The World's Fastest Indian is based on a true story about a feisty old man who spends all his time working on his 1920s Indian motorcycle. His friends and neighbours are inspired to raise funds so Burt Munro and his Indian can travel to the United States and try to break a speed record on the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah.
When Burt (Anthony Hopkins) arrives in Los Angeles in 1967 he gets help from some very unlikely characters and is able to make his way to Bonneville, Utah. Hopkins plays the part of Burt with naivete and down-under charm. The story of his trip is truly enjoyable.
When Burt arrives at Bonneville he learns that he needed to preregister in order to run the salt flats. Burt is not one to give up and his passion and charm draws supporters to his cause and he is allowed to run unofficially.
The story is amazing. Anthony Hopkins as Burt Munro is charming. The movie is long but I just didn't care.
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) If someone suggested that I've watched this movie 100 times, I would not be surprised. This is the perfect Christmas or any other time of the year feel good movie. George is constantly frustrated whenever he tries to follow his dreams . . . to go to school, to travel, to leave his home town . . . Finally, after one more hit of bad luck, George Bailey wishes he had never been born. With the help of an angel-in-training, George comes to realizes how important he has been in the lives of his family, friends and community. He realizes he really does have a wonderful life. Academy Awards, USA 1947
I have read the novels of only two Russian authors so far. Neither was Dostoevsky. Reading this autobiography by Peter Leithart has whet my interest and I will be downloading one or two to my kindle soon.
As for this autobiography, I have to say it was a very good read. The author, Peter Leithart teaches theology and literature at the college level and his familiarity with his subject was very apparent. The purpose of this book, I believe, is to show the ways that Dostoevsky's religious beliefs aided him at the best and lowest moments of his life. Leithart doesn't try to hide his subject's vices. He just documents them and how Dostoevsky was able to overcome these vices as best he could with the help of his family and his faith.
Dostoevsky was raised a Christian but his faith became deeply embedded during his imprisonment in Siberia. This is where he came to really understand the the human condition and the suffering and need of the innocent and lower classes in Russia. This understanding formed the basis of most of his writing.
The author's portrayal of Russian society and culture is very detailed and adds to the flow of the story, making actions of various characters easier to understand.
The only car I ever bought in my whole life was this beautiful 1985 Olds Cutlass Supreme. I loved that car. I drove it until the frame finally gave up. And for those of you who have heard the story of me driving my car while it was on fire to the fire hall . . . here's the proof.
What memories are brought by the smell of pine needles?
When I smell pine needles I think of outdoors, of course. I think of Christmas. It is only since Hal and I became empty nesters that we stopped having a real Christmas tree. Pine needles also remind me of rosemary. I love rosemary in cooking, especially with roasted potatoes.
It seemed to take forever to find this movie online but I finally did. It has subtitles which is good but subtitles are difficult to read when you are watching an action scene. Of course, who cares about the words when it is an action scene?
This is the story of a village that was being attacked by a powerful gang of bandits. The villagers recruited seven samurai who were down on their luck to teach them to fight and help them defend against the bandits. Apparently the movie ends with a fantastic fight scene but, sadly for me, the streamed video ended abruptly before that point.
What I did see of the movie was very interesting, humourous in a very comic book sort of way, and I haven't given up on finding a more complete video online.
Apparently this movie has been remade at least a couple of times.
Since I was born a klutz, I could write a novel of all the clumsiest things I've done . . . but one sticks out in my memory . . .
We were at a funeral visitation and I was walking down the stairs. I missed the last stair because the railing ended just before that stair, fell sideways, and was only saved from total humiliation when my grandson caught me so I was able to remain upright.
William Edward Burghardt Du Bois (1868-1963) is considered the greatest of African American intellectuals--a sociologist, historian, novelist, and activist whose career spanned the nation's history from Reconstruction to the civil rights movement. Du Bois was born in Massachusetts and educated at Fisk, Harvard, and the University of Berlin. Du Bois penned The Souls of Black Folk, in 1903. This book is still his most studied and popular work. A study of the transition of African Americans from slavery to freedom, he shares insights into their lives at the turn of the 20th century. This book examines the role of government, economics, and African American leaders in the development of the African American from emancipation through the beginning of the twentieth century. His concepts of life behind the veil of race and the resulting "double-consciousness or sense of always looking at one's self through the eyes of others," have become the basis for thinking about race in America. Du Bois discuss the disconnect between Americans and African Americans and suggests obstacles to that progress, and possibilities for future progress as the United States enters the twentieth century. Most of what Du Bois discusses is still relevant today, and this is a tribute to the man, not only as a scholar, but as someone who was continually adapting his views in the best image and interests of black people. Reading Du Bois collection of essays was enlightening, his prose was formal as was common in the time it was written. This is not an easy read. But I believe it is well worth reading.
