I have seen the North Atlantic...

...And stared across The English Channel, past the Isle of White, towards France in the distance. I spent the past weekend in the Portsmouth and Bournemouth area in the south of England visiting. On Saturday evening after a half-assed attempt at a working during the day, I trained it down to my friends Lexi and Mark's post-wedding reception. I took a bit longer than I had expected to get down to Portsmouth! I was assured that it was only a quick two hour journey but by the time I arrived it had easily stretched to three. Lexi and Mark had been married some time earlier at a "family only" affair in New York City, and were having a very casual get together for all their friends who are currently in England. It was a fun time, but unfortunately due to the less than optimal train services on a Saturday night in the south of England I could not stay long at the reception because I was due for a rendevouz with old Victoria friends Christina and Jason in Bournemouth. I arrived at the not so unreasonable time of midnight having spent a few more hours total train time getting there. Jason picked me up at the train stop and we had a brief chat before just crashing. Sunday morning we were up early with the arousal of Lucas and Christian, Christina and Jason's sons, who were both full of energy albeit of different sorts given their ages; two and half years for the former, and two and half months for the latter! We spent a lovely day together walking down to a seaside cafe for lunch and back. The weather co-operated, and although it was quite breezy, it was pleasant enough. A funny thing was that on the walk down I instantly realized where some of the neighbourhoods I frequented growing up in Victoria were modeled after. Amazing how similar the layout and feel of Bournemouth is to Oak Bay in Victoria. The day also featured not one, but two rides! On a kiddy train. I haven't had that kind of treatment in quite a while! It was fun! Anyway, it was lovely to get out of the city and into some very fresh salt air for a change. A great thing to see Christina and Jason's family growing rapidly as well!

Ollie Rankin

Just a quick note to say that I have added a link to Ollie Rankin's weird and wonderful world of "art experiments" on the sidebar under Friend's Websites. Ollie and I met in San Francisco while working for the former ESC Entertainment where we shared a wall partition during the creation of visual effects for "The Matrix: Revolutions." Ollie and I ran into each other again here in London while working at The Moving Picture Company, and we are currently laying seige to the city of Jerusalem in the year 1214 (virtually, of course). Ollie's current non-work project is a plethora of products designed to subliminally make us realise a rather obvious fact: The George W. Bush is full of shit! Three cheers for Ollie Rankin!

Bike Nation

Click here to access Bike Nation, an internet portal promoting "a movement of people and efficient machines churning towards a civilized society." In one way or another my cousins, Brian and Jeremy Cavagnolo, of San Francisco and Berkeley respectively, are at the very least partly responsible, or perhaps crucially responsible for the creation of this portal as a window into their growing community of family and friends who preach a simple moto: If it can be done on a bike, do it on a bike. As a regular bicycle commuter in Vancouver, I have also been a commited member of the two wheeled anti-engine mod squad for quite a while now. There are a lot of reasons I chose to get around on a bike. It is cheap. It is healthy. There is no polution. It is more convienment a lot of the time. It is fun. I adore the thrill of bicycles. And many more. Sure, I own a car, but I try to use it as little as possible. I mostly use it to get my bike somewhere! The point is to try to progress to a more "human scale of living." Whatever you can do towards that, no matter how small and seemingly insignificant, so much the better. I encourage you to check out Bike Nation and get into the lore. Yo! Bike Nation Y'all!

Some Friends' Links Added

Recently I added a few links to the side bar that I hope were not missed:

• French Bob

Actually one of my current room-mates Andre "DD" Brizard. We call him French Bob because DD is the French slang for Andre, like Bob for Robert. DD is from the south of France, a little place called Arles, reknowned for its artists chopping off their ears. Thus far, DD's are intact. But, there's no knowing what this crazy composite artist will get up next.

• Nigel Denton-Howes

Nigel and I know each other from Radical Entertainment in Vancouver where we worked together on the HULK video game. Nigel was responsible for much of the lovely lighting and superb texture painting in that game. Here's wrestling with "The Wild" at C.O.R.E.F.A. in Toronto right now. Nigel is totally self-taught.

• The Black Pepper

Otherwise known as Jean-Paul "Casanova" Rovela, and my other Frenchie room-mate. J-P is a 3D Lighting Technical Director at The Moving Picture Company like me and showed me the ropes when I first arrived to the studio. Thus, the reason why I can understand what he says in his own "je ne sais quoi?" accent while others are constantly left wondering "was that English, French or what!?"

• Matty-Boy Holland

Matt is a bloke I met more or less straight away after arriving to The Moving Picture Company, and we struggled to together on the Whomping Willow sequence in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. As they say in England "there's something of the lad" about ole Matty-boy. He's promised to take me to see some "Footy" before he heads off to seak his fortune in New Zealand. As he is a compositor, he'll putting the final touches on Peter Jackson's King Kong.

• Adam Valdez

Adam was my Visual Effects Supervisor on Alien Versus Predator. Adam and I share a pseudo connection with Spain. We both like living there, for similar reasons, but have both failed miserably to make a living in computer graphics there. Which in turn, is how we ended up at The Moving Picture Company. Oh well, we continue to conspire.

• Jay White

Jay is currently lost in the wilds of the Yukon. No-one knows quite what he's doing up there, but then again, neither does Jay. The son of a former Reform Party MP, he continues to bewilder us with his passion for the off-beat. Oh, yeah, he's heck of an animator too.

• Doug MacKay

Doug and I met working on a little show called Beast Wars Transformers at Mainframe Entertainment circa 1997. Doug is currently trying to break out of the Toronto area animation business on his own. Good luck, dude.

• Neil Bruder

This is Neil's Blog. Neil is a good friend and confidant from my Mainframe days. Neil and I became good friends on a kayak trip in the Broken Group off of Tofino. It had something to do with Neil getting funnier and funnier the more awful honey liquer we consumed around the camp fire. He's had me in stitches ever since. I owe this web log to Neil actually because he was the one who introduced me to the fine art of blogging. He's a leader in the field. If you need an inspiring comic book suggestion, get ahold of Neil. Neil is also a very impressive traveller.

• Geoff Richardson

Geoff is another friend who I first met while attending the Vancouver Film School, but it wasn't until I went to work at Radical that Geoff and I (he started on the same day as me) got a chance to brave the computer graphics unknown together. Geoff is the king of the "I have a plug in solution for that" school of computer graphics. He was my "go to guy" on the Hulk cinematics team in terms of adding that little extra to all our shots in the composite to take them up a notch, and in most cases, several notches. I also owe him for all the ripped off software I have ever used.

Corporate Cows

TRADITIONAL CAPITALISM:

You have two cows.

You sell one and buy a bull.
Your herd multiplies, and the economy grows.
You sell the herd and retire on the income.

AN AMERICAN CORPORATION
You have two cows.
You sell one, and force the other to produce the milk of four cows.
You are surprised when the cow drops dead.

A FRENCH CORPORATION
You have two cows.
You go on strike because you want three cows.

A JAPANESE CORPORATION
You have two cows.
You re-design them so they are one-tenth the size of an ordinary cow and produce twenty times the milk.
You then create irritating cow cartoon images called Cowkimon and market them world-wide at a fantastic profit.

A GERMAN CORPORATION
You have two cows.
You re-engineer them so they live for 100 years, eat once a month, and milk themselves.

AN ENGLISH CORPORATION
You have two cows.
Both are mad.

AN ITALIAN CORPORATION
You have two cows, but you don't know where they are.
You break for lunch.

A RUSSIAN CORPORATION
You have two cows.
You count them and learn you have five cows.
You count them again and learn you have 42 cows.
You count them again and learn you have 12 cows.
You stop counting cows and open another bottle of vodka.

A SWISS CORPORATION
You have 5000 cows, none of which belong to you.
You charge others for storing them.

A HINDU CORPORATION
You have two cows.
You worship them.

A CHINESE CORPORATION
You have two cows.
You have 300 people milking them.
You claim full employment, high bovine productivity, and arrest the newsman who reported the numbers.

A WELSH CORPORATION
You have two cows.
The younger one is rather attractive.

AN AUSTRALIAN CORPORATION
Western suburbs style.... You have 2 stolen bulls but think they are cows.
You die the first time you try and milk them.

AN IRISH CORPORATION
Who cares, The EU Really owns them now and the pub is still serving.

A NEW ZEALAND CORPORATION
You have two cows.
You don't know what they are used for as they aren't sheep.
You shag them anyway.

The Economist Surveys

Click here to access free, downloadable, past surveys in .pdf form from The Economist. These are a great general resource on an amazing range of topics and often the most illuminating part of this weekly, literate, balanced and considered publication focus on world events. "Economy of thought" in the broadest sense.

Megcita esta en Madrid

Meg has left for Madrid. We will see each other in Barcelona in a week or so where we have a full weekend planned! It should be great. We had a hard time finding accommodation, because there is a "feria" going on - a kind of celebration. I am not sure about what though. I guess that may add to the atmosphere. Barcelona has always been a place I have wanted to go, so I am looking forward to it immensely. It will be my first trip to Spain since June. I have really fond memories of our trip to San Sebastian in 2001, during our bicycle trip of France, so I hope "Espana el norte" treats us well again!

The past few weeks since we arrived back in London have been really great. My hours at work have been reasonable, which I am sure will end soon, but it has been great while it has lasted. I was able to head home for lunch and dinner almost all the time, and Meg served up some amazing treats after her many trips to the markets around. We also had some time to just chill out on the couch, which was great because I have to admit to being fairly exhausted after our "holidays!" French Bob introduced Meg to the television series "24" on DVD, and she is now a committed addict! Meg has been speaking French a lot with The Black Pepper and French Bob, so I am sure they have had fun with that. Now only if they could teach me some.

Meggi will be continuing a translation contract she began recently, and begins another round of "clases de Espanol" soon. She has hastily moved back in with Pedro in Vallecas due to the fact that her flat-share situation in Cuatro Caminos dissolved when Maria secured employment in the south of Spain. I am actually really glad she is back with Pedro, and I hope that she has some more great family bonding experiences. We may be headed back to North America soon, so it is a great opportunity, for her and Pedro to continue their friendship.

