tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72136017229377746542024-03-06T00:09:49.908-08:00Barry Smight<b>Raconteur, Provocateur, extraordinaire!</b>Barry Smighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02464450751543573690noreply@blogger.comBlogger1618125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7213601722937774654.post-15620114560774308052017-10-08T09:10:00.001-07:002017-10-08T09:10:42.638-07:00IT'S BEEN TEN YEARS!It was then years ago this past summer that I started this blog. Soon I will write something looking back at ten years of postings... a celebration of sorts.<br />
<br />
Stay tuned.Barry Smighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02464450751543573690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7213601722937774654.post-89953326478965704442016-11-23T17:11:00.000-08:002016-11-23T17:11:25.495-08:00THE INSTANT KINDAt times, a cup of instant coffee hits the spot for me. I would hardly claim that the instant kind is any replacement for the real stuff, but it is quick to prepare.<br />
<br />
<i>Maxwell House</i> has long been my special fast blend, but last week I saw <i>Taster's Choice</i> marked down<i> </i>in price at my local food store.<br />
<br />
I am no shill for any beverage, hot or cold, but I have to say that <i>Taster's Choice</i> is now my own choice for instant coffee.Barry Smighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02464450751543573690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7213601722937774654.post-66979519064288148742016-07-19T10:46:00.003-07:002016-07-19T10:57:49.140-07:00NEW STAR TREK ON CANADIAN TVThe news was released yesterday that the new "Star Trek" television series will show in Canada on CTV (Canadian Television); at least to start things off. The show will premiere in January on that network with the remainder of the planned 13 episodes airing on "Space".<br />
<br />
The news...<br />
<a href="https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/television/2016/07/18/new-star-trek-series-to-premiere-on-ctv.html" target="_blank">https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/television/2016/07/18/new-star-trek-series-to-premiere-on-ctv.html</a><br />
<br />
Trivia...<br />
<br />
It was CTV that gave <i>Star Trek</i> its premiere back on September 6, 1966... two days before NBC.Barry Smighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02464450751543573690noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7213601722937774654.post-7301502287248895762016-07-01T08:29:00.001-07:002016-07-01T08:29:29.740-07:00HAPPY CANADA DAY OF 2016As the title says, fellow Canadians; we the privileged. Let's continue to roll the ball.Barry Smighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02464450751543573690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7213601722937774654.post-61107321433977061222016-06-30T06:45:00.001-07:002016-06-30T06:45:47.002-07:00NETFLIX TO DO NEW "LOST IN SPACE" SERIESA friend sent me this special link minutes ago...<br />
<a href="http://variety.com/2016/tv/news/lost-in-space-reboot-ordered-to-series-by-netflix-1201806272/" target="_blank">http://variety.com/2016/tv/news/lost-in-space-reboot-ordered-to-series-by-netflix-1201806272/ </a><br />
<br />
The original series is terrible. I liked it as a child but once I hit my teens I could see how wrong a child could be. <i>Lost in Space</i> suffered from poor production design (even the initial design work; so 1950s done in the mid 1960s) and, more importantly, stunningly bad writing.<br />
<br />
I thought <i>Netflix</i> was all about quality shows. One cannot go back to the garbage dump.Barry Smighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02464450751543573690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7213601722937774654.post-83645647325759698242016-03-26T08:33:00.002-07:002016-04-07T20:46:06.870-07:00THE TORONTO SUN'S BIG MOVE DOWN SIZEI've seen it happen many times before; a company makes a move to much smaller digs only to end up closing its doors for good, a few years or months later. Like many, I've worked for companies where this was the case. We hear how "it's good for the company", "things will stay the same", "it's still the same company", and so on... to the grave.<br />
<br />
The <i>Toronto Sun</i>, which currently occupies a small fraction of the space in the building originally built to house them exclusively, is moving up from King Street E. to take office space at <i>Postmedia</i> headquarters on Bloor Street E., number 365 (which contains a clue, no doubt).<br />