Half Moon Run is a Canadian indie rock band based in Montreal, Quebec. The group is known for their heavy use of layered percussion, group vocal harmonies, and for playing multiple instruments during live performances. Half Moon Run was formed in 2009 in Montreal's Mile End neighbourhood by Conner Molander and Dylan Phillips, who had both moved to Montreal from Comox, British Columbia. They posted an ad on Craigslist that said they were looking for a bassist and/or a drummer. The ad caught the attention of Devon Portielje, originally from Ottawa. Despite not being a bassist or a drummer, he got in touch with Molander and Phillips who agreed to let him join.
Shortly after the release of Dark Eyes, Isaac Symonds, originally from Comox, joined the lineup.
Throughout 2012 and 2013, the band played at numerous music festivals including South by Southwest, Osheaga, Canadian Music Week, Glastonbury, WayHome Music & Arts Festival, and opened for artists such as Of Monsters and Men, Metric, Patrick Watson, City and Colour, and Mumford & Sons.
In August 2013, "Full Circle" was featured in a trailer for Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag. The song "Unofferable" also appears on an episode of the CBS's show Elementary as a backtracking to a scene.
In July 2014, they announced that work on their second album had begun. They announced that it would be released in fall 2015.] That same year, they were the recipients of the International Achievement Award at the annual Francophone SOCAN Awards in Montreal.
On 24 July 2015, the band announced a European tour that included shows in the United Kingdom, France, Ireland, Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands.
On 7 August 2015, the band announced, via their Twitter page, the release of their second studio album, Sun Leads Me On, on 23 October 2015. They simultaneously released a teaser track, "Trust", which was available as a free download with pre-orders of their album. Pre-orders via their website offered the album signed by all band members. A deluxe version was also released.
On 1 November 2019, Half Moon Run released their third full-length album A Blemish in the Great Light. The album won Adult Alternative Album of the Year at the Juno Awards of 2020.
On 25 May 2020, the band announced that Isaac Symonds would be leaving the group.
Throughout May and June 2020 while the band members had been self-isolating due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they recorded and released videos of themselves performing together via video conference. Symonds remained with the group throughout this time. That same year, they also released seven new singles, six of which were then released together as an EP entitled Seasons of Change on 17 July. They followed up in September with The Covideo Sessions, an album featuring the recordings of their May–June video performances.
On 21 August 2020, Dylan Phillips released his debut solo EP entitled Undercurrents.
On 18 March 2021, the band released a single, "How Come My Body", to promote their Inwards & Onwards EP which was released on 18 June 2021.
On 26 December 2021, Half Moon Run released Seasons of Change and Inwards & Onwards together on a compilation album.
On 10 March 2022, the band released "Fatal Line", a song they contributed to The 1969 Record. The album also featured songs from Louis-Jean Cormier, Elisapie, Les Soeurs Boulay, Jason Bajada, and Matt Holubowski.
On 3 March 2023, the band released a single, "You Can Let Go". On the same day, the band announced that they signed to BMG, as well as a tour for Europe and North America.
On 20 April 2023, the band released a single, "Alco", to promote their album Salt. On 18 May 2023, the band released another single, "Everyone's Moving Out East".
On 2 June 2023, the band released their fourth studio album, Salt.
This is a very interesting book but it was also kind of frustrating/annoying that most of the women featured came from privileged backgrounds. But I realized that they would be the only women who would have the time, finances and support to step above the norm to become pilots, doctors, opera singers, politicians and such. Not all the women were likeable and some were downright annoying but you have to give them credit for accomplishing so much.
What would the title of your biography be and why?