Geek-O-Matic

Check out this delightfully geeky comparison of Star Wars before digital enhancements, and after digital enhancements. Pretty cool! Even though I am in the business, so to speak, it is still fun to see the fans figuring out all these changes. Lucas is a mad nutter indeed. He'll be working on Star Wars until he dies. And when he dies it will be because of Star Wars!

Beer is good for you! Honest...

I found this article kind of interesting. Nothing new about the effects of a glass or two of red wine a day, but great news for all those frothy quaffers out there! The key thing being that one or two pints of the amber nectar of the gods is "bueno por la salud!" but anymore than that (are you listening England?) is well, just plain old silly isn't it?

Sarah Schmidt
CanWest News Service

Wednesday, September 15, 2004

OTTAWA - Drinking a daily pint of beer brings the same health benefits as a glass of red wine, a new study has found.

Researchers at the University of Western Ontario have found one drink of beer or wine provides equivalent increases in plasma antioxidant activity. This helps prevent the oxidization of blood plasma that triggers diseases such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes and cataracts.

"We were very surprised one drink of beer or stout contributed an equal amount of antioxidant benefit as wine, especially since red wine contains about 20 times the amount of polyphenols as beer," said biochemist John Trevithick, one of the study's lead researchers.

Polyphenols, the compounds in plants that help prevent ultraviolet damage from the sun and make the plant cell wall strong, are believed to have antioxidant benefits when consumed by the human body. And even though red wine contains more polyphenols than beer, the study found that the body absorbs about equally effective amounts from beer and wine.

Mr. Trevithick added, however, that the health benefit becomes a liability at three beers, when the negative effects of alcohol cancel out the positive effects of antioxidant activity because the blood becomes pro-oxidant.

This phenomenon is known as "hormesis" -- small doses of a toxic substance can have beneficial effects while a large amount is harmful.

"You'd think that if one drink is good, three drinks would be better, but with a low dosage, you get a protective effect. A high dosage doesn't have that protective effect," said Mr. Trevithick.

Despite the positive findings, another recent study has warned of the link between gout and the moderate consumption of beer or liquor. The team of researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston reported the affliction increases in risk with every pint of beer or shot of liquor.

Specifically, they found that two or more beers a day more than doubles the risk of gout, a painful type of arthritis mostly affecting the feet, ankles, hands, wrists or elbows.

Mr. Trevithick said this new study should direct beer drinkers to drink in moderation and avoid binge drinking. "One drink a day is not bad. Maybe two is OK."

James Pratt of Ottawa is thrilled with the findings of the new study. The 28-year-old never liked the taste of wine and always stuck to beer, despite repeatedly hearing of the health benefits of a daily glass of red wine. "It's a relief. Now I can have a pint of Guinness at the end of the long day and not feel guilty about it," he said.

The findings will be published in an upcoming edition of the journal Nonlinearity in Biology, Toxicology and Medicine, published by the Association for Environmental Health and Sciences.

The Borough Market

Meg and I went for a great city walk over the weekend. Claus and Michelle had told me about how nice the Borough Market was to shop for groceries on the weekends, so Meg and I set off to find it. We headed south east from the flat, through Holborn area, more just to take a look at Saint Paul's Cathedral than anything, and then down to walk along the Thames. It was a lovely day, with a big broken-cloud classic English sky and a brisk wind blowing. We were treated to some great views of the The Tower of London, and The Tower Bridge and the river, where there was a "fixed seat" rowing regatta on that seemed to have several hundred boats entered. It was incredible to see how those older types of boats without the sliding seat, and much larger hulls, are just made superbly for the tideway conditions. Conditions which could best be described as "survival rowing." The market itself is situated on the south side of London Bridge Mainline Station, just across the river. There is a nice short history of the market here. There is pretty much everything you could want, and especially delightful "munch while you shop" treats - burgers, cakes, pizzas, you name it. We enjoyed fresh Olde English Cyder, and a ciabatta with organic wild boar sausage, fried onions and rocket that nearly blew my mind. Walking back along the "Thames Walk" which huggs the shoreline on the north side, we were very pleased with our little journey and our absolutely stuffed back pack full of all sorts of market goodies. Bring on the dinner! We vowed to try to make the 2 hour round trip as frequently as possible when Meg visits this fall. Markets we have come to realise are one of our great shared passions!

We're Still Free... Sort of...

An interesting article on the differences that exist between ties to the United States economically and the lack of similarity in social programming and attitudes. Give it a go! it is interesting to note particularly for those interested in the debate over what separates Canadians from Americans.

Canada still autonomous despite U.S. links

Jacqueline Thorpe
Financial Post

September 8, 2004

Canada may be more closely tied to the U.S. economy than ever but there is little evidence it has lost any of its political, social or fiscal independence, a study released yesterday by a Wall Street financial institution concludes.

The bilateral trading arrangement between Canada and the United States -- the world's largest -- could in fact be held up as a model for globalization, New York-based rating agency Standard & Poor's Inc. says.

"The relationship between the U.S. and Canada offers an insight into the nature of globalization," Joydeep Mukherji, an S&P analyst, said in a 20-page report. "It indicates that good economic management and strong public institutions allow smaller countries to retain considerable autonomy in designing policies while enjoying the prosperity that comes from integrating with the outside world."

Mr. Mukherji said the key to Canada having held its own against an economy 10 times its size was its drive 10 years ago to get its fiscal house in order, a policy Mexico would be wise to note.

"The point is if you don't get your house in order and you have a rich neighbour and you try to achieve prosperity by latching onto that rich neighbour ... then you have to conform more to what the other guy does," Mr. Mukherji said in an interview.

Trade between Canada and the United States has exploded since the introduction of the North American Free Trade Agreement. The average flow of goods and services across the Canada-U.S. border exceeds US$1.2-billion a day, having soared by more than 50% between 1994 and 2001. Canada's exports to the United States have risen to 80% of total Canadian exports from 71% in 1990, while imports rose to 72% from 68%.

S&P also notes: Canada buys more U.S. goods than the rest of the Western hemisphere combined; U.S.-owned firms employ more than one million Canadians and produce about 10% of Canada's GDP; and the average import content of Canadian exports is 33%, compared with 27% in 1990.

The list goes on but despite this increasing economic symbiosis, Canada has maintained distinctive policies toward education, health and social welfare. "Not only are they separate ... but I don't see any convergence," Mr. Mukherji said.

For example, despite several exhaustive reviews during the past few years Canada has maintained its commitment to public health care; 70% of health-care spending comes from the government, compared with 45% in the United States. Studies have advocated even more public funding.

A political commitment to contain social disparity can also be seen in Canada's system of interregional transfers, which distributes tax revenue from richer to poorer provinces. According to the International Monetary Fund, this has resulted in a greater convergence in real per capita disposable income across provinces than their level of output. The United States has no such system.

Income distribution is also less skewed toward the wealthy in Canada than the United States. The richest 10% of the population have a 24% share of total national income, compared with 30% in the United States. The percentage of elderly people with an income below half the median level of disposable income is just 2.5% in Canada, compared with 20.3% in the United States.

Canada is more in line with European than U.S. attitudes on other social issues: church attendance has fallen in Canada since the 1950s but remained at a higher level in the United States, and a survey found 82% of Canadians believed the government should protect the environment even it it slows economic growth, compared with 69% in the United States.

Maude Barlow, chairwoman of the Council of Canadians, which describes itself as a citizens' watchdog and has long opposed free trade, agrees Canadians have maintained separate social values but they are being undermined by government policies. "I think they [S&P] are far too optimistic in their description of this strong social safety net," Ms. Barlow said. "Tons of studies show the growing gap between rich and poor in Canada ... we've had a strong rise in child poverty since 1989, which just happens to be the year we signed the first free trade agreement."

Back to The Big Smoke

Just like that! We are back to London. Meg and I have arrived safe and sound for another "tour of duty" in Europe. Our holidays were very busy in hindsight, however, and we are both feeling the effects of our schedule and all of the travel we did while on holidays. I guess for this reason the jet-lag and general fatigue has been more noticeable this time around. We have both been exhausted, spontaneously waking up at 4 a.m. and staring at the walls (and each other). Hopefully regular hours and some excercise will solve all our problems.

Coming back to London feels a bit weird. It is not home, but it feels somehow familiar now having spent the past several months living and working in central London. I am also reminded of all the expense and limitations of living in a big city. I wonder if Meg will feel the same when she is off to Madrid in late September? I have to admit the constant busy hum of the city was very present last night as we tried to fall off to sleep. I found myself yearning for the relative tranquility of our neighbourhood in Vancouver, or better yet, absolutely soft silence of "Chez Wain" in Deep Cove, Saanich. The most resounding thing to me on returning for some time to Vancouver was the ease which people are able to do things. The routine, in other words. On a lot of levels Vancouver has both the pleasures of a city and a bit of small town feel that is really endearing. Oh yeah, and if we're lucky and support them, some of the best independent cafes I have ever been to including Europe!!! Ciao Liberty Bakery! Ciao Calabria Caffe!

On the other hand I am quite pleased to be back. I have a great project to work on (Kingdom of Heaven, who would have thought I would be returning to work on a Ridley Scott film?), Meg and I have some interesting travel plans for the fall (Barcelona, Santiago de Compostela, possibly Italy), and we don't have any hassles of moving into or finding accommodations. Relatively speaking, we are well set up to enjoy a fall of living, working, and traveling in Europe.

Lovely Holidays and Thanks Everyone!