<br />
Today's issue of the <i>Toronto Sun</i> contains a story explaining the "when" but not the "why"; the "real why", not the official line of "there will be great opportunities for Sun Media and Postmedia to work together": They conveniently skirt around the issue...<br />
<br />
<b>The Sun's Big move</b><br />
We say goodbye to our historic King St. location and hello to our new home on Bloor St.<br />
<a href="http://www.torontosun.com/2016/03/25/the-suns-big-move">http://www.torontosun.com/2016/03/25/the-suns-big-move</a><br />
<br />
There's a real story coded in that article. But, no surprise, the <i>Toronto Sun</i> is incapable of reporting the unedited truth, which is why I go to the <i>Globe and Mail</i>. While that paper is not perfect, at least it makes an effort to live up to the title of "newspaper", and the <i>Globe </i>is written above a Grade-3 reading level.<br />
<br />
Check back here in about 365 days. I'd be willing to clear some space in my tool shed. Rent: $1 per month. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj49RldvxI_Lmno8Bv3CzksYhQOEEVPj40exJWob1lfBOo4HW0irKtOvOWUVBk5kfL5UCQIY3kmUpTsgVBUOqKS3wkWtZVbtpm-VUMVz4G_U_X7jaAhR94YpvxMSnam5BrouXZq7B64cLQ/s1600/barryID_small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj49RldvxI_Lmno8Bv3CzksYhQOEEVPj40exJWob1lfBOo4HW0irKtOvOWUVBk5kfL5UCQIY3kmUpTsgVBUOqKS3wkWtZVbtpm-VUMVz4G_U_X7jaAhR94YpvxMSnam5BrouXZq7B64cLQ/s1600/barryID_small.jpg" /></a></div>
Barry Smighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02464450751543573690noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7213601722937774654.post-39217177429043438152016-03-19T07:06:00.000-07:002016-03-19T12:09:43.071-07:00MEMORIES OF AND ABOUT SYLVIA ANDERSON (1927 - 2016)Several times in the history of this blog I've posted thoughts on the old television series <i>Space: 1999</i>. It was created and produced by Gerry Anderson and his then wife, Sylvia.<br />
<br />
Last weekend I took a look at what Sylvia Anderson was up to these days. (Gerry died back in December of 2012.) I also went on to her personal website and saw her comments about looking forward to production of the new Thunderbirds series. (<i>Thunderbirds</i> was a "Supermarionation" series that had been produced in the early to mid 1960s. It enjoys the largest following of all the Anderson shows and, in my opinion, it is<i> </i>their best... with the possible exception of <i>UFO</i>.)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS8obDHWCjA8fuoyQ6wOqc2OcckwF_Q8_atDzsu020RZDWcmQ0DiGDOoH9t68lVXDPyJ2yR25xIONjum_UJ_pvk5_4re1b9q1Vk52iO0pi9aFZu_MwbqtFbQmOaNkw8k4SVlSnbyDiK0I/s1600/Sylvia+Anderson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS8obDHWCjA8fuoyQ6wOqc2OcckwF_Q8_atDzsu020RZDWcmQ0DiGDOoH9t68lVXDPyJ2yR25xIONjum_UJ_pvk5_4re1b9q1Vk52iO0pi9aFZu_MwbqtFbQmOaNkw8k4SVlSnbyDiK0I/s1600/Sylvia+Anderson.jpg" /></a></div>
On Wednesday morning I awoke to the news, revealed to me via <i>The Guardian</i>, that the grand lady had passed away the day before (March 15th). At first I was saddened, of course, but was reminded that she lived to 88 years of age; as a matter of fact, Anderson died less than two weeks shy of what would have been her 89th birthday.<br />
<br />
I remember listening to an interview with Ms Anderson a few years ago where she spoke of her applying for a job at a film production company back in 1957. She was a graduate of the <i>London School of Economics</i> ("I wanted to save the world...") and was looking for work, now that she was a single mom. What I remember most about Anderson's reminiscences was her recounting how she almost didn't get the job, not through failing the interview, but because she could not find the address of <i>AP Films </i>(Anderson-Provis). Sylvia Anderson, then "Sylvia Thamm", was seconds away from giving up, but before aborting her quest she happened to notice a small side street. It was the street she had been looking for. Just think, had she not decided to check it out Sylvia Thamm would have not become an "Anderson" and gone on to co-produce and co-create and help design all those "puppet shows" and <i>UFO</i> and <i>Space: 1999</i>.<br />
<br />
I think that's a great story; a great "what if?". We all have those stories: "If only I had... I didn't realize they were right around the corner... If only I could go back and make sure I looked at the odd sign over what I thought was an automotive repair shop... Why didn't I call that number?...."<br />
