You need more Moore

Hello Folks.
Just a quick note to plug a fabulous book I recently finished reading by author Christopher Moore.
"Lamb the Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal" was a great (and quick) read. It's basically an account of the first 30 years of Jesus' life told from the view of his fictional childhood chum, Biff.
It deals with a lot of serious issues about spirituality but this yarn unrolls in a very light-hearted and intelligent manner. Although the story is more or less completely fictional, you get a new perspective about the Saviour of mankind and get a chance to care about him in an entirely different way than He has been portrayed in the Bible and in movies. You get to see Him as human. Struggling to come to grips woth the daunting destiny of saving all humanity. I mean, how would you respond to having supernatural powers as an 8 year old? That's a lot to deal with.
As Uncle Ben said, "With great power comes great responsibility."
At any rate, you'll be doing yourself a favour by picking up this book. I know I'll be making a trip to the Yarn Barn for a few more of Mr Moore's novels.
If you are a hard-core Christian who likes to burn Harry Potter books because they are evil and poison the minds of our youth, you may not like this satirical look into the Messiah's early life. OR, lighten up and read the damn book. You might learn something.
With incredible journey's, magic, healings, kung fu, corpse reanimations and hot babes, there is something for everyone.

Uncertain Future for Canada

Well, Canada has elected a new governing body.
Although it is not an ideal situation for Canada, to be realistic, it's the best we could hope for.
Paul Martin's Liberals had their chance and they didn't make the grade. They needed to be replaced.
As Stephen Harper appears on national TV with his shit-eating grin, acting like he is the choice of Canadians everywhere, he should be aware that he didn't win this election. Paul Martin and his Liberals lost it. The money scandals proved too much for them to overcome. And rightfully so. But do we really believe that the other parties aren't as dirty as the Liberals were? Money exchanges hands, backs are scratched. That is politics.
The Conservatives, as scary and narrow-minded as they are, are the only option in most Canadian's minds. It's either Tory Blue or Grit Red up here in Canada, eh. And we'll bitch and moan about them equally.
What we won't do? Actually make a real change.
The Liberals and Conservative parties have been running this country for years and it seems like the population is never happy about who is in charge. We just get tired of the current party and flip-flop to the opposing colour.
Why not give another party a chance? NDP Jack Layton is the only candidate that actually practices what he preaches. He is about the average Canadian, not big corporations.
I'm not saying the NDPs are the answer to Canada's problems, but I wouldn't mind them getting a kick at the can. They couldn't do any worse that the others have done.
It is increaslingly frustrating as Canadians vote along party lines because their fathers voted Tory or Grit and their fathers before them.
Is it so hard to actually stop and think for ourselves? Make a decision based on the best party for the current times?
I can only hope that parties like the NDP and Green Party will continue to make gains and that Canadians will eventually vote for a real change for the better and not change for the sake of change.
And while I'm at it, why in the heck is Gilles Duceppe getting equal coverage as the national parties? It is clear he is only concerned about Quebec and not the rest of Canada. He should run for premiere, not for federal leadership.
I'd rather see the Green Party leader Jim Harris during the debates. At least he has support nationwide, albeit small.
At any rate, the Tories are in power for now and it is a minority government. A minority with less seats than the previous minority government.
Let's hope the other paries work hard to keep Stephen Harper in check.
I for one won't mind going back to the polls in another 18 months if it means putting a trust-worthy leader in charge.

Across the world and back again

Well, I am back from Taipei and the TICTFF. I must say that this was one of the most enjoyable and memorable experiences of my life.
The festival organisers and volunteers did an outstanding job. The screenings were great, the staff were great and the kids and guardians attending the festival were wonderful.
I think everybody had a fantastic time.
A big THANK YOU to everyone involved with the festival for running a first-class event.
And I met some really terrific people at the festival, two of whom I became very fond of. ;)
All of the directors/producers/actors who were in attendance were a joy to meet.
I highly recommend Taiwan as a travel destination. The people are beyond friendly and the country and culture are rich and inviting.
I hope I get to go back soon!

Bon Voyage...

Well, I am off to Taipei, Taiwan tomorrow. It will be the first leg of my journey to the Taiwan International Children's TV and Film Festival. After arriving at the Halifax International Airport at 4 am, I have 27 hours of flying and waiting to look forward to! Oh JOY!
It will be great once I am there though. After (hopefully) catching some zzz's on the plane, I'll be checking into my hotel to get some more sleep. Taiwan and Nova Scotia have a 12 hour time difference so jetlag will ost likely have an impact on my system. With any luck, I'll be ready for the fetival the following day.
TICTFF will be providing me the service of some enlgish students to help translate while I am there. It should make for a smoother integration as I know absolutely no mandarin.
Well, I know the fruit. Love the fruit.
But I doubt that will help me much.
I don't know how much access I'll have to a computer while I am there but I'll try to update this blog over the five days I am in Taipei. If not, I'll post again when I return.
Wish me luck!

Frederator Loves You

Want an extra special treat for your iPod? Subscribe to Channel Frederator for some of the most entertaining cartoons that will fit into your pocket.
Whether you are stuck on the bus or train on your way to work, on the verge of slipping off to sleep in church as the preacher drones on about how you are going to hell, or tired of watching all those late night infomercials at 3 am; never fear, Frederator is here.
Anytime is a good time for cartoons.
Just make sure you are in the back pew if you are in God's house. And say a few extra Hail Mary's 'cause you are going to hell.
Side note: check out episode 5 to watch my film, Pen' Pals. Be a pal, leave a comment.

More Podcast Goodness

Arguably the world's best-known super hero, Superman, will make his return to the silver screen this summer, almost 30 years after the original movie starring Christopher Reeve was released.
Director Bryan Singer (Usual Suspects, X-Men, X2: X-Men United) is at the helm of the new Supes and he has been publishing a unique behind the scenes video diary through iTunes.
The Superman podcast is rated number 2 in the "Top 10 Essentials for your video iPod" by Pod Guide.TV
As a side note, the great American superhero was co-created by Canadian, Joe Schuster. It seems all the best "American" stuff comes from Canada, eh?

Podcasts? This is a Mobcast...

Need something groovy to accessorize that new video iPod you got for Christmas?
Just want something to spice up your iTunes and make your friends jealous?
Well, here it is: Kangacast by the Kangaroo Alliance.
You can check out their blog and their website for more info about these New York artists. Click here to subscribe to the podcast.
It's feel good music and animation.
Trust me, your iPod will love you for it.

Happy New Year!

Ok, I know I am a few days late on the greeting but I mean it from the cockles of my heart just the same.
It was a tremendous end to 2005. I wrapped production on a short film, Aboriginality, produced by a friend of mine, Dominique Keller.
I also wrapped production on my first video game, Rugby 2006, created by HB Studios and published by EA Sports.
My short film, Pen' Pals, continues to gather steam and is scheduled to screen at the TICTFF (Taiwan International Children's TV and Film Festival). The good people at TICTFF were gracious enough to extend me an invitation to attend the festival. I'll be flying from Halifax on the 11th and returning on the 18th of January.
In other Pen' Pal news, I have learned that it will be part of the market at the Claremont-Ferrand Short Film Festival, one of the largest and most prestigious short film festivals in the world. I am very honoured to participate in both of these festivals! Wish me luck!
Hopefully things will continue to be positive in 2006 with my next short film, Yellow Boat.