A big warm thanks to everyone who contributed in any way to Meg and I enjoying our time in Canada so much, because we really had a blast! Our holidays were outstanding, and we enjoyed every second of them, especially seeing all the family, and getting back in touch with the vibe in Vancouver. Such simple things were so enjoyable. For example, taking an afternoon cafe, or going for lunch, running the Stanley Park Seawall, heading to the Granville Island Public Market to pick up some choice ingredients for one of many gorgeous meals we enjoyed. One morning we had a breakfast picnic at Kitsilano Beach on the lovely public lawn there, and then headed into the Kits Pool for a dip. Sitting in the sun after a good test of the lungs in the pool was a real delight. Rekindling my love affair with Burnaby Mountain on my Rocky Mountain was a shear bliss as well. The trails were in as good a shape as I have seen them! It was also a delight to see how all the young families were progressing. Dawn and Ben looked more than happy about Isaac's abilities to charm the ladies and consume copious cantelope. Mike and Christine seemed just thrilled by the arrival of new house and "home" as a result of the little tiger Liam now taking up residence there. Lucy and Paul with a new addition as well, though in the form of "just a house" for now, they say. We look forward very much to the next time we see you all!

Video Game Makers Go Hollywood. Uh-Oh.

The interesting thing to me about the following article, from The New York Times, is how quickly this "conversion of the games industry" to the Hollywood model has happened. Secondly, how durable the film production model is for producing "entertainment content." The same struggles for good independant content that typifies the film business today will now be a fixture in the video game industry. Whatever happened to the game industry transforming the way films, or entertainment in general, gets made!

Video Game Makers Go Hollywood. Uh-Oh.
By EVELYN NUSSENBAUM

Published: August 22, 2004

OVIE producers are often criticized for running at the sight of original ideas, preferring instead to milk plays, books, news events, toys and even video games for their screenplays. Now the video game industry is returning the favor, and then some. Seeking to establish the medium as a mass market form of entertainment instead of a niche technology, the game industry has taken the playbook of the movie business.

The results have been movie-based games, Hollywood-quality special effects, professionally composed soundtracks, celebrity voices - and even Hollywood-style economic problems, including ballooning budgets and a greater reliance on monster hits.

"The entire industry is looking more and more like filmed entertainment," said Edward S. Williams, who follows video game makers for Harris Nesbitt, the investment banking firm. "Soon a handful of hits will drive the entire industry."

Video game executives say they have no choice if they want to make their $11 billion industry as mainstream as the movie business. Whether they can achieve that goal remains to be seen, but their embrace of Hollywood-style production values has already made it much harder to turn profits.

Game publishers have always been subject to a nerve-wracking business cycle, which forces them to essentially reinvent their software every five years. That's roughly how often Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo introduce new consoles, which require new software formats and render most older games obsolete.

Bigger budgets and more complicated effects have made the process even dicier. The movie industry's rule of thumb is that just 2 out of 10 movies make a profit. Video game executives say their industry now has about the same batting average. A game that costs $10 million to produce - the industry average - and another $10 million to market has to sell a lot more units to make money than games made in the late 1990's, when the average production budget was closer to $3 million.

The numbers can go much higher for some new games. Atari spent $20 million on its "Enter the Matrix" game last year, an amount that is about one-third the average cost of a feature film.

As a result of the changes, game publishers are less willing to take creative chances, people in the industry say. They make fewer games and rely more on movie tie-ins and what they consider sure-fire sequels. But the smaller number of bets can make publishers walk the kind of financial high-wire that has long been part of the hit-driven movie business. At Activision, 40 percent of publishing revenue last year came from two sets of games, "Tony Hawk's Underground" and "True Crime: Streets of L.A."

At first glance, the Hollywood-style strategy has paid off, because the video game industry is still expanding. The number of video game players is growing, in the United States and abroad, and adults as well as teenagers are playing the games. Sales of game software for the Big Three consoles - the PlayStation from Sony, the Xbox from Microsoft and the GameCube from Nintendo - rose 4 percent in the first half of 2004, versus a year earlier, according to the NPD Group, a marketing consulting firm. "We had a 35 percent return on invested capital last year," said Robert Kotick, chairman and chief executive of Activision, the No. 2 game publisher. "You won't find a movie studio that comes close to that.''

But industry numbers have masked what looks like the beginning of a shakeout. While big competitors like Electronic Arts, Activision and THQ become bigger, some smaller rivals are flailing. Midway Games, which had huge hits in its "Mortal Kombat" and "SpyHunter" games, has had 18 consecutive quarters of losses. Acclaim Entertainment, maker of "Shadow Man," just staved off a bankruptcy filing. And Eidos, the British maker of the "Lara Croft Tomb Raider" series, just put itself up for sale.

Finding a way to hedge risks won't be easy for the video game business. While movie studios have a reputation for profligate spending, they have always had a cushion the video game business lacks - ancillary revenue. Home video rentals, DVD sales, broadcast rights for television, toy spinoffs and licensed video games all help movies that bomb at the box office eventually make profits.

And movies can generate profits for years: "Finding Nemo," the hit animated film that first appeared in theaters two years ago, is still making money for Pixar.

Video game makers, by contrast, have traditionally had one window for making money: the first three to six months after their products hit the shelves. If they don't sell fast enough during that period, retailers mark them down from, say, $50 to as little as $19. "We're in the land of legitimate entertainment, rivaling the movie box office now," said Steve Allison, the chief marketing officer for Midway Games. "But we're a little crippled when it comes to the secondary opportunities the movies have."

To combat the problem, publishers are - again, in Hollywood fashion - scrambling to develop secondary revenue streams. One is online games: selling subscriptions to play on the Internet, often against other players. Another is advertising: the industry's biggest company, Electronic Arts, for example, has a small but aggressive advertising team that calls on Fortune 500 companies, pitching in-game advertising as an alternative to television commercials. Clients include Burger King, Dodge and Procter & Gamble. Activision is working with the Nielsen ratings company to develop an advertising rate card like that used in television.

At Microsoft, the company's Xbox game division is planning a marketing juggernaut modeled after a "Star Wars" movie release for its "Halo 2" game. Selling the $54 CD is just the start. There is also a $5.99 monthly fee to play in "Halo 2" tournaments online; action figures for $14.99; a DVD with movie ads and a guide to playing the game for $19.99; and three novels based on the game. A soundtrack CD is due in November.

At Midway Games, developers are trying to turn the movie license game on its head, creating games that movie studios might like to buy from them. Mr. Allison, the chief marketing officer, calls them "movieable franchises" and says his company is in talks on three or four projects.

VIDEO game executives tend to be cautious about these initiatives, and with good reason. At Electronic Arts, which probably has the most sophisticated divisions for generating new revenue, subscription-based Web sites contributed just $50 million of its $3 billion in revenue last year. Advertising, licensing and programming revenue came to $33 million.

Chip Lange, vice president of EA Online, said his company was not trying to "milk every source of revenue." He said it was just as important that Electronic Arts not be caught flat-footed if a smaller rival got the jump on a new technology or business model.

That makes sense, because Electronic Arts is big. Last year, 27 of its games went platinum, meaning that they sold a million copies; no other publisher came close. Electronic Arts wants to keep its edge, particularly if the industry is headed for a consolidation that leaves just five or six survivors.

Some people in the business think that the industry's consolidation will go beyond the pattern of big publishers devouring the little ones. Entertainment conglomerates have begun eyeing the video game industry again. Warner Brothers, part of Time Warner, recently bought the game developer Monolith Productions. Viacom's chairman, Sumner M. Redstone, has a controlling interest in Midway.

Alternatively, a cash-rich publisher may decide to add a movie studio to its portfolio.

The right combination, of course, would capture the best of both worlds, cushioning a hit machine with a safety net.

Selma and Graham Get Married

Well, at long last, the lovely Selma Ferhatbegovic and charming Graham Craft are married. Their civil ceremony took place yesterday in Ottawa, at the home of friends Lida and Jacque, and was followed by a reception at a lovely restaurant in The Market district of downtown Ottawa. Selma was gorgeous and full of emotion in her stunning dress (how could she not be?), made in Spain, and chosen this past year with help from Meg. Graham was very handsome, with a flashy red tie, and they both faired very well in the ceremony. The ceremony included speeches in English, and Bosnian, which was very special, considering the circumstances of the war in the former Yugoslavia, and the Ferhatbegovic family's escape to Canada. At dinner, there were some great speeches, of course, and an exceptional master of ceremonies in Selma's brother in law Roger (who is married to Selma's eldest sister Amina). Meggi dug deep to find the nerve to say a few words, something she is not so comfortable doing, and everyone was very appreciative of her kind and very funny words for her "otra media naranja!" Meg and I are so happy to see Selam and Graham together and starting out as a married couple in what I am sure will be incredibly memorable and thrilling circumstances: two years in Guatamala. We wish them great health, the best of luck and much love. They have been spectacular friends to us, and I am sure our relationship with continue to grow and grow, especially when they return together to Portland!!!

The National Gallery of Canada

For me, a trip to Ottawa could never be complete without a trip to the National Gallery of Canada. Situated as it is, on a bluff adjacent to Parliament and overlooking the Ottawa river, it is a picturesque and inviting building whose modern architectural surfaces of reflective steel and glass bathe its interior with gorgeous natural light. This trip featured to special exhibitions, and unfortunately not enough time for the permanent collection. The first special exhibit was a display of French drawings spanning four centuries. Mostly preliminary sketches and preparatory work, the drawings really gave you a visceral feel for what lay underneath, the structure and foundation of many artist's work. I think that the simplicity of a drawing often leads to a more direct appreciation of the artistry, especially when it captures a look, or gesture that seems raw, or unaffected by the often "finished" nature of the subsequent painting. Delacroix's gestural cartoons for his larger work were very telling in this manner. The second special exhibit was a broad and inclusive collection of images, contexts, and theories of clowns, fools, and freaks throughout the history of art. Ranging from medieval depictions of classic "town idiot" entertainers, to more modern conceptions of art as performance. I much prefered the depictions of clowns as reflections of society's fears, illusions, or phobias as opposed to the more leud, intentionally self-agrandising and pretentious shock-factor shenanigans of some of todays performance based art. They seem to illuminate more of what is really going on in people's minds as to why the clown is such an enduring creation, a necessary character in our society. The broad nature of the work was a bit daunting at times, but the truly great works, really shone through and I enjoyed it immensely.