I have a few ideas: It Was a Dark and Stormy Night. If It Hadn't Happened to Me I Would Never Have Believed It Possible. As The Stomach Turns. Why? I Never Knew I Was Short Until My Kids Grew Up. But the winner is . . .
In My World
This is a phrase I say very often. It became the name of my blog. And then it became my email address. It is taking over my life . . . LOL.
In the Village of Eugenia, Ontario, an unincorporated municipality in Artemesia Township, beside the Beaver River at the top of Eugenia Falls in the Eugenia Falls Conservation Area, sits a lone stone arch seemingly serving no purpose.
This stone arch was once the entrance to a long-vanished tunnel intended to be used in conjunction with a long abandoned hydro-electric power project. Built by the Georgian Bay Power Company between 1906 and 1907, the tunnel was dug through the hill beside the top of the falls to the valley floor below. The plan was to divert the river through the tunnel in an attempt to maximize the drop, thus increasing the generation capacity of Eugenia Falls.
This was the second attempt at hydro generation at Eugenia Falls, the first being built in 1893 by local businessman William Hogg, the namesake of “Hogg’s Hollow north of Toronto. Unfortunately Hogg’s paddlewheel generator was only able to generate 70 kW, barely enough electricity to power Eugenia and nearby Flesherton.
Construction costs on the tunnel exceeded the million dollar mark (approximately $27.2 million today), due to problems with quicksand, but when completed, the tunnel was 867 feet long, 9 feet high and 8.5 feet wide, and was big enough to drive a buggy through it, which one person actually did.
A Roman-style stone arch was constructed at each end of the tunnel but in the end, all the effort was for nothing.
The Beaver River’s capacity proved to be insufficient and the tunnel was never used. The whole project was eventually abandoned and the Georgian Bay Power Company went bankrupt.
The provincial government assumed responsibility for all hydroelectric projects, and the Hydro-Electric Power Commission embarked on a new project in Eugenia that involved damming the river, creating a 490 acre reservoir north-east of Eugenia that is now known as Lake Eugenia.
The tunnel has long since been filled in, leaving the arch at the top of the falls standing as a monument to the failed hydro project.
You know I don't like scary movies but I have to say I thought The Matrix was pretty cool. Of course I like the stars of this movie -- Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, and Carrie-Anne Moss. Humanity is being used as energy to keep machines alive. They think they are having a real life but their minds are actually locked into an artificial reality known as the matrix. Neo (Reeves) finds Morpheus (or did Morpheus find Neo?) and learns about the matrix. Now the Machines are after them as they foment a rebellion. There is lots of great CGI and larger than life cinematography.
There is nothing I don't love about dessert. Dessert is happiness in a dish. My four favourite desserts are 1. cheesecake . . . any kind 2. pie . . . especially blueberry and cherry 3. yogurt with fresh fruit and granola 4. cookies . . . any kind Wow, that was easy.
I seem to be reading a lot of nonfiction and biographies lately. When I was offered the chance to review George Washington Carver I was curious to find out about the person whose name I'd heard many times. I didn't really know much about him except that he was educated. John Perry did a masterful job of presenting Dr. Carver in a realistic way. He didn't hide the man's many quirks, especially his need of constant approbation. The writing is easy to read and contains a great deal of interesting information about the times and Carver's place in it. Carver was born a slave. After slavery was abolished George and his brother were raised by the couple who had owned them. George received a basic education from his guardians and was encouraged to continue his education. The author describes in detail how an African-American man had to struggle to achieve a decent education. Carver managed to graduate from college and became a professor at the Tuskegee Institute where he taught black students methods of self-sufficient agriculture. Carver enjoyed the role of teacher and scientist but avoided the administrative role in his department. This created a great deal of friction between himself and the Institute's board. One of Carver's greatest accomplishments, outside of the scientific, was in befriending his students, encouraging them and holding bible classes for them. I really enjoyed this quick read, learning about a person in history whose name I have heard many times without really knowing who he was.
The “sweetest music this side of Heaven.” That’s how the Chicago Tribune, back in 1928, characterized the music made by Guy Lombardo and his orchestra, the Royal Canadians. A native of London, Ontario, Lombardo was responsible for making “Auld Lang Syne” the definitive New Year’s Eve song and entertained countless listeners in a career that lasted more than 50 years.
