now won't understand the joy of wandering around, getting a cool recommendation from an INFORMED staff member or owner and discovering something new to be passionate about. I agree with Shirley - I still like the tangibility of the CD.
Cheers,
Tracy
...was thinking also related to the demise of record stores - bands or solo artists used locations to promote new releases - I guess HMV will only host in-house signings soon !
This Alan Alda interview was more interesting than the last - seems like a very nice man !
"...was thinking also related to the demise of record stores - bands or solo artists used locations to promote new releases - I guess HMV will only host in-house signings soon !"
That's so true anon@1:30... where will all the signing and the like happen? Maybe the indies will do better than the chains, because they cater to a niche market of buyers who are dedicated to buying that way.
That said, could we ever live in a CD-free world? Would anyone want to have just digital copies of everything? It seems like such a foreign concept, but then again, a decade ago, I wasn't too keen on DVDs.
What I've found very strange is that this year I have bought more cds than I had in the previous four years combined, and yet this was the year that I got an ipod at the beggining.
That is kind of weird anon@10:54... are you buying new types of music or have you had troubles with iTunes?
I do a mix of both... usually I price check between the two... and iTunes is not always the cheaper alternative.
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