The Nation's Capital

Meg, Meg's mom Jennifer, and I traveled together to Ottawa today. We are here principally to celebrate with Meg's great friend Selma Ferhatbegovic at her wedding! But, also to celebrate this year as Grannie Blakely's 95th! What an achievement. I am also hoping to see Canada's National Gallery and the Museum of Civilization. Both great places to spend a few hours. I think we may also have a chance to play golf with the Blakely's (Jennifer's side of the family) which would be fun. The last time we were in Ottawa was early in 2003 when we were chasing up issues relating to Meg's Spanish citizenship. Selma was here and we had a great time together, so I expect no less this time as well! I am looking forward to the festivities.

Walshman Gets Head in Cambridge

The Rob Roy crew I rowed with this past week managed to win the Cambridge Town Bumps. Thus, retaining for the Rob Roy Rowing Club the coveted title of "Head of the River" that the club has held for several years running now. After a very sharp warm-up, we stormed out of the start rowing as well as we had at anytime all week, and remained well above 40 strokes per minute for the first series of turns, before settling into a fairly stompy rhythm for the body of the race stroking about a 35. We raised the tempo for the final few meters "just for kicks" and saw the competition fade into obscurity. It was a lovely tranquil evening on the Cam, in nice weather and that made for a very enjoyable event to say the least. Especially the start, which features a cork-screwing, crazy set of narrow turns (thankfully allowing the Walshman to take a few light ones before the big push on the Reach!) that are usually lined by spectators hoping to catch sight of a dramatic "bump" or two. It was a real blast to see all the folks out on the river Cam to celebrate the last day of the Bumps in boating parties, BBQs, etc. A really great "social rowing" event.

The crew to be added to the 116 year old trophy for the race is as follows:

Tom Johnstone
Guy Blanchard
Greg "Ball Pin" Scherkoske
Simon "Sledge" Goodbrand
Ed "The House of" Pain
Shawn "Luggage" Walsh
Alex Hamilton
James Silk

Incidentally, the following shell on Friday night included two members of the current Cambridge Blue Boat. As in, the one that defeated Oxford, in this year's Oxford Cambridge Boat Race in March. A tidy victory it was then, indeed! A big thanks to Greg for getting my fat ass out of my chair at work enough times to actually enjoy the event! Here's some photos!

The Cambridge Town Bumps Regatta

Well, this week has featured a once per afternoon journey to up to Cambridge at rush hour in order to join in with the Rob Roy Rowing Club bid to retain the Championships of the Cambridge Town Bumps Regatta - aptedly titled "Head of the River." This is undoubtably the oddest rowing event in which I have ever taken part. The format goes something like this. There are five flights of 16 rowing crews. Crews are seated (1-80) based on the previous year's final results. Each crew races once a day each day of the week - the fifth flight first to the first flight last. The race itself is structured along traditional lines whereby all 16 crews of a flight are lined up in single file (a la "head racing") equidistant over the first few hundred meters of the 2700 meter course on the River Cam. They all have a length and one half separating them, aside from the lead shell which is only given a length (due to the fact that they are rowing in clean water for the whole event). A canon announces the start (actually three canon blasts - at the 4 minutes to go, and one minute to go, and start) and the crews race to attempt to overcome the crew in front of them. They can do this in one of two ways. They can attempt to gain one full length into the preceeding boat, judged by a marshall on the bank (and often disputed!) who then instructs the crews that such an overlap has occured, or better, physically touch on shell's nose to the other's tail (thus, effectively saving a half length of space). Once either of these events has been achieved the crews traditionally pull to one side to allow the following crews to pass. The "over-bump" is also a rare occurane when a particularly fast crew elects to row past the preceeding crew and bump the next inline! The crew that "has been bumped" begins the following day one position further down in the rankings, and everyone does it all over again! If the first ranked crew retains their position on the last day, they win. It is a unique event not only for the way it is carried out, but also for the reasons that it includes only Cambridge based crews (each crew is allowed one guest), and also for the fact that the spectrum of rowers includes everyone from full time training athletes, to former internationals turned sometimes rowers, to total hacks who train only a few weeks for only this event. There is a fiesta on friday that is said to rival all rowing parties held anywhere at any time. We'll see!

Our Weekend in Paris

In my experience, I would hazard to say, that if I only had one weekend to spend in Europe, it would have to be spent in Paris. Despite my lack of French speaking ability (an embarrassing admission being a Canadian citizen: je comprends un peu le Francais, mais je le parle tres mal!), the liberal deposits left on nearly every sidewalk by the city's fashionable four legged friends, the expense of everything (I mean everything!), the congestion, the ridiculously misinformed and arrogant smokers, etc. Paris and its true inhabitants, seem to be able to manage a kind of elegance that is always immensely attractive. There is an attitude in most places you go that says "well, it may cost you more, but it is certainly worth it, isn't it?!" Often times I find myself agreeing. That being said, it is still possible to enjoy Paris as I first did with Bradshaw - on a cheap baguette and cheese budget with the night spent in a grotty pension! Thankfully, those days are behind me now though. The Parisians flaunt the city's wealth of culture on their sleeve, as though it is their own possession, and they are immensely social animals, always out, always taking a drink, or meeting someone to chat and people watch. They are unwilling to have Paris be anything but "for Parisians" even though it is often inundated with tourists as it was this weekend. You can never truly experience Paris without complete submission to doing as the Parisians do - virtually nothing for breakfast, several stops for "un petit cafe" throughout the day, a leisurely lunch usually taking just a salad, and a long, long time for dinner. Now that I have visited Paris several times, it has lost a bit of its original stunning capacity, and also having worked with several people who have made their existence in Paris and have thus related to me its pit-falls, I have gained a more balanced view, but I don't think it will ever lose its essential charms.

Friday night featured our late arrival to Paris via Eurostar (which is amazing and so easy to take from London Waterloo), and our hurried check-in to the Hotel Cluny Sorbonne. We dashed out to find a bar/brasserie that Greg Scherkoske had recommended to us not far from our hotel called L'Academie de la Biere. We had a lovely twilight walk to find it near Port Royal metro station. The bar was really cool, with a big terrace, lots of folks out in big groups chatting and drinking. Meg and I dined on a couple of French classics "salad de chevre chaud" and "moules et frites" while trying a few different Belgian beers served in their appropriately specific glasses. The "blond" that Megcita polished off was exceptional! We finished the night by walking back to the Seine to take in a view of Notre Dame on a warm night, had a late night cafe and tea on a little plaza near the hotel.

Saturday we rose late having had a great sleep, and walked through Jardin du Luxembourg to the Musee D'Orsay. We missed out on this one last time around due to large crowds, evil line-ups, and not enough time! Well, this time the complete opposite. We showed up late morning and walked right into one of the loveliest buildings ever to house a work of art. Filling in the gap between the contemporary art scene and the vast Louvre collection of old masters the Musee D'Orsay is a very popular spot and is very accessible to a broad cross section of people. The building itself is incredible. I could go on in volumes about the excellent way the building allows people to move through it creating amazing little opportunities for artistic discovery around the many corners. Such a vasy space, such overwhelming light, and such intimate experiences with the art works. "How do we fill those amazing old archways of the original train station while keeping the sense of air and light?" must have been the original artistic question. Well, now we know! We had lunch in the Boulevard St. Germain area, near to Eglise Saint Sulpice, and had a good long walk around as we "window shopped" and what an amazing neighborhood for it! So many shops and galleries, it is mind boggling at times! For dinner, we decided to change the scenery a bit and headed to a recommended brasserie in Le Marais called "Les Philosophes." Dinner was excellent for a mid level Paris brasserie - my pave de boeuf was exceptional (I must learn how to make a simple beef gravy like they make in Paris!) and we had a very good tomato tarte tatin as a starter. We chatted the entire time "en Espanole" and found that whenever we did that, miraculously, the wait-staff treated us so much better! I wonder why...

Sunday we again slept in before heading out on a bit of a jaunt to see the Eiffel Tower and the stunning dome of the Ecole Militare. Paris is such a lovely city to see by foot that even though it may take a bit more time, I simply can't resist walking to get around. The Eiffel Tower is especially impressive up close where you can really get a sense of the craftsmanship and design of the building. All that iron is magnificent! The great arching legs that support it are a truly unique signature structure of the city. Following our walk we met up with Jean-Paul's friend Marie in Le Marais (the same Marie who had been staying with us in the flat in London) and we had a classic cheap lunch and chat in Le Marais. Salad and cafe, a French institution! Following that, a whole lot walking around in Le Marais! What an incredible location to spend the afternoon brousing and taking in the sites of the city. We crossed the Place de Vosges which is always a favourite place to see for me. A little last minute rusing around for something to eat and we were off again to London!

It's Baby Liam Everybody!

Great news from Mike and Christine! It seems that the little dude was so brimming with enthusiasm and just couldn't wait to see what's up with all this life stuff that everyone seems to be taking part in these days! What's the deal? Why is everyone doing it? How can I get involved? What are the entrepreneurial avenues open to me? So the crazy little guy decided to make an early appearance and crash the party! Here's the news from the old horse's mouth: "Well the little tiger couldn't be bothered with waiting til the due date or for Mom and Dad to finish up the renovations - Liam arrived on very short notice two hours after Christine's water broke, which happened unexpectedly in bed at 3:50AM. Christine skipped through all that labour and contraction stuff except on a speedy ride to BC Women's Hospital and she delivered a beautiful baby boy within 20 minutes of arrival. 5lbs 13 oz Horray!"

