First of all, for the sake of full disclosure, one of the authors is a friend of mine. Of course, Ron Tite is the kind of guy that appreciates honest feedback, so that relationship may not necessarily the best way to a glowing review. In this case, though, it works out well for everyone since “Everyone’s an Artist” is an entertaining read that will sing to the choir for some, and offer some interesting perspective to others. Continue reading →
It’s interesting how you can go through life for so long thinking about not only acting, but being a particular way because you think that it’s helpful to others – but really, you’re just being an ignorant knob and you should have given your head a shake a long time ago. Continue reading →
I sit here writing and watching/listening to The Tragically Hip’s final concert, and I can’t help but feel the tears building up. I’m not usually one to write outpourings of sentiment over things like this – that’s just the way that I am. However, in this instance I thought I would contribute to the online collective of Gordery by talking about some of my favourite Hip moments. Continue reading →
Ever since I was a wee lad, soundtracks have held a special place in my heart. I love them so much that there are even some films that I know entirely by their scores. Videogame soundtracks are no exception, and there are a number of great composers that I admire (Sarah Schachner, Jesper Kid, and Jeremy Soule, to name a few).
Sometimes, these videogme soundtracks receive the royal treatment of being played live by an orchestra, which is a treat for fans. One of my favourite pieces of music, namely the title track from The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim, was performed on stage by the Swedish choir Orphei Drängar and Grammy winner Myrra Malmberg (performing Skyrim’s Dragonborn). This recent event was put on for the release of The Greatest Video Game Music: Choral Edition,”.
Click on the above link to check it out if you haven’t done so already. Click here for the iTunes link.
Earlier this evening we bid a tearful farewell to our remaining cat, Laila. My brain is in limbo at the moment, because it was not an easy decision (it never really is, though) – and there was greater emotional weight with the added presence of the rest of the family at the end of her time. If you’re looking for some history, I would recommend that you read about the origin of our felines here.
Toronto Thumbs has not been updated since the end of March, but people still have questions about gift ideas – especially around the holidays. For those of you who have a Wii U, it’s a safe bet to say that Super Mario Maker should be on your Christmas gift list (unless you already own it). The kiddo and I hadn’t played it until only recently, which is funny, considering she was on the Super Mario Maker float during the 2015 Santa Claus Parade in Toronto (and yes, I marched with the float while wearing a fish costume). However, Nintendo saw fit to send us a copy to play with, and I can say without hesitation that it is a great deal of fun for those who love video games – specifically Mario-based ones. Continue reading →
I’m normally something of a grump when I watch people on social media jump on the latest trendy bandwagons – because to me it feels like people just want to draw more attention to themselves than the cause they are supporting. However, in the case of remembering the fallen (and those who are still fighting), I don’t think that there can be a bandwagon big enough. Nothing reveals the depravity of the human soul like war – but on the flip side of the coin, nothing is better at demonstrating courage and cooperation. So take the time to remember them today. Be silent when required and place the living and the dead at the forefront of your mind.
But don’t just do it today – do it tomorrow, too. Take the time to really understand what went down years ago by talking to a vet, or read a book (Ted Barris has some fantastic published works). Be thankful every day that many fought for what we have, and still fight today – battles both on the field and in the mind.