The son of Italian immigrants, Lombardo was born June 19, 1902. Guy (violin) and his younger brothers Carmen (saxophone, vocals) and Lebert (trumpet) grew up in a musical family, establishing their first “orchestra” in grammar school. Together with Freddie Kreitzer (pianist), they played their first professional gig in Grand Bend, Ontario, in 1919. Engagements in London and Port Stanley, Ontario followed, and the group, now expanded to include a brass section, guitarist and drummer drove down to Ohio to pursue fame and fortune.
In 1924 Guy Lombardo and His Royal Canadians took up a two-year residency at the Cleveland nightclub, the Claremont Tent. There the band learned to slow down its tempos, play medleys to accommodate patron requests, and lower its volume, allegedly at the behest of club owner Louis Bleet. They also developed its patented sound, which included Carmen’s smooth saxophone and emotional voice, George Gowan’s barely-there drumming, the use of tuba instead of double-bass, and their fondness for schottisches.
In 1929 the Royal Canadians debuted in New York. There they took up a 33-year residency at the Roosevelt Grill and inaugurated their longstanding New Year’s Eve performances, which included “Auld Lang Syne,” a popular song from the days when the orchestra played in small Scottish communities outside of London. This was later moved to the Waldorf Astoria’s Grand Ballroom.
The Royal Canadians also played residencies in Los Angeles in the 1930s, and toured throughout the US and Canada. They were guests at the White House, playing a number of inaugural balls, and strengthened their cultural currency by appearing in films like the Gracie Allen/George Burns vehicle Many Happy Returns (1934).
Guy Lombardo and the Royal Canadians’ recorded output was also substantial, with more than 100 albums released throughout their career. They also had a number of million-selling singles, including The Thin Man movie theme, “Humoresque,” “Winter Wonderland” and “Easter Parade.” In total, their sales exceeded 300 million.
Lombardo passed away, aged 75, in Houston, Texas, on November 5, 1977. He was posthumously inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 1978 and Canada’s Walk of Fame in 2002. His hometown of London, Ontario has named both a bridge and a street (Lombardo Avenue) after him, while his adopted hometown of Freeport, New York, has its own Guy Lombardo Avenue.
The Royal Canadians continued after Lombardo’s death under a number of band leaders, among them Guy’s younger brother Victor (b. 1912) and Art Mooney, and toured into the ‘90s.
My very first job, that wasn't babysitting or the one horrible day in a cucumber field, was at 13 when I spent the summer working for the Falkins at the Wendie Leigh Motel on Talbot Street in St. Thomas. I remember that certain things had to be done exactly so . . . especially bed making . . . and that leaving a hair in the sink was a capital offence. I don't remember what I was paid.
When we were really young a neighbourhood friend wanted to run away from home because her family weren't going to give her a birthday party and she was heartbroken. So we made our plans and at the crack of dawn the next day (I believe it was a Sunday) my sister and I filled a garbage bag with clothes and books and food and sneaked out the back door. When we arrived at our friend's home she informed us she didn't have to run away after all because she did get her birthday party after all. Well, I suppose we could have returned home but since we were packed we decided to continue running away. We ran away to a nearby gully (ravine?) with a huge old tree that provided excellent cover. It was about 4 blocks from home, 1 block from our grandparents and right across the road from family friends. But we were quite sure we were well hidden and would never be found. I don't think we had given any thought to what we would do when the bread and jar of freezer jam ran out. Needless to say, the family friend spotted us and called our parents and we were discovered and returned home. I don't remember the consequences so it couldn't have been too bad.
I have been struggling to find information about the Corduroy Trails in Awenda Provincial Park. I'm sure it exists because I can find photos of it. But which trail is known as the Corduroy Trail. Perhaps its a nickname?
A photographer named Snuffy has posted photos on flickr. You can use this or the link that follows to see his photos of the Bluff Trail which he identifies as part of the area where the Corduroy Trails existed.
Logs were laid side by side on some of these trails during the pioneer time to allow horses and wagons to travel. Over time, the logs rotted and disappeared.