In Paris for the Weekend

Megcita and I have our second wedding anniversary coming up on the 20th so I thought I would surprise Her with a little romantic getaway to Paris! Originally, I was thinking it would be nice to head somewhere in Italy, since we have not been there, but having spent a lot time flying to and from Madrid this year, and only having the two days of the weekend to spare because of our upcoming holidays in August, and Paris being so easy to get to from here, I thought "what better place in Europe to go when you only have two days!" So we're off! We are staying at the same Hotel Cluny Sorbonne we stayed at when we began our bicycle tour summer 2001, and hopefully this time we will have the opportunity for Meg to see the Musee D'Orsay and the Eiffel Tower which she missed during our last time in Paris. Also, thanks to the helping hands of some of the French nationals at The Moving Picture Company, we have some great restaurant suggestions! So it looks to be a fabulous time in one of the jewels on the world.

More on Fahrenheit 9/11

Last night, my first reaction to seeing Michael Moore's polemical filmic assault on the morons currently "running the world from the Oval Office" was that I couldn't believe this film has been made and is showing all across America! What a tribute to expression and free speech! What am amazing example of how there is a voice of dissent in America, that the image presented by the Bush administration is in fact a malevolent distorted picture of the America I would like to see as my neighbour. That is it not America itself that is the problem plaguing the world these days, but the corruption, greed, and determined evil opportunism of those in power.

My second reaction was that if even half of all this is to be taken at face value, all of this behaviour by the Bush administration is so obvious, so blatant, why can't we do something about it? Why can't we just make simple choices in life to prohibit these kinds of people from taking such control over so many people lives. Then, a horrible sinking feeling set in... the realisation that in fact, for the average Joe, not a lot can be done about it. There are people all over the globe who are willing to bring an incredible amount of harm on unwitting civilians regardless of their place of origin.

The one thing I noticed was how little criticism there is in the film directed at Tony Blair and the Brits who so eagerly "went along with the American agenda." Perhaps there are some good reasons for this, as Bill Clinton pointed out during interview here. He really had little option. Also, I am sure that he felt the majority of the people he is trying to reach would be saying to themselves "who is this Tony Blair guy again" and that would be a distraction after all.

Megcita esta en Londres

Just a quick note to say that Meggi has arrived safe and sound in London! She came in from Madrid after midnight last night and I met her in Victoria Station. She seems great and looking forward to three weeks together before heading back to Vancouver (via Madrid) in early August. We have settled into our little room at the flat and are getting used to "sharing" again! (har, har) We had lunch together for the first time in weeks and it was great! We are hoping to plan a few little trips around southern England over the next few weekends. Not sure where just yet, but Bath and Brighton day trips have come up.

Le Tour de France 2004 Begins!

Ooooh... something I have been excited about all year is to be in Europe to see all the great coverage of the Tour de France. Cycling everywhere for three weeks! If Lance Armstrong is to win this year, he will go into the record books all alone. no one has ever won six tours, let alone in a row! I can barely contain my youthful enthusiasm as a prepare to watch some of the toughest athletes try to do the impossible: win the tour. Meg and I may try to scoot over there to see Stage 7 and 8 next weekend near St. Brieuc in Bretagne. Here's a link to some good internet coverage: link

Close But No Cigar

Over the past few weeks, I have been attempting to qualify a four without coxswain for the Henley Royal Regatta, which begins next week on Wednesday! Yesterday was the official qualifying race on the Henley course, and although the row itself was a very enjoyable experience, we failed to qualify. The Visitor's Four Event (a senior, elite, or open event depending on your place of origin) has 16 crews allotted. 10 of which are seated by committee based on previous results and current standings. 6 of which are up for grabs on qualifying day. There were 20 crews entered in the qualifying race. We beat all but six. And thus, we were the fastest "non-qualifiers." Yet another blight on my long, but non-illustrious rowing career. No matter, as we would have likely been soundly trounced on opening day of the regatta by a top seated international crew anyway.

Realistically, it was a very good performance all things considered. We literally never practiced together. We only raced at Marlow last weekend, and thus, certified ourselves exactly as a true "scratch crew." Not to mention the fact that all six crews that beat us really should have as they were "competitive" and largely comprised of "full time" oarsmen - not a bunch of jokers with full time jobs like us sods. Add to that Greg having just raced an hour previous in the qualifying race for the Diamonds Sculls (Men's Open Single - finishing in the same spot!) and you get the picture.

First of the non-qualifiers Greg was twice! This lead him to humorously reflect that he was "the William Macy of British Rowing." As Greg eventually put it: "It is a testament to our pedigry that we were able to finish at the top of this heap of wankers."

Henley was gorgeous. I am definitely going to head up to take in the Regatta next weekend. The weather was beautiful, the atmosphere rich, and the countryside and town enchanting. A true slice of English pomp and mystery. It is worth it just for the ambiance itself. I truly regret never having raced there in my prime.

Bebo, Chucho, and El Cigala in Concert at the Barbican Centre

Meg and I have been "crazy-whacko-nuts" excited to see this concert for some time now, and we were not disappointed in the slightest! Bebo and Chucho Valdes (father and son) began the concert with some introductory piano duets that really set the tone for the concert. Warm and frolicking in the Cuban rhythms, they seemed completely immersed and passionate about the music, but somehow completely at ease and having so much fun together! Bebo was incredible. 84 years old, an elder statesman of the Cuban music scene, and strangely enough a resident of Sweden since 1960 when he "escaped Cuba." He strode on stage wearing a sharp suit and carrying with him an old leather case from which he produced his sheet music. He remained "all business" for the remainder of the evening hardly paused to accept applause before diving into the next number. Chucho followed his Dad's lead, and let him hold the spot light all night, but was so much more than a support man pounding out some outstanding rhythms. The torch has definately not been dropped between these two! Diego "El Cigala" was in incredible command of his vocal power all evening. Clearly enjoying himslef immensely, his voice was rich and varied and easily filled the auditorium with incredible warmth and vitality. Many times people rose in applause mid-song to cheer him on. It is always an incredible thing to see someone relate the pathos of Flamenco so eloquently, with such an entertaining presence, and that in a nutshell is what "Lagrimas Negras" is all about. Rising above heart wrenching emotional pain through song.

What made the day extra special, however, was that we spent the whole afternoon and evening with Spanish friends in London who also knew of "Lagrimas Negras." Ellie Faustino, who I work with at MPC, and her boyfriend Jordi Bares (both from Barcelona) invited Meg and I, along with some friends of theirs for "la comida espanola" prior to the concert. Since the weather was quite poor, raining most of the day in fact, it was really lovely to just sit inside at someone's flat and chat over a long lunch. I can't remember the last time that happened! Two paellas, una grande empanada (made by Pablo Tufaro my friend from Argentina, and Noe his girlfriend from Madrid), ensalada con tomate y bonito, tostadas de aceite de oliva y al ajillo, mucho vino tinto y mas!!! It was really a fantastic meal ingreat company. At the end of the meal Jordi produced a bottle of Spanish "moonshine" made by hand by his family. A kind of Grappa in fact. It was incredible, and gave us the perfect fuel for the fire to carry us on to the concert! After the concert we enjoyed a pint at a pub a short walk from the Barbican where we recounted the evening and talked on and on... in Spanish! I really couldn't keep up, but Meg was a star! Muchisimas gracias a todos! It was really lovely day.

The Marlow Regatta 2004

Amazingly enough to all those involved, I survived the heat and repechage in a coxless four within three hours of each other on Saturday at the Marlow Regatta. Given my less than committed to non-existent training regimen these days, it should be considered an astounding achievement that I was not air lifted by helicopter from the finish line having suffered a massive coronary. Greg Scherkoske and I were teamed up with a couple of fine lads from Worcester Rowing Club who were also doubling up in a pair (resulting in a minimum of four races!). We finished third in our heat, thus getting a birth into the repechage, and once there got totally doored. So we finished 9th overall, of perhaps 16 crews, and faced off against the top coxless fours in the country. To relate an idea of the level of the competition, a University of London Boat Club four featuring retired multi-medal winning oarsman Tim "Rock Star" Foster failed to make the final straight away, and then came second in the repechage, and finished fifth in the final! We rowed a 6:35 in the heat, and a 6:29 in the repechage. The winning time in the final, rowed by Oxford Brookes University, was 6:05. They were smokin' and posted a 6:00 in the heat.

The morning began eventfully enough by running the gauntlet out to Windsor and Eton Central station on the tube and train, only to find I had to catch a cab to the course! Twelve quid later, I must have caught the oldest, slowest, but most gentlemanly cabby out there. He hilariously drove me on a "quick route through the back country" that he assured me offered the fastest time to the race course. The route also afforded him the chance to recount to a captive audience some portion of his 44 year history in Eton! Including the night it was bombed "by Gerry." Eton is really pretty, little shops, the river running through, and a lovely market area, though I didn't really have a lot of time to look around. I am definately going to head back out there at some stage to see the castle. I really only glanced at it while running around finding the cab.

Megalicious in London for the Weekend

Well, at long last, Meg and I will be together in London for a weekend! She finally had the opportunity to get away from Madrid for a few days, and seeing as I remain a "studio slave" for the next few weeks finishing up Lighting Technical Director work on Alien Versus Predator, she has booked a flight to come up to The Big Smoke. However, I think she may be the victim of some "weather revenge" for the last trip to Madrid (with Andrea in May) when it poured non-stop for four days, because the lovely early summer weather we have been enjoying in London of late is supposed to cool off over the weekend, with potential for some real English summer action. No matter, I can't wait to take the weekend off from work!!!

Meggi arrives in the wee hours friday morning. We will be going out to Marlow (near Windsor) on Saturday because I am racing in the regatta there. I think it is going to be ugly. With the prospect of three 2Km races (heat, repechage, and final) in one day, I am a little intimidated. Greg Scherkoske has man-handled and rubber-armed me into trying to get a birth at Royal Henley with a couple of other English dudes in a straight four. Wouldn't that be a capper to my experiences in England? To race at Royal Henley as the most out of shape oarsman in the regatta! The Walshman strikes again! I am afraid not!

We also have tickets to see Bebo y Cigala (of "Lagrimas Negras" fame) at the Barbican Centre on sunday night. We are meeting with some of my "new Spanish friends" in London prior to the concert for dinner, which should make the evening really memorable.