<br />
The odd thing is many people who gear up intending to enter and prosper as a creator/producer in the film and television business should probably not work in the "biz". They have nothing special in the way of talent, and offer little of note if anything at all. Sylvia Anderson was guided, perhaps, by some great force; someone or something knew this lady would wield influence through innate talent. Imagine that.<br />
<br />
<br />
Look back at my previous posting on Ms Anderson; from July 12th, 2013...<br />
<br />
SYLVIA ANDERSON INTERVIEW STORIES<br />
<a href="http://barrysmight.blogspot.ca/2013/07/sylvia-anderson-interview-stories.html">http://barrysmight.blogspot.ca/2013/07/sylvia-anderson-interview-stories.html</a><br />
<br />
(I would agree with her still on the casting of <i>Space: 1999</i>. Having seen, recently, more than a few episodes of that "near-miss" series, it's obvious one of the many things that would have helped it attain greater heights was if Robert Culp <i>had</i> have been cast as "John Koenig".)Barry Smighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02464450751543573690noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7213601722937774654.post-2703754482801136462016-02-29T07:39:00.001-08:002016-03-19T11:31:07.053-07:00TOM BRADY AND MY SENSE OF TIMEAs per the standard mode for me I am doing some serious work on my computer while listening to the news radio. Why not keep an ear open for what's going down in the world today, including the Oscar results (which I <i>really</i> care about). Who's spotlight?<br />
<br />
One thing that made my left ear rotate in the manner of a cat's audio receptor: A new contract agreement shall see <i>New England Patriots</i> quarterback Tom Brady stick with the team through to 2019. I processed that by thinking, "that's quite a few years from now... will Brady still be playing then?"<br />
<br />
Then I gave my head a shake: It's 2016 right now... today! Why do I think it's 2006 (or something like that)?<br />
<br />
A friend of mine has a theory: Time speeds up as one grows older.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMGDJfc00k24r963OtzMh3fPdV3zSdKbADrZRCbVRZ_ljY74D8xlk-jQrWYj339GtO-gqOCbIxCUM500yU5kjDA-QrHbDjnZZIwvRTo6ztmVUw8IwRh1JXakt12K09fs-16ynaEWhFnu0/s1600/barryID_small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMGDJfc00k24r963OtzMh3fPdV3zSdKbADrZRCbVRZ_ljY74D8xlk-jQrWYj339GtO-gqOCbIxCUM500yU5kjDA-QrHbDjnZZIwvRTo6ztmVUw8IwRh1JXakt12K09fs-16ynaEWhFnu0/s1600/barryID_small.jpg" /></a></div>
Barry Smighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02464450751543573690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7213601722937774654.post-282698684320607792016-02-22T11:24:00.000-08:002016-02-29T07:53:46.149-08:00MICHAEL DEN TANDT IS RIGHTIt is so nice to read columns from a bright conservative -- they do exist. Read today's piece from <i>National Post</i> writer Michael Den Tandt...<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.nationalpost.com/m/wp/news/blog.html?b=news.nationalpost.com/news/canada/canadian-politics/michael-den-tandt-conservatives-cant-win-by-being-the-party-of-angry-old-men&pubdate=2016-02-22" target="_blank">here</a><br />
<br />
Mr. Den Tandt is correct: Conservatives can't win by being the party of angry old men.<br />
<br />
His piece on Justin Trudeau from a few days ago was very good. While I don't agree with everything he said, there, Tandt is right when he says that our new Prime Minister is approachable and engaging (as in: what a difference!)<br />
<br />
... and the <i>Toronto Sun</i> continues to be more and more irrelevant.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMGDJfc00k24r963OtzMh3fPdV3zSdKbADrZRCbVRZ_ljY74D8xlk-jQrWYj339GtO-gqOCbIxCUM500yU5kjDA-QrHbDjnZZIwvRTo6ztmVUw8IwRh1JXakt12K09fs-16ynaEWhFnu0/s1600/barryID_small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMGDJfc00k24r963OtzMh3fPdV3zSdKbADrZRCbVRZ_ljY74D8xlk-jQrWYj339GtO-gqOCbIxCUM500yU5kjDA-QrHbDjnZZIwvRTo6ztmVUw8IwRh1JXakt12K09fs-16ynaEWhFnu0/s1600/barryID_small.jpg" /></a></div>
Barry Smighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02464450751543573690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7213601722937774654.post-45436397629808232592016-02-20T06:42:00.001-08:002016-02-29T07:53:12.374-08:00I LOVE THE TORONTO SUNThe <i>Toronto Sun</i> never ceases to amuse me. Case in point: Editor responses to letters-to-the-editor from the last couple of days...<br />