I would like a survey of the type of people who rate IMDB's top movies. I watched Inception. While I enjoyed the acting and the special effects, the story itself was unnecessarily complex and odd. My son must have thought that my cool reception to this movie might be because I didn't understand it so he tried to explain it . . . LOL. I got it, I just wasn't crazy about it. Having said all that, I would watch it again if I had to . . . it just wouldn't be my first choice.
How do you entertain your family without spending any money? I'd love to hear your ideas.
Boxing Day 2013
When we have the family over we generally play board games or card games. For snacks we usually make pots of tea or hot chocolate and munch on big bowls of popcorn. Sometimes we watch favourite movies such as Oscar.
I loved reading Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother by Amy Chua. It is definitely a controversial book, but it is written in an honest and humorous fashion that is appealing and easy to read. Amy Chua is determined to raise her two daughters in what she considers the stereotypical Chinese style. She points out that you don't have to be Chinese to parent this way. Chinese style parenting is about discipline and focus, preparing your children for the future, instilling excellent work habits and confidence and self-esteem resulting from accomplishment. The Chinese parent stresses accomplishment in academics and extra-curricular activities. This is extreme parenting. Chua compares her style to Western parenting in which parents nurture their childrens' individuality, allowing them to find their own passions and creating a soft, entitled, untalented child unprepared for life. Western parents believe self-esteem comes first and then accomplishment. Chua has certainly created some controversy with these extremes. But she learns that there has to be some compromise when her second daughter turns out to be very opinionated and stubborn, creating a collision of wills which, I am happy to say, ends in compromise. Chua shares what she has learned about the rewards and costs of raising children the Chinese way. Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother is funny, honest, shocking, controversial and a great read. Perhaps somewhere between Western and Chinese parenting we will find the compromise which will lead us to parenting happy children who are ready to face the world when they are grown.
The Guthries were a Canadian country rock band based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. They released two albums in the early 2000s.
The Guthries formed in 1998 in Halifax. Originally formed by vocalist Ruth Minnikin and Dale Murray, the band included their respective siblings Gabe Minnikin and Brian Murray, as well as high school friends Serge Samson and Matt Mays. Early line-ups included Nick Bevan-John and Tim-Jim Baker.
The band's first album was Off Windmill, released in 2000. Mays subsequently left the band in 2002, just prior to the release of the band's second release, the self-titled The Guthries. The band toured extensively throughout Canada and the UK. Following that album, however, the band members each began pursuing solo projects, and have not released another Guthries album.
Spirit Rock Conservation Area 92 HIGHWAY 6, WIARTON ON,
Spirit Rock & McNeil Estate is a popular site in Bruce County where you can take in an impressive view of Colpoy's Bay and hike over 5 km of trails. A must-see feature on this property is the spiral staircase that winds down the escarpment to the shoreline. The Corran ruins of the McNeill Estate offer a glimpse into the past and are a highlight for history-lovers!
The ruins of the McNeill Estate provide a glimpse into some of the history of Bruce County and its settlers.
In 1881, this site became home for Alexander McNeill who developed the land into beautiful garden, manicured lawns and productive orchards. The heart of the estate was the Corran, a 17-room mansion lavished with carvings, ancient weapons, tapestries and book-lined walls.
The Gaelic meaning for Corran is ‘point of land running into the sea’. McNeill’s mansion was modeled and named after his childhood home in Northern Ireland.
Alexander McNeill was born in Northern Ireland and served as the Federal Member of parliament for the North Bruce Riding, 1881-1901. He was a supporter of Britain and its empire and one of the ‘Noble 13’ who opposed Sir John A. Macdonald on a number of issues.
McNeill was a quiet man, fond of reading and a lover of flowers. He lived on the estate with his wife Hester and their son Malcolm. Hester died quite young, before the estate was completely finished. Unfortunately, after McNeill died, Malcolm was more interested in parties than managing the estate, and the family fortune dwindled away.
Following Malcolm’s death, the housekeeper, who had been willed the estate, sold it in 1960 to a Toronto resident. Without fulltime occupancy at the mansion, the site frequently experienced vandalism. The property was sold in 1976 to the Conservation Authority. Shortly after, a fire destroyed the mansion, leaving only a stone shell, which is still visible today.
The Hermitage Ruins
The Hermitage was a large residence situated in Ancaster, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, which now exists as ruins and is part of The Hermitage and Gatehouse Museum maintained by the Hamilton Conservation Authority. The location is a popular destination for hikers and people interested in the paranormal.