At some point we are hoping to meet up with Regina's mom and dad for a beverage as well. But that's Meg's department, so I don't know what is happening there!

I am really looking forward to this weekend as the "beginning of the end" of our "forced separation" this year past year which really began way back in San Francisco when The Matrix ran over and I had to delay going to Europe. We have really gotten a lot out of the experiences we have had both as individuals, and as a couple, but we are tired of it now, and besides, being apart sucks big time! As Meggi says "we're such good room mates!" We'll see what the summer brings, but for the moment I think we are just thinking about spending a heap more time together in the coming year. I have commited to working on Ridley Scott's Kingdom of Heaven at The Moving Picture Company and that takes us through the end of October. Which will give Meg further opportunity to study Spanish splitting her time more between here and Madrid than before, and focusing on the DELE examination superior level. Who knows after that! At this point, I really don't care about anything except being together.

Another Prisoner of Azkaban Review

Here's a review that's quite good I thought. It is interesting to note that in the final analysis the visual effects are praised for their lack of distraction. It is always the greatest compliment to the visual effects artists and technicians when things are just taken for real, and not questioned.

Link

The Idea of Neighbour

My previous post got me to thinking (I often get me to thinking, har har) and Neil had some good comments about "the Good Ole U.S. of A." (as my Dad would say). Neil's points were mainly that there is an extreme range of opinion in the U.S. that probably does not exist anywhere else in the world in that fashion. It is indeed a very polemical place. The land of contrasts, beyond the obvious ones, like the gap between rich and poor. For example, Arnold Schwarzenegger, an admitted "fan" of the Hummer, is the Governor of the State with the most aggressive environmental laws. And also, that in one of the most puritanically conservative places in the world, you also have the extremely liberalising influences of the leading cities like Los Angeles, New York and San Francisco. Comparing these places to say, Atlanta, Georgia, is to compare worlds.

I think that the thing I notice most these days as a difference between Canadians and Americans is the idea of neighbour. Growing up in Canada you can not escape the extreme sense of "living beside the giant." You may not intellectualize it at an early age, but it is there nonetheless. It shows up in weird places. Sorry to again bring up Micahel Moore, but it is a good example. My aunt Robin, an American (Democrat, she insists!), told me that when she saw Moore speak in Davis, CA, recently, he invited "the dumbest Canadian, and the smartest American" in the audience on stage. He then proceeded to ask the voluteers a series of questions about each others countries. It started out funny as the Canadian seems to know more about his neighour than vice versa, but ended in shock and dismay as it turned out that the Canadian answered all of the question s about America successfully, and the American answered none of the questions about Canada successfully. Robin wrote me to say that she thought that she would have faired better given family knowledge and all, but the point had been made. Why did the Canadian know so much and the American so little about each other? The answer is simple. One understood that they had a neighbour, the other did not.

The "common peoples" perception of the American attitude in the world, let alone towards Canada and Mexico, is one that does not make reference to neighbours, but rather "friends and enemies." The idea that a place like Canada may have "equal standing" as a neighbour, like that of the French and Spanish, is not on the radar. We are great friends, but we are not equals. Canadians have this in common with many Europeans, especially the British, and it perhaps imbues us with our more tolerant, kinder sensibility internationally. We are friends with the bully, we just hope it stays that way! In Europe, you can not escape your neighbours, and thus you tend to learn to understand them, and tolerate them. That being said, I have witness some very odd attitudes towards immigration during my time in Spain. But that's for another post...

Another Footnote to Add to the List

There is this idea floating around out there that I have heard a number of times recently, I suppose, because of my current surroundings. A very international gaggle of folks at The Moving Picture Company brings these things out at times. People tell me there is a kind of "short list" of factors that make Canadians not Americans in the minds of people other than Canadians and Americans. It is funny when you hear this sort of thing in that there is one very obvious fact that people tend to completely ignore. Canada and The Untied States are not the same country! There's a border for god's sake! The same conversation makes absolutely no sense when comparing the French and the Spanish, because it is implicit that these people are different in many ways because their individual histories. They are also very similar in a lot of respects, but I digress. Specifically with respect to Canadians, people seem to need to "make a case" for the independant assessment of Canadians.

The list goes something like, for example, the fact that Canada has universal health care, which is a very socialist idea (Clinton was raked over the coals for some of his near commi-pinko-Canadian ideas about health care for all). Canada is "more European" in general, because of having two languages officially recognized in the constitution (similar to Spain, which has four!). Also, Canada's reputation, however questionable, since the Second World War (and The Korean War, I guess) as a "peace keeping" nation as opposed to a new imperial nation. We didn't go to Iraq after all, and history has already judged us well on that account. Also, the more nebulous ones like the comparative lack of violence in society, more environmentalism with pioneers like David Suzuki leading the charge and Greenpeace originating in Vancouver. Also, the contrasting ideas of Multiculturalism (retaining identity while living in a new land where everyone is essentially a foreigner aside from indiginous peoples) versus The Melting Pot (whatever you were before, forget about it, you're an American now). And then recently, more liberal attitudes towards religion, sex, marijuanna, and gay marriage in Canada.

I submit that the following footnote should be added to that admittedly ramshackle list: Canadians are the helping hand that allows Americans an opportunity to express that essential, yet recently forgotten, American ideal of civil liberty. Plainly that DISSENT IS NOT UNAMERICAN FOR GOD'S SAKE!!!

The following is from Michael Moore's website, on the news that Lions Gate Films has picked up distribution of Fahrenheit 9/11 (sadly, the note about the Stanley Cup didn't happen, but there were 11 Canadians playing in Tampa Bay so no matter):

Jon Feltheimer, the man who runs Lions Gate, was the executive in charge of the company that produced my television series, "TV Nation." And the people at IFC (which owned Bravo) were the same people responsible for funding and broadcasting my other series, "The Awful Truth." So we are in very good hands. And, as an added bonus, Lions Gate is a Canadian company. Once again, the Canadians to the rescue! It was also a Canadian company, Salter Street Films, that produced "Bowling for Columbine." I know, it's kinda sad we have to keep depending on our good neighbors to the north. But maybe this is the year we give 'em their Stanley Cup back.

It's All Gonna Melt!

A little blurb from the National Post today:
Computer networks that support Canada's critical services -- from hospitals to banks to power lines -- will undoubtedly crash in the next five years, warns a government-commissioned report that says even immediate action cannot stop the inevitable.

Shoddy software has left the Internet and other parts of our telecommunications systems vulnerable to a massive meltdown, the report concludes. No corrective action can avert "a major failure," but the authors say both the government and the private sector must act quickly if they are to prevent subsequent collapses.

"The stakes are high," reads the report. "This is a challenge that we ignore at our peril as a nation and a society."

The report bases its conclusions on hundreds of written resources and interviews with two dozen high-tech experts, including executives at major computer companies.

"Politicians, almost slavishly, have to do whatever the public is interested in and the public is not interested in emergencies that don't exist yet," said Donald B. Johnston, the report's lead author. "We will not see [a major crash] as a problem until it's a problem. And it will only be a problem as long as it's a problem. And when it stops being a problem, we will stop thinking about it again."

Click here for the full article

Las Lagrimas Negras de Bebo y Cigala

Bebo and Cigala's "Black Tears" is easily the best new music I have heard in the past year. Ricardo Daura gave Meg a copy a while back, and we fell in love with it right away. Especially because "our" copy became "my" birthday present. It has that "special something" that the Buena Vista Social Club had, although without an acclaimed documentary follow up, I doubt it will get the same focus of attention. Some treasures are best passed by word of mouth anyway. Megcita and I are going to see them in concert June 20th at the Barbican Centre. Here's a little blurb that gives a few more details.

Cheers for Valdes and El Cigala's 'Tears'
By Howell Llewellyn

MADRID (Billboard) - Just what is it about the album "Lagrimas Negras" that has captured music fans in Europe and South America?

UK and North American consumers can find out for themselves next month, when the album appears on their shores.

"Lagrimas Negras" ("Black Tears") features 85-year-old Grammy Award-winning Cuban pianist Bebo Valdes and 35-year-old flamenco singer Diego El Cigala playing traditional Cuban boleros and Spanish coplas.

The album was recorded for the Calle 54 label, which is co-owned by Academy Award-winning Spanish director Fernando Trueba and Miami-based musicologist Nat Chediak. Both produced the album.

The BMG-distributed set sold more than 250,000 copies in Spain and spent nearly 50 weeks in the country's top 20 sales list. It also won a number of Spanish music awards in Latin, flamenco and jazz categories.

"Lagrimas Negras" was a hit in several other markets where BMG released it this spring. These include Argentina, Mexico and France.

BMG will handle the UK and Canadian releases as well. BMG label RCA's custom Bluebird imprint will carry "Lagrimas Negras" in the States. The set bows June 6 in the United Kingdom and June 22 in North America.

"US/Canadian promotion will be on the same 'little-to-more' progression that it was in Spain, where the thing grew bigger than anyone dared hope," BMG Spain international exploitation manager Fran Arbulu says.

"Promo will be aimed at the mainly Latin target audience of urban, cultured music lovers," he continues.

"Nobody says this is another 'Buena Vista Social Club', but it's getting a good buzz from US jazz and Latin critics."

BMG US Latin will help support the CD's promotion, reports Maarten Steinkamp, president of BMG International.

"This is a project you have to build and love," he says, noting that the album is "building very nicely" in Argentina and Mexico. "It will probably take some 18 months to really bring home, and that doesn't matter."

Valdes and El Cigala will play "Lagrimas Negras" material June 20 at London's Barbican Theater. Valdes' son, pianist Chucho Valdes, will make a rare concert appearance with his father. Bebo has lived in Sweden for 44 years, and Chucho lives in Cuba.

El Cigala pays a promotional visit to the States July 10-15. He and Bebo will play concerts in New York, Miami and Los Angeles, beginning in late August.