<br />
* "(Trudeau will blunder his way through the next four years)"<br />
* "(Let us know how you feel about Trudeau in four years)"<br />
<br />
The latter quip was made in response to a letter which, I should note, made a good point. Trust the <i>Toronto Sun</i> to be insanely bitter over a certain man's ascendancy to the top office. The name of Justin Trudeau drives them crazy.<br />
<br />
The <i>Toronto Sun</i> drives me to... read more of their childish nonsense. There's humour in that rag.<br />
<br />
<br />
Addendum: Contrary to what the reader may think from my opinions on the <i>Toronto Sun</i>, I would never feel amusement from seeing them go out of business. My only wish is they would return to what they were years ago: A feisty little newspaper. Calling them a "newspaper" now is stretching the truth. Standard news stories, which you would expect to just report the news, end up as editorials. It's all rather unfortunate.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMGDJfc00k24r963OtzMh3fPdV3zSdKbADrZRCbVRZ_ljY74D8xlk-jQrWYj339GtO-gqOCbIxCUM500yU5kjDA-QrHbDjnZZIwvRTo6ztmVUw8IwRh1JXakt12K09fs-16ynaEWhFnu0/s1600/barryID_small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMGDJfc00k24r963OtzMh3fPdV3zSdKbADrZRCbVRZ_ljY74D8xlk-jQrWYj339GtO-gqOCbIxCUM500yU5kjDA-QrHbDjnZZIwvRTo6ztmVUw8IwRh1JXakt12K09fs-16ynaEWhFnu0/s1600/barryID_small.jpg" /></a></div>
Barry Smighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02464450751543573690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7213601722937774654.post-22697558045428220712015-09-27T08:22:00.001-07:002015-09-27T08:22:22.269-07:00TORONTO SUN SUSPENDS MOST 'COMMENTS' SECTIONS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJysGoB_Tn3eFE2tmhlUVY49FXDQ-SVdWJxqxr5xDkBerVdDbAjbSWU5JKKDl5z9NYzeTcE0mH5AxoGI_swItoDkHZWVeWEbjRSpjzyRhQYNz3sbdhPlUTr8WCRH9poJ4X8BcFUm0FEQI/s1600/keyboard+fingers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJysGoB_Tn3eFE2tmhlUVY49FXDQ-SVdWJxqxr5xDkBerVdDbAjbSWU5JKKDl5z9NYzeTcE0mH5AxoGI_swItoDkHZWVeWEbjRSpjzyRhQYNz3sbdhPlUTr8WCRH9poJ4X8BcFUm0FEQI/s1600/keyboard+fingers.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
My congratulations to the <i>Toronto Sun</i> for its decision to eliminate "most online commenting... from most online articles". My faithful readers will know that I've openly mocked the lack of intelligence on the <i>Sun </i>comment boards. As James Wallace, V.P. of Editorial for the <i>Toronto Sun</i>, states, the issue of "malicious personal attacks" is unacceptable. Someone posts their opinion, and a well-considered and thoughtful one at that, on a comment board only to be attacked with an equally well-considered "your an idiot!!!!!"<br />
<br />
<br />
The announcement from the <i>Toronto Sun</i>...<br />
<br />
<b>Note to readers</b><br />
Online commenting will be removed from most online articles<b> </b> <br />
<a href="http://www.torontosun.com/2015/09/23/note-to-readers">http://www.torontosun.com/2015/09/23/note-to-readers</a>Barry Smighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02464450751543573690noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7213601722937774654.post-55393543635162650732015-09-09T10:59:00.000-07:002015-09-09T10:59:07.967-07:00WILL THERE BE A MIDNIGHT SUN?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
From The Twilight Zone...<br />
<br />
Toronto is recovering from a pumped-up heatwave; today (September 9th) is much better. The air is noticeably cooler and less humid. This relief reminds me of a classic episode of <i>The Twilight Zone</i>... "The Midnight Sun". The story's ending is classic <i>Zone</i>, but one I hope is removed from our reality -- our 'climate change' reality.<br />
<br />
First aired on November 17, 1961, "The Midnight Sun" is even more chilling now....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoFcA5ShMvb_dnHIbGHvwVwuA3uYy_pryqYcQZ-9c9Hz_PmC9ZjiMNRqTW-OWPpyELen2Xdqz1eAKsFcvLDXAq0NQdPnoKl8XpZif4JjmaLywiCA4Bk9Tx09xynwzA3fWFeO1LwRK5fR4/s1600/midnight+sun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoFcA5ShMvb_dnHIbGHvwVwuA3uYy_pryqYcQZ-9c9Hz_PmC9ZjiMNRqTW-OWPpyELen2Xdqz1eAKsFcvLDXAq0NQdPnoKl8XpZif4JjmaLywiCA4Bk9Tx09xynwzA3fWFeO1LwRK5fR4/s1600/midnight+sun.jpg" /></a></div>