The Hermitage was originally built in 1830 by the Reverend George Sheed. The property is about two miles west of Ancaster, in the Dundas Valley.
Otto Ives (1801–1835) was the third land owner. He was an English officer who had fought in the Greek War of Independence against the Ottoman Empire. He met Magdalene Diamanti, a daughter of the Governor of an Aegean island. They married in Corfu in 1824, and had arrived in Ancaster by 1833. They brought her sister or niece with them to act as a companion for Mrs Ives. It was here that Otto Ives purchased the Hermitage from the heirs of George Sheed. Ives had hired a coachman by the name of William Black. Although it is said that Black was also a tutor in the English language, evidence exists that this post was filled by Mary Rosebeury (later Mrs Peter Filman of Hamilton).
The ladies of the household spoke only Greek, and it is said that Black fell in love with the sister or niece. Black asked Otto Ives for his niece's hand in marriage, but Ives was very upset by the thought, and rejected the proposal. The next morning, Ives and his wife were due to go out for the day, but the coachman was not at the front door with the carriage as planned. Ives went out to the barn to see why the coachman had not appeared, and discovered Black's body hanging from the rafters in the barn near the first Hermitage.
Although this story has become legend in Ancaster, and although Otto Ives owned the Hermitage in the 1830s, there is little other information from the time to substantiate the legend of the coachman and the niece's love affair. There is also a note appended to deeds of sale, mentioning that a family friend had hanged himself from a tree in the bush, because of love for the niece.
In 1853, the Hermitage was purchased by George Gordon Browne Leith (1812–1887) and his wife Eleanor Ferrier (1814–1900). Over the next several years, a large stone house, attendant outbuildings, a farmhouse, barns, and entrance lodge were constructed.
After Mrs Leith's death, the property was purchased by her youngest daughter, Eleanor Alma Dick Lauder (1854–1942). She lived here until the house was destroyed by fire in 1934, and afterwards, in a small house constructed inside the ruins.
The Osler Castle
Osler Castle (Kionontio) is located near the Town of Blue Mountains, Ontario. Osler Castle was built on Blue Mountain in 1893 by Toronto lawyer Britton Bath Osler (the Crown Attorney at the trial of Louis Riel and founder of the law firm Osler, Hoskin and Harcourt). Osler built this 15-room all-stone manor for his ailing wife Caroline in hope that the ‘fresh air’ would improve her health. Caroline named this summer house ‘Kionontio,’ a Petun Indian word for 'top of the hill'.
Unfortunately, after enjoying only a few summers at Osler Castle, Caroline succumbed to her illness and died in 1896. Osler remarried and continued to spend time at the Castle, but when he died in 1901, the empty manor was left to deteriorate. Vegetation, weather, vandals and evidence of many a bush party took their toll, reducing Osler Castle to ruins by the 1950s.
Today the property is owned by Castle Glen Development Corporation and is slated for residential development. Perhaps the ruins of the historically significant structure will be saved from demolition.
Please note that this is private property. Do not leave the trail or enter the ruins.
When I was a kid I don't remember being afraid of much of anything. If I was, I probably wouldn't have done as many crazy things as I did. I was quiet and very shy around new people though. My sister was generally the instigator of any crazy we did. As an adult I have a disturbing list of things I'm afraid of. I'm assuming it is because I have an understanding now of pain and mortality and consequences. It could have a lot to do with the fact that anxiety seems to be a family trait. Who knows?
I probably would not have watched this movie and the sequels if not for the Top Movies of All Time list. Otherworldly fantasies with scary stuff and violence are not generally my cup of tea. And it would have been my loss. The story is wonderful and vivid and exciting . . . Starring Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Orlando Bloom, and many more, this is the story of a very dangerous ring found by a Hobbit named Frodo and the epic journey to destroy the ring and save Middle Earth. He is aided by a powerful wizard, his best friends, and joined by others on his journey. This movie is filmed in New Zealand and is worth watching just for all the lush exotic scenery. Excellent edge of your seat entertainment. Just be careful. If you watch one you will want to watch all the others in the series . . . and you might even want to read the books by J.R.R. Tolkien. They are on my reading list.