Those concerts will be fans' only chance to see Bebo and El Cigala play together in the States. Bebo is content to pass his "Lagrimas Negras" role to his son, who has won four Grammy Awards.

"I can't travel so much anymore, and I'm immensely proud to hand over the reins to Chucho," Bebo says. "We played together for the first time in 40 years in New York in 2000 for 'Calle 54,' and we'll seal that link playing 'Lagrimas Negras' in London."

Chucho will perform a concert of "Lagrimas Negras" material May 28 at the Cubadisco music trade fair in Havana. Bebo refuses to visit Cuba because of skirmishes he had in 1960 with the revolutionary government.

Chucho next will join El Cigala on a summer tour of Latin America to present "Lagrimas Negras." They will begin May 30 with three nights in Mexico City. Other stops include Argentina, Chile, Ecuador and Colombia.

But it is in the "multicultural melting pot" of the States, Arbulu says, that an album like "Lagrimas Negras" makes most sense.

"The US public is going to wonder, 'What is this? Latin? Jazz? Flamenco?"' El Cigala says. "Well, it's a world-music blend with all three. The important thing is the flamenco expression 'llevar buen palo' -- to play it pure, damn good and clean."

Reuters/Billboard

Pictures From Behind the Scenes

Well, it is pretty much everything the fans were looking for... Alien blood lust at its finest! It's like a heavy metal smorgasbord and the stoner's are paying the bills on this one folks! Bring on the ROCK!!!

click here for Alien Versus Predator photos

Papichulo en Budapest

Today Meg and I received a short email from her Dad who is in Budapest working at the new Four Seasons Hotel that is opening there. It is one of his coveted "sojourns" abroad, prior to a sojourn closer to home when he goes to work in Whistler for a few weeks this summer at the new resort there. So much for retirement! Unfortunately, neither Meg and I will have time to go and see him. Budapest is one place that I have always wanted to go after hearing Peter Nyers' parents speak so highly of it so many times. Bradshaw and I tried to go in October of 1995, following World Rowing Championships in Tampere, Finlamd. But unlickily, and quite comically, we got booted from a train at four in the morning on the Latvian border with Estonia by armed guards. It was raining buckets, we were in the middle of no where (corn fields, I think) and it was pitch black. All I remember was a dude with a machine gun saying "no visa, go back" while other dudes with machine guns looked on and an American fellow said "Sorry dudes, like, this happened to me last week, man." So much for the opening of eastern europe!

Cambridge Sausage

It was Greg Scherkoske's 35th birthday this past week. Happy Birthday Greg! Greg's wife Margaret, being the fine Canadian lass that she is, set up a lovely little back yard garden barbecue party at their place in Cambridge. The flat is called Malting Cottage, on Malting Lane, which is so named for the old brewery building that it runs alongside. In fact, the funky old building has been converted into their nice loft-ish lay out flat, and an architect's office next door, among other things. Much to my surprise and delight, G&M laid out copious bottles of wine (including some excellent selections from their recent trip to Italy) and cooked up sausage galore on the BBQ!!! Not to mention some delicious salads. It was quite the feast! We even had a sausage with bits of apple in it that I dubbed the "desert sausage!" I was reminded of the old days when I was living with Mike Pearce in the "Crazy Harry Fire Trap" on 25th avenue in Vancouver and we would throw "sausage parties." Although they may have lacked the sophisticated setting of this fiesta, they were a highlight on the social calendar of all our lady friends of the day, of course! My gift to Greg was courtesy of some deliberate "re-gifting" at the request of Mike. He had sent me a t-shirt emblazoned with the visage of one of my favorite Vancouver haunts - Calabria Caffe - for my birthday, and to remind me of home. As it turns out, I already had one given to me as a gift by Frank Sr. the owner of Calabria. Mike and I thought that Greg was a worthy recipient of such a prized item having frequented the cafe during his tenure in Vancouver. As a result, Greg and I can now both spread the word about the best damned Italian Cafe outside of Italy!!! Yeah!

My Updated Blog

I figured it was about time for an update to my blog, so I chose a new template and made some mods. It is now updated to the new format you see here, and I have enabled comments. Scroll down to find the links I had posted before. So, now you can call me an arse or something if you feel like it! Not sure if I will keep it enabled - we'll see the response. I like the minimalism of the lay out and the colour choices are pretty subdued. Unfortunately, as I am in weirdo computer graphics Linux land I can not as yet post photos directly.

Mon Nouvelle Maison

Just a short note to say that as of today I have left my old flat and I am now living in with Jean-Paul and Andre on Museum Street. Looks like my new accomodations will work out fine. Here's the address again!

Flat #2 - 33 Museum Street
London, United Kingdom, WC1A 1LH

The move was largely uneventful aside the mulitple trips on foot with only one duffel bag to actually carry all of my crapola, and nearly concussing myself on the way out of my flat on one of my trips. I whacked my head on this bizarre piece of wall that sticks out in the entry way. It hurt like a bastard! I now have a large lump on the top of my forehead that makes me look like I had a bit of a "donny brook" down the pub over the weekend. Not a good look for the Walshman.

Former Vice President Al Gore's Wicked Speech!

Click here for clips of Al Gore's impassioned speech from yesterday where he slams the Bush Administration's incompetence in "making the world a far more dangerous place." He says the Bush Administration "has dramatically increased the threat of terrorism against the United States" and it is fantastic to see him rail against the Bush Administration for subjecting the American people to the disgrace of the war in Iraq. You go Gore!!!

London Calling: Mega-VFX, Financing and Cultural Fusion

Here's an interesting article from VFX World on the current state and success of the UK film and broadcast visual effects business. Quite a lot of jazz about the place where I work at the moment: The Moving Picture Company.


London Calling: Mega-VFX, Financing and Cultural Fusion

I have to admit that when I first arrived in Soho, it was a rush. So many studios (and good ones!) located in such close proximity to each other. You can literally walk from The Mill to Framestore/CFC, to Cinesite, to The Moving Picture Company, to Double Negative, to The Peerless Camera Company in about 15 minutes. It is quite a healthy situation for both employees and the companies. Rarely are good people out of work, and "fair market value" is very easily attained. Dominance of one studio over the others is rare, and there is less evidence of under cutting for contracts. Why under cut the dudes on the nexy block when they might be your staff in a few months?

Some of the shots I worked on for Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban were examples of the studios "sharing" the work. I was the Lighting Technical Director on a shot that later included a digital flock of bats produced by Framestore/CFC. We passed off a digital final to them, and they just sat their bats into our grade. The result was really pretty and remarkably easy to do! Many of the shots involving the "interaction" of the Hippogriff and the Werewolf in the film were shared as well between MPC and Framestore/CFC.

Also, it is really true about the "Pub Based Learning" comment. I can't count on fingers and toes how many times I have been introduced to someone from another studio at the pub. Each studio has its own favorite haunt. MPC at The Ship on Wardour, Framestore/CFC at the Coach and Horses on Great Malborough Way, The Mill at The White Horse near Carnaby Street. It seems totally silly, but it's true. The closest pub out the door, that's the crew pub! There really is no comparison to the "social aspect" to the studios here, and in Vancouver. Although, I hope that with the growing East Vancouver scene things will move in the Soho direction!

Why you should never put your picture on the internet!

Unless you are bound and determined to begin a cult following like this: click here

My second film screen credit

I am happy to announce my second feature film credit:

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban Screen Credits

If you scroll down, way down, to find the visual effects section, and then find The Moving Picture Company, you'll see me under "Lighting Artists." At times like these I remember when I was in my early teens and going to "hockey school" at the University of British Columbia in the summer. The coaches gave out bananas as awards. Why? Well, pretty simple. They taste best when enjoyed for the moment (the longer you relish them, the worse they taste), and if you get to many of them, you get the farts!

Congrats to everyone who toiled to make Alfonzo Cuaron's "whacked-out lunatic Mexicano" vision of J.K. Rowling's world come to life on the silver screen! It was a really fun ride for me, I felt a great sense of accomplishment with some of my work, and I met some great people. Now, about that willow tree... perhaps I should visit the Scottish Highlands for real!!!

Michael Moore's Fahrenheit 9/11

Here's a link to a Guardian UK article on the possible political effects Michael Moore's new film, Fahrenheit 9/11, could have on the coming November Presidential election in the United States.

click here

I am in agreement with the reviewer's assertion that under normal circumstances this bold, opinionated film, could be simply seen as preaching to the converted. But, with the added media attention that comes directly from Disney being determined to ban the film, despite subsidiary Miramax's objections, I think it could reach out and touch a lot of Americans who don't consider "Dubyah" to be "all that bad." Bad, he most definately is... support this film!

The Rain in Spain... AGAIN!

Meg is calling it "la maldición de las Canadienses." Every time someone from Canada visits Madrid lately, it rains. It started with me about a month ago when a bike ride in some inclement spring weather yielded a total bastard of a cold (my fault, I know!). Then, Lucy and Paul arrived to experience spring in Madrid in all its glory, only to find themselves battling some serious chilly rain fall during their stay! The weather turned beautiful, of course, after they left and right up until the day that Andrea and I arrived to visit with Meg. Once again, the forecast was for rain and it did not fail to deliver! We managed to have a lovely time with Megcita, even though it rained pretty much the whole time. There were brilliant breaks of sun, which we took full advantage of, but really it was a huge summer storm rolling through that was unavoidable! At times the sky was turned "ocean blue" by huge low hanging clouds. The metro was even closed at times due to flooding! I think I have seen more rain in the past two trips to Madrid than I did the whole damned winter!

Friday, we just bummed around in central Madrid. Andrea and I were both really tired from the work week and early flight to Madrid, so we took the time to sit and eat at Vinoteca for lunch and Lateral for dinner. We even made time for a nap! The only real highlights of the day were me dumping someone's beer in their lap by accident at Vinoteca, and Andrea getting a rude introduction to "las fumadores de Madrid!" at Lateral. We left when she started to look a little green.