Barry Smighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02464450751543573690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7213601722937774654.post-2915159289652649962015-09-08T13:29:00.000-07:002015-09-09T11:48:42.015-07:00IT WAS 49 YEARS AGO TODAYA surprise came my way this morning: one of my electronic devices told me that "1999" was not the correct year, and it proceeded to tell me to reset the date and time. No problem, of course. "It's September 8th today?"<br />
<br />
What is it about that date?<br />
<br />
On this day in 1966 <i>Star Trek</i> premiered on NBC. As I noted on a previous posting, the series was actually shown first on CTV a couple of days earlier -- same episode; "The Man Trap". (I've since found out that <i>Star Trek</i> was a "big hit" here in Canada.)<br />
<br />
As first seen on September 6th, 1966...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0VV8P2gJuS5XtLsWnOjs-vZT3nshB5RhZQ_zpQkW_HgTTWCBt-rL2wefqy1VP6fTCDkjDoHCkn5m4Td1YjyvrxlqvlRM3ZNtB9sQb0Ye7PlKl_2MovpZmiNEneaZhu8KUbtLhnMThsyk/s1600/the+man+trap+opening.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0VV8P2gJuS5XtLsWnOjs-vZT3nshB5RhZQ_zpQkW_HgTTWCBt-rL2wefqy1VP6fTCDkjDoHCkn5m4Td1YjyvrxlqvlRM3ZNtB9sQb0Ye7PlKl_2MovpZmiNEneaZhu8KUbtLhnMThsyk/s400/the+man+trap+opening.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
... but shooting on the concept started almost two years earlier...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF8_yfn3jeSQ3T_oZ0ap6vUFzZC_0e7E6K6_BF7a6_tdPZ1Ol1O8AVcS31oO6AUY_89znZE_RN4DXxPkPTE6i1BgA8mS7FTYrAgzhGi1scIy5YNutDunPxVZNHp1Ps-WL8GXoB8IYOnrc/s1600/slating+The+Cage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF8_yfn3jeSQ3T_oZ0ap6vUFzZC_0e7E6K6_BF7a6_tdPZ1Ol1O8AVcS31oO6AUY_89znZE_RN4DXxPkPTE6i1BgA8mS7FTYrAgzhGi1scIy5YNutDunPxVZNHp1Ps-WL8GXoB8IYOnrc/s1600/slating+The+Cage.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Barry Smighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02464450751543573690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7213601722937774654.post-2297754346086324452015-09-07T12:31:00.002-07:002015-09-07T12:34:16.806-07:00HOT - JUST LIKE SEPTEMBER OF LAST YEAR<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5zI1Xwmd9GeQJR-CzmPzBaOMS0qd70Dg9PpYNbAQ6wPeBTdyttTjPWonIxOibHUZjsR1bW4247hfQI3EKu3CSJT4GukvXaBkRs41QXbDavHQ9NfO6dIZAxLqrgMEcozy0zxdmmoCqTRg/s1600/toronto+heat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5zI1Xwmd9GeQJR-CzmPzBaOMS0qd70Dg9PpYNbAQ6wPeBTdyttTjPWonIxOibHUZjsR1bW4247hfQI3EKu3CSJT4GukvXaBkRs41QXbDavHQ9NfO6dIZAxLqrgMEcozy0zxdmmoCqTRg/s400/toronto+heat.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Headline: Toronto, Ontario, Canada. September 7, 2015</b><br />
<br />
It's bleedin' hot! And I mean "hot!"! Just like it was this time last year. I had not forgotten...<br />
<br />
THE TEMPERATURE IN TORONTO TODAY IS GOING TO BE HOW MUCH?<br />
<a href="http://barrysmight.blogspot.ca/2014/09/the-temperature-in-toronto-today-is.html">http://barrysmight.blogspot.ca/2014/09/the-temperature-in-toronto-today-is.html</a><br />
<br />
Come to us, Fall/Autumn. Come. Come. I'm pulling the string. Be a bored house cat....Barry Smighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02464450751543573690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7213601722937774654.post-83596462681777401652015-09-06T16:48:00.002-07:002015-09-07T11:59:42.106-07:00WHICH 'AMERICA' DOES MS. PALIN MEAN?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxhtH8aErPcgZs13zYpiVaAWbkMJR0k2hPTl8crUgV4l_NR7J5w8OomCkIeDs1a6bICp93LcDxHCx8RWoVbY3ehQhy-_RI3vo-eSJgrUEd2x22ExWaxQAy6XbUDI1-OSqPo5T-d7x-ADI/s1600/sarah+palin+spoked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxhtH8aErPcgZs13zYpiVaAWbkMJR0k2hPTl8crUgV4l_NR7J5w8OomCkIeDs1a6bICp93LcDxHCx8RWoVbY3ehQhy-_RI3vo-eSJgrUEd2x22ExWaxQAy6XbUDI1-OSqPo5T-d7x-ADI/s1600/sarah+palin+spoked.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>"Ahhh... ahhh... the Bea-tles?"</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Sarah Palin said what?!<br />
<br />
"If you want to be in America you need to speak American."<br />
<br />
Or something to that effect. Or, as Ms. Palin might be prone to say, "or something to that affect".<br />
<br />
I hope someone doesn't ask her if she meant the United States of America. (Let's not confuse The Palindrome.)<br />
<br />
Ms. Palin! Which <i>one</i> of the following is <i>not</i> a country?...<br />
<br />
<b>1.</b> North America<br />
<b>2.</b> South America<br />
<b>3.</b> Central America<br />
<b>4.</b> Pax America<br />
<b>5.</b> Air America<br />
<b>6. </b>The Voice of America<br />