Saturday, Meg went to the trouble of organizing a little day trip to Segovia and the neighbouring town of La Granja. In La Granja we visited the Palacio Real and the associated gardens. It was really beautiful and gave you a great insight into the "life of the royalty" in Baroque times. But, as beautiful as it was to waltz around in the former home of the King of Spain, it pailed in comparison to the lunch we had at a little restaurant called "La Zaca." This is a very popular little place for which Meg had to make a reservation one week in advance! We delighted in their specialty called a "favada." It is like a stew with "fava" beans, potato and chorizo sausage in a rich broth and is very typical of the Castilla y Leon area. I also had some fantastic "chuletas de cerdo."

Sunday, we went to the Prado in the morning as it is free all day. For the first time I had a real opportunity to look long and hard at "las pienturas negras." Goya's Black Paintings. Painted towards the end of his life, having severed ties from the court and secluded himself in his country home, they are his most intense and masterful rumination on the disaster of war and the summering of human kind at the hands of evil. They are timeless in their severity, and disturbingly beautiful. We had hoped to see some of his famous drawings and etchings, but none were on display. We then took in a bit of the Retiro, and met Meg's friend Elen at a cafe for our afternoon "charla." Dinner was at the excellent "La Vaca Veronica" and I couldn't resist ordering in the "filete" which is always so good. The restaurant is a great little spot located on "la calle Moratin" near Plaza Santa Anna, conveniently right around the corner from Andrea's Hostal!

Monday was spent doing a little shopping and more looking around in central Madrid. This time we managed to see the majority of Chueca, some of Malasana, the Palacio Real, Plaza Mayor, etc. I managed to find some new sandals for the summer weather! made by the Spanish company Camper. Also, a few bottles of wine to tide me over until the next time I am in Madrid (not to mention some excellent queso manchego and chorizo, porque no!?). We managed to arrange to see Pedro for a couple of drinks and some tapas prior to dashing off to cash the plane.

All in all a very enjoyable, if packed, trip to see my Megcita who I miss more and more and more... nobody ever said separation like this would be easy, and I am seeing there is plenty of reason for that. Enough said.

A little bit "Withnail-esque"

Well, I had my first full day off in a couple of weeks yesterday. It was a great day with the weather turning so nice and Andrea (and her research assistant Abby!) in London.

We managed to arrange a visit with Brad and Alison and their two young boys Turner and Gibson. Turner is coming three and Gibson is just three months old. They are a barrel of laughs. Turner's favourite word these days is "no." Turner, would you like some juice? No. See Turner drinking happily. Turner would you like to see the ducks? No. See Turner chasing ducks. Turner, are you a good boy? No! See Turner behaving quite well all things considered. Brad and Alison have a lovely flat that has a view of the park, and is right next to the community swimming pool. Brad made the great suggestion that we "walk the Heath" and so we headed into Hamstead Heath to check out an outdoor cafe that serves a wicked English breakfast. What a great idea!!! It was like breakfast in the garden. It felt a little like home for me because of all the green I have been missing lately! Anyway, after that fine feast we fiddled around in the park with the kids until Brad's sister Martha had to head for the airport.

On the way back Turner decided to test his "separation threshold." He wandered off the path into an open field while his dad gently called "Turner, don't go too far." He was pretty proud of himself striding out alone into a brave new world and stood smiling smuggly as his dad edged further and further down the path. "Turner, we're leaving, come on now." He just chuckled and said "No!" And then, as fate would have it, the separation barrier was crushed in a heartbeat, and his whole little adventure came crashing down around him. A little Jack Russel came up, gave him a sniff, and went "BARK!" Little Turner did the international "this has all gone horribly wrong!" child sign language flop and plopped down wailing at high volume. I am sure he thought he was going to be ravaged by wild dogs!!! His dad marched back up the hill as the little Jack Russel ran circles around the strange little man making an aweful noise. Oh, well, as with all these little lessons, Turner recovered quickly and before we knew it he was back to reciting his favourite word: No! Albiet from the safe confines of his pram.

Having had a bit of an overdose of "family time" (compared to what we are used to at any rate) we headed back to the "other London" for a cafe in Soho. It was great to just sit and read the damned paper for once! Following our "gay cafe," we headed to The Blakemore Hotel where Andrea and Abby are staying in order to be "collected" by Andrea's acquaintance Roman, who is in turn a friend of her friend, Rupert Belfridge. Rupert is a fellow who Andrea met in a pub while in Lancaster researching some time ago. I think Marisha was in on the "meeting Rupert experience." I think it had something to do with Rupert babbling on about avant guard pottery and disco dancing while the girls smiled and nodded. Anyway, we were invited to have a barbeque dinner in Chelsea, at Rupert's mother's place, and we jumped at the chance to sit in a quaint English garden and eat. Hilarity ensued as Rupert arrived fashionably late (to his own engagement) and introduced his own hand made crab cakes as the "finest known to humanity." Some good chatter lead to a fine meal (con langostinas a la plancha tambien!!!) and the suggestion that "we retire to the club." Meaning The Chelsea Arts Club for a game of snooker and glass of port. I made quite the travesty of the snooker, but was very "at home" with my glass of port! Roman demolished me, and then Rupert demolished Roman, reasserting is sharpish abilities with the cue! I did my best to provide top notch play by play commentary. Suffice to say that Rupert's slightly off kilter gait, and rustled appearance, along with obvious upper class upbringing and eccentricity give him "a bit of the Withnail."

"Le Blagueur" is back!

I am happy to report that Andre "El Latino Desastro" Brizard has returned safe and sound from his holidays in France. Welcome back DD! More importantly for me, he has brought with him a fine selection of wines and some olive tapanade made by his mother in Arles!!! Joder macho hombre que bien!!!

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

I saw Michel Gondry's Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind with Claus last Firday night. I enjoyed it, though I have to admit a bit of "preaching to the converted" syndrome on this review. I am a bit of a Charlie Kaufman fan. The film revolves around the idea that a technical process can effectively remove painful memories and enable clients to live happier lives. Patients requesting the procedure experience no more brain damage than "what amounts from a hard night of drinking" and the service is performed by skilled technicians whilst they sleep. Or so they are told, and inevitably, complications ensue. The questions raised by the premise are obvious, but principly it is what is the nature of memory and how does it determine our character. If you erase a memory, are you a different person?

Like all of the filmic offspring of Kaufman's screen plays, however, the film seems to be "all in the idea" and the actual manufacture of the film is a mere rumination on that idea which is perhaps better expressed as a thesis in written form. At times like this, I am reminded of Alfred Hitchcock's comment that the film is "all in the script." Meaning that the actual creation of the shots in the film is merely a mundane technical exercise at best, performed to exacting standards by specifically trained individuals. However, where a film like Adaptation perhaps laboured under its own weight of circuitous plot high jinks (and obvious "how can this possibly end" questions) before the virtual certainty of its final swerve into Hollywood-ism as its only possible outcome, Eternal Sunshine has some gloriously chaotic and touchingly sentimental moments that tend to keep its pace and timing alive and somehow more true to the original idea. It is a love story after all. Thus, the race to the "anti-conclusion" that we all know is inevitable, is actually quite enjoyable. There are some really wonderful moments along the way, often aided by some of the best "invisable effect," visual effect shots in recent memory. One in particular that defies proper description here has Carrey exiting a bookstore (the sight of a recent tramatic memory) only to walk seemlessly into a friend's living room whilst the bookstore flickers in and out of existence - seen only by the audience. Does he know he has just lost a memory?

The ride through Joel's (Jim Carrey) rapidly deteriorating memories of his relationship with his recent girlfriend Clementine (played by Kate Winslet) as they are systematically and surrealistically erased is of course helped along by some exceptional performances by a sharp cast. Winslet is forgiven for Titanic now in my books (hardly her fault I admit, but I lay the blame nonetheless) based on this one wonderfully whacked out performance. Her version of "high maintenance" is I absolutely believeable and endearing. I loved Mark Ruffalo's stoner technician, with the most outlandish "bed head" known to man. Not the sort of performance to build a career around, but he was amazing nonetheless. Tom Wilkinson and Kirsten Dunst both turn in measured and exemplary performances that play off their established screen personas. Carrey is totally watchable and quite engrosing as the sometimes funny, mostly sad Joel. In hindsight, it is Carrey's proper break out from straight up comedy into the seldom inherited territory of "comedian and dramatic actor" a la Robin Williams. He has really stretched out in this film and I hope it is the sign of amazing things to come.

Those expecting a truly "indie" weird out experience will be disappointed, as the guts of the story just don't support that kind of experimentation, and Michel Gondry's direction is just too damned stylish! What I can't stand is all the complaints from reviewers about requiring "immense patience" with the story due to its jigsaw puzzle structure. These are the same reviewers who complain that a film like Van Helsing is nothing but pulpy bubble gum and squeal for more. Yet, when they have to work a bit, they get tired and complain of "hard going." I say "pipe it, you!" Those looking for a lovely bit of offbeat love story, you have found it in this film.

Mi hermana esta aqui en Londres!

My sister is here in London! She arrived safely this morning with her research assistant Abby and seems to be none the worse for wear after the flight! We will meet up later today for a pint of the nectar and then some food at one of Soho's grottiest of grotty bistros. Ha! Andrea is here to do some research for the next few weeks at the Victoria and Albert Museum, during which time we will go to Madrid together for four days to see Meg. By month's end, she'll be off home I and I will be busy moving to my new flat! It should be a lot of fun and I hope we have plenty of time to see each other even though we will both be really busy. AT the very least, we'll have a blast in Madrid!

Happy Mother's Day!

Well, a big happy Mother's day to all the mother's out there and a special one for Mom, Jenny and the most impressive Mrs. M.J. "Grannie" Blakely!!! We miss you all more than ever this year with the increased distance between us, and hope to see you all this summer to celebrate properly. Here's hats off to the matriarchal leadership that guides this family!

p.s. and a special "shout out" to the expectant Miss G who we are all sure will be the next in a long list of fabulous new mothers in our midst!