<b>7. </b>God Bless America Barry Smighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02464450751543573690noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7213601722937774654.post-12853607810599945432015-07-01T10:02:00.000-07:002015-09-07T10:10:46.842-07:00CANADA DAY 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi91lO-5O9DE_g0zhN5L2tjkFWe3Dn7MokecBIOcJHe2xlkdS2b27iIMtH88Z7Y5MbmCw0xAID-MBxcb75uaCs3XdF7uoajy-JfQCUjUmXTMfkBQNa-dGDvG69RJebJ-YhKCn-5a_sle88/s1600/flag+canada.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi91lO-5O9DE_g0zhN5L2tjkFWe3Dn7MokecBIOcJHe2xlkdS2b27iIMtH88Z7Y5MbmCw0xAID-MBxcb75uaCs3XdF7uoajy-JfQCUjUmXTMfkBQNa-dGDvG69RJebJ-YhKCn-5a_sle88/s400/flag+canada.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Here I sit, enjoying my coffee at a Second Cup store here in Toronto, Canada. My point?... Happy Canada Day to my fellow dwellers. We are blessed....Barry Smighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02464450751543573690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7213601722937774654.post-74388024066682212062015-06-17T09:09:00.000-07:002015-09-07T10:17:23.059-07:00NHL: WTH?!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAPgl_JjCvhC8HYpM4TZvopXIUAWcOpCjOz72U4MVRi1j8gCEYjoOgDUeGIYm1iFGC-O16hb_3fOjYZDHVTT1yzjoIt-tMclDoZObAvZFjQCsihyphenhyphenNBjQgkSF1djRD5KSLBcRUn45KBElo/s1600/hand+phaser+two.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAPgl_JjCvhC8HYpM4TZvopXIUAWcOpCjOz72U4MVRi1j8gCEYjoOgDUeGIYm1iFGC-O16hb_3fOjYZDHVTT1yzjoIt-tMclDoZObAvZFjQCsihyphenhyphenNBjQgkSF1djRD5KSLBcRUn45KBElo/s400/hand+phaser+two.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
When I got home on Monday night I popped on the television to see the final minute of the National Hockey League's 2014/2015 season: the <i>Chicago Blackhawks</i> won the Stanley Cup by eliminating the <i>Tampa Bay Lightning</i>.<br />
<br />
The problem here is the final game was played on the 15th of June -- ridiculously late in the year. The NHL must change its ways in order to climb its way out of the Garbage Division. The NBA, NFL, and MLB are far advanced, in comparison.<br />
<br />
I'm back, folks, and I'm now armed with an opinion!Barry Smighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02464450751543573690noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7213601722937774654.post-20415084694287223982014-12-25T07:38:00.002-08:002014-12-25T07:39:08.141-08:00HOW DOES A HOMELESS MAN SPEND $100?... with Wisdom.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUBTAdI7zuY">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUBTAdI7zuY</a><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="293" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/AUBTAdI7zuY" width="520"></iframe>Barry Smighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02464450751543573690noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7213601722937774654.post-88126237305063994012014-12-18T18:45:00.001-08:002014-12-20T17:33:58.001-08:00CHRISTMAS MUSIC ON SPECIALI was watching <i>TVOntario</i> tonight as part of my one bit of appointment television on weekday evenings; <i>The Agenda With Steve Paikin</i>. After the episode wrapped up there was an advert for a program, scheduled to run this coming Saturday (December 20th) at 9 o'clock, titled <i>Jingle Bell Rocks</i>.<br />
<br />
I've seen this ad a few times over the last couple of weeks and there is a moment within, as part of quick pic/sound bites usual of the form, that makes me laugh every time. An interview subject says: "The worst music in the world is bad Christmas music." This one line alone guarantees I will not miss the show.<br />
<br />
One of the guests, no surprise, is filmmaker/writer John Waters. Another reason for me to not miss the documentary <i>Jingle Bell Rocks</i>.<br />
<br />
I'll be there with bells on....<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf2zQxqzvlMGU1sYs_p3zfa9IT4unITFtpqcapAldYIOTfAeI-az5YxbXogZW4Xw2hoqYsjw5OWLI2Sp2zKEz0sBgamoutdnP1K6pGQCrrTkynYvwdr4OajuurXjuxm0qk2-xuwdke_5I/s1600/barryID_small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf2zQxqzvlMGU1sYs_p3zfa9IT4unITFtpqcapAldYIOTfAeI-az5YxbXogZW4Xw2hoqYsjw5OWLI2Sp2zKEz0sBgamoutdnP1K6pGQCrrTkynYvwdr4OajuurXjuxm0qk2-xuwdke_5I/s1600/barryID_small.jpg" /></a></div>
Barry Smighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02464450751543573690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7213601722937774654.post-85322053031204023102014-12-18T18:32:00.000-08:002014-12-18T18:55:08.036-08:00ONE YEAR FROM TODAY - SWEETI heard while listening to my radio news this morning that some movie is being released one year from today (December 18, 2014). My mouth was salivatin' when I heard just exactly what flick it is: <i>Star Wars - The Force Awakens</i><br />
<br />
<br />
(Okay... it wasn't the news that got my mouth watering, but the piece of chocolate cake I was anticipating for breakfast.)<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf2zQxqzvlMGU1sYs_p3zfa9IT4unITFtpqcapAldYIOTfAeI-az5YxbXogZW4Xw2hoqYsjw5OWLI2Sp2zKEz0sBgamoutdnP1K6pGQCrrTkynYvwdr4OajuurXjuxm0qk2-xuwdke_5I/s1600/barryID_small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf2zQxqzvlMGU1sYs_p3zfa9IT4unITFtpqcapAldYIOTfAeI-az5YxbXogZW4Xw2hoqYsjw5OWLI2Sp2zKEz0sBgamoutdnP1K6pGQCrrTkynYvwdr4OajuurXjuxm0qk2-xuwdke_5I/s1600/barryID_small.jpg" /></a> </div>
Barry Smighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02464450751543573690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7213601722937774654.post-15012623507147832322014-12-13T16:04:00.000-08:002014-12-13T16:38:59.848-08:00IT WAS FIFTY YEARS AGO 'TODAY'<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuwcJWqmIxN-iQX6ueC9-A8bkDrEDkj_Mj_ldRyJ-DxqEit0ZeKMbNSQb9hIo1qkC44woryd47wqLa4q7LqlswUF89_9u2SwBMbBnwa3lLLxWFcIzLgc6w7vj_5yufUlVPeAFha_w7X8c/s1600/slating+The+Cage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuwcJWqmIxN-iQX6ueC9-A8bkDrEDkj_Mj_ldRyJ-DxqEit0ZeKMbNSQb9hIo1qkC44woryd47wqLa4q7LqlswUF89_9u2SwBMbBnwa3lLLxWFcIzLgc6w7vj_5yufUlVPeAFha_w7X8c/s1600/slating+The+Cage.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
I can't believe I missed this, especially considering I was planning
"this" months ago: The photo attached above is a 35mm film trim from
principle photography on "The Cage"; <i>Star Trek</i>'s first pilot episode.
("Where No Man Has Gone Before" is the second.)<br />
<br />
My point: The slate is dated "12-3-64".<br />
<br />
Fifty years ago -- hard to believe.Barry Smighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02464450751543573690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7213601722937774654.post-21736822427782486452014-11-08T05:31:00.002-08:002014-11-10T06:00:20.273-08:00A PHILOSOPHER-KING BEARS A TITLETwo days ago it was revealed what the next Star Wars movie is to be subtitled...<br />
<i><br />The Force Awakens</i><br />
<br />
<br />
... <i>The Audience Sleeps</i><br />
<br />
(The non-fanatics, that is.)<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW7lAoAOMwmyLRFjiSO6hxelXRYNzlzygNOnPCqnq7DXzSRFqzH3labzn0Z4RJp6BahXOFHcOnvIwiaZ1nNxfqVgxCBCL2Zc9tP1fB_YD_nMV_IBiYP-HAs8jyggKobtk3q9ZXULcLfK4/s1600/sleeping+cat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW7lAoAOMwmyLRFjiSO6hxelXRYNzlzygNOnPCqnq7DXzSRFqzH3labzn0Z4RJp6BahXOFHcOnvIwiaZ1nNxfqVgxCBCL2Zc9tP1fB_YD_nMV_IBiYP-HAs8jyggKobtk3q9ZXULcLfK4/s1600/sleeping+cat.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
Barry Smighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02464450751543573690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7213601722937774654.post-2640283662585794542014-10-14T17:13:00.000-07:002014-11-18T07:07:16.040-08:00NOTES FROM A BOOK TREK 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigd8J8el-lqKd1_vEddHlr7xNXsFVJfnuTVmR_PcsbO2jFPCeWMr5dnURy-g0omfDchwG5wrad4Ww0Xe0j1VeEWBMno78UrhqqquHevs6Ybk-XIdf7HA1Y2McYK7rfsMzH0JSCnAUHdlM/s1600/filming+errand+of+mercy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigd8J8el-lqKd1_vEddHlr7xNXsFVJfnuTVmR_PcsbO2jFPCeWMr5dnURy-g0omfDchwG5wrad4Ww0Xe0j1VeEWBMno78UrhqqquHevs6Ybk-XIdf7HA1Y2McYK7rfsMzH0JSCnAUHdlM/s1600/filming+errand+of+mercy.jpg" height="301" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm enjoying the book <i>These Are the Voyages - TOS - Season One</i><br />
(I blogged about the book <a href="http://barrysmight.blogspot.ca/2014/09/these-are-voyages-indeed.html" target="_blank">here</a>.)<br />
<br />
The author, Marc Cushman, makes the all-too-common mistake of using a 'cost of living' calculator to compare production costs from then (mid '60s) to now, but, he uses some examples to give the reader some perspective; what $200,000 (<i>Trek</i>'s per episode cost, roughly) amounted to in its time. When <i>Star Trek</i> began "regular series production" in the spring of 1966 the sticker price on a Ford Mustang was $2,400 and the median price for a house was $14,000.<br />
<br />
Some extra trivia on that theme: Of the 29 episodes of Season One, just 4 came in on or under budget. <i>Trek</i> was vying with <i>I Spy</i> for the title of 'Most Expensive Series on Television'. (Both shows, due to their 'architecture', required more money than the norm in order to realize them. In dramatic-series television production, certainly the SF type, there is almost never enough time and money; you do the best you can with what you have.)<br />
<br />
I must thank the show's producers for ensuring that the scripts often backed-up the finances.<br />
<br />
Also, and this was publicized in the pre-release info: The book busts the myth of <i>Trek</i> having low ratings in its original run. As a matter of fact, both <i>The Hollywood Reporter</i> and <i>Variety</i> estimated at the time that the series, in its first year, was attracting about 20 million viewers every week. It was directly up against some stiff competition: <i>My Three Sons</i> and <i>Bewitched</i>, for example.<br />
<br />
One of these days I should get <i>Star Trek</i> on Blu-ray and go through the show again. I don't have it on DVD or on any format.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Barry Smighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02464450751543573690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7213601722937774654.post-4444050553763995362014-10-08T05:56:00.003-07:002014-10-08T06:24:20.274-07:00AN ERROR IN CANADA'S WAYSThe magnificent country of Canada, my country, and it is magnificent, generally, is sending six CF-18 jet fighters to Iraq to combat ISIS. I heard someone say this on the radio minutes ago: 'Canada needs a combat mission for the RCAF... this is one it needs.'<br />
<br />
<i>This</i> is a combat mission? What, lobbing bombs at indefinite targets?<br />
<br />
<br />
Decisions such as the above are made by politicians who have never read a history book. (I don't mean a history-of-law book.)<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhto6lq3oB1U0axqO4Pq4G56eQhJncoCfpWBR1a7_LZWTwvt4mZggTppDSS-SieMzvAKcdnb9viVWMCPHZYFSzVndRwJyzAc2oGsZuBv0NQGkfe8UDk4Jx-ypE2cGMHDtxlKT4D87KHTJM/s1600/cf-18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhto6lq3oB1U0axqO4Pq4G56eQhJncoCfpWBR1a7_LZWTwvt4mZggTppDSS-SieMzvAKcdnb9viVWMCPHZYFSzVndRwJyzAc2oGsZuBv0NQGkfe8UDk4Jx-ypE2cGMHDtxlKT4D87KHTJM/s1600/cf-18.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
Barry Smighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02464450751543573690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7213601722937774654.post-22513320930802358642014-10-07T21:18:00.000-07:002014-10-07T21:18:06.800-07:00THE NEW FLASH FAILS TO CATCH MERare is it that I see an advert on television for a "exciting premiere" of a new one-hour series and reciprocate with dedicated viewing. Well, my day was long and hard so I decided to relax in front of my telescreen this evening and watch episode one of <i>The Flash</i>.<br />
<br />
I needn't have bothered. Mere minutes in I realized it was all an ugly mistake. The lead actor -- I've forgotten his name and I'm not wasting time looking it up -- is all wrong as the titular character: He lacks weight and screen presence. The rest of the cast is too young and too pretty. Bad acting is rampant. The CGI is typical cheapness. The script is overloaded with convention. And the direction lacks aim... like a random static charge; or flicks of light off an opera ball.<br />
<br />
The obvious joke here is that <i>The Flash</i> will be gone in a flash, but let's not kid ourselves. Lots of equally crappy series' seem to find a non-discriminating audience.<br />
<br />
My advice is to take a pass and let The Flash speed past you into oblivion....<br />
<br />
Woof, woof, lil' doggie.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzSyapf11ajPlAChBAGVH4qJMOu3_uhO-uGM4sQq2Tg15LoHPS4lOx-QHmVrd7NZED5ucc2dRFkYTWv4V42Ee35iN7xY9UrNw-OxJpA0OcOe7-YrOS8Uu1knaxRBpSAkCpy2LbQSMRN_o/s1600/a+dog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzSyapf11ajPlAChBAGVH4qJMOu3_uhO-uGM4sQq2Tg15LoHPS4lOx-QHmVrd7NZED5ucc2dRFkYTWv4V42Ee35iN7xY9UrNw-OxJpA0OcOe7-YrOS8Uu1knaxRBpSAkCpy2LbQSMRN_o/s1600/a+dog.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
***<br />
<br />
PS: I'm not a big fan of the 1990 - 1991 television version of <i>The Flash</i>, but I admit that John Wesley Shipp was well-cast as the speedy man. Also, that series had some style and a sense of grandeur; two things distinctly missing from the new <i>Flash</i>.Barry Smighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02464450751543573690noreply@blogger.com0